Software Developer CV: How to write a CV for this role (with example)
Also known as: application developer, solutions developer, full stack engineer, programmer, application programmer, software specialist, software engineer, systems developer, web developer, back end developer, front end developer, c# developer, java developer
Crafting a standout software developer CV means moving beyond a simple list of programming languages. Hiring managers in the UK tech industry look for evidence of problem-solving abilities, architectural understanding, and a track record of delivering scalable solutions. This guide focuses on highlighting your technical contributions through the lens of business value.
Whether you are a back-end specialist or a full-stack engineer, your software developer CV needs to bridge the gap between deep technical expertise and professional execution. We will help you structure your experience to showcase not just what you built, but the impact those systems had on the user experience and the bottom line.
What does a Software Developer do?
Software developers are the architects and builders of the digital world. They translate complex business requirements into functional code, navigating the entire lifecycle of a software product from initial design through testing and deployment. While the core of the role involves writing code, modern developers also spend significant time collaborating with product managers, UX designers, and other stakeholders to ensure that technical solutions align with user needs.
In various environments, from high-growth London fintech startups to established enterprise-level firms in Manchester, these professionals must balance performance with maintainability. This involves selecting appropriate frameworks, managing databases, and integrating third-party APIs while adhering to security best-practice. The role requires a commitment to continuous learning as technologies evolve rapidly.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Designing and implementing scalable web applications and distributed systems.
- ➜ Writing modular, reusable, and testable code while performing rigorous peer reviews.
- ➜ Identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks and software defects.
- ➜ Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and refine software specifications.
- ➜ Automating deployment pipelines and managing cloud infrastructure.
- ➜ Documenting technical architectures and API specifications for internal and external use.
How to write a Software Developer CV
A successful CV for this role must lead with technical proficiency while quickly shifting to quantifiable achievements. Avoid long, dense paragraphs and instead use clean formatting that allows a recruiter to scan your tech stack in seconds.
01 CV Structure
Start with a concise header and a professional summary that defines your seniority and speciality. Follow this with a dedicated 'Technical Skills' section categorised by languages, frameworks, and tools. The core of your CV should be the professional experience section, listed in reverse-chronological order. Conclude with your education, certifications, and relevant personal projects or open-source contributions.
02 Professional Summary
Your summary should be a three to four sentence pitch. Mention your years of experience, your primary tech stack (e.g. Java, Python, AWS), and a high-level achievement that demonstrates your seniority. Focus on being a solution provider rather than just a coder.
Example Summary
Senior Software Developer with over 8 years of experience building high-performance distributed systems. Expert in Java, Spring Boot, and Kubernetes, with a proven history of optimising microservices to reduce latency by 35 per cent. Adept at leading cross-functional teams to deliver enterprise-grade cloud solutions that support millions of daily active users.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Engineered a real-time data processing engine that handled 2 million events per second, reducing infrastructure costs by £95,000 annually.
- ➜ Refactored a legacy monolithic application into a microservices architecture, improving developer deployment frequency by 400 per cent.
- ➜ Implemented automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Terraform, cutting manual deployment time from 4 hours to 10 minutes.
Experience Guidelines
Under each job title, use bullet points that follow the Action Verb + Task + Result formula. Mention the specific technologies used in each role. Whenever possible, include metrics like percentage improvements, money saved, or time-to-market reductions.
Education Guidelines
Include your degree, subject, and the university name. If you are a recent graduate, you can include relevant modules or a high classification (e.g. First Class Honours). For experienced developers, listing the degree and institution is sufficient.
Key skills for a Software Developer
A successful Software Developer combines deep technical knowledge with the ability to work within modern agile environments.
Programming Languages
Frameworks & Libraries
Infrastructure & Tools
Soft Skills
Software Developer CV example
The following example demonstrates a Senior Software Developer's career progression, focusing on measurable impacts and a robust technical toolkit.
Notes for adapting this example:
Note how the experience descriptions lead with strong verbs and include specific numbers. Adjust these metrics to reflect your own contributions, ensuring you mention the specific cloud providers and frameworks used in your previous roles.
Career Advisor Tips
Include a link to your GitHub profile or a personal portfolio to showcase your actual code quality.
Tailor your skills section for every job application to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that look for specific keywords like 'GraphQL' or 'Microservices'.
Highlight any experience with cloud-native development, as this is currently one of the most sought-after competencies in the UK market.
Mention your contributions to open-source projects or attendance at technical meetups to demonstrate community involvement.
Common mistakes to avoid
Providing long lists of technologies you have only briefly used rather than focusing on your core expertise.
Failing to mention the business outcome of your code, such as how a feature affected user retention or company revenue.
Neglecting to mention your experience with testing frameworks or CI/CD tools.
Using an outdated CV format that is difficult for automated tracking systems to parse or lacks clear section headings.
FAQ about Software Developer CVs
What is the average salary for a Software Developer in the UK?
The typical salary range for a Software Developer in the United Kingdom is between £45,000 and £95,000 yearly. This figure depends heavily on your location, with higher rates typically found in London, Cambridge, or Bristol, and your specific level of seniority or expertise in high-demand languages. (Source: Estimated market data)
Should I include personal projects on my CV?
Yes, especially if those projects demonstrate skills not used in your current professional role. Links to GitHub repositories show your coding style and commitment to the craft. Only include projects that are well-documented and show high-quality code.
How long should a software developer CV be?
For most developers in the UK market, a two-page CV is ideal. It provides enough space to detail your technical achievements and tech stack without becoming overwhelming for the recruiter. If you are a recent graduate, a single page is often sufficient if you can fit your relevant projects on it.
Vitae.
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Tailor my CVLast updated: 12/21/2025