How to optimize your resume for an entry-level software developer job

Landing your first significant job in a coveted career field is an exciting endeavor. Although it may be challenging to compete with some top talent for the job you want, getting your foot in the door with an entry-level position isn't as daunting. Explore the tips, techniques, and samples you need to build an entry-level software developer job resume that will help you get an interview.

What is an entry-level software developer job?

Entry-level software developer jobs are for new graduates with little to no professional experience. These jobs typically task workers with responsibilities like testing software, documenting problems and fixes, providing technical support to users, and developing new programs or updates. Although most employers don't expect entry-level applicants to have significant relevant work experience, job candidates should have the proper education and skill set for this career.

How to write a resume for an entry-level software developer job

Although you may be familiar with the best practices for traditional resume writing, some strategic techniques can help you secure an entry-level software developer job.

Review the skills and requirements in the job listing

While you can create and post a generic resume to help recruiters find you online, making detailed changes to the resumes you send out for specific jobs is essential. Hiring managers can quickly spot a boilerplate resume, and you won't earn any extra points for this quick and dirty approach. Adjust your resume for each application to consistently deliver the most relevant information possible to your potential employer.

Scan the job listing for keywords that tell you precisely what the employer seeks. If the listing specifies that the employer provides on-the-job training for the company's coding methods, you should mention that you're studious, a fast learner, and great with time management. If the listing specifies experience with stored procedures, you'll know to highlight the relevant project you completed during your internship. Job postings offer powerful clues that will help you build a resume targeted to the entry-level software developer job you're seeking.

Put your most compelling section first

On a traditional resume, you would typically include your work experience right after your professional summary. However, an entry-level candidate's resume often features education first, with work experience further down. Your relevant experience is probably slim if you're seeking an entry-level software developer job, while your education is likely to be more recent or even ongoing. Put your most compelling details at the top and slip the areas where you're weaker to the bottom so you can capture the hiring manager's interest early with your professional strengths.

Detail your experience

Dig deep to consider all relevant areas where you may have gained relevant experience for an entry-level software developer job. Although you may not have held a full-time job in software development yet, this doesn't mean that you have to leave your experience section blank. Consider volunteer opportunities where you may have used your software development skills. Perhaps you wrote code for a nonprofit that was building internal software solutions for its donor relationship database. Maybe you've volunteered as a tutor for middle or high school students learning to code.

Internships can provide valuable experience for this part of your resume as well. Although you may not have received payment for your services, you undoubtedly learned some applicable skills about how software developers fit into workplace dynamics. Provide statistics and details on the work you completed when possible to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

Review your keyword use

Go back through your resume and look for places where you can match your resume keywords to those on the job listing. Check out the recommended skills, essential responsibilities, and qualifications listed. Adjust the wording on your resume as needed to match your strengths to those desired by the company.

This attention to detail is crucial to getting past applicant tracking systems. This automated software screens resumes for the most desirable skills, experience, and phrases. In this case, the software ultimately decides which resumes will make it into the hands of real-live hiring managers and which ones never see the top of the pile. Prepare your resume accordingly.

"An entry-level candidate resume often features education first, with work experience further down. Put your most compelling details at the top and slip the areas where you're weaker to the bottom so you can capture the hiring manager's interest early with your professional strengths."

Entry-level software developer resume template

[Applicant name]
[Street address]
[City, State ZIP code]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Link to relevant web profile or portfolio]

Summary

[Summarize your key strengths and qualifications in three to five sentences.]

Education

[Degree type and major | School Attended | Year of graduation]

[Honors and awards]
[GPA]
[Certifications or programs completed]

Relevant coursework

[Course listing]
[Course listing]
[Course listing]

Skills

[Relevant skill]
[Relevant skill]
[Relevant skill]

Experience

[Title of job, internship, or volunteer position], [Dates of work]

[Specific accomplishments]
[Relevant responsibilities]
[Tasks related to the job or volunteer opportunity that demonstrate your skill set]

Additional sections

To further demonstrate your proficiency in software development, you may fill out your resume with supporting sections like a technology summary of the programs and languages you're fluent with or a listing of software development projects you've done with bullet points detailing the scope of the work.

Entry-level software developer resume example

Amy Smith
123 Town Street Road
Springfield, IL 62629
555-555-5555
[email protected]
[Link to relevant web profile or portfolio]

Summary

Recent software development graduate with a specialty in Java programming. Experience with developing, testing, and debugging code via team-based projects and in self-directed settings. Seeking to apply analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to an entry-level software engineer position.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Software Development | Western Governors University | 2022

Graduated with honors
GPA: 3.8
Certified in CompTIA A+

Relevant coursework

Advanced Java concepts
Mobile application development
Network and security foundations
Advanced data management
User interface design

Skills

Java, XML/HTML, Visual Basic, .Net, JavaScript
Microsoft Office suite
Web and mobile app development
Time management and organization
Critical thinking and problem solving

Experience

Mobile app development volunteer, Local Food Bank, January 2020-April 2021

Developed a scheduling app for the Local Food Bank
Conducted thorough testing to ensure intuitive functionality
Trained office staff to properly update food bank hours and events through the back end of the application
Created brief training instructions for front-end users

Tech volunteer, Hometown Church, June 2020-Present

Set up database management systems for church personnel to track attendance
Developed automated communications for church attendees who sign up for the newsletter
Debugged and improved the livestreaming software for church services, increasing attendance by 20%

Technology summary

SQL Server, Oracle, AngularJS, ASP.NET MVC, Azure, SSAS, OOP, Jira

With a well-crafted resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you've dedicated significant time and effort to mastering software development, even if the opportunity you're pursuing is your first real job in the field. Include the right keywords, highlight your distinctive strengths, and wait for the job offers to roll in.