Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Sample & Guide

Entry-level software engineers, also known as junior software developers, work with more senior software engineers to develop, test, and maintain software applications. It’s your doorway to become the next best software engineer this side of AI. But that door is clogged shut with hundreds of other applicants that want it just as much.

So how do you stand any kind of chance with odds like that?

By a classic workaround solution: write a perfect entry-level software engineer resume that’ll have other resume giving nothing but a sluggish browser experience.

We’ll show you how.

Read on and you’ll see a professional entry-level software resume example you can adjust and make yours. Plus, you’ll learn an easy formula for writing a resume for entry-level software developer jobs that will land you 10x more interviews than any other resume you’ve written in the past.

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Applying for an internship? Check out our Software Engineering Intern Resume Sample & Guide.

For other examples, take a look at our other technical engineering related resume guides:

• Entry Level Resume
• Entry Level Web Developer Resume
• Junior Java Developer Resume
• AWS Engineer Resume
• Computer Engineering Resume
• iOS Developer Resume
• .NET Developer Resume
• System Administrator Resume
• IT Specialist Resume
• Database Developer Resume
• DevOps Resume
• SDET Resume
• AngularJS Resume
• Network Engineer Resume
• Computer Science (CS) Resume
• Computer Science Internship Resume
• Information Technology (IT) Resume
• Information Security Analyst Resume
• Entry-Level IT Resume
• Tech/Technical Support Resume
• Cyber Security Resume
• UX Designer Resume
• QA Tester Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Java Developer Resume
• Android Developer Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Senior Software Engineer Resume
• SQL Developer Resume
• Front End Developer Resume
• Full Stack Developer Resume
• Programmer Resume
• Tableau Developer Resume
• PHP Developer Resume
• Best Resume Examples for All Professions

Sample Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume

Now, this is how to write a job-winning entry level software engineer resume:

1. Structure Your Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Template Properly

You’re a software engineer— you create software from scratch and make it work. You know that without the proper structuring, you’re just waiting for an “oops, an error has occurred and we need to shut down” to happen. Don’t let that happen to your resume.

Here’s how to format an entry-level software engineer resume:

• Layout: use the reverse-chronological format.
• Subheadings: clear resume section titles make it easy to find everything in a flash.
• Fonts: go for modern, legible fonts. Use 12 pt for the text and 14-16 pt for section titles. 
• Margins: keep a 1” resume margin on all sides of the page.
• Line spacing: stick to 1.15 or single line spacing.
• Sections: leave plenty of white space to make it easy to read.
• Filetype: save as a PDF unless the job ad says otherwise.

Here’s a quick outline of what your resume should include from start to finish:

1. Header: include relevant contact information.
2. Introduction: a short paragraph explaining how you’re perfect for the software engineering job.
3. Work experience: history of your past job duties and achievements.
4. Education: brief description of educational history.
5. Skills: concise list of the most job-related abilities.
6. Extra sections: to round it out, such as certifications, awards, languages, etc.

Want an expert hack on resume writing? Don’t start off with the top.

Instead, write out the sections that you can complete quickly and with little effort, such as your education section and job experience. Later loop back to the top with a firm grasp of your potential and worth.

So without further ado, let’s move to your work history section.

Read more: How to Format a Resume

2. Start With an Entry Level Software Engineer Work Experience Section

According to the BLS, software engineer jobs are expected to grow much faster than average (21%!) for the next decade. With great job growth comes great competition. And let’s face it, there are going to be candidates more experienced or skilled than you at any level in the game.

So how do you make sure that your work experience section gives the hiring manager that nice tingly sensation even if you’re only an entry-level candidate?

We’ll show you.

Here’s the best method for creating an entry-level software engineer resume description of your job history:

• Use the reverse-chronological layout, beginning with your most recent position first.
• Add your job title, the company’s name and location, and the dates you worked for each entry.
• Use up to 6 bullet points detailing your job responsibilities.
• Always tailor your resume to personalize it to the entry-level software engineer job requirements.
• Include quantifiable achievements to show the recruiter that you’ve got coding in your blood.
• To make your entry level software engineer description for resumes more impactful, use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula.
• Start each entry with power verbs to be most effective.
• There are no resumes with no experience. Come up with relevant experience you got through projects (esp. programming projects), freelance work, and relevant coursework.

Enough theory. Let’s run this and see what happens— 

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Job Description

You don’t need an error message to see that the bad resume example needs a major update. Could you imagine how software would run with code that vague? That right example though. You can be sure that the hiring manager will <mark> that up with a smile.

But hold on a nanosecond, what if I don’t have any job experience in software engineering or any at all? Don’t get your terabytes all in a twist. You can still show the hiring manager that you’ve got the skills and potential needed to give you a shot.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Examples (With No Experience)

The right example shows that little experience can still go a long way if demonstrated properly. The skills and drive needed for an entry-level software engineer are there and the recruiter will surely give that candidate a call.

The wrong example? <del>

Pro Tip: If you’re really a super noob in the experience department, mention GitHub projects you’ve been involved in to show that you weren’t slacking.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Read more: Writing an Amazing Resume Job Description

3. Enter Your Education (It’s Not That Straightforward!)

For most entry-level candidates, their education section will be the most solid part of their resume. In fact, it can be the section that gets you that dream interview. You might be thinking that it’s “just a degree”, it probably means little when compared to candidates with work experience.

Not true.

Use your education to your advantage by demonstrating that you didn’t just go to classes and get a degree like some out-of-date robot. First list the dates you studied, the name of the school, and the degree you acquired (including majors and minors). Next, dive deeper into academic career and find school examples that prove you have the skills the employer is looking for.

Entry-Level Software Engineer Education Sample

Here are some more experience points that will help you level up your entry-level software engineering education section:

• Latin honors
• Dean’s List
• Studying abroad
• Type of degree
• Relevant coursework
• GPA
• Extracurricular activities

Pro Tip: If you’re writing a recent college grad resume or have very little professional experience as a junior software developer consider putting your education section above your work experience section. This will help show your greatest strengths first.

Read more: How to Put Your Education on a Resume

4. List Entry-Level Software Engineer Skills Relevant to the Role You’re After

Time pressure is an obvious challenge in software engineering. It’s the same with recruiting. Hiring managers don’t have time to go ctrl+f your skills. In fact, they actually use software to do that for them—the applicant tracking system (ATS). It’s what sorts candidates into the “have”s and “have not”s.

You know as well as anyone that software is not open to discussion and second opinions, so you need to know how to add resume keywords that’ll make you light up the system. Here’s how to do just that:

• Build a master list of all the job skills you have: soft skills and hard skills, technical skills, computer skills, and any other relevant skills.
• Pick the skills that are most relevant to the job ad and add them to your entry-level software engineer resume. Don’t leave them just hanging there—make sure you prove these skills through your work experience and education.

Here are some of the most common entry-level software engineering skills for your resume:

Entry-Level Software Engineer Skills List for a Resume

• Java, .NET, SQL, C++, C#, JavaScript, Scala, Ruby
• iOS, Android
• Coding
• Debugging
• Web development
• Open source experience
• Programming languages
• Data analysis
• Software design and testing
• Critical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management

So what would that look like on your resume? Here’s an example:

Sample Skills for an Entry-Level Software Developer Resume

• Java
• Android
• Software design and testing
• Debugging
• Critical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Teamwork
• Time management

Pro Tip: If you feel your skills are lacking or just want to one up the competition, scour the internet for the multitude of free IT courses available. EdX and Udemy are a couple of examples, but be sure to check out open courses online offered by big name schools too. In the ever evolving world of tech, stay up to date.

Read more: Skills for Jobs in Any Sector

5. Show Don’t Tell: Add Extra Sections to Your Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume

Employers are constantly scratching their heads over how to help software developers be more productive. Show them that you can make that challenge so much simpler by highlighting different extras that make you stand out from the copy-paste crowd and show you have what it takes to get the job done.

Pull out the unique elements out of your array of experience and add them as extra sections in your entry-level software engineering resume:

• Call it languages skills, projects, certifications, achievements or awards, hobbies, volunteer work, or whatever else you think might be beneficial.
• Make the recruiter read these sections and say “I need this candidate more than a system upgrade!”

Have a look at this example to get your creative code up and running:

Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume: Additional Sections Example

Pro Tip: Have a bunch of extra courses or certifications in IT and software development? Add them in a separate section in your resume, so they don’t get lost like a random comma in JavaScript.

Read more: What to Include on a Resume

6. Compile the Best Bits Into an Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Objective

Okay, we’re getting close to the closing tag of your resume. This may be the last part you’re going to write, but it’ll definitely be one of the most important—the resume profile. 

A resume profile is as known as a resume summary or a resume objective. It’s a concise paragraph that you put at the top of your resume to explain why you’re the candidate for the role. You can kind of think of it like an elevator pitch for your job application.

As an entry-level software developer, pick the resume objective since it’s job is to bring your skills and knowledge to the forefront to show you’re a valuable hire. Here’s how to write your resume objective:

• Read through your resume, look for the data that stands out and is relevant to the position.
• Pick 2–3 top achievements and skills from your work experience/skills/education sections.
• Construct your resume objective using the following formula: Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Achievements + Skills + What You Want to Do for the Employer

Here are a few examples of entry level software engineer resume objective to show you the ropes:

That wrong example—the computer says no. That right example, on the other hand, demonstrates to the hiring manager that they are in for a great UX. 

Read more: How to Start a Resume

7. Write a Resume Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Software Engineer

This shouldn’t be breaking news—cover letters are still necessary, even for an entry-level software engineer. According to HR statistics, more than 50% of hiring managers won’t even give your application the time of day without a cover letter.

Write your entry-level software engineer cover letter using the following tips:

• Use a sleek, professional cover letter format and get your cover letter structure right.
• Start your cover letter with a strong “hook”.

• Demonstrate how your experience is the company’s future success when thinking about what your cover letter should say.
• End your cover letter with an offer and a compelling call to action.

You’re not writing the history of coding, make sure your cover letter length is just right.

Pro Tip: Don’t include remuneration expectations in your cover letter unless you’re asked too. The recruiter may treat it as malware. 

Read more:How to Write a Software Engineer Cover Letter

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Recap—Entry-Level Software Engineer in a Nutshell

Here’s how to write an entry-level software developer resume that will be redirecting all the others:

• Start with writing up your experience in powerful bullet points that highlight your relevant duties and accomplishments.
• Make a meaningful education section. Choose the things that are relevant to the position and required skill set.
• Pick out your strongest skills that the employer is looking for and list them in a separate experience section.
• Make your entry-level software engineer resume unique by adding several extra sections like certifications, hobbies and interests, or knowledge of foreign languages.
• Write a captivating introduction to your resume that’ll pique the hiring manager’s interest from the start.
• Format your resume for an entry-level software engineer to make it look professional.
• Write an entry-level software engineering resume cover letter to underline your motivations and highlight your strengths.

That’s it! Now you’ve got a download of everything you need to write a perfect entry-level software engineer resume.

Do you have tips or thoughts about making a killer entry-level software engineer resume? Let us know down in the comments below!