Compared with most programming languages, Java is a relative dinosaur. Created in 1995, it has become industry standard for many types of programming functionality for its cross-platform functionality and ease of scalability as your company’s service grows. This is especially true if you’re going to create any kind of Android applications or technology that interacts with what the industry calls “the Internet of Things.” Since this includes all smart home and wearable devices, there’s certainly only going to be upward growth as a Java developer.
The best part of job hunting a Java developer is that there is no shortage of open jobs. Coding bootcamps and other non-traditional educational resources have become common as the industry struggles to fill the gap between supply and demand in the labor market. While most Java developers do have four-year degrees, it’s also possible to prove your skill level with practical application of skill. For example, GitHub is an industry-accepted open-source portfolio platform that is often used as a way to secure a job as a Java developer. For those looking for a career change in a growth industry, Java developer jobs are a great option.
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Java is one of the most popular and highly applicable coding languages available today. A Java developer uses this specific coding language to develop software applications, video games, animations, and so much more. As a Java developer, you’d be responsible for designing applications using the Java language, testing and implementing applications, routine software maintenance, debugging and troubleshooting software, and more.
To become a Java developer, you will need a degree in computer science or computer programming. Hiring managers will be looking for someone with experience in programming and coding, particularly using Java. Any certifications relating to the Java language will help you land this role. Hiring managers may also look for someone with related prior job experience, such as roles held as an application engineer, SQL program, or Java architect. Candidates for this role should be highly fluent in the Java programming language and have strong attention to detail.
Apart from the actual coding, working efficiently in Java requires using project management tactics and features to keep projects running smoothly. On your resume, you should highlight how you’ve planned, designed, and managed projects within Java.
Java developers are the nuts-and-bolts of most organizations. They are not expected to be software architects -- i.e. creating the foundation of the company’s software and web applications -- but they are responsible for maintaining and improving existing architecture. This involves employing strategies like TDD (test driven development) and CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous development) in order to keep code up to standard.
Skills boxes are always important to help get your resume through ATS (applicant tracking system) filters. However, on Java developer resumes they’re even more important because the specific types of languages and tools you cite show the company what type of developer you are, what kind of databases you can work with, and what kind of growth you are aiming for in the next phases of your career.
Any time you are promoted, that shows your ability to take feedback and incorporate it into your growth as an employee. Your resume should focus on what events or achievements were the most instrumental in that promotion.
A Java full stack developer uses this programming language in combination with relevant frameworks to develop software, applications, APIs...you name it. They work on all levels of the development process including databases, backend, and front end.
As a full stack developer, you're likely going to be interfacing with all product teams, whether that's designers, engineers, backend developers, DevOps teams and product managers. Keep that in mind as you write your resume — you might want to showcase your collaborative skills in your resume.
To become a full stack Java developer, you should know how to use Java frameworks, such as Hibernate, Spring, and Grails. Java is essentially a backend programming language. In order to manipulate front end components, you'll likely use a framework.
You've heard the stereotype, "engineers suck at design!" Full stack developers with strong design and UX experience are far and few between, so if you do have experience with design, mention it. The user interface consists of the experience users have when interacting with the software, whereas UX evaluates users’ perspective of the actual brand based on their interaction with the product.
Java full stack developers are highly prized because they have a deep and wide skill set. Full stack developers have the ability to work on the back and the front end of development. Simply put, that means they can maintain the UI (user interface) side of programming as well as the more complex, invisible side of programming, including databases, software architecture, and much more.
If you’re a full-stack Java developer, you can expect your work to be both internal to the company and program and external (customer-facing). This developer does a great job of showing successful projects that do both. You should always highlight when you successfully deliver a project to stakeholders with diverse needs. It shows high-level communication skills that are useful in understanding how to execute ongoing software needs.
In a rapidly and constantly changing field like computer programming, you are going to have to be a lifelong learner in order to not be obsolete. While you may be tempted to leave off continuing education in favor of job history, in fact it shows your ability to pivot and grow with this dynamic field.
Just like the title sounds, a Java full stack developer specializes in Java and Javascript. It’s important to tailor your resume to showcase your knowledge with anything Java and what projects you’ve completed in the past specifically using Java. Of course, other languages and other general full stack experience will be helpful to mention, but you want to make sure you show the recruiter why they should pick you.
As a Java full stack developer, you’ll be responsible for collaborating with other teams - whether that's designers or other engineers - to produce efficient code for website or software development. Make sure to discuss the Java projects you’ve worked on with a team, if you were responsible for leading the team, and overseeing development.
J2EE developers are specialized programmers who create high-level enterprise software or applications for a business. J2EE (which stands for Java 2 Enterprise Edition) is an extension of the Java coding framework. As such, J2EE developers are masters of the Java language. As a J2EE developer, you will lead the enterprise application development process for a company. You’ll be responsible for designing enterprise applications, implementing and testing these applications, overseeing duplications, troubleshooting issues with the code, and more.
To become a J2EE developer, you’ll need a mix of proper education and work experience. Hiring managers usually look for someone with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. Hiring managers will also look for someone with a minimum of 2-4 years of relevant work experience, such as in roles like software programmer, Java developer, or mobile tester. Considering J2EE is an extension of Java, ideal candidates for this role will be absolute masters of the Java language. These candidates should also have a strong understanding of business needs and project management.
As a J2EE developer, you will work on a company’s enterprise applications. These applications may be used by many parties. This means you may have to provide guidance and training to internal employees when the software stack changes. You should highlight past instances where you have provided technical support or training to colleagues on your resume.
J2EE (Java to the Enterprise Edition) is a platform consisting of APIs, applets, and more that make creating enterprise-level web applications easy and scalable. In a world iincreasingly focused on SaaS (software as a service) as a business model, J2EE developers have in-demand, specialized knowledge.
When you’re targeting a specialized job, it often helps to include the job title at the top of your resume. Just as the skill box helps to increase your likelihood of not being discarded in ATS filters, so does including the job title.
It’s one of the most common tricks of the trade to tailor your resume to the job listing you’re seeking. You can certainly get away with just listing desired skills in your skill box, but it’s even more effective to take those skills listed in your skill box and link them to job performance. As the old adage says: show; don’t tell.
The senior Java developer is a leadership role within the software engineering department in a company. These professionals are masters of the Java programming language, and have the knowledge to guide coding teams when using this language. They may communicate with internal stakeholders to understand project timelines, guide and train junior Java developers, solve high level bugs and issues, use project management skills and frameworks to guide their team, and more.
To land this role, you have considerable experience in coding and programming. Hiring managers will typically look for someone with a degree in computer science. Moreover, hiring managers will want someone with a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in related roles such as roles held as a Java developer or operations engineer. Ideal candidates for this role are not only masters of the Java programming language, but also efficient leaders with great project management skills.
The cardinal difference between a Java developer and senior Java developer is that the senior role will require the supervision, training and monitoring of junior level programmers. For this reason, it’s important to strengthen your leadership abilities prior to applying for this role. Be sure to highlight experience you have training, guiding, or mentoring others on your resume.
Agile project management frameworks, such as SCRUM, are important in being able to effectively manage coding projects. Taking courses or obtaining certifications in agile project management and adding it to your resume will show hiring managers you are able to effectively manage large-scale programming projects.
A senior Java developer has successfully worked in diverse roles as a developer, but has also transitioned to a more managerial role. Importantly, this includes communication skills across teams with different job roles and enterprise-level thinking. It’s one thing to be able to do the work, but to be able to translate that to those unfamiliar with how a Java developer works is what makes a good senior Java developer.
You should be wary of including soft skills directly on a resume. While you may be tempted to say you’re a good communicator or a team player, those things are not easily demonstrable and often dependent on context. Instead, you should follow the example of this resume: the senior Java developer is responsible for translating technical data to non-technical team members (specifically the COO), and they provided supporting impact data to demonstrate how effective they were in that context.
Active verbs will always do twice the work of adjectives, as will the active voice. You can maximize your space on a resume while still impacting your audience by using strong verbs. Use verbs related to Java development or engineering; whether that's 'developed', 'tested' or 'implemented'.
As a Java Software Engineer, you'll be working on developing, testing, and maintaining complex applications and software systems. Lately, there's been a significant increase in demand for Java engineers, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. When writing your resume, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of object-oriented programming and demonstrate your ability to work with modern Java frameworks and libraries.
Moreover, highlighting your experience with other technologies that are frequently used alongside Java, such as databases and web services, would be beneficial. Don't forget to emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to work efficiently in a team. These aspects are crucial for success in this role.
Be sure to list the specific Java technologies you're familiar with, such as Java SE, Java EE, Spring, Hibernate, or JUnit. Emphasize your expertise in frameworks and tools commonly used in the industry to show you can hit the ground running.
Provide examples of times when you successfully implemented a solution or improved an existing system using Java. This could be a personal project or a task you completed at a previous job. Quantify your achievements wherever possible to showcase your skills and abilities.
There’s a lot of debate in the industry about the difference between a Java software engineer and a Java developer. Some say that the largest difference is the title and pay schedule -- which does, of course, matter. Skills wise, it’s fair to say that a Java software engineer will probably be expected to be more of a computer science generalist with a strong speciality in Java who can also work in large teams. This means that you will be expected to code in other foundational languages (like C++ for example) as competently as you do in Java.
When you're applying to a specific Java software engineering role like this, you want to show recruiters that you have had practical experience in Java. Do this through your achievements like in the examples here, which call out Java frameworks through the work experience section.
Java development is a wide field. You can use a resume summary to tell recruiters what kinds of roles you're looking for within the Java or engineering space: whether that's a focus on developing front-end apps, back-end apps, mobile apps or testing.
This is an entry-level position in software development. Your main job will be to develop new applications. Tasks you can expect include coding, troubleshooting, running tests, solving bugs, etc. You need to be knowledgeable about JavaScript and be able to do front-end and back-end coding. Your resume should focus on listing your software development qualifications and skills as well as your achievements in the software development space; especially using javascript.
Recruiters often use ATS resume filters to narrow down the applicant and create a list of the most suitable candidates. Forgetting to simply add the word ‘Java’ to your resume title might cause you to be filtered out. This is a position for a Java developer so ensure you list the title appropriately.
As the name suggests, a Java backend developer is a skilled backend developer that primarily uses the Java technical language to build applications. Back-end developers create the parts of the applications that the users don’t generally see. They create the parts of the application that keep the app operating as it should.
This is a technical position and so your resume should concentrate on listing your developer qualifications and skills and what you have been able to create. Take a look at this successful resume sample.
Show recruiters that you are a hardworking and successful developer by showing promotions in your career. It will also show recruiters your dedication to your profession. This applicant started as a junior programmer and moved their way up to a Java backend developer position.
An indicator of your skill in development is how you can increase the productivity of an app, make it more satisfying for consumers to use, or make it more efficient to use. Use metrics to show the impact of your work in any of these areas. This applicant has done this very successfully.
As the name suggests, this position is meant for someone just getting started in the software development space. In this position, you will be developing using Java language so highlight any experience you have with that specifically. Tasks you can expect are assisting with coding, troubleshooting, running tests, reporting bugs, etc. You are likely to be working under more senior developers so great communication skills are a huge plus. Here is a recruiter-approved resume sample.
This is an entry-level position so you won't be expected to have years of experience developing. What recruiters will be looking closely at are your qualifications. So clearly list your bachelor’s degree if you have a degree in I.T. or a related field, and list all software development certifications you may have. Remember this is a Java position so your Java certifications should lead.
You may not have a lot of professional experience so include school projects and activities to populate your experience section. Concentrate on any projects that included you using Java language.
As a hiring manager who has recruited Java Developers at companies like Google, Amazon, and Oracle, I've seen hundreds of resumes. The best ones always stand out because they highlight the right skills and experience that match the job description. Here are some tips to help you create a strong Java Developer resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and get you interviews.
Employers want to see that you have a deep understanding of Java and its ecosystem. Make sure to list your proficiency in:
Don't just list them though. Provide concrete examples of how you used these technologies in your projects. For instance:
A resume summary for a Java Developer is optional. It sits at the top of your resume and provides a snapshot of your skills and experience. While a summary can help provide additional context, especially for career changers or experienced developers, it's not a must-have. Avoid using an objective statement, as it focuses on your goals rather than what you can offer an employer.
If you choose to include a summary, make it concise and tailored to the specific Java Developer role you're targeting. Highlight your most relevant technical skills, years of experience, and key accomplishments. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to help your resume pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Hiring managers and recruiters spend mere seconds skimming your resume. Make those seconds count by showing how you've made a measurable impact in each role, and how you've grown in your career. Here are some tips for writing an effective work experience section that will grab their attention.
Java developers are a vital part of ensuring that companies function, especially when you’re talking about industries like e-commerce or SaaS (sales as a service) companies. You’re responsible for building the software and web-based applications, continually improving said offerings based on customer data, keeping these applications healthy through testing, and more. As such, proving your success in these skills vividly is extremely important, and the best way to do that is to combine action verbs with concrete data.
Consider also that part of working at the enterprise level on software and web-based applications involves a lot of communication. You’re incorporating data from customers as well as from co-workers who may not be as tech savvy as you are. Using clear and precise action verbs on your resume will show employers that you’re no stranger to the parts of the job that aren’t just about Java.
For more related action verbs, visit Software Engineering Action Verbs.
For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs.
Skill lists are a great way to tailor your resume to a specific job posting. They’re also helpful in getting your resume past ATS (applicant tracking system) filters, especially in combination with other strategies above.
By comparison with other industries, programmers in general and Java developers in specific get a lot of leverage out of the skill section on their resume. The skills you’ve learned are concrete, measurable, and define the type of programming you’re capable of at a glance. Remember what we noted above as well: you can reinforce your ownership of these skills by highlighting them in your work experience achievements as well.
Skills vary depending on what Java application you're working on. If it's a mobile application, you should likely include skills like Android or Kotlin on your resume. If it's a web application you're going to be working on, you likely need to include JavaScript, React or Vue JS (JavaScript frameworks) or Node.js. Finally, if you're applying to enterprises, you might want to include skills relating to continuous integration or tools that help with deployment, e.g. Spring, AWS or Azure.
You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Java Developer job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.
You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your Java Developer resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:
Undertook major system upgrades for existing clients; provided 24x7 consulting support for 15+ clients
Developed and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2
Led full redesign of website with findings from customer segmentation and competitive research, increasing website leads by 200%
Cut projected time for data analysis by one week by developing reusable ETL components using Pentaho Kettle
Developed web scraping program in Python to help the firm download public data, including over 10,000 company descriptions and stock quotes, enriching internal data and increasing research efficiency by over 50%
For more sample bullet points and details on how to write effective bullet points, see our articles on resume bullet points, how to quantify your resume and resume accomplishments.
Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.
