Software Engineer CV example
A software engineering CV should make your technical contribution easy to understand. Name the systems you worked on, the tools you used and the part you personally owned. Explain the outcome in everyday language as well as technical terms.
Create your free CVProfessional summary
Software engineer building accessible web applications with React and Node.js. Experience designing APIs, reviewing code and improving application reliability. Interested in product teams that value testing and clear documentation.
Replace the role, experience and skills with your own. Keep the summary focused on the application you are making.
Work experience examples
These are sample descriptions, not a candidate’s employment history. Use them to understand the level of detail to aim for.
- Built a reusable form validation layer in React and documented error states for the design and support teams.
- Investigated slow API endpoints using query logs, added database indexes and compared response times before and after deployment.
- Added integration tests for account recovery and reviewed release checklists with the team.
Add evidence you can explain
If you report a performance improvement, include the measurement, baseline and conditions. A repository link is useful when it contains a clear README and you are allowed to share the code. Never publish employer secrets.
Education and qualifications
List your degree or relevant training. Early in your career, add one project with its purpose, technologies and your contribution. Experienced candidates can keep education brief.
Writing your first CV
Use a course, open-source contribution or personal application as a project. Describe a real engineering decision, a bug you resolved and how you checked the result. Label projects accurately instead of presenting them as employment.
Before you send your application
Follow the employer’s file-format instructions. Use standard section headings and proofread names, dates and contact information. After saving your PDF, check page breaks and confirm that you can select and copy the text in a sensible order.
No template can guarantee an interview or compatibility with every recruitment system. Choose a simple layout when an employer requests one.
More help writing your work experience