Software Engineer resume that gets the interview
Ship a resume as clean as your code: metrics up front, stack in plain sight, zero parser surprises.
ATS keywords screeners filter for
Applicant tracking systems match literal phrases from the job posting. These are the terms most software engineer postings expect to see:
How to write it
- Lead every bullet with impact, not duty: 'cut p95 latency 42%' beats 'worked on performance'.
- Name your stack exactly as the job posting spells it. ATS filters match literal strings like 'PostgreSQL', not 'databases'.
- Link one or two real projects or a GitHub profile. Recruiters skim them more than your summary.
- Keep it to one page under 5 years of experience. Seniority shows in scope, not length.
Skills worth listing
Technical
- TypeScript
- React
- Node.js
- PostgreSQL
- AWS
- Docker
- GraphQL
- Terraform
Interpersonal
- Code review
- Mentoring
- Technical writing
- Cross-team collaboration
Recommended style: Modern Tech
Dense, link-forward, skill badges. Built for engineering screens.
Start with Modern Tech, freeCommon questions
How long should a software engineer resume be?
One page for under five years of experience, two at most for senior roles. Recruiters spend seconds on the first pass, so density beats length.
Should I list every technology I have touched?
No. List what you can discuss in an interview. A shorter, honest skills section reads stronger than a wall of acronyms.
Do side projects matter?
Yes, especially early in your career. One project with real users or stars outweighs three tutorial clones.
Pair it with a cover letter
See our software engineer cover letter guide for the tone, openers and mistakes that matter in this field.
Software Engineer cover letter guide