Creating an impressive software developer CV is essential for standing out and securing your next interview in the competitive tech industry. Your CV should highlight your technical qualifications, programming skills, and experience with various software development tools and frameworks. It should also showcase your ability to work collaboratively in teams, problem-solve effectively, and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies.

This guide provides essential tips, templates, and CV examples to help you create a software development CV that increases your chances of landing your next interview. We’ll walk you through the key elements of building a successful CV, including:

  • Software developer CV samples
  • Software developer CV templates
  • The best CV format for a software developer
  • A step-by-step writing guide for a software developer role
  • Dos and don’ts for your software developer CV
  • Frequently asked questions for software developers

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    Software developer CV sample

    software developer cv template

    Zara Bond
    64 Dunstan Close, Bristol BSTBS35
    07912 345 678
    zara.bond@example-example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Highly effective software developer offering a wealth of more than 10 years of expertise. A valuable team player who is also personable and dedicated. Seeking the chance to bring further success to an established organisation through testing, deployment and software debugging.

    WORK HISTORY

    08/2019 – Current
    Data & Design – Bristol
    Developer

    • Worked closely with other developers, UX designers and big data analysts to create cohesive finished products.
    • Designed and developed reports in SQL Server Reporting Services.
    • Deployed new front-end features, capturing higher performance metrics than previous averages.
    • Increased user experience scores by practising innovative forward-thinking, overcoming challenges creatively.
    • Developed and implemented high-performing scanning components using SQL Server.

    06/2014 – 07/2019
    One Health Software Solutions – Cardiff
    Developer

    • Ensured bug reports were remedied, handling all associated issues promptly and effectively.
    • Worked with multidisciplinary teams to meet project deadlines within budget.
    • Led a team of 3 developers to analyse and rebuild the software from the ground up through to completion.
    • Carefully documented technical workflows, using records for training new staff.

    02/2010 – 05/2014
    Shipley Solutions – Bristol
    Junior Developer

    • Collaborated with team members to create applications’ system analysis based on client requirements.
    • Administered networks and multi-user interfaces.
    • Enhanced existing software systems and legacy platforms.
    • Devised improved tracking software for inventory monitoring, customer relationship management and report generation.
    • Collaborated with customers to identify and resolve issues.
    • Established reliable source control and software deployment systems.

    SKILLS

    • Git
    • Gitlab
    • HTML coding
    • CSS
    • User journey mapping
    • Scrum
    • Workflow automation
    • Jira
    • API integrating
    • Comprehensive database understanding
    • Automated testing
    • Agile methods
    • Collaborative team player

    EDUCATION

    03/2010
    University of London, London
    Bachelor of Science Software Engineering

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    Software developer CV templates

    A well-structured software developer CV is essential for showcasing your technical expertise and experience in development. Our professionally designed UK CV templates make it easy to highlight your key skills, projects, and achievements. With an emphasis on clarity and professionalism, these CV templates will help you present your abilities in a way that stands out to hiring managers and gives you a competitive edge in the tech market.

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    The best CV format for a software developer

    To stand out as a software developer, you should present your qualifications, experience, and technical skills clearly and professionally. The format of your CV plays a crucial role in making a strong first impression on potential employers.

    For most software developer roles, the reverse-chronological format is the most effective. This format highlights your career progression by starting with your most recent job and working backwards. It allows you to showcase key projects and experiences, ensuring that your most relevant roles and accomplishments are front and centre.

    If you’re applying for an entry-level position, such as a front-end intern or junior developer role, a skills-based CV format may be a better option. This format places your technical skills and relevant coursework or projects at the forefront, helping to demonstrate your potential and transferable abilities, especially if you have limited professional experience. A skills-based CV can highlight your knowledge of programming languages, development tools, and problem-solving skills, making it ideal for positions where you’re looking to gain hands-on experience.

    A few general CV tips:

    • Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages, focusing on your most relevant experience, projects, and achievements.
    • Use a professional font: Stick to clear, readable fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.
    • Organise your CV with clear sections: Use bullet points for easy readability and clarity.
    • Save and send your CV as a PDF to maintain consistent formatting.
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    How to write a software developer CV step by step

    Writing a software developer CV is about more than just listing your technical skills and job history. It’s about effectively showcasing your experience, knowledge, and abilities to prove your capability in building robust software solutions. To stand out to potential employers, highlight your coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with development tools and methodologies. In this section, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to create a CV demonstrating your potential and suitability for a software developer role.

    Here are the key steps we’ll cover:

    How to correctly present your contact details

    The contact section should be positioned at the top of your software developer CV, as it’s the first thing recruiters will see. Ensuring your details are accurate and easy to locate is essential. Here’s how to format this section effectively:

    • Full Name – Include both your first and last name.
    • Location – Mention your city or region (and specify if you’re open to relocation).
    • Phone Number – Provide the best number to reach you.
    • Email Address – Use a professional email address that is simple and easy to remember.

    Remember, in the UK, there is no need to include a photo on your CV. Keep the focus on your skills and experience.

    Example of a contact section

    Kevin Knight
    99 Cunnery Rd
    Manchester, M3 7GJ
    07912 345 678
    kevin.knight@example.co.uk

    How to write your personal statement

    Your personal statement is a crucial part of your software developer CV. It’s your chance to showcase your passion for software development, demonstrate your technical expertise, and highlight how your experience makes you a valuable asset to potential employers. In this section, you can emphasise your career achievements, the programming languages and technologies you’re proficient in, and your ability to solve complex problems. Here’s how to structure your personal statement effectively:

    • Introduction: Start with a brief overview of your experience as a software developer. Mention key technologies and programming languages you’re proficient in, as well as any particular areas of focus. 
    • Key achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments and projects you’ve worked on that showcase your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. Mention any measurable results or improvements you’ve contributed, such as optimising code, reducing errors, or improving system performance. 
    • Technological expertise: Focus on the specific tools, frameworks, and methodologies you have experience with. This can include programming languages, frameworks (e.g., React, Node.js), cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), and development practices (e.g., Agile).
    • Tailor to the job requirements: Align your personal statement with the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. If the company seeks experience with certain tools or has a particular focus, mention how your background aligns with those needs.

    Example personal statement:

    A passionate software developer with over four years of experience in full-stack development, specialising in JavaScript, Python, and cloud computing. I have successfully built scalable web applications and improved system performance by leveraging modern technologies such as React and AWS. In my previous role at Capita, I optimised back-end processes, resulting in a 30% reduction in system downtime. I am eager to bring my technical expertise and enthusiasm for building innovative solutions to your development team.

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    How to structure your work experience as a software developer

    The work experience section of your software developer CV is where you can showcase your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and your ability to contribute to projects. This section is your opportunity to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Here’s how to structure your work experience effectively:

    • Use a reverse chronological format. Start with your most recent position and work backwards. This format allows recruiters to see your career growth and the technologies you’ve mastered over time. For each role, include the company name, job title, and dates of employment.
    • Highlight key projects and achievements. Even if you’re transitioning from a different field or have limited professional experience, focus on the projects you’ve worked on. Emphasise any significant contributions such as improving performance, adding new features, or solving complex technical issues. Mention measurable results whenever possible.
    • Tailor your experience to the role. Customise your work experience to match the specific requirements of the software developer role you are applying for. If the job listing specifies expertise in a particular programming language or framework, make sure to highlight your experience with those technologies.
    • Be concise and specific. While you want to include relevant details, keep descriptions concise and focused on your impact. Use bullet points to make your CV easy to scan and avoid excessive information. Concentrate on the most important tasks and accomplishments that demonstrate your technical ability and potential. Generally, your CV should be 1-2 pages maximum. 

    Example of a software developer work experience section

    Junior Software Developer
    Tech Solutions Ltd. — London, UK
    March 2023 – Present

    • Collaborated with a team of developers to design, test, and deploy new features for the company’s main web application using JavaScript, React, and Node.js.
    • Improved application performance by refactoring existing code, resulting in a 22% reduction in page load times.
    • Participated in daily scrum meetings, contributing to sprint planning and progress updates.
    • Integrated third-party APIs to expand functionality and streamline workflows for end-users.

    Software Development Intern
    CodeX Innovations — Remote
    June 2022 – August 2022

    • Assisted in developing a web-based project management tool using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling efficient tracking of tasks and deadlines.
    • Gained experience in version control with Git, collaborating on team repositories and ensuring smooth code integration.
    • Conducted code reviews and provided feedback on coding best practices to junior team members.

    Skills to include on your software developer CV

    When applying for a software developer role, recruiters look for candidates with both technical expertise and key soft skills that allow them to work efficiently in a collaborative development environment. While experience may vary depending on the role, showcasing your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities is essential. Even if you’re early in your career, your CV should demonstrate that you have the foundational skills required for success in software development.

    The skills section of your CV should highlight your technical abilities—such as proficiency in programming languages, frameworks, and tools—as well as your soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Aim to include six to eight key skills that make you a strong candidate for the role.

    Here are some key skills to consider featuring on your CV:

    Technical skills for a software developer CV

    • Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Java, C++)
    • Experience with frameworks and libraries (e.g., React, Angular, Django, Node.js)
    • Knowledge of version control (e.g., Git, GitHub)
    • Familiarity with databases (e.g., SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL)
    • API integration and development

    General software development skills

    • Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities
    • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
    • Ability to work in an agile environment (e.g., Scrum, Kanban)
    • Attention to detail and code optimisation
    • Time management and the ability to prioritise tasks

    How to display your education in your CV

    For a software developer CV, your education section plays an important role in highlighting your qualifications, especially early in your career. While a relevant degree can demonstrate a solid foundation in software development, recruiters typically place greater emphasis on work experience and practical skills in this field, as software development isn’t usually an entry-level role.

    Start by listing your most recent degree or qualification, followed by any earlier qualifications if applicable. Include the degree title, the institution name, and the dates you attended. You can also highlight relevant coursework, projects, or boot camps that are closely related to the software development role you’re applying for.

    Example of an education section:

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
    University of Manchester | 2018 – 2021
    2:1 Honours

    Dos and don’ts for a software developer CV

    Do

    • DO tailor your CV to the job description

      Every software developer role is different, so make sure to adjust your CV to align with the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for. If the job listing mentions proficiency in specific technologies or methodologies, like Agile, cloud computing, or front-end frameworks, highlight your experience or knowledge in those areas.

    • DO demonstrate your collaboration and teamwork skills

      Software development often involves working in teams, so make sure to show your ability to collaborate effectively. Include examples of how you’ve worked with other developers, designers, or stakeholders on projects, and how you’ve contributed to the overall success of the team.

    Don't

    • DON’T use technical jargon without explanation

      While it’s important to demonstrate your technical expertise, using overly technical jargon or acronyms without context can confuse recruiters who may not have a deep technical background. When listing technologies or frameworks, provide enough context or explanations so that even non-technical recruiters or hiring managers can understand your experience. The technical interview stage is where you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into your technical knowledge and showcase your problem-solving skills.

    • DON’T forget to proofread for errors

      Just as a software developer carefully debugs code, it’s essential to proofread your CV to check for any errors. Whether it’s a typo in a programming language or an incorrect reference to a framework, small mistakes can undermine your professionalism. Thoroughly reviewing your CV ensures that it’s free of errors and presents your skills in the best possible light.

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    Your software developer CV questions answered

    How do I showcase my problem-solving skills in a software developer CV?

    To highlight problem-solving skills, focus on concrete examples where you identified issues and created solutions. Include descriptions of challenges you faced during projects, the approach you took to solve them, and the results you achieved. Quantifying the impact (e.g., “Reduced loading time by 40%” or “Solved bugs that improved user experience by 30%”) adds more value.

    How can I make my CV stand out when applying for a software developer role at a tech startup?

    For a tech startup, focus on flexibility, innovation, and collaboration. Highlight projects where you’ve worked in fast-paced environments, your ability to adapt to new technologies quickly, and how you’ve contributed to creating scalable, innovative solutions. Startups often value initiative, so demonstrating your ability to take on diverse tasks and learn new skills is key.

    How should I describe my work experience if I have multiple freelance or contract jobs?

    When listing freelance or contract roles, group them together under a single heading, such as “Freelance Software Developer” or “Contract Developer.” This helps to keep your CV organised and emphasises your experience without overwhelming the reader with too many entries. Focus on the outcomes of each project and any technical skills you applied.

    Should I also send a cover letter with my CV?

    Yes, sending a cover letter along with your CV is highly recommended. A cover letter provides you with another opportunity to demonstrate your motivation to work with a particular company. It allows you to expand on your CV, showcasing your enthusiasm, skills, and why you’re a great fit for the organisation. A well-written cover letter can give you an edge by connecting with the employer and reinforcing the strengths highlighted in your CV.

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    Start building your software developer CV today

    Ready to craft a CV showcasing your skills and software development experience? We’re here to help you create a standout CV that highlights your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and passion for coding. Explore our expert tips, templates, and examples to get started. When you’re ready, use our easy-to-use CV builder to personalise your CV and download it quickly, ensuring it’s presented in the best possible way.

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