Software Engineer

Software Engineer Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Software Engineer job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. So try to include them on your resume where possible.

Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all these keywords on your resume, identify the keywords most relevant to the job you're applying to and include those. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

  • Software Development
  • JavaScript
  • Java
  • Git
  • C#
  • AngularJS
  • SQL
  • React.js
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Linux
  • Node.js
  • C++
  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • C (Programming Language)
  • XML
  • Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • MySQL
  • HTML
  • .NET Framework
  • Scrum
  • Web Development
  • TypeScript
  • Docker Products
  •   Show full list

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords?

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences, education or projects. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency.

Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

Compare Your Resume To These Software Engineer Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

How do I add skills to a Software Engineer resume?

1
Review the job posting closely.

Go through the Software Engineer posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like C#, React.js and Git are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

2
Add industry skills like SQL and Software Development.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as AngularJS, JavaScript and Java - into your resume if they're relevant.

3
Add skills into your work experience.

Incorporate skills - like Scrum, TypeScript and XML - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

4
Highlight technical and engineering skills.

It's important to show hiring managers your technical experience, whether that's in your previous Software Engineer roles or other experiences. Try to emphasize your technical and engineering experience through your bullet points.

5
Highlight any software engineering or development experience.

Programming and software development are common skill sets for Software Engineer roles, so try to highlight related accomplishments in your summary, work experience or skills sections.

6
Use the exact job title.

Try to add the exact job title, Software Engineer, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Software Engineer Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Software Engineer job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Top Software Engineer Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

Resume Skills and Keywords from Related Jobs

We also found variations and further specializations to your job title. Browse through the related job titles to find additional keywords that you can include into your resume.

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

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Software Engineer Resume Templates

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example
Entry Level Software Engineer


Resume Example
Senior Software Engineer


Resume Example
UX Engineer (Usability Engineer)


Resume Example
Java Software Engineer


Resume Example
QA (Quality Assurance) Software Tester


Resume Example
Cisco Network Engineer (CCNA)


Browse Skills from Similar Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills should you add to a Software Engineer resume?

Some popular Software Engineer hard skills are Software Development, JavaScript, Java, Git, C#, AngularJS, SQL and React.js.

Depending on the job you apply to, skills like XML, Scrum, TypeScript, .NET Framework and Python (Programming Language) can also be good to include on your resume.

How do resume skills compare between a Research Software Engineer and a Software Engineering Specialist?

Popular skills we often see on resumes for Research Software Engineer positions include:

  • Python (Programming Language)
  • Machine Learning
  • Algorithms
  • Git
  • C++
  • Java
  • Programming
  • C (Programming Language)

In comparison, skills we see on Software Engineering Specialist resumes include:

  • C#
  • MySQL
  • XML
  • .NET Framework
  • HTML
  • jQuery
  • AngularJS
  • Visual Studio

What are good resume skills to include for different Software Engineer roles and job titles?

Depending on the specific role you apply to, you may need to emphasize different skill sets. Here are a few examples:

  • Vice President Of Software Engineering: Software Development, Agile Methodologies, Cloud Computing, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Project Management
  • Java Software Engineer: Spring Framework, Java, Hibernate, Spring Boot and Maven
  • Software Engineer Team Lead: JavaScript, C#, AngularJS, SQL and .NET Framework
  • Software Engineering Manager: Scrum, Requirements Analysis, Integration, Software Design and ASP.NET
  • Research Software Engineer: Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Algorithms, Git and C++

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume.

It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters.

Start targeting your resume

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