Software Engineer Resume Template: Free Example & ATS Keywords (2026)
A software engineer's resume gets judged on two things: whether the tech stack matches the job req, and whether the bullet points show measurable impact instead of a list of duties. Here's what actually belongs on it, the keywords ATS software scans for, and what changes if you're applying to work abroad.
What to include
| Section | What goes here |
|---|---|
| Header | Name, contact info, GitHub/portfolio link, LinkedIn — and work authorization status if applying internationally |
| Technical skills | Languages, frameworks, cloud platforms, and tools — matched to the specific job posting, not an exhaustive list |
| Experience | Project or role, your specific contribution, and a quantified outcome for each bullet |
| Projects (if junior or self-taught) | 2–3 substantial projects with a live link or repo, tech stack used, and what problem it solved |
| Education | Degree, institution, graduation year — relevant coursework only if you're early-career |
ATS keywords recruiters search for
Sample resume summary
Common mistakes to avoid
- Listing every technology you've ever touched. A 40-item skills list with no proficiency context reads as noise, not signal — match your list to the job posting instead.
- No quantified impact. "Worked on the payments system" says nothing. "Reduced checkout errors by 22% by rewriting the validation layer" does.
- Burying the GitHub link. If you have real project work, put the link where it will actually get clicked — the header, not the footer.
- Skipping work authorization status when applying abroad. Many companies filter on sponsorship requirements early; stating your status upfront saves everyone time.
Format varies by country
Software engineering resumes travel better across borders than most professions — the tech stack speaks for itself — but a few things still change by country:
- United States: Visa sponsorship status (e.g., H-1B) is often screened for explicitly
- United Kingdom: Right-to-work status and Skilled Worker visa sponsorship expectations
- Canada: Work permit status, or Express Entry / PR pathway if relevant
- Australia: Visa subclass and work rights, often requested directly on the resume
- Europass/EU: A structured CV format is still expected by many employers, even in tech
AdaptIT Pro builds a correctly-structured resume for each of these — start with your country's free tool or see the full country-by-country format guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a software engineer resume be one page?
For most mid-level and junior roles, yes. Senior engineers with 10+ years of experience or multiple substantial leadership roles can justify two pages, but keep every line earning its place.
Should I list every programming language I know?
No — match your technical skills section to the job posting's stack. A long, undifferentiated list of every language and framework you've touched reads as unfocused rather than impressive.
Do I need to include a GitHub link?
If you have public repos or side projects worth showing, yes — and put the link somewhere visible, like the header, not buried at the bottom. It's often the first thing a technical recruiter checks.
Should I mention visa sponsorship needs on my resume?
If you're applying internationally, a brief, factual line about your work authorization status can save time for both sides — many companies filter applicants on this early in the process.
Build your software engineer resume — free, correctly formatted
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See the full country-by-country format guide →