Software Engineering Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Software Engineering 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
  • Software Design
  • Scrum
  • Software Architecture
  • Jakarta EE
  • Web Services
  • Unified Modeling Language (UML)
  • Docker Products
  • Saab
  • Unix
  • Integration
  • Embedded Systems
  • Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
  • Embedded Software
  • Testing
  • Perl
  • Programming
  • Systems Engineering
  • Databases
  • Software Testing
  • Manual Testing
  • Regression Testing
  • Test Cases
  • Test Planning
  • Software Quality Assurance
  • Jira
  • Test Automation
  • Functional Testing
  • Selenium
  • Quality Assurance
  • User Acceptance Testing
  •   Show full list

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords?

Try to add these keywords directly into your resume's work experiences. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency.

Oh and one more thing! It goes without saying, but only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

Compare Your Resume To These Software Engineering 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 Engineering resume?

1
Review the job posting closely.

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

2
Add industry skills like C# and Software Development.

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

3
Add skills into your work experience.

Incorporate skills - like Test Automation, Programming and Software Testing - 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 Engineering 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 Engineering 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 Engineering, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Software Engineering 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
Java Software Engineer


Resume Example
QA (Quality Assurance) Software Tester


Resume Example
Node.js Software Developer


Resume Example
Software Engineering Lead


Word Cloud for Software Engineering Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Software Engineering 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 Engineering Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hard skills should you include on a Software Engineering resume?

The most common skills and keywords we found on Software Engineering resumes and job postings were Software Development, JavaScript, Java, Git, C#, AngularJS, SQL and React.js.

Skills like Test Automation, Embedded Software, Linux, Programming and Software Testing also appeared on related job postings.

How do resume skills compare between a Software Application Engineer and a Java Software Engineer?

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

  • Software Development
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Java
  • Git
  • Linux
  • SQL
  • JavaScript
  • XML

In comparison, skills we see on Java Software Engineer resumes include:

  • Spring Framework
  • Hibernate
  • Spring Boot
  • Maven
  • Spring MVC
  • JUnit
  • Jakarta EE

What are good resume skills to include for different Software Engineering 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:

  • Java Software Engineer: Spring Framework, Java, Hibernate, Spring Boot and Maven
  • Software Application Engineer: Software Development, Agile Methodologies, Git, Linux and SQL
  • Full Stack Engineer: AngularJS, JavaScript, Node.js, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and Web Development

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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