How to Improve Your Software Engineering Resume

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By cadam
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With an increasing number of educated, experienced job seekers competing for the most desirable technical jobs, your resume needs to be better than the rest to get noticed. Follow these steps to help your technical resume stand out from the crowd.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Resume
Computer with Word Processor

Step 1

Start with a Technical Summary. This should be the first and will probably be the most important piece of writing that you do. Your technical strengths must stand out clearly at the beginning of your resume.
Step 2

Use Buzzwords. This means instead of writing Structured Query Language - use SQL. Many companies have automated engines that process resumes based on the inclusion of keywords so be as thorough as possible.
Step 3

Be honest, but be inclusive. If you have only worked on a single Java project for a few weeks, don't put 2 years of Java experience, but certainly include it in your skills.
Step 4

Do not downplay your skills. Never list skils such as:

Small amount of Java
or
2 Weeks of Java

Your ultimate goal is to get a callback from an employer to set up an interview - so again, be inclusive; if you have Java, then simply list Java. They might originally be looking for a Java developer, but once they interview you, they come to realize that your soft skills are more of an asset than your technical prowess.
Step 5

Focus on soft skills. Soft skills such as interpersonal communications, ability to work collaboratively and commitment to achieving corporate goals are sometimes just as or even more important than the technical skills.
Step 6

Favor Brevity over Verboseness. This will help get you in the mindset of only including relavent professional work experience and skills. Trust me, never put hobbies or irrelavent work experience down. If you are trying to obtain a job as am Oracle DBA, why would a hiring manager care that you once held a summer job landscaping?
Step 7

Quantify your experience. Cite numerical figures, such as monetary budgets/funds saved, time periods/efficiency improved, lines of code written/debugged, numbers of machines administered/fixed, etc. All of which demonstrate an understanding of setting and achieving goals and gives a hiring manager an understanding of direct accomplishments that you have made for other companies.
Step 8

Proofread. Not only should you proofread the resume several times, but have a friend (preferably one in your field) proofread it.

Comments

kievan said

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on 10/23/2009 I am recent Computer Science graduate with over a year of technical experience, finding an email from potential employers saying they found a better fit, more frequently than I want to. Very nice, thank you :) I was looking for a summary example. I am now pretty sure what to write. 5*