In the world of tech hiring, your resume either opens doors or gets lost in the noise.
Most job listings attract over 200+ applicants, but only a few get shortlisted. So what sets successful candidates apart?
A resume that’s tailored, strategic, and ATS-optimized.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a senior software engineer, here’s how to write a modern resume that stands out.
1. Contact Information: Make It Easy to Reach You
Your contact section should be clean and professional, placed right at the top.
What to include:
- Full Name
- Professional Email Address
- Phone Number (with country code)
- LinkedIn Profile (customized URL is a plus)
- GitHub / Portfolio Website (if you have relevant work)
Don’t include:
- Your full address
- Personal social media links
- A profile photo (unless required in your region)
2. Resume Summary: Your 3-Second Elevator Pitch
This 2–3-line section tells recruiters who you are, what you do, and what you bring.
Formula:
[Job Title] with [X years of experience] in [Tech/Industry], skilled in [Core Skills], and passionate about [Value or Goal].
Example:
Software Engineer with 4+ years of experience building scalable full-stack web applications using React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. Skilled in REST APIs, Agile workflows, and cloud platforms like AWS.
Tailor this to each job by using the language found in the job description.
3. Projects (Especially for New Grads or Freelancers)
Projects show what you’ve built and how you think perfect if you lack full-time experience.
For each project, list:
- Project Name + Role + Timeline
- What problem you solved
- Tools used (tech stack)
- Outcome/result (quantified if possible)
- Optional: GitHub or live demo link
Example:
Taskly – Full-Stack Developer | Jan–Apr 2024
Built a collaborative task app using React, Firebase, and TailwindCSS. Implemented real-time updates and user authentication. Achieved 85% user retention in beta. [GitHub]
4. Work Experience: Focus on Results, Not Just Responsibilities
For each role, provide:
- Job Title, Company Name, Dates (Month/Year)
- 3–6 accomplishments in bullet points
- Start each bullet with an action verb
- Use numbers and outcomes wherever possible
Example:
Backend Developer, ABC Tech | May 2023 – Present
• Designed and deployed RESTful APIs used by 100K+ users/month
• Reduced app latency by 40% using query optimization and Redis caching
• Deployed microservices with Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins pipelines
Focus on impact. Recruiters care more about results than tasks.
5. Skills Section: Organized and Relevant
Group your skills by category to make them easier to scan (and better for ATS):
Frontend: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React, Redux
Backend: Node.js, Express, Python
Databases: MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL
Tools & DevOps: Git, Docker, Jenkins, Postman
Cloud Platforms: AWS (EC2, Lambda, S3), Firebase
Other: REST APIs, Agile, TDD (Jest, Mocha)
Only list what you can confidently speak about in an interview.
6. Education:
Include your most recent and relevant degree or course of study:
If you’re a recent grad, place Education before Work Experience and list it in more detail.
Example:
B.Tech in Computer Science – XYZ University | May 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Cloud Computing, Web Development
Can I Include My GPA? What If It’s Low?
- Include your GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.0 or 3.5), as it can show academic excellence.
- If your GPA is below 2.5, it’s usually better to omit it from your resume to avoid drawing attention to it.
- Instead, focus on relevant coursework, projects, internships, or certifications that demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
7. Certifications
Certifications can boost credibility, especially if you’re self-taught or changing fields.
What to include:
- Certification Name
- Issuing Organization
- Date Earned (or “In Progress”)
Top tech certifications in 2025:
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- Meta Front-End Developer (Coursera)
- CS50 (HarvardX)
8. Use ATS-Rich Keywords (So You Don’t Get Filtered Out)
To pass:
- Extract keywords from the job description
- Add those terms naturally in your summary, skills, and experience
- Use full names (e.g., “Amazon Web Services” instead of just “AWS” occasionally)
Not sure which keywords to use?
9. Not Confident with Keywords? Use a Resume Writing Service
If you’re unsure how to find or apply ATS keywords, professional help can save you time and get better results.
Top 3 Resume Writing Services (2025):
- Jobsath.com – Specializes in software/IT resumes, keyword-optimized for ATS
- TopResumes.com – Offers expert feedback and formatting packages
- Fiverr.com – Great for affordable, freelance resume writers (check reviews before hiring)
These services can help you:
- Identify missing or outdated phrasing
- Optimize format for human and ATS readability
- Align your resume with current job trends
10. Use the Chronological Resume Format (Most Preferred in 2025)
This is the most recruiter-friendly and ATS-compliant resume format.
Ideal Structure:
- Contact Info
- Summary
- Work Experience (latest first)
- Projects (optional or essential for new grads)
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
Avoid functional resumes unless you’re making a dramatic career switch or reentering the job market after a long gap.
11. How to Email Your Resume Professionally
When sending your resume via email, keep your message short and direct.
Sample Email:
Subject: Application for Software Engineer Role – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m excited to apply for the Software Engineer role at [Company Name].I’ve attached my resume for your review. With 4 years of experience in full-stack development and a strong focus on scalable architecture, I’m confident I’d bring value to your engineering team.
Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn] | [GitHub] | [Phone]
Attach your resume as a PDF, named clearly:
Firstname_Lastname_Software_Engineer_Resume.pdf
Final Thoughts:
Think of your resume as your first product—and your future depends on how well it performs.
Tailor every section
Use real metrics
Optimize for ATS
Get help if needed
With this approach, you’re not just sending another resume—you’re making an impression that gets interviews.
FAQs
1. How long should my software engineer resume be?
Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Use two pages only for extensive relevant work or projects.
2. Should I include soft skills on my resume?
Yes, but only if you provide examples in your experience or projects that demonstrate these skills. Avoid listing generic soft skills without context.
3. Is it okay to use colors or graphics on my resume?
Keep it simple and clean. Use minimal color sparingly (like for headings). Avoid complex graphics or images, as they may confuse ATS software.