INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT and Software Engineering positions are at a much faster than average growth rate, which is 22%. With that said, there are currently 1,847,900 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 409,500 to 2,257,400 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the IT and Software Engineering jobs was $110,140 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $65,210, and the highest 10% more than $170,100.
Our conclusion? The IT and Software Engineering job market is facing competition due to decreasing demand.
Top Freelance Software Developer sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Freelance Software Developer resume experience section
Freelance Software Developer Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Freelance Software Developer resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Software Development for Pearson Education Learning management system using Java EE, Spring framework, Hibernate framework, Kaltura Video Platform, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML, CSS3.
- System requirements specifications and test plan documentation.
- Testing and Troubleshooting.
- Performing code reviews.
- Providing technical support.
- Software Development for Cisco Networking Academy using Java EE, Fusion Tables, Fusion Charts, PostgresSQL, MySQL, JavaScript, HTML and CSS3.
- Developing automated functional, regression, performance testing scripts for Cisco Networking Academy using Apache JMeter, HP LoadRunner and HP WinRunner.
- Designing Performance testing Scenarios and running load tests to analyze the outcomes and identify performance bottlenecks.
- Technical Documentation.
- Software Development for Pearson Education Learning management system using Java EE, Spring framework, Hibernate framework, Kaltura Video Platform, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML, CSS3.
- System requirements specifications and test plan documentation.
- Testing and Troubleshooting.
- Performing code reviews.
- Providing technical support.
- Software Development for Cisco Networking Academy using Java EE, Fusion Tables, Fusion Charts, PostgresSQL, MySQL, JavaScript, HTML and CSS3.
- Developing automated functional, regression, performance testing scripts for Cisco Networking Academy using Apache JMeter, HP LoadRunner and HP WinRunner.
- Designing Performance testing Scenarios and running load tests to analyze the outcomes and identify performance bottlenecks.
- Technical Documentation.
- Designed a web application using python flask web framework that allows users to post relevant information.
- Database design, development with flask SQLAlchemy and sqlite.
- Deploy the web application to a linux web server with Nginx and Gunicorn.
- Design the front end of the web application using HTML, CSS and Bootstrap 4.
- Perform unit testing using python unittest module.
- Develops software solutions by studying information needs conferring with user , studying system flow , data usage and work processes
- Investigating problem areas, following the software development life cycle
- Supports and develops software engineers by providing advice, coaching and educational opportunities
- Protects Operations by keeping information confidential
- Responsible for peer reviewing of code checking into repository
- Analyses the use case and gathering the requirement
- Developing the application
- Unit test
- Backend developer of core models with Go, java and Neo4J.
- Lead and build the entire BI infrastructure from End to End using Java and Airflow.
- Create Big Data processes over Google Cloud Dataflow and Big Query.
- Coaching outsource firm members on technical best practises
- Leading, designing and reviewing CRM projects
- Developing projects using JAVA, Oracle, Core Banking Framework
- Improving the performance of SQL
- Worked on PowerDesigner
- Learned database design standards
- Developed branch screens using JAVA, ORACLE and Core Banking Framework
- Converted PL/SQL packages to JAVA web services
- Learned well performed application development
- Learned integration with external system
- Developed Java web service used Core Banking Framework
- Developing the back-end of IoT platform using Java, Node.js, Spring, AWS, PostgreSQL, Hibernate, REST, Terraform, Docker.
- Developing and maintaining the front end functionality of website using Angular.
- Checking in and tracking software with use of Git.
- Agile software development with Scrum.
- Participating in discussions with clients to clarify what they want.
- Maintained and developed backend of music and video streaming app called Fizy using Java, Python, Spring, Oracle, Hibernate.
- Developed microservices using AWS.
- Added and improved Web based Graphical User Interfaces using HTML, JavaScript (Angular) and CSS.
- Agile software development with Scrum.
- Designed and developed internal staff training platform that reduced the onboarding time for newly hired engineers from 2 months to 2 weeks
- Led a team of 6 engineers to develop a first of a kind proprietary deployment system for customer-led applications in augmented reality sector
- Redesigned legacy testing and pre-production systems to increase the concept to publish lifecycle for all customer-facing apps by 20 to 40%
- Redesigned an intranet business application to work custom business forms, which reduced the total amount of business service tickets by 40%
- Upgraded legacy QA test environment that allowed the company to include unit testing as part of one-week Scrum sprints
- Integrated sales reports and CRM system with DataOps solution, presenting all C-level executives across 25 branches with real-time dashboards on sales KPI
- Created, delivered and maintained scalable system architecture to support high-availability Internet site with various internal applications
- Trusted by CTO to lead team of 3 to build and beautify a responsive front-end interface using Angular framework
- Planned and engineered RESTful web services to manipulate dynamic datasets using AWS API Gateway + Lambda and Serverless framework
- Utilized MySQL and Amazon RDS for processing data requests, optimizing database schemas and data migration
- Implementation of referral program and admin portal increased user registration rate by 22% and reduced cost for user KYC and transaction verifications by 53% respectively
- Fixed crucial bugs that caused company wide system downtime
- Mentored new developers by helping with onboarding and explaining different parts of the system
- Improved match results of a bot capable of image comparisons, using Microsoft Cognitive Services, by 40%
- Worked in Scrum Agile-driven environment to effectively maintain project timelines and utilize available resources
- Evaluated project requirements and specifications to develop software applications that surpassed client expectations
- Designed and updated layouts to meet usability and performance requirements for web, mobile, AEM and DMS applications
- Participated in more than 4 projects per year from initial research and conceptual design through testing and implementation phases
- Carefully documented technical workflows and knowledge in private wiki for education of newly hired employees
- Front-End Developer ( React.js ) at Vobi.io
- Full-Stack Developer ( React.js & Node.js & MongoDB ) at Billing Solutions LLC / invoice.ge
- Inspected equipment, assessed functionality and optimized controls.
- Gathered and defined customer requirements to develop clearspecifications for creating well-organized project plans.
- Reviewed code, debugged problems and corrected issues.
- Worked on business financial projects using React, Node.js.
- Prepared test plans and test cases based on unit tests, end-to-endtests.
- Contributed ideas and suggestions in team meetings and deliveredupdates on deadlines, designs and enhancements.
- Built, tested and deployed scalable, highly available and modularsoftware products.
- Collaborated with developers and performance engineers to enhancesupportability and identify performance bottlenecks.
- Created databases and table structures according to Mongo DBarchitecture methodology for web applications.
- Was responsible for database, API design and development on the
back-end for many features - Taken responsibilities as Full Stack Developer and Developed a few
features from scratch (both backend & frontend ) - Added indexes to database tables and improved query performance
significantly. - Followed Agile development and consistently delivered new features on time during sprints and Communicated updates in daily scrum meetings using JIRA software
- I am currently working as a software engineer in a company based project. I am doing Hygiene Control project in this company using Asp.Net MVC and MSSQL technologies. It could also be used as an extensible project for audit purposes in the retail sector. Auditing will be carried out by auditors.
- I developed an application with Asp.Net MVC for Yorim Glasses Company(Quality Control Management)
- We solved the problem of Gürmen holding between e-commerce and ERP integration with Jitterbit Studio.
PRO TIP
Don't make the same mistake everyone else does. What we mean is, don't list your Freelance Software Developer job responsibilities instead of your achievements. Recruiters know what you do. They want to know what kind of difference you can bring to their company. Focus on what you've accomplished.
Action Verbs for your Freelance Software Developer Resume
Recommended reads:
Freelance Software Developer Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Freelance Software Developer resume
- Python
- Java
- Javascript
- GIT
- SQL
- HTML
- Teamwork and communication
- Creative problem solving
- Analystical thinking
- Owning up to errors
- Self-learning
- Time management
PRO TIP
Don’t feel obliged to spend a separate section for your soft skills - you can weave them throughout your job experience or career summary. But, don’t just write empty words - back them with examples.
Recommended reads:
Freelance Software Developer Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Freelance Software Developer Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your Freelance Software Developer resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Freelance Software Developer Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Freelance Software Developer resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
Your summary section should act as a brief but informative introduction to your experience section. In this section you should go into more depth about what you have done, and how you did it.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Freelance Software Developer resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.
Freelance Software Developer Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Freelance Software Developer Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Test your draft Freelance Software Developer resume by sending it out to peers and mentors in your circles. Ask them to review it as if they are hiring you for a project and implement the feedback afterwards.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Freelance Software Developer resume:
Freelance Software Developer Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Freelance Software Developer resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Freelance Software Developer Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
