Your resume is usually read first by a recruiter scanning for languages and frameworks, then by an engineering lead who wants to know what you built and what changed because of it. It has to work for both: a clear stack at the top and concrete examples under every role.
Full-stack software engineer with five years of experience in TypeScript, React and Node.js, backed by solid PostgreSQL and AWS skills. Builds features from database to interface, treats tests as part of the work and contributes to design discussions. Enjoys small teams that ship often and share ownership. Looking for a product company where code reaches users directly.
Many employers have your resume read first by software that filters on these words. Use them where they match your experience: in your summary and in your work experience.
Languages, frameworks, databases, cloud and practices in a few short lines. A recruiter finds what they need in seconds, and a lead sees your profile at a glance.
'Worked on the backend' says little. 'Cut load time from 4.2 to 1.3 seconds' shows what your work changed for users.
A GitHub profile or portfolio with a few well-documented projects gives a hiring manager something real to look at. Pick quality over quantity.
Product company or agency, team size, number of users. It matters whether your code runs for ten people or ten thousand.
Bars or stars next to languages say nothing. Mention how long you have used a language and what you built with it instead.
Not always, but when one is requested or you apply to a smaller product company, a short and specific letter can make the difference. Keep it brief and concrete.
Under a separate Projects heading, with a link, the tech you used and what the project does. Choose projects that relate to the role.
One page for most engineers, two at most for senior roles. A hiring manager wants to see your stack and your key work quickly; details come up in the interview.
List the bootcamp under education and let projects show what you can do. Mention what you bring from your previous career, like domain knowledge or customer experience.
See the software engineer cover letter example
Resumate is an AI resume builder for job seekers, at getresumate.com and getresumate.nl. We help candidates get past the filter with a resume, a cover letter and a match per job posting. Resumate is not a recruiter ATS and not a job board.