In today's competitive tech landscape, your CV is often your first chance to make an impression on hiring managers. Understanding what they're looking for can make the difference between landing that dream software development role and having your application overlooked.
Hiring managers want to see your passion for software development, your technical skill set, and evidence of your ability to learn and adapt, according to recent industry research. But there's more to creating a standout CV than simply listing your programming languages.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through CVs, which means your CV needs to be both human-readable and machine-friendly. ATS systems look for targeted keywords such as "Python", "Pytest", "CI/CD", and "C/C++", all aligned with the job description to increase visibility in keyword-based searches.
To pass ATS screening, include specific programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies mentioned in the job description. However, avoid keyword stuffing - integration should feel natural within your experience descriptions.
A software developer CV needs to emphasise programming languages you are familiar with (i.e., JavaScript, Python, Oracle, etc.), any professional experience in the field, and any related software engineering skills you might possess.
Beyond programming languages, hiring managers are looking for:
- Database management experience
- Version control systems (Git, SVN)
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Development methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
- Testing frameworks and practices
- DevOps and CI/CD experience
To stand out, be specific. Use numbers and quantify whatever you can. Numbers can be the number of users, service load numbers, number of customer support tickets you proactively resolved, and many others.
Instead of writing "Improved application performance," try "Optimised database queries, reducing page load times by 40% for 10,000+ daily users." This approach demonstrates concrete value and impact.
Describe your role, the technologies used, and the impact of the project. You may also want to list open-sourced projects and personal pet projects that showcase your passions.
Your GitHub portfolio or personal projects can be just as valuable as professional experience. Include:
- Links to live projects or repositories
- Brief descriptions of technologies used
- The problem each project solved
- Your specific contributions in team projects
Never begin a bullet point with the phrase "responsible for." Instead, use action verbs (also called functional keywords). These are words like led, developed, analysed, and implemented.
Strong action verbs include impactful verbs like "developed", "partnered", and others that show what you accomplished in each role. This approach demonstrates proactive contribution rather than passive responsibility.
You'll collaborate with colleagues across departments daily. You must articulate complex ideas, listen attentively and meet pressing deadlines. Flexibility and continuous learning matter hugely as well.
Don't overlook communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. These are increasingly important as software development becomes more collaborative and cross-functional.
With frameworks, languages and methodologies changing so rapidly, developers must demonstrate their commitment to staying current. Include recent certifications, online courses, or new technologies you've learned.
This shows hiring managers that you can adapt to their tech stack and won't become obsolete as technology evolves.
A successful software developer CV balances technical expertise with clear communication. Focus on:
- ATS-friendly formatting with relevant keywords
- Quantified achievements that demonstrate impact
- A mix of technical and soft skills
- Evidence of continuous learning and adaptation
- Clean, professional presentation
Remember, your CV is your first code sample that hiring managers will see. Make it count by ensuring it's bug-free, well-structured, and solves the problem of getting you noticed in a competitive market.