As the industry continues to grow, more and more skills are required to obtain a software engineering job.  This means you will need an exceptional resume to display your unique qualifications for such a position.  As with any other job, a resume should feature a well-organized, clean design and contain only the most valuable information.  Although length may vary, you should try to keep your resume under two pages in length.  This gives you limited space in which to explain your experience.  Consequently, it is imperative to know exactly what employers are looking for from software engineers.

A quality resume for a software engineer should naturally include all relevant educational information.  This ultimately includes at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.  Those degrees most sought include software engineering, computer science, and computer information systems.  A Master’s degree is preferred by many companies, and it is becoming increasingly common for software engineers to pursue graduate studies.  Be sure to include the exact specialty of your graduate work, along with any notable projects you may have completed.

Experience often plays a larger role than academic background in obtaining a software engineer position.  Recent college graduates should focus in on any coop or internship experiences they may have had.  Mid-career professionals should list all their significant jobs and any major projects or skills used in each position.  For example, if you worked specifically with web applications development, be sure to include this information.  Many companies are now seeking engineers with real-world experience in very specific areas, and work you have done with software security, mobile technology, and other growing markets are notable.  Finally, make sure you prominently feature all the coding languages, frameworks, and systems with which you are experienced.

In addition to your academic profile and career experience, it is important to display information related to your growth as a software engineer.   A great way to bolster your existing resume is to attend a professional development workshop or seminar. These may be offered by your current employer, but you can also sign up for programs offered by large software companies, academic institutions, training consultants, and professional societies.  You should also consider obtaining a professional certification from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

More resume tips and templates can be found on the web.  Choose a format that works for you and be sure to add quality information that highlights your most important skills.