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 Senior Software Developer sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Senior Software Developer resume experience section
Senior 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 Senior Software Developer resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Unified multiple channel system to a single system using Twilio's Autopilot. This resulted to an increase in sales leads by 47% with 2x increase in appointments, as mentioned in Twilio's Customer Story
- Enhanced existing SMS and Email scheduler system to increase throughput on demand while adhering to CTIA guidelines
- Upgraded internal search system using AWS Elasticsearch resulting in 5X increase in speed while maintaining consistent data growth
- Integrated USPS Informed Visibility and Delivery for granular visibility of outgoing mail
- Designed and developed a custom domain warmup process resulting in 2X increase in delivery rate while isolating internal shared domains
- Integrated with multiple services like Zendesk for support, Re-Captcha, FB messenger
- ASP.NET Core 2.1 + TSQL
- Using docker image running in kubernetes
- Manage CI pipeline in Gitlab
- Analyzed, designed and implemented software solutions that allowed the startup to grow in commercial, business and security areas.
- Automated and developed a web application which improved the user experience across Hometuls' tools.
- Head of the data department, leading four (4) Software Developers.
- Clusterized users based on their behavior and interaction with Hometul's tools.
- Using Python 3, Flask, Django, Pandas, seaborn, Node.js, TypeScript, Angular, Express, Pentaho and AWS.
- Development and maintance of BIM Manager Systems
- My first project was Knauf BIM Cockpit, a web app based on Laravel, designed to provide the best possible experience in managing and finding the perfect materials and systems for architects.
- I worked on projects similar to Kanuf BIM Cockpit like BMS(Building Material Scouts) and BIM&MORE.
- Promoted to the position of Team Lead in January 2019
- Periodically orchestrated maintenance tasks on company projects
- Chaired the software project team to develop the main features of the company platform.
- Oversaw and supervised data migrations and restructuring this framework from an architectural point of view, and helping all team members on daily basis
- Presently charged with designing the architecture and refining a global BIM&MORE platform, based on PHP/Laravel/MySQL. Main goals are: CD/CI, lightweight stuck, complete test coverage.
- To design and develop software solutions using .NET technologies
- To implement and manage internal SharePoint portal.
- To develop integration layers for internal products.
- Requirentes gathering and business processes analysis.
- Salesforce.coms solutions design.
- Lead the team of Force.com developers.
- Resource Allocation: Based on Developers Skills and Project schedule assign the right resource to the right Project/Task.
- Project Planning and Workload planning.
- Integrate and validate final solution for release.
- Development (Visualforce, Apex, JavaScript, JAVA, .Net, Python) and Code Review.
- Lead Scrum meetings and co-coordinate the support process.
- Developed in .NET/ASP.NET (C#) including (1) a database-less web application consuming 3 APIs and providing an API to iOS (2) a anti-money laundering compliance web system and (3) a Azure web deployment application using Azure Management API.
- Developed in Laravel (PHP) including a large scale portal for large local oil company including reporting, scripts, and data management from fuel depot to fuel pump.
- Aided in managing Azure environments.
- Aided the design team in working with development team and translating idea to conception.
- Provided expertise on multiple possible approaches to software solutions
- Researched developing technologies and applied information towards future project developments
- Participated in the detailed design and development phases of client projects
- Managing technical scope and client expectation
- Proposed architecture improvements and performs technology trend analysis
- Led the development of TreeNote - Web, iOS, Android notes application with tree structure, which allows the user to add any kind of information. Used technologies: Amazon WS, Python, Django, REST API, Android SDK, iOS SDK
- Led the development of a news media website which was in Bulgaria’s top 10 (by traffic)
- Developed many in-house and contracts projects Web, Android, iPhone apps and games
- Took part in developed Android geo location based social network
- Developed books search app in JEE, Spring MVC, Hibernate
- Developed website Lyrics Planet - music lyrics db with 1M+ lyrics
- Clients: GlaxoSmithKline, Receipt Bank
- Took part in development of eCommerce web sites for biggest UK and EU retailers - ASDA, Hamleys
- Used Demandware e-commerce platform, Sterling Commerce, Weblogic, JMS, Oracle Database, Oracle ESB
- Created first automation testing project with Selenium and TestNG
- To design and implement software solutions.
- To implement and manage internal SharePoint portal.
- To develop integration layers for internal products.
- Leading the development of full-stack web applications in the context of machine-learning assisted drug discovery (see "Projects" section on Page 2)
- Key contributor in architecting the transformation of our machine learning processes to a production-ready, scalable, ml-assisted drug discovery platform
- Leading the recruitment and interview process for software development roles
- Supervising interns and new employees
- Supporting grant writing and communication with strategic partners
- To design and develop software solutions using .NET technologies
- To implement and manage internal SharePoint portal.
- To develop integration layers for internal products.
- Research of new technologies on a new project with complex architecture
- Designing and developing the infrastructure of the system
- The development methodology was Agile(Scrum).
- Design and develop Java Web Based solutions
- Mobile development for fingerprint systems
- Desktop solutions for various Biometric devices
- System Design and Implementation
- Bluetooth 4.0 based device design
- Worked as a as partner from Wipro Technologies
- Technical lead and coordinating both offshore and onshore teams.
- Handling New projects, developments and Deployments and Maintenance.
- Agile Mainframe developer
- Mainframe developer with experience in Insurance and Banking sectors and part of both Waterfall and Agile projects.
- End to end responsibilities of developments.
- Was one of the critical resources in the team.
- As SWARM SRE of Grab for Insurance, lead the team to make Insurance services highly stable with 5-nines uptime (99.999%)
- Collaborated with various 3rd party expense management companies (ex- Concur, Chrome River, Expensify) to provide seamless receipt integration for Business users.
- Lead Grab for Business to automate user ticket management using sophisticated Facebook and Slack bot suite.
- Adopted Dynamic Configuration Management tool to reduce the need for deployments and restarts of Insurance services
- Documented designs with UML using EA, creating software complying with product literature, helping customers meet Ofgem regulations.
- Created innovative web based pressure management software for gas pipeline pressure monitoring and validation. Supports thousands of grouped monitors using GPRS and GPS, featuring mapping, and Flot™ charting.
- Developing gas network governor profiler used for efficient control of pressure in leaking gas networks.
- Designed GPS mapping application used to control cathodic protection on pipelines in the United States. Allows staged switching off of protection through multiple time zones, also enables users easily identify pipeline alerts from monitors.
- Demonstrated to customers how the software solves their business challenges.
- Developed RESTful API micro service logger using ASP.Net Core 2.0, RabbitMQ and SQL Server 2016.
- Implemented SQL Server 2016 Always Encrypted database using DACPAC. Replaced existing DBCrypt field encryptor, saving Allpay thousands of pounds in yearly subscription. PCI compliant design.
- Developed responsive ASP.Net MVC 5, MVVM, layered SPA recurring payment application. Using KnockoutJS , TypeScript, ADO.Net featured repository, and stored procedures. OWASP top 10 as a guide, RealEx and Cognia integration.
- Created PingIt Restful API key exchange micro service for Allpay interface to Barclays Bank. Featured live key swapping between Allpay and Barclays Bank used for input signed files to Allpay secure servers. Not Web API based
- Designed MEF based dll plugins for batch processing of multiple customer payment card manufacture.
- Developed RPC Web service micro services for Meta data store, claims based authentication.
- Developed MS Test unit tests using the Moq framework run during gated TFS CI builds.
- Implemented automated UI testing with Selenium scheduled TFS 2017 builds.
- Development of new versions for CACI France, Risk and Protection domain on GraphTalk AIA product
- Maintenance of Production defects on PREDICA France Savings domain on GraphTalk AIA product
- Defect fixing and maintenance on FINAREF France Group Risk and Protection domain on GraphTalk AIA product
PRO TIP
Don't make the same mistake everyone else does. What we mean is, don't list your Senior 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 Senior Software Developer Resume
Recommended reads:
Senior 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 Senior 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
When describing your experience, don’t go too far from its terminology. Recruiters use ATS systems to filter resumes based on them having certain keywords, so make sure you use at least a few keywords mentioned in the job description.
Senior Software Developer Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Senior 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 Senior 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.
Senior Software Developer Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Senior 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 Senior Software Developer resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Senior Software Developer. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.
Senior 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.
Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior Software Developer resume:
Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior 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.
