Many new graduates and career changers want to start a career in software engineering, but often find it hard to build a strong resume that gets noticed. This article provides readers with 14 complete entry-level software engineer resume examples for 2025, making it simple to see what a competitive application looks like today.
These examples give practical templates and clear guidance so job seekers can focus on building resumes that work for their goals. By using the right resume layouts and details, readers can stand out to employers in a busy job market.
1) Professional header with name and contact information
A strong professional header gives employers quick access to key details like the job seeker’s name, phone number, email, LinkedIn, and location. This section should appear at the very top of the resume and be easy to read. Use a simple layout and keep the information current. Including a LinkedIn profile and city/state is common for entry-level software engineers. If building a resume from scratch feels overwhelming, you can also use tools such as RoboApply to build your resume with RoboApply.
Example:
Jonathan Lee
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 555-0132
jonathan.lee@email.com
linkedin.com/in/jonathanlee121
A clear header like this helps recruiters contact the applicant easily and adds to the professional look of the resume.
2) Concise professional summary highlighting key skills
A clear, focused professional summary at the top of a resume helps employers quickly understand a candidate’s main strengths and career goals. It should highlight top skills relevant to entry-level software engineering roles, such as programming languages, teamwork, problem-solving, or project experience. A good summary is short—about 2 to 4 lines—and uses plain language that matches the job description. Tools like RoboApply make it easier to craft and optimize this section to boost your chances.
Example of a concise professional summary for an entry-level software engineer resume:
Recent computer science graduate with hands-on experience in Python, Java, and JavaScript. Skilled at debugging and problem-solving through group and solo projects. Strong collaborator with internship experience in full-stack web development. Eager to contribute as a software engineer in a dynamic tech environment.
3) Education details including degree and university
Education is a key section on any entry-level software engineer resume. It tells employers if the candidate has the required academic background, such as a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Job seekers should include the degree title, school or university name, location, and graduation year. If the GPA is strong (usually 3.5 or above), it can be listed as well. Listing notable academic achievements or honors may be helpful, but only if they support the role. For more ideas on layout and content, candidates can also refer to these entry-level software engineer resume examples.
Full length example:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: June 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Courses: Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming, Databases, Algorithms
Honors: Dean’s List (2023, 2024)
4) Relevant technical skills section with programming languages
Adding a technical skills section to an entry-level software engineer resume is key. It helps hiring managers see what programming languages, frameworks, and tools the applicant knows at a glance. This section should be easy to read, clear, and tailored to match the job description as closely as possible. Listing clear skill names like Java, Python, or JavaScript is much stronger than a generic list. For more details on must-have skills, check out these software engineer resume examples.
Example: Technical Skills Section (for Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume)
Technical Skills
Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C++
Web Development: HTML, CSS, React, Node.js
Databases: MySQL, MongoDB
Version Control: Git, GitHub
Tools & Frameworks: Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, Docker
Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Other Skills: RESTful API integration, Unit Testing, Agile Development
5) Projects showcasing practical software development experience
Including a “Projects” section in an entry-level software engineer resume helps recruiters see real, hands-on coding experience. Well-documented projects display practical problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and initiative. Projects should have clear names, brief summaries, specific technologies used, and measurable outcomes when possible. Highlighting internships, independent apps, collaborative work, or coursework projects is valuable, especially for those lacking professional experience.
Example:
Projects
- Weather App (React, Node.js, OpenWeather API)
Created a weather forecasting web app allowing users to search and view current weather in any city. Used React for the frontend and Node.js to fetch real-time data from the OpenWeather API. Added user authentication and responsive design. Hosted on Heroku. Over 1,500 users in six months. - Online Portfolio Website (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Built a personal portfolio site to showcase coding projects and blogs. Designed all UI components and focused on mobile responsiveness. Improved site speed by optimizing images and code. Attracted several recruiters and helped secure initial interview calls.
Including projects like these on a resume helps demonstrate readiness for an entry-level software engineering role.
6) Internship experiences with clear role descriptions
Internship experience can make a big difference on an entry-level software engineer resume. It is important to list internships by title, company, dates, and include clear points that describe responsibilities, skills used, and results. Clarity helps hiring managers quickly see what the candidate contributed and learned. Adding numbers or outcomes when possible—like apps built, features shipped, or bugs fixed—makes the role easier to understand. Always list only what is honest and relevant.
Example:
Software Engineering Intern
NextGen Tech Solutions, San Francisco, CA
June 2024 – August 2024
- Developed a user authentication module for an internal web portal using Node.js and Express, improving login speed by 25%.
- Collaborated with a team of 4 to design and implement 3 new RESTful APIs, which increased system reliability and reduced outage incidents by 15%.
- Wrote clear technical documentation and created automated test scripts with Jest to support team onboarding and QA.
- Participated in daily agile stand-ups and learned to use Jira for sprint planning and tracking.
- Fixed 20+ UI bugs in the company’s React frontend, working with senior engineers for code reviews and deployment.
7) Certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Certifications from well-known technology providers like AWS or Microsoft can strengthen an entry-level software engineer’s resume. These certifications show employers that the candidate has foundational cloud computing knowledge and is eager to learn new tools. Listing a certification such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals can set an applicant apart from others without them. For more tips and templates, check out resume examples that include AWS certifications.
Resume Example Section for Certifications:
CERTIFICATIONS
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Issued May 2024, Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Issued March 2024, Microsoft
These certifications verify strong understanding of cloud fundamentals, services, and deployment. They also show commitment to professional development and adaptability in modern tech environments. Adding this section near the end of the resume helps recruiters quickly see key skills that match many entry-level job requirements.
8) Use of action verbs to describe responsibilities
Action verbs help make a resume clear and impactful. Using these verbs shows employers what the applicant actually did, not just what they were responsible for. Words like “developed,” “implemented,” and “designed” make each bullet point stronger and show real achievements. Choosing the right verbs can make a big difference in how an entry-level software engineer’s experience is understood by recruiters. For more ideas, check out action verb lists specific to software engineering resumes.
Example of using action verbs in a resume:
Software Engineer Intern
ABC Tech Solutions | June 2024 – August 2024
- Developed a web application using JavaScript and React, improving load times by 30%.
- Designed user interface components, resulting in a more intuitive user experience.
- Implemented API integrations to automate data processing.
- Collaborated with the QA team to identify and resolve 15+ software bugs during development.
- Presented project results to stakeholders, receiving positive feedback on project clarity and design.
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9) Quantifiable achievements in previous roles
Quantifiable achievements show hiring managers the real impact someone made in past positions by using numbers and specific outcomes. This makes a resume stand out, especially for entry-level software engineers who may not have a lot of work experience but can still show results from internships, academic projects, or part-time jobs. Including metrics, such as time saved, percentage improved, or tasks automated, demonstrates value clearly and quickly on a resume. For more ways to enhance your resume, visit this page on how to optimize your resume using RoboApply.
Example:
Software Engineering Intern
ABC Tech, San Diego, CA — May 2024–August 2024
- Developed and launched a Python script that automated weekly database backups, reducing manual work by 5 hours per week.
- Assisted with the redesign of the company’s internal dashboard, which improved load times by 30% and user satisfaction scores by 25%.
- Collaborated with a team of 4 to fix and deploy 12+ software bugs, resulting in a 95% on-time release rate for the summer project.
10) Open source contributions to demonstrate collaboration
Showing open source contributions on a resume is a strong way for entry-level software engineers to highlight real coding experience and teamwork skills. By including details of projects, repositories, and roles, candidates can offer proof of their ability to work with others, write clean code, and use common tools like Git and GitHub. Many employers value this as it shows practical problem-solving and communication, which are crucial for software engineering roles. Open source contributions also help new grads or career changers stand out when they might not have much direct work history. For more advice on this approach, see 18 entry-level software engineer resume examples.
Example resume section for open source contributions:
Open Source Contributions
• Collaborator, HospitalRun (GitHub) | Jan 2024 – Present
- Added new patient registration features using React and Node.js
- Reviewed and merged code from contributors in a team of 10+
- Fixed 7+ bugs and improved unit test coverage by 15%
• Contributor, freeCodeCamp (GitHub) | Oct 2023 – Dec 2023 - Submitted pull requests for JavaScript algorithm challenges
- Participated in project discussions and gave feedback on others’ code
11) Tailored keywords from the job description
Using keywords found in the job description is essential because many companies use systems that scan resumes for matching words. Including these keywords the right way makes a resume more likely to be noticed and reach a recruiter or hiring manager. Job seekers should carefully review postings, picking out skills, programming languages, and tools mentioned, then add them in context within their own resume.
Example of tailoring keywords within a resume for an entry-level software engineer role:
For fast and simple keyword optimization, users can optimize your resume on RoboApply.
12) Clear formatting with bullet points for readability
Good resume formatting makes information easy to find and read. Bullet points help break up job duties and accomplishments, so hiring managers can quickly scan key points. Clear headers and enough white space keep the layout clean. Bullet points work best when they start with action verbs and avoid too much detail in one line. Using consistent formatting throughout is important for a professional look, as shown in the example below.
Full Example:
To further enhance your resume’s readability and performance on job boards, consider using platforms that help you optimize your resume before applying.
13) Link to a GitHub profile or personal portfolio
Including a GitHub profile or personal portfolio link on a resume helps employers quickly view technical projects, examine code, and understand hands-on experience. This is especially valuable for entry-level applicants who may have limited full-time work history but can showcase practical skills through real projects. Place the link in the resume header for maximum visibility, as advised by industry guides like these on the importance of adding a GitHub or portfolio link.
Template example for a resume header with GitHub and portfolio links:
14) Inclusion of soft skills like teamwork and communication
Soft skills like teamwork and communication are just as important as technical knowledge for entry-level software engineers. Hiring managers look for candidates who can work well with others and share ideas clearly. To show these skills, it’s best to include brief but specific statements in the resume describing how these abilities helped in past projects or jobs.
Template Example:
Teamwork and Communication Skills:
Collaborated with a team of five to develop a task management application using Java and React, leading weekly meetings to coordinate feature development and resolve blockers. Communicated project goals and technical details clearly to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring on-time delivery and satisfaction. Received positive feedback for ability to listen, work respectfully with teammates, and assist new members during onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
A strong entry-level software engineer resume for 2025 should stand out by highlighting relevant technical skills, showcasing projects, and using a format that is clear and easy to read. Free resources and templates, along with tailored strategies, can make the application process more successful.
What are the key components to include in an entry-level software engineer resume in 2025?
Including the essential sections on a resume helps hiring managers quickly find relevant information. Start with a professional header, a short summary, education details, and a clear technical skills section. Project examples are also critical to demonstrate real-world experience.
Resume Example:
Learn how to optimize your resume for better results with RoboApply.
How can someone with no work experience frame their resume to attract potential employers in the software engineering field?
For those without professional work experience, focus on coursework, academic projects, personal coding projects, and technical skills. Clearly describe project outcomes and the technologies used.
Resume Example:
Job seekers can use RoboApply to build their resume and auto-apply to jobs across platforms.
What are some free resources or templates for crafting a software engineer resume?
Many websites offer free templates and guides for entry-level software engineers. These resources make resume building easier by providing ready-made, ATS-friendly designs.
Some examples include Resume Genius software engineer templates, CV Compiler entry-level samples, and Enhancv resume templates. RoboApply also allows users to create and optimize their resumes efficiently.
Are there any specific resume formats or strategies recommended for entry-level software engineers?
Entry-level resumes work best when using a reverse-chronological or combination format. These layouts highlight education and projects first, while also bringing attention to technical skills. Using bullet points for accomplishments improves clarity for recruiters.
Example of a format outline:
Templates supporting these formats can be found on BeamJobs’ entry-level software engineer resume examples.
How should a software engineer with 2 years of experience highlight their skills and projects on their resume?
A software engineer with some experience should group technical skills into clear categories and use bullet points to detail outcomes and responsibilities under each position. Lead with the most impressive or relevant achievements.
Resume Example:
Can you suggest ways to effectively customize a resume for various software engineering positions?
Customizing your resume involves tailoring the summary, skills, and project sections to match the keywords and requirements in each job description. Rearranging project order and wording to fit each application can make a significant difference.
Customization Steps:
- Read the job listing and note the specific qualifications and skills.
- Update your professional summary to reflect those keywords.
- Move your most relevant projects to the top.
- Rewrite bullet points to show matching experience.
Job seekers can optimize their resume and auto-apply to different software engineering roles more efficiently with RoboApply.
