Entering the tech field as a new software engineer can be challenging, especially when creating a resume that stands out to employers. Many job seekers struggle with how to display their skills and experience effectively at the start of their careers.
This article gives readers clear and practical entry-level software engineer resume examples tailored for 2025, helping them build strong applications with confidence. These examples and tips are designed to help users quickly create and improve their resumes, so they can apply for jobs more easily and increase their chances of getting interviews.
1) Clear header with name and contact information
A strong resume starts with a clear header featuring the job seeker’s name and contact details. This information should sit at the top of the page and be easy to read, as employers will look for it first. Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, city and state, and a link to your LinkedIn, portfolio, or GitHub. This approach helps hiring managers reach out quickly and shows you pay attention to detail. For more guidance, review software engineer resume examples and consider using tools to help you build your resume with RoboApply.
Example:
John T. Smith
San Jose, CA 95126
(555) 123-4567
john.t.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johntsmith
github.com/jtsmith
Portfolio: johntsmith.dev
2) Professional summary highlighting key skills
A strong professional summary is an important part of any entry-level software engineer resume. It should tell hiring managers what the candidate is good at, show relevant technical skills, and include any experience that makes the candidate stand out. This short paragraph goes at the top of the resume and helps employers know why the applicant would be a good fit.
Example:
Detail-oriented Software Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and hands-on experience in Java, Python, and debugging. Completed several academic projects, including a team-based web app and a mobile game, using Agile methods. Skilled at learning new technologies quickly and collaborating with diverse teams. Motivated to contribute to innovative projects and continue developing technical skills. Looking for an entry-level software engineering role to use programming knowledge and grow with a dynamic company.
3) Education section with degree and institution
The education section helps employers quickly see a candidate’s academic background. For entry-level software engineers, it is important to list the degree, major, school name, and graduation year. If the applicant has relevant coursework, honors, or a high GPA, these details can be included too. The format should be clean and easy to read, as shown in the template below.
Example:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduated: May 2025
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Engineering, Web Development
Honors: Dean’s List (2023, 2024)
4) Relevant technical skills listed clearly
For entry-level software engineers, it’s important to list technical skills in a way that is easy for hiring managers to find. This means using a clear section title like “Technical Skills” or “Relevant Skills” and listing abilities related to programming languages, tools, and frameworks. Use simple bullet points or a comma-separated line to group these skills. Highlighting in-demand tools such as Git, Python, Java, SQL, and Linux can help a candidate stand out. For a full breakdown of skills that employers look for, review detailed examples of entry-level software engineer resumes.
Example—Relevant Technical Skills on a Resume:
Technical Skills
Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Database: SQL, PostgreSQL
Tools: Git, Linux, Visual Studio Code
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum
Other: RESTful APIs, Software Testing, Object-Oriented Design
5) Showcase of personal or academic projects
Showing personal or academic projects on a resume helps entry-level software engineers highlight hands-on experience. Projects prove coding ability, knowledge of tools, and a commitment to learning outside of school or work. Projects can include class assignments, hackathons, apps built for fun, or anything showing technical skills. Each project should mention the tech used, what the person did, and any results.
Template example for a personal or academic project section:
Projects
E-commerce Website – JavaScript, React, Node.js, MongoDB
Developed a full-featured online store allowing users to browse products, add items to a cart, and check out using a simulated payment system. Designed RESTful APIs for order management and built responsive front-end using React. Integrated MongoDB for data storage and user authentication. Deployed the application on Heroku, reaching over 200 active users during a class project demo.
Calculator App – Python, Tkinter
Created a user-friendly desktop calculator that supports basic arithmetic. Focused on error handling and a clean interface. Shared the app on GitHub, receiving positive feedback from classmates and a Computer Science professor.
For more ideas and templates, see entry-level software engineer resumes with real project sections at cvcompiler.com and enhancv.com.
6) Internship experiences detailed with responsibilities
Internship experience is an important part of any entry-level software engineer resume. Employers want to see clearly defined responsibilities and real work you did during your time as an intern. Listing specific duties and technologies helps show your value and the skills you bring to the team. Include results when possible, such as features built, bugs resolved, or contributions to team projects.
Example internship experience section for a software engineer intern resume:
Software Engineer Intern | TechNova Solutions | June 2024 – August 2024
- Assisted in designing and developing new web application features using JavaScript, React, and Node.js
- Collaborated with a team of 5 engineers in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and code reviews
- Wrote, tested, and debugged code to improve the application’s speed, reducing load times by 20%
- Created and maintained technical documentation for new features
- Participated in user acceptance testing and provided technical support for deployment
- Fixed 15+ reported bugs and worked with QA to ensure high code quality
7) Use of action verbs to describe achievements
Action verbs help show what a candidate has done and how they contributed to their team or project. Strong verbs such as “developed,” “designed,” and “implemented” make each bullet on a resume more direct and impressive. For entry-level software engineers, focusing on these words can show clear results and skills to recruiters. Using action verbs is one of the best ways to help a resume stand out, as supported by advice on software engineering resume action verbs and tips from Indeed.
Example of a section using action verbs on an entry-level software engineer resume:
Software Engineer Intern
ABC Tech Solutions, New York, NY
June 2024 – August 2024
- Developed a web-based ticket tracking system using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, resulting in a 30% reduction in support ticket response times.
- Designed and implemented new user interface features based on team feedback, improving customer satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Collaborated with a team of 5 developers to launch a beta version of a client portal ahead of schedule.
- Debugged and resolved software issues, identifying and fixing 10+ system bugs during the internship.
- Researched and presented technical solutions for optimizing database queries, which improved database efficiency by 20%.
8) Certifications related to software development
Certifications can help entry-level software engineers stand out from other applicants. Industry-recognized certificates show a commitment to learning new skills and staying current in the field. Common certifications like AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA IT Fundamentals, or even Google Associate Cloud Engineer can help catch an employer’s attention. Many employers also look for knowledge in Agile, Scrum, or other popular software development methodologies. You can read more about valuable certifications for software engineers in this list of software engineer resume examples.
Below is a realistic resume example showing how a job seeker can list certifications:
Example Resume Certification Section:
Certifications
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate (2024)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (2024)
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer (2023)
- Certified ScrumMaster (Scrum Alliance, 2023)
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals (2022)
Including a section like this on a resume helps demonstrate technical skills and a readiness to work with the latest technologies. As always, for more ways to build a strong resume and stand out in the job market, consider learning how to optimize your resume with RoboApply.
9) Inclusion of programming languages mastered
Including programming languages you have mastered is a key part of any entry-level software engineer resume. Employers want to quickly see not just the languages you know but those you are truly comfortable using in real projects. Highlighting your strongest skills helps you stand out, especially when you use examples that show how you have applied them, as recommended by current software engineering resume guides. Don’t list every language you’ve ever used—focus on the ones you know best.
Example Resume Section: Programming Languages
Programming Languages
Python (Advanced): Used for developing data analysis scripts and web applications
Java (Intermediate): Completed class projects including a banking system and Android game
JavaScript (Intermediate): Built interactive websites using React and Node.js
SQL (Proficient): Managed and queried relational databases for academic and freelance projects
C++ (Basic): Familiar with object-oriented programming concepts and algorithm development
10) Brief description of teamwork or collaboration
Employers value entry-level software engineers who can work well with others. Including a short description of teamwork or collaboration on a resume shows the ability to communicate, support team goals, and contribute to group projects. A clear, concrete example helps hiring managers understand real contributions in team settings. Below is a copy-and-paste ready template that you can use or modify for your own resume.
Example:
Collaborated with a team of 4 software engineers to design and develop a web-based scheduling application. Contributed to both front-end and back-end features using JavaScript and Python. Participated in daily stand-up meetings, reviewed code, and provided constructive feedback to improve overall code quality. Ensured effective communication within the team using Slack and weekly project updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Entry-level software engineer resumes should focus on practical technical abilities, clearly presented details, and evidence of work through projects or skills—even for those with little or no work experience. Using proven templates, strong formatting, and tools like RoboApply can give applicants a real advantage during the hiring process.
What key skills should be highlighted on an entry-level software engineer’s resume?
New engineers should feature programming languages, frameworks, and soft skills like teamwork or problem solving. Clear skill sections help recruiters quickly spot qualifications. Technical abilities such as Java, Python, or web development tools matter, but also highlight version control, debugging, and collaboration.
Example Skills Section:
Skills
- Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
- Web: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Tools: Git, VS Code, Linux
- Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving
To further enhance and organize these skills, users can optimize your resume through RoboApply.
How can a software engineer with no work experience effectively showcase their abilities in a resume?
When traditional work experience is limited, focus on academic projects, personal contributions, coding bootcamps, or open-source work. Use short explanations for each project and describe the technologies or techniques used. Even hobby programming can demonstrate valuable skills.
Example Projects Section:
Projects
Weather App
- Built a web app using JavaScript and OpenWeatherMap API for real-time weather tracking.
- Designed a clean UI with HTML and CSS.
- Implemented error handling and responsive design.
Users can organize these projects and skills more sharply by using platforms that auto-apply to jobs across platforms.
What are the essential components of a strong entry-level software engineer resume?
The best resumes include a contact section, professional summary, education, detailed skills list, and examples of real work such as projects. Avoid leaving blank spaces, and make everything direct and easy to read. Every section should add value, not just fill space.
Example Resume Layout:
Name: Sam Lee
Contact: samlee@email.com | (555) 555-1234 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samlee
Summary
Recent computer science graduate skilled in Python and web development, seeking an entry-level engineering position.
Education
B.S. in Computer Science, State University
Graduated: 2025
Skills
Python, JavaScript, Git, Teamwork, Problem Solving
Projects
Portfolio Website – Built and deployed a responsive portfolio site using React and Node.js.
Creating a strong resume is easier when leveraging tools to build your resume with RoboApply.
How can I make my resume stand out for an entry-level software engineer position?
Simple layouts, strong action verbs, and measurable results can set a resume apart. Applicants should tailor their resumes to each job, use industry keywords, and focus on clarity. Show how skills or projects had an impact.
Example Bulleted Achievement:
- Automated data entry process using Python, reducing manual work by 30%.
Highlighting real impact or quantifiable results gives hiring managers more reasons to move a resume forward.
What format and structure are recommended for an entry-level software engineer resume?
The reverse-chronological format is best for new grads or those with internships and education to showcase. Use clear headers, bold or larger text for section titles, and keep margins wide for readability. Avoid long paragraphs and stick to 1-2 pages.
Example Resume Structure:
- Header (Name & Contact Info)
- Professional Summary
- Education (Most recent first)
- Skills (Technical and Soft)
- Projects
- Additional (Certifications, volunteer work)
Software engineers can use templates from this resource for extra structure ideas.
Can you suggest any actionable tips for an entry-level software engineer to improve their resume?
Keep the language simple and direct. Quantify achievements when possible. Use proof of skills—like GitHub links or coding tests—when relevant. Run the resume through a scoring tool and tailor for the job each time.
Quick Checklist:
- Start with a short summary statement.
- Use bullet points for easy reading.
- Add direct links to personal projects or portfolios.
- Edit and proofread for errors.
- Use feedback tools like RoboApply to get scored feedback and improve effectiveness.
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