Java Developer Resume Sample (Mid-Level to Senior)

There are close to 4 million software developers in the US alone, with an average job offer attracting 250+ candidates.

This means that your Java developer resume must stand out from the crowd. If it resembles spaghetti code too closely, you definitely should write a new one. Otherwise, you may end up with an infinite loop of applying for jobs and never hearing back.

This guide will show you:

• A Java developer resume better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a Java developer resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a Java full stack developer resume.
• How to prepare the best Java developer resume job description section on a resume to get any job you want.

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1

What’s the Best Format for a Java Developer Resume?

Here’s the thing:

The best choice for any kind of Java developer resume is—

The reverse-chronological resume format.

Why?

Well, you know—

It’s the go-to format for your Java developer resume if you want to focus the recruiter’s attention on your work history, achievements, and relevant skills—the Big Three that lands Java developer jobs.

Plus—

Your Java developer resume will come across as clear, concise, and successfully encapsulating the complex nature of your job in a visually pleasing manner.

Just like a Java-powered solution should.

If you’re a career changer you might also want to consider a combination resume.

When writing your resume for Java developer jobs remember:

• White space is your friend—both when coding and writing a resume.
• Pick a resume-friendly font.
• Write simple headings.

Export your Java developer resume to a PDF file to keep it in shape on any computer system and mobile device.

Now—

We’re ready to move on to the first section of your resume.

Still confused about the best format for your Java developer resume? Head straight to: Best Resume Format: Which to Choose?

Listen:

The way your Java developer resume starts sets the tone for everything that follows. So—

A lackluster opening paragraph will effectively dampen the hiring manager’s enthusiasm.

You don’t want this.

You want to beat the other 250+ candidates.

How?

Knock them out with a Java developer resume objective or summary to remember.

Here’s a quick look at the difference between a resume objective and resume summary.

• Java developer resume objective focuses on your skills and shows why you’re a perfect fit. Such opening statements are best for those with limited professional experience.
• Java developer resume summary summarizes your relevant work experience and greatest achievements. It is ideal for those with a few years of Java development under their belt.

Entry Level Java Developer Resume Objective—Example

The first candidate knows how to show off their skills.

They start with strong character traits, give an overview of their education, and academic achievements. They call the employer by name and say what they can offer. And finally, they mention two of their biggest achievements.

Plus—

Almost everything is backed by numbers.

The other candidate’s objective lacks all these elements. It looks like a generic blurb anyone could write and send anywhere.

Senior Java Developer Resume Summary—Example

The wrong example doesn’t say much. It even fails at showing the candidate’s enthusiasm and motivation—they didn’t even mention the company they’re applying to by name.

Now—

Here’s a short, foolproof formula to nail your Java developer resume summary:

1. Start with adjectives describing your strong traits.
2. Show your track-record.
3. Specify your experience and/or skills.
4. Demonstrate your biggest achievement(s).
5. Back whatever possible with numbers.

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.

Need more advice? Our dedicated guides will show you how to write your Java developer resume objective or summary step by step:

• 20+ Career Objective Examples & How to Write One
• Professional Resume Summary Statement: 30+ Examples and How-To Guide

3

The Best Java Developer Job Description for a Resume

Think of your Java developer resume in terms of a resource library the recruiter has access to.

Which section do you think is the most valuable?

You’re right—

It’s your professional experience.

We’ll make sure your Java developer resume job description delivers like Guava.

First—

Browse through available senior or junior Java developer jobs. Find one that matches your qualifications and level of experience.

It may look something like that:

The yellow highlights indicate the skills the employer expects to see on the candidates’ Java developer resumes.

So—

These are the Java developer resume skills you need to focus on.

The trick is to describe your Java developer skills in the language of the job posting.

Like so:

Java Developer Job Description—Example

This is how it works:

The vast majority of large companies use ATSs (Applicant Tracking Systems). In fact, 98% of Fortune 500 Companies use them.

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) helps recruiters sift through the deluge of Java developer resumes they receive.

The idea behind the ATS is pretty simple and ingenious at the same time.

In short—

They parse resumes in search of keywords. The same keywords that were used in the original job posting.

This is why your Java developer resume job description section must use the language from the job ad.

If it doesn’t, the ATS will deem your coding experience irrelevant. Of all people, Java developers should know the importance of keywords.

But this is not all.

Once your Java developer resume passes the ATS test, it will end up on a recruiter’s computer screen.

Now it must impress the recruiter too.

Here’s what to do:

• Use resume action words—they will highlight your Java developer skills.
• Try to describe your experience in terms of achievements, not responsibilities. Achievements are your responsibilities backed up with numbers.

Remember:

Numbers speak louder than words.

If you find it hard to quantify each and every Java developer resume bullet, fret not.

Do this—

Pick out up to three achievements you’re proud of and put them in a separate key achievements subsection right under your responsibilities.

Full Stack Java Developer Resume—Sample

Last but not least.

Look at the wrong example to see what your Java developer resume job description should not look like:

If your Java developer resume job description looks like that, expect the success equal to:

if a = 0 then
a = 0
end if

Remember, your Java developer resume must always answer a specific job offer.

What to include in the work experience section on an entry-level Java developer resume?

Well—

Don’t leave it empty. Fill it up with relevant examples from your:

1. Internships.

The strength of an entry-level Java developer resume depends on its experience section. Yes, it’s true that internships don’t get you the money. But they get you much more than this—real-life experience. And this is exactly what your future employers will be paying attention to.

2. Previous gigs, freelancing, online presence.

Do you code in your spare time? Do you help others cope with programming challenges? Make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed. Populate your junior Java developer resume experience section with your most prominent successes.

Not sure how to go about creating your entry-level Java developer resume? Read our guide on how to make your First Resume with No Work Experience

Confused about how you can show off your experience? Populate your Java developer resume with Job Description Bullet Points: Samples & Guide

Listen:

If your Java developer resume could only consist of two keywords, these would be:

Super. Catch.

But the truth is—

You need to be more convincing.

Not to worry.

If your Java developer resume job description is done right, you’ve already said quite a lot.

Let’s give your job description one more look:

Java Developer Resume 2 Years Experience—Sample

If we get rid of all the fluff and extract all the person’s skills from the above job description, we’ll end up with something like this:

Java Developer Skills—Example

• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving
• Technical documentation preparation (PRD, FRD, UIRD, TRD, SRS, SDD)
• Technical skills
• Organization
• Testing skills
• Teamwork

See how it works?

The skills the employer is looking for are already in your Java developer resume work experience section.

They’re not listed as bullet points but rather shown in context. And this makes them even more impressive.

But there’s more to it.

Your skills need to gain more prominence on your Java full stack developer resume.

So—

First of all, look at the skills present in your job description and cherry-pick the ones you take pride in.

Second of all, take another look at the job ad to see if the employer lists other skills (technical skills for example) that are crucial to succeeding in the role.

Got them?

Great!

Add them to your list.

Now, put them in a separate key skills section on your Java developer resume. If you like, you can split the section into two. One for soft skills, the other for hard skills.

Pro Tip: List up to 10 skills and go for the ones you’re proficient at. This way you’ll avoid the so-called presenter’s paradox.

Use the list below as an additional source of inspiration:

Java Developer Skills for Resume

To make sure the soft and technical skills on your Java developer resume have the most impact:

• Scatter them throughout your entire Java developer resume. Put them in your opening paragraph, experience section, and a dedicated key skills section.
• Don’t go overboard in the key skills section. List up to 10 skills you’re best at.
• Focus entirely on relevant skills. Keep the job listing at hand to see what the employer is looking for in candidates. Your skills cannot be random.

Pro Tip: Check if you have all the skills of a great Java developer here.

Fuzzy about what technical skills to put on your Java developer resume? Jump right into our guide: Technical Skills List: Examples for Resumes Employers Want

Here’s the thing:

If you have boatloads of experience, monumental portfolio, your employment history knocks recruiters off their feet, Java has never meant an Indonesian island to you, and you happen not to have a diploma—

Don’t bother.

You’ll get a job anyway.

In all other cases—

Take full advantage of the education section of your Java developer resume to up your chances of getting hired.

Here’s how:

Go beyond simple name-dropping. The school name isn’t enough. Add information on the relevant coursework and extracurricular activities that may contribute to your success in the role.

Here’s an example:

Junior Java Developer Resume—Education

All facts. No bull.

Just remember:

The education section on your Java developer resume is particularly important on a Java fresher resume. It’s also quite sensible to pay attention to it on a resume for Java developer with 1-year experience.

But—

As your career progresses, recruiters will shift their attention to your professional achievements.

So, when preparing Java resumes with 5+ years of experience limit yourself to graduation date, school name, and degree earned.

Pro Tip: List your GPA only if it’s upwards of 3.5.

Not sure how to go about the education section of your Java developer resume? Here’s a guide just for you: Job-Winning Resume Education Section [Tips & Examples]

Writing a cover letter for a Java developer feels like coding in J2SE 1.2.

Well, not quite.

Because cover letters matter.

A well-written cover letter is hard evidence of your communication skills. Also, it allows you to fill in all the blank spaces on your Java developer resume, and, most importantly, a cover letter—

Introduces you behind your achievements.

To make your Java developer cover letter stand out:

1. Keep it short and sweet.
2. Tell the story behind your Java developer resume.
3. Make sure it’s well organized and clearly written.

Looks simple, right?

But that’s until you sit down to writing it.

Not to worry though.

Our complete guide on how to write a perfect cover letter in 8 simple steps will help you.

In fact, we have a series of guides on:

• How to Address a Cover Letter
• How to Start a Cover Letter
• How to End a 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:

Create my cover letter now

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

There’s more to writing a Java developer resume than listing your technical skills.

To write a Java developer resume that won’t go unnoticed:

1. Begin with a snappy Java developer resume objective or summary.
2. Craft a compelling Java developer job description section.
3. Format your Java developer resume elegantly.

And—

Get ready for the interview.

Are you writing a Java developer resume for the first time? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned programming pro eager to help the rookies out? We’d love to hear from you, leave your comment below!