Software Developer CV example
This example shows how to present technical skills, projects and measurable impact clearly, in a format that works for both ATS software and technical recruiters.
Daniel Osei Manchester, United Kingdom | daniel.osei.dev@example.com | +44 7000 111222 | linkedin.com/in/danielosei Professional Summary Backend-focused Software Developer with 4 years of experience building and maintaining APIs and services in Python and Node.js. Comfortable working across the stack, with a track record of reducing system response times and mentoring junior developers. Work Experience Software Developer, Northfield Digital Solutions -- Manchester, UK March 2022 -- Present - Redesigned a core billing API, cutting average response time from 480ms to 190ms - Led migration of a legacy PHP service to Node.js, reducing server costs by roughly 30% - Mentored 2 junior developers through onboarding and their first production releases - Introduced automated testing that increased code coverage from 40% to 78% Junior Software Developer, Bramwell Tech -- Leeds, UK July 2020 -- February 2022 - Built and maintained internal tools used daily by a 25-person operations team - Fixed an average of 15 bugs per sprint across a 2-week release cycle - Collaborated with QA to reduce post-release defects by approximately 20% Education BSc Computer Science, University of Leeds -- 2020 Skills Python, JavaScript/Node.js, SQL, REST APIs, Docker, Git, CI/CD pipelines, unit testing Projects Open-source contributor to a task-scheduling library (500+ GitHub stars) Built and deployed a personal expense-tracking app used by over 100 active users Certifications AWS Certified Developer -- Associate (2023)
What recruiters look for in a developer CV
Technical recruiters and hiring managers scan for a clear tech stack, evidence of real projects (not just coursework), and measurable impact such as performance improvements, cost savings, or reliability gains. Listing every language and framework you have ever touched is less useful than clearly highlighting the two or three you are strongest in and can speak to confidently in an interview.
Showcasing projects and open-source work
If you contribute to open-source projects, run a personal project, or built something during a bootcamp or degree, include it, especially early in your career when professional experience is limited. Mention concrete details: user numbers, stars, technologies used, or a specific technical problem you solved, rather than a vague one-line description.
Handling a stack that does not match the job advert exactly
It is common to apply for a role using a slightly different language or framework than your current job. Emphasise transferable fundamentals, such as your experience with APIs, databases or testing practices, and be direct in your cover letter about your ability and willingness to ramp up quickly on the specific stack.
Frequently asked questions
Should I list every programming language I know?
No, focus on the languages and tools most relevant to the role, and be prepared to discuss everything you list in an interview.
Do I need a GitHub link on my CV?
If you have public repositories worth showing, yes, since it gives recruiters direct evidence of your code quality and activity.
How technical should my CV be for a recruiter who is not an engineer?
Keep summaries in plain language focused on outcomes, and save deep technical detail for your projects section or the interview itself.