CV Software Engineer

The different parts of the software engineer CV

A Software Engineer CV must be well-structured, clearly written, and tailored to the specific job offer. In an industry driven by technical precision and innovation, your CV is more than a formality—it’s your ticket to getting noticed by recruiters. A professional CV should not only showcase your technical skills but also reflect your personality, your ability to work in a team, and your commitment to staying up-to-date in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Each section of the CV should be crafted carefullyto reflect a specific part of your professional profile. These parts typically include: the about section (or profile summary), skills, languages, interests, professional experience, and education. When put together, they form a complete picture of your expertise and potential.

Let’s look at each of these key parts in more detail.

The about section

The about section (also called a professional summary or profile) sits at the very top of your CV. It’s a concise paragraph—usually no more than four or five lines—that provides a brief overview of who you are as a professional. Think of it as your elevator pitch. This section is your chance to create a strong first impression and highlight your most valuable qualities.

In the case of a software engineer, this section should emphasize your years of experience, areas of specialization, and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, or adaptability. If possible, include a few keywords from the job description.

This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the CV, establishing both technical competency and professional character.

The skills section

The skills section is vital in a Software Engineer CV. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan for specific technical keywords in this part. It should be formatted as a list or as bullet points and must contain a balance of hard skills (programming languages, frameworks, tools) and soft skills (problem-solving, communication).

To be effective, the skills should be directly related to the job you’re applying for. You may want to group them under subcategories like “Programming Languages”, “Frameworks”, “Databases”, or “DevOps Tools” to enhance readability.

A well-organized skills section makes it easy for hiring managers to understand your technical toolkit at a glance.

The languages section

In today’s global work environment, speaking multiple languages is a valuable asset. The languages section should be included even in technical CVs, especially if you’re applying for international positions or jobs that require communication with diverse teams.

List each language followed by your proficiency level. You can use common descriptors such as native, fluent, intermediate, or basic. If you hold any certifications (like TOEFL or DELF), you may mention them as well.

This section doesn’t have to be long, but it adds an extra layer of versatility to your profile—especially useful in multinational companies.

The interests section

Though often overlooked, the interests section can make your CV more human and help you connect with recruiters on a personal level. It gives insights into your personality, your values, and sometimes even your creative or problem-solving approach.

For software engineers, listing interests related to technology, innovation, or teamwork can be a plus. However, feel free to include non-tech hobbies as well—they show you’re a well-rounded individual and add to the personal details to feature on your CV.

This section can serve as a conversation starter during interviews and help create a more memorable impression.

The professional experience section

The professional experience section is usually the most important part of your CV. It tells the story of your career—what projects you’ve worked on, what technologies you’ve mastered, and what concrete results you’ve delivered. Each job entry should include your job title, the company name, location, and dates of employment, followed by a bulleted list of your main responsibilities and achievements.

Use action verbs such as “developed”, “implemented”, “led”, “optimized”, and whenever possible, include numbers or metrics to quantify your impact (e.g., “Reduced loading time by 40%”).

This section should reflect your career growth and highlight your ability to adapt to new technologies and challenges.

The education section

The education section is particularly important if you’re a recent graduate or if you hold a degree in computer science or a related field. For more experienced candidates, education becomes secondary but still valuable to include.

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including the name of the degree, the institution, the location, and the dates attended. You can also add relevant coursework, honors, or academic projects, especially if they align with the job you’re applying for.

Including a well-detailed education section helps to validate your qualifications, especially for employers who prioritize academic background in technical roles.

What programming languages should be highlighted on a CV for software engineering roles?

When writing a CV for a software engineering position, it’s important to highlight programming languages that are relevant to the job description. Commonly expected languages include Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, and SQL, but you should also include specialized languages like Go, Ruby, or Swift if they align with the role. Always list the languages you’re proficient in first, and group them by backend, frontend, or scripting where applicable. Mentioning frameworks (e.g., React, Django) alongside the languages can also provide context and show your technical breadth.

Is it better to use a chronological or functional CV format for software roles?

For most software engineering positions, a chronological CV format is preferred because it shows a clear progression of experience and career growth. Recruiters want to see your latest roles first, especially if they include relevant technologies and projects. However, if you’re a career changer or have gaps in your employment history, a functional CV format may be more effective, as it emphasizes skills and achievements over timelines. Whichever you choose, the format should make it easy for hiring managers to find your core competencies and technical strengths quickly.

What’s the best way to describe technical achievements and impact?

To describe technical achievements effectively on a CV, use action verbs and quantifiable results. Focus on how your work solved a problem, improved performance, or saved time or resources. For example, instead of writing “Worked on backend services,” say “Optimized backend APIs using Node.js, reducing load time by 30%.” Always link your technical contributions to business outcomes or user benefits. Recruiters look for evidence of impact, not just a list of duties. Use bullet points to keep descriptions clear and prioritize your most recent and relevant accomplishments.

Should I include links to my GitHub or portfolio on my CV?

Yes, including a link to your GitHub profile, technical blog, or personal portfolio can greatly strengthen your CV. These links provide concrete evidence of your coding abilities, project experience, and commitment to learning. Make sure your GitHub is well-organized, with readable code, clear documentation, and active repositories. If possible, link directly to specific projects that align with the job you’re applying for. For UI/UX or full-stack developers, a portfolio website showcasing live demos and case studies is especially useful. Include the link in the header or about section of your CV.