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How to Write Work Experience on a Resume

Writing the work experience section

Writing the resume work experience section is one of the most influential and often trickiest resume sections to get right. Some employers will even cut right past the summary at the top of a resume and scan the employers, job titles and work dates to see if the resume is worth reading in detail. How much text you include for each section will also create a significant first impression. A lot can be understood during that mythical 6-second scan.

The work experience/job history on a resume is where past job descriptions and professional experiences give credibility to an application or interview. All the other information and sections on a resume, from hobbies to the personal statement , frame the list of relevant work experience over the last 10 - 15 years. So, how do I describe my work experience on a resume?

This guide will show you everything you need to know about including work experience on a resume, including:

• Why the work experience in cv matters
• What to include (and not include) in work experience on a resume
• The best format to follow for describing your work history
• Examples of work experience in cv across industries
• Practical tips for resume work experience
• How to list your current job and previous positions

The five-word rule. Think about five words that would be sum up your career. How would you describe your experience? Those five words should then come across incredibly strongly in the work experience on a resume. A hiring manager is not going to remember the sentences that you write, but if they stop reading with those five words (or more) in their minds, your resume will have done its job.

Why is work experience on your resume so important?

Before we jump in to the ins and outs of writing work experience on a resume, here is why it matters. A hiring manager or employer looks at a resume to answer one question:

Does this person’s work experience qualify them for this job?

The work experience section of your resume is the foundation that either qualifies you or disqualifies you for an interview or the next step in the hiring process. This resume section uses the last 10 - 15 years of relevant career history to tell a prospective employer whether you have the work experience in your cv that will fit the requirements of the role. The work experience section gives credibility to your application and should compliment every other aspect of your application materials (other sections in the resume, cover letter, portfolio, etc).

Be careful not to write your work experience section like a list of job responsibilities , though. The hiring manager knows what they want you to do. They are far more interested in evidence from your previous work experiences that you have what it takes to perform and take your next employer forward. Focus on offering compelling accomplishments, plenty of context and quantifiable results that your competition will not be able to match.

How do I add experience to my resume: What to include

In most cases, choosing which jobs to include on your resume should depend on your work history and the type of job you’re applying for. In general, work in a backward chronological order (in a resume format often known as reverse chronological format ) starting with your most recent position at the top of the page and include the last 10-15 years of employment history. The backward chronological order works best for most job seekers.

If you have a scattered work history, don’t stress. Job hopping is both more common and more widely accepted today, especially among the younger workforce. Including short part-time stints and side projects is good if those professional experiences directly relate to the job or feature skills that overlap with the position. Be prepared to answer questions about your career choices while considering work experience in cv, have a confident answer about your career path, and be forthcoming about the level of commitment you’re looking for. Once you’ve chosen the positions, let’s dive into the specific bullet points about work experience in a cv. Each one should include:

• Results-focused facts: The hiring manager already knows the basics. These bullet points should focus on how you specifically managed the position with innovation.
• Action Verbs: Strong action verbs hook in the reader. Negotiated! Pioneered! Transformed! This also keeps you away from falling down the adjective rabbit hole.
• Quantitative information: Numbers stand out to a hiring manager. They are specific and tangible. You grew a client’s reader base by 300% or managed 200 silent auction items. Let your accomplishments shine!
• On-Site Training: Weave skills and certifications gained on the job. This shows initiative and otherwise overlooked abilities.
• Awards and honors: If you were called out on the job for great work, go ahead and brag. Your work experience resume examples should be designed to impress.

Ideally, each position should include a mix of free-flowing text and achievement-led bullet points. The bullets will catch the eye, but you can only really tell a deeper story when you are not constrained by the width of the page.

How do I write a student CV? A student CV for a first job should contain full details on your education (as that will testify to your ability to focus and achieve) and ideally also contain details on any student jobs or volunteer work that you have done while you were studying. It doesn't matter how menial this work was, the most important thing is that you understand the responsibility of doing a paid day's work.

Volunteer work can be a wonderful way to feature a variety of valuable skills, Here's a list of how to add volunteer work to your resume.

Work experience on a resume: what to avoid

Always assume that your reader — in this case, the hiring manager — doesn’t need anything explained. You also have very little room to ramble on your resume. They will assume more about you than you think - especially if you have worked for a while in their industry.

Free up some space by not including:

• What the organization does: your resume is about you. The hiring manager doesn’t need to hear about the company.
• The basic requirements of your position: this is implied in your job title and will shine through your result-focused bullet points.
• Filler words: For the most part, save space by cutting out words like “I” and “the.”
• Anything irrelevant: If you have smaller responsibilities in a position that do not relate to the new job, leave them out. Every bullet point and every word takes up precious real estate on your resume - make them count.
• Chaired a project team through a change process, trimming 5% of our cost base.
• Outperformed sales team in quarterly new business attraction by 67%.
• Executed the software rollout to twelve departments within two months.
• Resolved a company-record 150 customer complaints a week.
• Rectified a list of outstanding issues that had been dormant for more than a year.

If you are a recent graduate with little or no work experience , you can consider adding your GPA or cum laude on your resume. As you acquire work experience over the years, you should replace your GPA or cum laude with relevant work experience. 

What is the most effective format for work experience on a resume?

On a basic level, the work experience layout typically includes:

• Job title, company name, location of employment
• Month and year started and left the position
• Between three and six bullet points briefly outlining your impact at the company

Work experience/job history on a resume should also include:

• Clear and concise bullet points that demonstrate the positive results of your work
• Powerful verbs
• Clear numbers and facts
• Growth between positions
• Specific keywords pulled from job description

Examples of work experience on a resume

Here are a few examples of work experience on a resume to see the differences between a first draft and the final draft. How do you describe your experience in the most succinct way possible?

Example #1: Work Experience in CV for a Teacher . Let’s say you’re applying to be a middle school science teacher at a popular independent school. The new job description emphasizes the importance of involvement outside the classroom. They specified that they’re looking for teachers looking to grow through professional development throughout their time there.

First Draft:

• I taught 5th-grade science classes
• I advised students outside of class
• I attended a conference on social-emotional learning

Final Draft:

• Developed and carried out a student-driven curriculum in three sections of Earth Science
• Annually advised 20 students to track growth and address individual challenges and strengths
• Invited to attend NAIS annual conference to develop modern social-emotional learning classroom tactics

Example #2: Work Experience in CV for Content Marketing Manager . Content Marketing Managers encompass a very wide range of responsibilities. The recruiter will have a general sense of your job experience — no need to start from scratch — but results-based, specific bullet points will thrive here.

• I manage a team of freelance copywriters at a major NYC marketing agency and ensure they got their work in on time
• I talked to clients and figured out what would be best for their brand
• Before everything was published, I proofread it all
• Oversaw a team of 25 freelance writers and streamlined content pipeline from ideation to publication
• Advised clients on both short- and long-term content strategy tactics while clarifying their personalized brand voice
• Edited and polished copy to maintain content consistency across multiple channels

When you have moved up the career ladder at a previous employer, you should be proud to showcase it on a resume. But how can you display multiple positions for the same company?

Example #3: Work Experience on a Resume for a Waiter . Food service moves quickly. Anything that cut a manager’s search time in half is more likely to land you the job. Be sure to look for keywords in the job posting such as “craft cocktail bartending experience” or “fine dining.” Sure, you can learn — and will learn — on the job, but restaurants have minimal time to train you on the basics. Be confident and clear about your background.

• I waited tables at a busy NYC Midtown restaurant
• Most of the time, I tended bar on nights and weekends
• Trained a few hosts
• Served lunch and dinner for four years in a Michelin-star-rated Midtown brasserie
• Acted as primary bartender during peak weekend and evening hours, specializing in craft cocktail creation
• Managed and streamlined training methods for new hosts and servers

Example #4: Work Experience Resume Example for an Executive Assistant . Personality plays such a large role in calmly managing a busy executive’s schedule and lifestyle. The tone of your resume should be both level-headed and confident in what is expected of an EA. Try to always be a step ahead of what your boss needs before you even begin the job.

• I made travel plans on behalf of executive team
• Budgeted for the office and managed expenses
• I trained other assistants and helped with hiring
• Managed complex domestic and international travel for five, C-level executives
• Decreased expense management costs by 35% and perfected expense tracking system for all office management accounts
• Hired, trained, and guided a team of five team assistants including a seasonal team of sales interns

Example #5: Work Experience Resume Sample for Sales Rep . Provable facts and figures are your largest asset as a sales representative. Did your last position measure your personal or team sales growth? Dig up these numbers to work them into your work experience section. Then, explain the methods you applied in the job itself to make it happen. This work experience resume example offers some ideas:

• Grew sales revenue every month
• I signed several new clients
• I changed the way we talked about our product
• Exponentially increased monthly sales revenue, surpassing 150% growth for the department after just 6 months
• Developed and signed 10 new key clients by researching previously undiscovered corners of our industry
• Redeveloped brand voice and sale representative script for efficient and personalized customer care

What skills do I put on a resume? when you are considering the work experience in a resume, you should aim to make the best possible use of space. There will always be a separate skills section where you can list one-word hard and soft skills , so make sure that this is related to the experience that you have mentioned with each employer, but it should add to the overall picture rather than simple repeat it. If you add an interesting skill that you have not mentioned in the work experience section, an employer is bound to ask about it at interview.

Grammar tips for listing job history on a resume

Do you write sentences? Phrases? Declarations? Writing resumes for first job? Here are some nitty-gritty grammar rules for writing your work experience bullet points.

• Write in phrases, often beginning with a strong verb. No need to write “I” to start off the sentence — that is implied and work experience in a CV is often conveyed in the third person as this is more professional.
• Tense : If you are still at your current position completing the work described, use present tense. For past positions or completed projects, choose past tense.
• Don’t be afraid to break out the thesaurus — especially for synonyms of “lead, managed and trained” — but stick to words you’d use yourself. No need to ace the SAT verbal section.

Filling your resume with exclusively truthful statements about your career is harder than you might think. Lying on a resume can take many forms. Don’t give in to temptation.

Tailoring job history on a resume for each application

Instead of mass applying to every job ad on the internet with the same resume, take the time to tailor it. The work experience section might require the least tailoring (as it will tick the boxes of most jobs if you are targeted in your approach), but there may be a few accomplishments that you may want to include for certain roles and exclude for others. View yourself as a meticulous editor cutting and pasting your career story to make it as attractive as possible.

Besides the fact that 36% of hiring managers throw out resumes that don’t seem personalized for a particular role, a tailored resume and application:

• Shows the hiring manager you took the time to apply and their job wasn’t one of 50 different places you sent your resume.
• Get past the automatic keyword filtering larger companies might use to automatically screen candidates in their Applicant Tracking System (ATS) . Your work experience samples need to be scanned by the machines first.
• Tweak diverse experiences to focus on the most relevant experience for a particular job. For example if you’ve ever had a job “wearing many hats” unless you’re applying for another “many hats” position, this strategy gives you a chance to focus your work experience on the hats that are most relevant for the new role.

Restarting this process every time you apply for a new job may seem excessive. Ideally, the more time you put into tailoring your resume, the less jobs you’ll need to apply to.

• Ignited a fire under the management team to deliver an extra $950k sales.
• Scrutinized the market and doubled market share by launching a new product.
• Implemented a new software solution that shrunk build time by 34%
• Initiated a recruitment drive that hired fifteen people within three months.
• Minimized surgery wait times by 15 mins, increasing patient satisfaction by 25%

How far back should your resume work experience go?

Your resume work experience should contain every piece of information that is relevant to you securing the role. This will dictate the amount of work experience in a CV that you might include. 

If you have a 30-year career, you might choose simply to list the employers for the first 10-15 years and use your precious resume space to describe the most recent resume experiences. However, if your career is 15 years or less, you should definitely include resume work experience about everything. 

In terms of the amount of work experience on your resume, try to give more information on the more recent roles. Make use of bullet points and solid text after your have listed the employer and date details - as you can see in our many resume samples .

Including a list of roles that were more than 15 years old might be possible, but only include the headlines. It is interesting for some business leaders to see where a senior manager spent their early career, so while you may not be asked about this much during an interview, it does add a certain depth to your application.

Should I put seminars on my CV? Typically, a one or two-day seminar would not be included on work experience in a CV. If the training or educational event has a certain prestige or lasts more than a week, then you might consider including it in the education section, but as anyone can attend a seminar, it will not give a huge indication as to your individual level of suitability for the role. You will certainly have more important information to share.

Your transition out of the military requires a resume that expresses your talents in a way that civilian employers will understand. The blog below offers tips for making the most of your service in your post-military resume.

Key takeaways

• Focus on results of your job history in the past. Only list work experience on a resume that is relevant to the job you’re applying to.
• Stand out with strong action verbs
• Get specific: use numbers, facts, and figures
• Speak in the past tense when the job is complete, present when you’re still doing the work.
• Cut out unnecessary filler words or adjectives.
• Align your job history bullet points to match the job description.
• Make sure that the work experience in CV goes back an appropriate amount of time

Work experience on a great resume helps employers know in 10 seconds or less if you are qualified for the job. It should sound a lot like the description in the job post. If the work experience in CV doesn’t sound like the job description or follow these rules, be prepared to pull out some creativity to get noticed. For example, use a resume builder to build a perfect resume in the exact format potential employers are looking for.

3 Best Resume Formats for 2024 [W/ 5+ Professional Templates]

How you format your resume matters . 

When reviewing your resume, the first thing hiring managers notice is how your resume looks , not what it contains .

And if the first thing they see is a messy, cluttered, crowded resume, chances are you won’t make a great first impression.

So, this begs the question: what are the best resume formats, and which one should YOU use? 

That’s exactly what we’re here to explain! In this article, we’re going to cover:

• Resume Formatting Guidelines
• 5+ Resume Templates (You Can Steal)
• 3 Main Resume Formats (With Examples)
• Resume Format Pros and Cons
• How to Choose a Resume Format

7 Other Resume Resources

Let’s dive right in! 

Resume Formatting Guidelines 

If you’re formatting your resume from scratch, you’ll first want to pay attention to the layout.  

That involves setting the margins, picking the font size, and determining your resume’s length. 

To create a professional-looking resume, follow these general formatting guidelines: 

• Don’t make your resume longer than one page . Unless you have 5+ years of relevant work experience, there’s no reason for your resume to be two or three pages long.
• Pick an 11 or 12-pt font size and stick with it throughout your resume.
• Pick an attention-grabbing (but professional) font . We recommend Ubuntu, Roboto, or Overpass.
• Use standard and legible resume sections . For example, your work experience should be called just that “Work Experience” and not “work history” or something else.
• Leverage bullet points to list information such as work achievements and responsibilities, academic details , etc. They help make the resume much more reader-friendly.
• Be consistent with resume formatting (e.g. use the same date format everywhere, instead of using 11.2018 in one place and November 2018 in another).
• Have good line spacing. You don’t want the information on your resume to look all cramped up.
• Always save your resume as a PDF file . It’s the safest choice, as it guarantees your resume layout will stay intact no matter what device opens it. Only save your resume as MS Word if the job you’re applying for specifically requires you to and never, ever, submit a JPEG or PNG of your resume.

New to resume-making? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

6 Free Resume Templates (You Can Start Usign Now!) 

Formatting a resume from start to finish can be a time and energy-consuming process.

 If you’re building your resume with Word, for example, you’ll have to spend at least an hour tweaking the margins, making the headers and body text uniform, picking a font, and so on. You’ll spend an hour or two before you can even start filling in the resume contents!

And if all of that wasn’t enough, one misplaced sentence here or a wrong click there, and your resume layout starts spilling over to page 2!

Want to skip all the hassle of resume formatting? Check out some of our free, tried-and-tested resume templates , pick out your favorite, and fill it in as you go: 

#1. Basic Resume Template

Good for conservative, traditional industries. 

If you want to focus on your resume’s contents rather than its design, then the Basic template is for you. With a concise and well-organized layout, this resume format highlights everything the hiring manager wants to see. 

#2. College Resume Template

Good for university students, recent graduates, and entry-level professionals.

If you’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs, you’ll want to show off your skills, academic achievements, and whatever work experience you have. Well, that’s exactly what this template does! 

Not to mention, its contemporary style is perfect for younger candidates who want their resume to be as visually appealing as it is professional. 

#3. Executive Resume Template

Good for senior executives who may be applying in creative or green industries . While very professionally formatted, it also shows off a tinge of personality with its blue color scheme. 

#4. Modern Resume Template

Good for professionals in the business world or IT industries. 

Square brackets, bullet lists, infographics, and icons work together in this template to attract the hiring manager’s attention and get them to go over your work experience and achievements in depth. 

#5. Creative Resume Template

Good for anyone applying to creative industries such as marketing , design, publishing, and entry-level professionals. 

If you’re looking to stand out visually as much as through your skills and achievements, this is the template for you. Creative is designed to be a stylish resume that makes a stunning first impression while remaining professional. 

#6. Simple Resume Template

Good for senior professionals with a lot of work experience who are in conservative industries such as law or banking. 

The well-organized and professional formatting in this resume template is visually modest, allowing your achievements to do the talking. 

What Are the 3 Main Resume Formats? 

Now that we covered all the basics, let’s talk about resume formats in detail . 

The first thing you want to know is that there are three main resume formats out there, namely:

• The reverse-chronological resume format. This is the most common and practical resume format in 2024.
• The functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format.
• The combination resume format , or hybrid resume format, is a combination of the other two formats.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself how these 3 formats are different from each other. 

Well, the main difference is that they focus on different parts of an applicant’s experience by listing sections in different orders.

Here is what we mean by that: 

So, in a nutshell: 

• The reverse-chronological resume format focuses on your work experience , listing them from most to least recent.
• The functional resume format focuses on your skills that are relevant to the job.
• The combination resume format focuses on your experience and skills by aiming to prove that you possess the skills you list through your work achievements.

What’s the Best Resume Format For Me? 

So far so good - you now know all about the three main resume formats and how they’re different from each other. 

Now, you probably want to know what the optimal format is for YOUR resume. 

Well, mainly, that depends on what point you’re at in your career. Meaning: 

• If you’re a seasoned professional or if you’re looking to get hired in an industry where you have tons of experience, you should pick the reverse-chronological format.
• If you’re applying in a creative industry or for a position that prioritizes your skillset instead of your work history, then you can go for the functional resume format.
• If you’re looking to get hired in a position that requires both experienced and skilled applicants, then the combination format is your best bet.

And now, let’s go over each resume format to see how you can use them to your advantage, based on some real-life examples: 

#1. Reverse Chronological Resume Format

As we mentioned before, the reverse-chronological resume format is the most popular format in 2024.

It usually looks like this:

The main thing about this resume format is that it’s useful for practically every job-seeker.

The reverse-chronological format has a very simple structure, it’s easy to skim, and overall, it’s the most popular format around the globe.

For this reason alone, we typically recommend using this format to most people  - even if using one of the other formats also makes sense. 

Here’s what you’d include in a reverse-chronological resume:

• Contact Information - Your name, phone number, location, and email address. In some cases, you can include useful links such as a LinkedIn or GitHub profile. 
• Resume Summary or Objective - A brief 2-4 sentence summary of your work experience, or your objective for applying for a given position.
• Professional Title - Your title. This should mirror the exact position you’re applying for.
• Work Experience - Your work experience in reverse-chronological order. When possible, talk about achievements over responsibilities.
• Skills Section - Skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.
• Education - Your educational history. Pro tip - if you have a B.A., feel free to skip your high school education.
• Optional Sections - Sections like volunteering, projects, portfolio, hobbies , etc. While they’re not a game-changer, they can help fill up some space on your resume.

As we already mentioned, this resume format primarily focuses on the one part that’s relevant to most hiring managers - your work history . 

As such, the key to making the most out of this resume format is nailing the work experience section. To do that, here’s how you should structure it: 

• Start with your most recent job and go backward from there. 
• Tailor the section to the job description. This means that you shouldn’t list every job you ever worked - only the ones that are relevant for this one. 
• For each job that you list, include your job title , the name of the company, the location, and the time period you worked there. 
• Below, add four to five bullet points for recent jobs and two to three bullet points for earlier jobs. 
• Focus on your achievements instead of your responsibilities. Hiring managers already know the basic responsibilities of the jobs they’re hiring for. So, rather than your responsibilities, they want to learn about your achievements. 
• Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Facts and numbers are more convincing than words. 
• Use action verbs and power words . (E.g. “created” instead of “was responsible for creating” ). 

Reverse-Chronological Format Example

As we already mentioned, the best thing about the reverse-chronological format is that it’s a great choice whether you’re an entry-level worker or a seasoned professional. 

Any relevant experience you’ve got, the chronological experience will highlight effectively. 

For example, here’s a digital marketer’s resume work experience section created using the reverse-chronological format:

Digital Marketing Manager

Wonderfull Agency Inc. 

06/2017 - Present 

• Created a new format for reporting and presenting the sales, customer engagement and Google Ads reports that decreased the number of meetings by 24% in the last three quarters.
• Updated and monitored the Bid Strategy in Google Ads and Bing Ads which resulted in a CTR increase of 3.2% in the first month.
• Redesigned the webpage UX, decreasing customer turnover by 25% within a period of two months. 
• Conducted keyword research for updating the product pages on the online shop, increasing the organic keywords in the Top 100 by 5.600 and in the Top 10 by 315 for high-volume searches. 

Digital Marketing Specialist 

Company X  

02/2015 - 05/2017 

• Collaborated with a copywriter and designer to update landing pages based on search intent, increasing conversion rates by 20% on average for select clients. 
• Worked directly with company clients, handling their Google Ads accounts. 
• Managed a total of $40,000 in ad spend per month. 
• Achieved an average of 200% ROAS overall ad accounts. 

Reverse Chronological Resume Format Pros & Cons

Still not sure if the reverse-chronological resume format is the right choice for you? See our pros and cons below!

• Recruiters and HR managers prefer this format.
• It will definitely “beat” Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software.
• Provides a reader-friendly chronological history of your work experience.
• The most popular resume format in 2024.
• You need to make your work achievements stand out to catch the recruiter’s attention. 
• Hard to fill in for a recent graduate with no work experience. 
• Makes career gaps very obvious. If you’re a career changer, you need to explain those employment gaps on your resume.

#2. Functional Resume Format 

As we already mentioned, the functional resume format is also known as the skills-based resume format. Here’s an example of what it looks like: 

As the name suggests, the functional resume format focuses on your skills and your key strengths. 

In a nutshell, this resume format takes the spotlight away from your work experience by highlighting what you’re good at instead. 

As such, this resume format is perfect for recent graduates or career changers who have little-to-no experience in a particular field. 

Here’s what to include in a functional resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Professional Title
• Skills Summary
• Additional Skills
• Work Experience

As you can see, the main difference from the reverse-chronological format is that the focus of the functional resume is the skills summary and the resume objective that’s placed right at the top of the resume. 

Here is exactly how you should write them to impress the hiring manager: 

• Use your resume objective to state your career intent and explain what makes you the ideal candidate for the job. 
• Start off your resume objective by mentioning a skill, education, or certification relevant to the job, mention the responsibilities you could handle, and include your motivation for working that particular job. 
• In the skills summary, include four or five skills that are most relevant to the position. 
• Instead of just listing your skills, be descriptive. In bullet points or in plain paragraphs, give examples of how you applied these skills in practice and try to make them as quantifiable as possible. 

Functional Format Example

Let’s assume that you’re an entry-level journalist. 

Since you graduated, you’ve worked as a part-time intern at a magazine and published a dozen articles online and in print. You also run a blog that has a modest but loyal readership. 

Now, you want to apply for an actual journalism position at a recently founded newspaper. So, you’re using the functional resume format. 

Here’s why it’s the right choice: 

• It highlights your skills. In this case, you don’t have the experience to apply for the job, but you may have all the right skills. 
• It allows you to prove your skills. There’s ample space to show exactly how you can put your skills to use for the upcoming job. 

Now let’s see what your resume objective and skills summary (or areas of strength) would look like in this case: 

Resume Objective

Driven and hardworking journalism graduate looking to get hired as a reporter in The Daily Prophet. I interned at Who Magazine for six months, where I gained hands-on experience in research, fact-checking, and interviewing. Passionate blogger at Fake Blog Website, which is currently followed by over two thousand readers. 

Skills Summary 

Research & Fact checking

• Able to systematically look for information, resources, data, etc. through a variety of sources, such as books, online directories, or social media. 
• Careful to always ensure that every claim and data that gets published is accurate and legitimate. 

Interviewing

• Full knowledge of journalism ethics and standards that are required to conduct successful and dignified interviews. 
• Skilled at connecting with interviewees on a deeper level to ensure comprehensive and detailed interviews. 
• Excel at several types of journalistic writing, including news, feature writing, columns, and reviews.
• Have published over 15 articles in different newspapers and magazines since graduating. 

Considering that the functional resume focuses solely on a candidate’s skills, the only groups of candidates who should consider using it are: 

• Freelancers with impressive portfolios 
• Professionals in creative industries
• Career changers 
• Recent graduates, and entry-level professionals
• Military veterans passing into civilian roles

So, to sum it all up: 

Functional Resume Format Pros & Cons

• Good for highlighting specific skills.
• Useful if you’re switching careers since you can explain how your skills transfer to the new job.
• Useful if you’re a recent graduate with practical skills but not much work experience.
• The functional resume format is not very popular in 2024, and most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t familiar with it, so using this format carries a bit of a risk.
• Since the functional resume has less focus on work experience, recruiters might think you’re trying to hide something.
• Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have difficulties reading functional resumes.

#3. Combination Resume Format

The combination resume format , also known as the “hybrid,” is a mixture of the functional and the reverse-chronological format.

This resume format gives equal attention to an applicant’s skills section and work experience. As such, you end up including both the Skill Summary and the Work Experience sections:

• Skill Summary

The focal point here is the skills summary. Placed right after the contact information section, this is where you list the skills that are required for the job and then prove that you have them through your professional experience and achievements. 

Here is exactly how you should write it: 

• List the skills that are required for the position you’re applying for and that you actually possess. 
• Add up to 4 professional achievements underneath each skill to prove that you possess it. 
• Make your achievements as descriptive and quantifiable as possible. 

Combination Format Example

Say you’re a senior program manager with over a decade of experience in your field. 

You can plan, execute, evaluate programs and projects across diverse industries, and inspire your team to do great work. 

Recently, someone told you about an opening for a program director in an international company. To apply, you’re putting together a hybrid resume format. 

Here’s what makes it the best choice: 

• Saves space. For highly competitive positions, you want your resume to be able to cut through the noise. The hybrid format allows you to do that by bringing into focus your most relevant achievements right from the start.
• Combines the best parts of the other two resume formats, which is perfect for senior professionals or executives that have plenty to show for both experience and skills. 

For example, some of the skills required for the program director gig mentioned above may include interpersonal skills , budget management, and project management. 

Here’s what the skills summary in your hybrid resume would look like in practice: 

Interpersonal Skills

• Initiated formal and informal coaching and mentorship to 50+ team members regarding project charter development, resource planning, best practices of project management, and appropriate delivery of project outcomes. 
• Coordinated all project inputs with several functional/technical directors, managers, and project core teams, to formulate appropriate project tools and methodologies. 

Budget Management 

• Oversaw the implementation of the enterprise’s multi-year, multi-million dollar research system software that benefited employees company-wide. 
• Analysis of financial and statistical data reduced operational costs by 12%.
• Strategically supervised the project execution teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of projects, saving the company $250K in project costs. 

Project Management

• Provided strategic direction, leadership, and project governance for a multimillion-dollar application project portfolio, which successfully supported a population of 60K+ end-users across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Streamlined project management methodologies and communication in the IT division, which increased efficiency by 90%. 
• Accurately report on project status throughout its life cycle to 20+ project teams, stakeholders, and sponsors, encompassing budget estimation, scheduling, and resource planning.

Combination Resume Format Pros and Cons 

• Allows you to show off more of your experience and skills using less space.
• Useful for very senior professionals or executives who need to highlight more than just their work experience.
• Good for applicants who may have a noticeable employment gap but plenty of work experience nonetheless.
• As with the functional resume format, applicant tracking systems have difficulties reading combination resumes.
• If you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much work experience, this resume format is not very useful.
• As is the case with the functional resume, most hiring managers aren’t very familiar with this format, which might cause some confusion in the process.

The Verdict: What Is the Best Resume Format?  

Now that we’ve covered all 3 of the common resume formats, you’re probably wondering which one's best resume format out there .

Here’s our verdict:

In 90%+ of the cases, we’d recommend going with a reverse-chronological resume format.

In 2024, it’s the most common and useful format:

• Applicant tracking systems can read it without any problems.
• All recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format.
• Whether you’re a recent graduate or a senior professional, it’s the easiest format to work with.

So, even if you’re a career changer, a highly-qualified professional, or a college student, it’s risky to choose one of the other two formats over the reverse-chronological one.

There’s a good chance that the applicant tracking system won’t be able to read your resume and automatically discard it - after all the time you put into creating the resume!

At the same time, recruiters might just not be familiar with these resume formats, or think that you’re just trying to hide the fact that you’re not experienced, and disqualify you based on that.

So, the rule of thumb - when in doubt, go for the reverse-chronological resume.

Looking for CV writing tips instead? Here's our full guide on how to write a CV !

How to Beat the ATS Software

Did you know that 75% of resumes don’t even make it to the hiring manager ? 

Instead, they get scanned by ATS software, which evaluates your resume and decides whether it’s relevant enough for the hiring manager to give it a look.

At first, ATS software was used by larger companies that receive thousands of applications daily as a way to filter out irrelevant applicants. Today, though, studies show that most companies use ATS to evaluate applicants. 

As worrying as this thought may be, you’ll be glad to know there is a way to beat ATS and get your resume on top of the hiring manager’s desk:

Creating an ATS-friendly resume ! 

Here is a handy list of our top tips for making a resume that beats applicant tracking systems: 

• Place your contact information at the top of your resume. 
• Sprinkle specific keywords from the job description throughout your resume. 
• Avoid using graphics or charts as part of your resume. 
• Save your resume in PDF format. 

Picking the right resume format is just the first step in creating a convincing resume.

Want to learn how to make a resume that lands you the job?

Check out some of our best career resources!

• Job Search Masterclass - This one’s our flagship e-book. It covers literally everything you need to know about job-search: how to make a resume, how to write a cover letter, how to apply for jobs effectively, what are the most common job interview questions, and a LOT more. The book is jam-packed with value, and illustrated, making it an extremely easy read.
• How to Make a Resume - Our comprehensive guide on how to make a resume from A to Z.
• Interview Questions And Answers - Have a hard time with job interviews? This guide features ALL the most common job interview questions that you might encounter.
• How to Write a Cover Letter - Our ultimate guide on writing a cover letter (free templates included!)
• 50+ Resume Examples - Need some inspiration with your resume? Check out our resume examples for 50+ different positions and fields.
• 43+ Resume Tips - A complete list of all our resume tips, ordered by importance.
• 26+ Interview Mistakes - Whatever you do, avoid making these common interview mistakes.

And of course, for more industry-leading job-search advice, make sure to follow our career blog !

FAQ on Resume Formats

Do you still have some questions about resume formatting? We’ll get them answered here!

1. What’s the best resume format in 2024?  

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2024 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications. 

Here’s why the reverse chronological resume format is the best choice: 

• It’s easy to read and skim through
• Hiring managers are familiar with it because it’s the most commonly used one
• It’s ATS-friendly, which means Applicant Tracking Systems can scan it with ease
• It brings your career progression and professional achievements into the spotlight

2. What is the correct format for a college student resume? 

The best resume format for a college student resume is the reverse-chronological format .

While it is true that a functional resume can help you emphasize your skills more than work experience, it comes with two serious problems:

• Recruiters aren’t familiar with it, and they might think you’re trying to hide the fact that you don’t have work experience.
• Applicant tracking systems have trouble reading this resume format. 

So, unless you have absolutely no experience to show for it (meaning, not even unpaid internships, or even college projects with relevant responsibilities for the job you’re applying for), then you should still choose the reverse-chronological resume format over the skills-based one. 

If you’re worried about your lack of work experience , don’t. For most entry-level positions and internships, you’re not required to have work experience. 

3. What is the best resume format for a job seeker with experience? 

The best resume format for a job-seeker with plenty of experience in the industry they’re applying for is the reverse-chronological format. 

Here’s what makes the reverse-chronological format the best choice: 

• It puts emphasis on your strengths as an applicant, namely your professional experience. 
• It shows recruiters exactly what they’re looking for (your achievements and qualifications) from the get-go. 

4. Is resume format important? 

Yes, the resume format you choose is important. Basically, the resume format involves the type of information listed on the resume and the way this information is organized and presented. 

When they’re evaluating your resume, hiring managers expect to see information that will help them assess whether you’re the right person for the job (i.e. your experience, skills, and qualifications, among others). If, for example, you have five years of work experience but your resume format focuses on your education, the hiring manager may have trouble realizing that you’re the right person for the job. 

At the same time, hiring managers want to spend as little time as possible reading your resume. This means that a disorganized, chaotic resume may get them to throw your resume in the “rejected” pile without giving it a second thought. 

That’s why it’s super important to choose the right resume format that highlights your strengths and that recruiters know and like. 

5. What is an ATS-friendly resume format?

Applicant Tracking System software is software that companies use to sort through the countless applications they receive daily. 

What ATS does is scan resumes for specific keywords mentioned in the job description (e.g. necessary skills for the job), and filter out those applications it deems irrelevant. 

As such, an ATS-friendly resume format is the kind of format that lists information in plain text and organizes it in clear sections, making it easier to be read by applicant tracking systems.

This is important because ATS software is typically unable to read text within images or scan infographics.  

6. What resume format is most ATS-friendly?

The most ATS-friendly resume format is the reverse-chronological format. 

That’s because it allows you to use ATS-specific keywords in your skills section and doesn’t use too many visuals such as graphs, infographics, etc.

7. Are hand-written resumes still used?

No, hand-written resumes are barely used in 2024. As such, you should not submit a handwritten resume when you’re applying for jobs. 

Here are some of the most important reasons why: 

• ATS software is unable to scan hand-written resumes. This means that if the company to which you’re applying uses an ATS, your resume will get disqualified.
• Your handwriting might be difficult to understand. Not just that, but you’ll have trouble differentiating one section from the other and keeping everything uniform, which means your resume will be the opposite of reader-friendly.
• We’re technically living online now. Gone are the days when you’d look up job openings in a newspaper or apply by mail. Everything has moved online, so it only makes sense for your resume to do the same.

8. Is the resume format the same as the resume template?

No, a resume format is not the same thing as a resume template. 

Resume format refers to the layout of the resume, namely, the kind of information, its order, and the way it's organized on the resume. Basic document settings, such as line spacing, fonts, and margins, are also part of resume formatting. 

A resume template, on the other hand, is a pre-designed, blank document that you can fill in as you go. Using a resume template to create your resume is a much easier and less time-consuming process than formatting your resume from scratch. 

9. What is the easiest way to build my resume?

The easiest, most efficient way to create a resume is through a resume builder .

If you use a text editor, you could spend hours trying to format your resume, but the moment you make a tiny design change, the whole resume layout gets completely messed up!

Using a resume builder, on the other hand, comes with a ton of benefits:

• Recruiter-friendly layout. All of our resume templates are created with recruiters in mind - they’re extremely easy to read and skim.
• Easy to build. Our resume builder is extremely easy to use. All YOU have to do is fill in the content - we take care of all the resume formatting.
• ATS-friendly . Applicant tracking systems can read our resumes perfectly fine, ensuring that you don’t get automatically disqualified when applying for positions.
• Free (with premium features). Our base builder is completely free without any hidden paywalls! If you’re looking to upgrade the resume design, though, or get access to several awesome features, you can always upgrade to Premium.

10. What are the 7 resume types?

The 7 types of resume formats include the reverse-chronological resume, the combination resume, the resume with profile, the non-traditional resume, the infographic resume, the functional resume, and the targeted resume.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap on resume formats! 

By now, you should know everything there is to know about the most popular resume formats and regarding what the best resume format is for YOU. 

Before you go, let’s do a recap of the most important points covered in this article: 

• There are 3 common resume formats - reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (also known as the hybrid).
• The reverse-chronological format is the most popular one in 2024, and we always recommend you go with that one.
• A functional resume focuses more on skills rather than work experience and is usually used by career changers or students.
• A combination resume is a mix of functional and reverse-chronological formats and puts equal emphasis on work experience and skill set.
• Both functional and combination resumes are not too popular, and applicant tracking systems have trouble reading them.

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• • MS SQL 2008r2 creating stored procedures, views
• • Worked on MS SQL Server 2005 and 2008, IBM Data Studio
• • Fully designed and developed 2 .NET applications used by a team of >10 on daily basis
• • Working unattended directly under CTO, in a pair of 2
• • Received excellence grade in evaluation consecutively for 4 years
• • Upgrade and developed SAR 3 million revenue E-Gov web application to N tier architecture
• • Involved in database design on SQL Server 2008 and development of different database objects containing functions, triggers, store procedures
• • Designed front-end using the latest tools like Ajax
• • Designed web pages using HTML, JavaScript, CSS, DHTML, XML and page design and layout and graphics
• • Applied fixes and enhancements to SQL scripts through SQL Server
• • Communicated with customers to implement Web Services
• • Trouble-shot and fixed problems through customer requests, and QA
• • Utilized ASP.NET, VB.NET, AJAX, and Microsoft Visual Studio for development
• • Managed work items in Microsoft Team Foundation Server

6 Net Developer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

A .Net Developer primarily focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining applications using the .NET framework. Highlighting your experience with specific programming languages, projects you've completed, and any frameworks or technologies you've worked with will strengthen your resume. Including proficiency in C#, ASP.NET, and familiarity with cloud services like Azure can make your application stand out. Demonstrating successful project outcomes and your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment will emphasize your contributions to potential employers.

All resume examples in this guide

Senior .Net Developer Resume

Junior .Net Developer Resume

Entry Level Dot Net Developer Resume

Full Stack .Net Developer Resume

.Net Ui Developer Resume

Resume guide, .net developer resume example, how to format a .net developer resume, how to write your .net developer resume experience, how to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume, how to list your certifications and education on your resume, how to write your .net developer resume summary or objective, additional sections for a .net developer resume, key takeaways for creating a great .net developer resume.

By Experience

Web development can take many different avenues, and .NET development is a great one.

Not only can you navigate .NET frameworks, but you’re also on top of the latest front-end and back-end languages.

Your .NET developer resume needs to show potential employers that you’re a pro in your field, as well as in the company’s tech stack.

Read our guide below and learn:

• What recruiters look for in a .NET developer resume that will grab their attention as a leading candidate.
• How to tailor your .NET experience to align closely with the specific job description.
• What technical skills will emphasize your proficiency in cross-platform deployment.
• The best way to showcase your .NET specific projects, focusing on architectural and optimization aspects.
• Feature ongoing professional development through .NET conferences and relevant coursework.

Browse our collection of resume examples and create a .NET developer resume that impresses recruiters and gets callbacks.

• Python Developer Resume
• Full Stack Developer Resume
• Front End Developer Resume
• Web Developer Resume
• Devops Engineer Resume
• Network Engineer Resume

What makes this example great:

• Mentions industry certification of “Certified Web Development Professional” in the summary so potential employers can see qualifications right away
• Lists Ajax, C++, Java, and SQL as specific technical skills to convey industry knowledge and value in the field
• Uses a reverse-chronological layout to show a professional timeline from .NET Developer to Senior .NET Developer so companies will see career growth

Choosing the best resume format and clearly conveying technical knowledge are key for .NET developer positions.

A reverse chronological layout focuses on work experience with positions listed in reverse chronological order. This tells a story of your career growth for companies.

When it comes to the number of pages, keep it at one page. Recruiters have an inbox full of resumes and a multi-page resume will be more of a hindrance than helpful.

Even if you have been in your field for over a decade and have a long work history, include only the most relevant information.

Focus on your recent achievements at competitive software companies, not a summer job you had at a grocery store 12 years ago.

For a technical position like a .NET developer, recruiters will expect industry etiquette starting with the file format.

Use a PDF, not a DOC. Hiring managers want a file that is secure, compatible, and preserves the original format without errors. Don’t even think about paper resumes..

Your GitHub portfolio or LinkedIn profile should appear in current, clickable links.

PDF files also make it easier for ATS to scan your resume , optimizing your chances of making it through to the next step in the selection process

The only exception to the above specifications is if the job application specifically requests otherwise. Always follow directions clearly on job applications.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a .NET developer resume:

What recruiters want to see on your resume:.

Your .NET experience section should contain your most relevant job titles, along with 3-4 bullet points outlining your greatest achievements in the role.

Don’t just list generic responsibilities, show how you exceeded expectations and achieved success.

Let’s take a look at a real-life example of a .NET developer resume experience section.

• • .Net back-end development - ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET Web API
• • Front-end development - JavaScript, CSS, JQuery, KendoUI, Bootstrap
• • Database - MS SQL, Store procedures and EF6
• • IIS/ Amazon Web Services

What’s wrong with this example:

• Doesn’t explain responsibilities or goals
• No action verbs
• No quantifiable impact

There are some good things about the above example, like the detailed tech stack, but it doesn’t quite work for an experience section.

It reads more like a list of technical skills rather than accomplishments. Let’s make some changes and try again.

• • Utilized ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET Web API for .Net back-end development of program that generated $700K in revenue in Q1
• • Trained 12 front-end developers in JavaScript, CSS, JQuery, KendoUI, and Bootstrap which resulted in a 54% increase in productivity
• • Managed database using MS SQL, Store procedures, and EF6 with a 99% accuracy rate
• • Recognized for expertise in IIS/Amazon Web Services at corporate conference in 2021

What works in this example:

• Shows exactly how tech stack knowledge resulted in success by generating “$700k in revenue in Q1”
• Uses action verbs that show execution of skills and measurable success with “99% accuracy rate”
• Mentions industry award that recognizes “expertise in IIS/Amazon Web Services” in full stack technical skills

This .NET experience section is what recruiters look for. It’s important to not just make blanket claims of success but to provide evidence with quantifiable metrics.

How to quantify impact on your resume

As mentioned above, impact is more than just writing “successfully managed .NET framework” on your resume. You need to define success with measurable results.

Use real data, numbers, and statistics to quantify your achievements. If you’re not sure where to look for these metrics, start with the ones listed below.

Numbers that can strengthen your .NET developer resume:

• Number of users using the web app you developed using .NET framework
• Increased profit/revenue through improved conversion
• Increased web traffic on pages you updated
• Increasing conversion rate on the website by X%
• User experience improvement on programs you wrote using full stack
• Number of projects/pages/apps managed
• Number of people led on a team
• Increased productivity after providing technical support
• Improvement rate after debugging

Use these statistics as a guide while you comb through your achievements in previous roles. Clear evidence of success will stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.

How do I write a .NET developer resume with no experience

Not everyone has a decade of achievements to include on their resume. Everyone has to start somewhere.

If you’re writing a .NET developer resume with no experience, follow these steps:

• Choose a functional resume format - this layout focuses more on skills rather than experience. If you’re just breaking into the industry or have gaps in your timeline, this is a great way to keep the attention on your technical knowledge.
• Highlight transferable skills - so you haven’t worked as a dot net developer for a major software company, but maybe you managed the SQL server for library at your university. Show how your experience equipped you with a relevant skill set.
• List relevant certifications - a great way to show commitment to your field is by gaining certifications from coding bootcamps and other institutions. This shows your dedication to staying on top of industry trends and improving your skills. More on certification programs below.

Hard skills, sometimes referred to interchangeably as technical skills, are crucial for a strong .NET developer resume.

Potential employers want to know that you’re skilled in their full tech stack and current technologies.

If you’re listing programming languages and frameworks on your resume, hiring managers will assume you’re proficient. Only include relevant .NET developer skills that you’re confident in.

Here is an example of including .NET developer technical skills on a resume.

As you can see, hard skills are pretty straightforward. Soft skills require a bit more explanation.

Like achievements, blanket statements about interpersonal skills are open to interpretation. Show hiring managers exactly what you mean by providing specific examples.

This example provides clear examples along with quantifiable results of the candidate’s soft skills. Let potential employers know how you’ll fit into their company culture.

Top skills for your .NET developer resume

It’s important to stay on top of the most current trends and valuable skills of your industry. Particularly in a rapidly evolving field like IT.

Below are some of the top hard and soft skills for your .NET developer resume in 2024.

20 of the best hard skills for your .NET developer resume

20 of the best soft skills for your .net developer resume.

Different companies will have their own education requirements, but typically it will be a degree in computer science, software engineering, or something similar.

Other companies may not require a degree at all and will instead let your experience speak for itself.

Your .NET developer education section will be pretty basic either way. Let’s take a look at an example.

Your education section only needs a few basic points of information:

• Name of your degree
• Name of your school
• Years attended

Other info like GPA or coursework should be left out unless requested in the job application.

Your certification section will be similarly basic. You only need to include the name of the certification and issuing institution like in this example.

Certifications are a great way to boost your employability and increase your value in the industry. Consider some of the certifications below for your .NET developer resume.

Best certifications for your .NET Developer resume

In short, a resume summary gives a brief overview of your career and value in the industry. An objective speaks to your career goals looking forward.

These days, the two are combined into a 3-4 sentence statement and referred to most often as a resume summary.

Let’s take a look at a senior .NET developer summary example.

What doesn’t work in this example:

• No quantifiable impact or measured outcomes
• Generic statements without evidence
• No clear achievements or industry accomplishments

Let’s take a look at the same summary with a few improvements.

• Includes specific title of “Senior .NET Developer” tailored for the target job
• Mentions industry skill of SQL database management and experience at major company
• Shows shared goal with target company of increasing database accuracy

A good formula for your .NET developer summary is to introduce yourself, share a career highlight, and end with a common goal for you and the target company.

Always tailor your resume to your target job by researching the company, studying the job description, and highlighting your relevant experience.

You’re almost ready to wrap up that amazing .NET developer resume!

Before you finish, consider adding additional sections to your resume that highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Additional sections you might include on your .NET developer resume are:

• Volunteer experience - Did you spend a summer as a volunteer coding tutor? That’s a great way to show your skills, especially if you include measurable success.
• Projects - Your GitHub might be full of projects that show off your full stack knowledge, but consider adding a section to go into detail about your most successful one.
• Awards - If you’ve achieved a significant or competitive award in your industry, consider highlighting it on your resume to let readers know of your achievement right away.

How to put a projects section on a .NET developer resume

If you choose to add a projects section to your resume, the format will be similar to your experience section.

Let’s take a look at an example.

• • Increased website traffic by 60%, earned an additional $25K in first 6 months
• • Created landing page using JavaScript and managed SQL server for company site
• • Improved customer satisfaction rating by 22%
• Has a clear description of the project and industry skills like JavaScript and SQL
• Includes measurable success like earning “$25K in first 6 months”
• Used action verbs at the start of each bullet to convey role

.Net Developer resume examples

Explore additional .net developer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own .Net Developer resume?

• Resume Examples

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• Engineering Resumes

15 DevOps Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Devops engineers are basically the bridge between software developers and it operations. it’s a role that not only requires teamwork and communication but also requires important technical skills like benchmarking and automation. below are four devops resume examples you can gain inspiration from. they’ll give you an idea of what a job-winning resume looks like..

As a DevOps engineer, your job is to essentially close the gaps between software development, testing, and support. On a day-to-day basis you’ll be monitoring, optimizing, and sometimes managing the whos, whats, wheres, and hows of an IT project. It’s not an easy career field. But it’s a job that pays excellently and has a high career outlook; Studies estimate a 22% job growth. To prepare your DevOps resume for the next interview, it’ll require skills with various software programs and working with other software engineering departments to drive efficiencies. Today, we’ll be showing you examples of what a winning DevOps resume looks like. Use our suggestions to help you tailor your DevOps resume to match the job you’re aiming for.

DevOps Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• DevOps Engineer
• DevOps Manager
• AWS DevOps Engineer
• Kubernetes DevOps Engineer
• Azure DevOps Engineer
• Senior DevOps Engineer
• Docker/DevOps Engineer
• Elasticsearch / Elastic search DevOps Engineer
• Kubernetes Engineer
• AWS Lambda Engineer

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for DevOps Resumes

DevOps Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Bullet Points on DevOps Resumes
• Related Engineering Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 15: DevOps Engineer Resume Example

Within a development team, there are developers and the operations team. Both parties have different goals; developers want to improve the software by releasing new features, whereas the operations team wants to keep the system stable and reliable. DevOps engineers are responsible for implementing tools, values, and policies to integrate both goals. That’s why your resume should demonstrate you have a holistic view of the development process. To do this, you can include both programming and IT experience or skills.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Tips to help you write your DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   demonstrate progressive growth in the development team..

Another way to demonstrate your holistic background in the development process is by illustrating your progressive growth in this field. You can start with entry-level positions in either the engineering or the operations team, and escalate from there with promotions or roles where you had more responsibilities.

   Indicate your ability to implement Agile principles in the software development process.

DevOps is actually a successor of the Agile approach. It is a combination of values that thrive for continuous improvement, automation, collaboration, and transparency. As a DevOps engineer, you should be familiar with Agile principles that help you improve efficiency and transparency in the software development process. To demonstrate this on your resume, you can talk about previous projects in your work experience section in which you implemented automation to reduce redundant tasks. You can also mention achievements such as increased collaboration or efficiency in task deliverables.

Skills you can include on your DevOps Engineer resume

Template 2 of 15: devops engineer resume example.

When applying for a DevOps engineer job, your resume needs to demonstrate your ability to unify, automate, and manage software processes. This means you will have worked with different software programs to get a job done. In your resume, include your experience with these programs, along with any achievements that occurred as a result.

   Good use of skills section

The skill section in this sample lists quite a few important skills that a DevOps engineer should have. But it also explains how these skills were used in their experience section. In your resume, list key relevant skills with software like Python, MySQL, or software automation, and talk about how using them brought positive results to the company.

   Numbers and metrics relevant to DevOps engineers

Recruiters don’t just want to see your capabilities with certain software. They especially want to see how effective you are at using them. This sample lists how the use of various software resulted in things like “a 45% efficiency increase.” Include metrics of how much you reduced costs or labor and increased productivity or profit in your experience section.

Template 3 of 15: DevOps Manager Resume Example

As a DevOps Manager, you'll oversee the collaboration between software developers and IT operations staff, ensuring smooth deployment and maintenance of applications. This role has gained importance in recent years as companies increasingly adopt DevOps methodologies to streamline software development and operations. When crafting your resume for a DevOps Manager position, you'll want to emphasize your experience working with both development and operations teams, as well as your skills in using tools and technologies that improve efficiency and collaboration. It's crucial to showcase your leadership and project management abilities in your resume for a DevOps Manager role. Highlight your experience in guiding teams through the development, testing, and deployment processes while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Mention instances of implementing DevOps practices and tools that have led to significant improvements in project delivery times and product quality.

Tips to help you write your DevOps Manager resume in 2024

   highlight technical proficiencies.

As a DevOps Manager, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of various tools and technologies used in the development and operations space. Make sure to list your technical skills, such as programming languages, cloud platforms, and experience with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab, or Docker.

   Showcase successful DevOps projects

Share examples of projects where you've successfully implemented DevOps practices and processes, mentioning the challenges faced and the improvements achieved in terms of delivery times, product quality, or team productivity. This will help demonstrate your real-world experience and effectiveness as a DevOps Manager.

Skills you can include on your DevOps Manager resume

Template 4 of 15: devops manager resume example.

Being a DevOps manager means that you will have done more than work with development/IT teams to test and improve quality and efficiency of programs. You will have led a team that has done the same thing. To get a managerial role in DevOps, show in your resume experience that you know how to effectively lead a team to deliver positive results for a company.

   Focused on DevOps management

The resume in this sample describes the experience in leadership-related positions. This will catch a recruiter’s attention as they see capabilities to manage others. In your resume, explain your leadership roles, pointing out how large of a team you worked with and what was achieved.

   Emphasis on transferable DevOps skills

Template 5 of 15: AWS DevOps Engineer Resume Example

An AWS DevOps engineer is responsible for ensuring the continuous improvement, scalability, and security of the cloud-based production system. They deliver systems and tools to automate processes, typically on AWS - or Amazon Web Services — environments. They should have a strong understanding of programming and IT operations to ensure the constant availability of the system. It is important to focus your work experience section on outcomes. You can include quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact on previous projects’ bottom lines.

Tips to help you write your AWS DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   include aws and cloud keywords to optimize your resume..

If you want to get noticed and that your resume passes ATS filters, it’s important to include keywords relevant to cloud engineering. Keywords like AWS (duh!), DevOps, Azure, or similar frameworks or technologies are worth including. This will help you be more relevant in the recruitment process and increase your chances of getting an interview.

   Prioritize technical skills over soft ones.

DevOps engineers should have relevant soft skills like communication and collaboration, because they're likely working with different teams. However, you can demonstrate those through accomplishments and outcomes. When it comes to the skills section, it’s better to focus on technical skills.

Skills you can include on your AWS DevOps Engineer resume

Template 6 of 15: aws devops engineer resume example.

An AWS DevOps engineer improves software development operations by becoming a bridge between the IT and development teams. Their role is to create CI/CD pipelines for process automation. This DevOps, in particular, focuses on AWS infrastructure, so it’s important to demonstrate your specialty on your resume. You can also include an AWS Certified DevOps Engineer certification to prove your knowledge and expertise in Amazon Web Services.

   Mention your quality assurance skills.

Your AWS DevOp engineering resume should demonstrate your expertise in quality assurance. It is your responsibility as a DevOps engineer to ensure product compilation without errors. Additionally, you must ensure that applications are secure and accessible before the product release.

   Demonstrate that you are an automation expert.

Automation is a big deal when it comes to DevOps engineering. They integrate automation techniques to reduce human intervention in order to optimize the development process. This way, it facilitates feedback loops and reduces failure possibilities in development operations.

Template 7 of 15: AWS DevOps Engineer Resume Example

The responsibility of this role is to ensure proper management, automation, maintenance, performance, and scalability of AWS cloud-based production systems. Recruiters want to see that you have the programming skills to help increase efficiency or reduce costs or labor. In the experience section of this sample, you see many bullet points explaining how certain operational functions were improved. For example, “eliminating 85% of manual work”, “reduced the service loading time by 97%”, or “increased the page speed by 15%.” Your resume should include the achievements you’ve reached by using AWS.

   Shows growth in promotion

Because AWS DevOps is a more senior role, recruiters want to see job growth and leadership. Make sure you list any changes or promotions in your job titles, along with detailing leadership experience. For example, this sample mentions leading “a team of 4 DevOps engineers in the transition from GCP to AWS.”

   Strong action verbs related to AWS DevOps

Your resume needs to have strong action verbs relevant to the role so recruiters can see how you specifically contributed to an accomplishment. In the sample, you see verbs like “automated”, “managed”, and “implemented”. For an AWS DevOps resume, include action verbs like these when explaining your experience.

Template 8 of 15: Kubernetes DevOps Engineer Resume Example

A Kubernetes engineer is responsible for promoting the implementation of DevOps principles in a software development team. As the name suggests, Kubernetes engineers specialize in cloud-based Kubernetes environments. So, your resume should include relevant Kubernetes keywords to get past resume screeners.

Tips to help you write your Kubernetes DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   include a kubernetes or devops engineer certification on your resume..

A Kubernetes certification validates that you can design, maintain, and configure cloud-based applications. On the other hand, it might be a good idea to also include a DevOps certification if you have one because it demonstrates that you can promote the DevOps mindset and systems within a development team.

   Highlight your security implementation outcomes.

Kubernetes is an orchestration open-source platform that grants you access to extensions and plugins to enhance security management. You can mention successful projects in which you implemented automation to improve security levels.

Skills you can include on your Kubernetes DevOps Engineer resume

Template 9 of 15: kubernetes devops engineer resume example.

To succeed as a Kubernetes DevOps engineer, you’ll need to get used to working with the cloud. This sample explains how they have implemented different cloud-based services in their experience. Recruiters want to see that you’re well-versed with the software. Your experience should highlight how you’ve used cloud services successfully on the job.

   Strong Kubernetes DevOps skills

Your resume will catch the attention of recruiters if it has skills that you’ll use on the job. This sample has skills like Linux and AWS, then explains how those were used to automate data. Talk about the skills you have that are necessary for this role in your resume.

   Tailored to the job

To get your resume past ATS, you need to list keywords that are relevant to this position. This sample uses keywords like “Kubernetes” and “automated,” which are both necessary for the role. When making your resume, read through the job description to find other keywords you can use.

Template 10 of 15: Azure DevOps Engineer Resume Example

This is a highly skilled professional who merges the I.T. development and operations tasks. Your responsibilities will include system administration, application coding, infrastructure provisioning, and release engineering, among others. This particular position will see you doing the above tasks within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. A strong I.T. engineering background and a large range of skills in the field are expected of all applicants. Take a look at this successful applicant’s resume

Tips to help you write your Azure DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   highlight your azure qualifications..

This will be the first thing recruiters will be looking for so mention your experience with Azure in the introduction section. If you have gotten Azure certification mention that in the introduction section as well as the skills section.

   Use metrics to show how you increased efficiency.

Your job exists to increase efficiency in development and operations. Show this by including impressive metrics that show where you reduced release time, reduced bugs and bug fixing time, or improved other efficiencies.

Skills you can include on your Azure DevOps Engineer resume

Template 11 of 15: senior devops engineer resume example.

This professional brings the software development and the I.T. operations teams together. As a senior DevOps engineer, you not only need to be highly skilled in this field, but you also need to be an effective leader and manager as you will most likely have a team you are in charge of. You also need to have strong communication skills are you will be communicating with teams across different silos of the company.

Tips to help you write your Senior DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   have a software engineering-focused skills section..

Your skills section should show the hard skills you have in the field. Use your skills section to include software programs and languages that you are experienced with, as well as development and operations functions that you can complete.

   Show your excellence through promotions.

This is not an entry-level position, and as such recruiters will want to see a progression in your career up to this point. Showing promotions in your career indicates to recruiters that you are an exemplary employee and have had a successful career.

Skills you can include on your Senior DevOps Engineer resume

Template 12 of 15: docker/devops engineer resume example.

A DevOps engineer works to guide the development, engineering, and implementation of software and code updates. A DevOps engineer works across several departments to ensure all team members understand the software updates and there are no interdepartmental silos. A docker is a common PAAS software (Platform as a Service) that packages the software and all of its dependencies into a ‘container’ that makes it simple for DevOps engineers to tweak, run, and deploy their application in any environment. A DevOps engineer/docker is a highly specialized professional with several years of software development experience. When filling this role, hiring managers will be looking for someone with a degree in computer science, and several years of progressive software development experience. They will also want a candidate who is versed and certified in DevOps.

Tips to help you write your Docker/DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   obtain a devops engineer certification.

Software engineering is not inherently DevOps engineering. DevOps is a specialized skill set that allows engineers to effectively manage software updates and re-engineering across all departments. Since DevOps requires a specialized skill set, it’s important for aspiring DevOps engineers to build on their software engineering knowledge and obtain a DevOps certificate. The AWS-certified DevOps engineer credential is a good way to show hiring managers your specialized knowledge.

   Showcase your professional experience in software engineering

An ideal candidate for the role will have several years of experience in software engineering. They should be comfortable with concepts such as cloud technology, software container concepts, deployment automation and deployment, and more. Showcasing your skills learned in prior software engineering roles is integral to landing a DevOps engineer role. If you can show previous leadership and project management experience, that will further enhance your resume for the role.

Skills you can include on your Docker/DevOps Engineer resume

Template 13 of 15: elasticsearch / elastic search devops engineer resume example.

The elastic search DevOps engineer uses the ‘elastic stack’ to optimize operations and efficiency. Elasticsearch is an open source search and analytics engine. This tech stack has many uses for companies, including retrieving real time data about users, application search, security analytics, and business analytics. The elasticsearch DevOps engineer oversees the tech stack and ensures employees are using this tech to its fullest potential. When hiring for this role, recruiters will be looking for someone with a degree in computer science or electronics engineering, and several years of experience as a software engineer and/or DevOps engineer. Prior experience as a DevOps engineer is attractive for this role as DevOps engineers often understand the basic concepts of elasticsearch.

Tips to help you write your Elasticsearch / Elastic search DevOps Engineer resume in 2024

   obtain credentials in elasticsearch.

Previous experience as a DevOps engineer is a great foundation to become an elastic search DevOps engineer, however, additional credentials specific to the elastic tech stack will straighten your resume. You can take courses and gain credentials in elasticsearch administration. Showcasing specialized knowledge of the tech stack will show hiring managers you are knowledgeable in elasticsearch specifically.

   Showcase previous success utilizing the elasticsearch tech stack

If you have previous experience as a DevOps engineer, it’s likely you have used the elasticsearch stack in some way. For example, if you have maintained a logging cluster using elasticsearch in a past role, you should point to this on your resume. You should also highlight any successes you’ve had in doing so, like optimizing a process. This will show hiring managers you have hands-on experience with the stack and can use it effectively.

Skills you can include on your Elasticsearch / Elastic search DevOps Engineer resume

Template 14 of 15: kubernetes engineer resume example.

A Kubernetes engineer is primarily responsible for the development and design of distributed systems. They fix bugs in upstream Kubernetes, written in Go, a programming language. The Kubernetes engineer must also be able to design and deploy containment systems, too. The Kubernetes engineer works closely to help manage and support operational functions like DevOps. When hiring for this role, hiring managers will be looking for someone with a degree in computer science. They will also be looking for a candidate with several years of software engineering and coding experience. The ideal candidate would have experience with certain programs such as Go, OpenShift, and Rancher.

Tips to help you write your Kubernetes Engineer resume in 2024

   become certified as a kubernetes engineer.

The role of the Kubernetes engineer is very specialized, and therefore credentials outside of previous software development experience will help you land the role more easily. You can take a course to become a certified Kubernetes administrator. This shows hiring managers you have specialized knowledge in managing and operating Kubernetes engineering functions.

   Show your proficiency in programming languages

Since Kubernetes is written in Go, showcasing experience writing code in Go is wise if you’re trying to land a role in Kubernetes engineering. Proficiencies in other languages, such as Python, are also great to mention on your resume to build credibility as an experienced software developer and engineer. Showing you are able to write code, particularly using the Go language, is sure to catch the eye of a hiring manager.

Skills you can include on your Kubernetes Engineer resume

Template 15 of 15: aws lambda engineer resume example.

As an AWS Lambda Engineer, you're handling serverless computing, giving you a unique role in the software engineering field. You're the architect of applications without the need for maintaining servers - a concept still somewhat novel to the industry. Recently, there's been a surge in demand for this role as companies pivot to cloud services, specifically AWS due to its robustness. When tailoring your resume for this role, it's key to showcase your mastery in AWS Lambda, along with your understanding of how this technology impacts the overall software architecture. Moreover, considering the rising demand, companies are not just looking for experience with AWS Lambda but also an understanding of how it integrates with other AWS services. Serverless computing is all about efficiency and scalability, so emphasize on projects where you've used AWS Lambda to these ends. Also, this role often involves troubleshooting, so any experience solving complex AWS Lambda related issues should make it to your resume.

Tips to help you write your AWS Lambda Engineer resume in 2024

   demonstrate proficiency in aws ecosystem.

Since AWS Lambda doesn't operate in isolation but is a part of the larger AWS ecosystem, mention projects where you've used other AWS services like S3, DynamoDB, etc. This shows you can leverage the entire ecosystem to create efficient serverless applications.

   Showcase problem-solving skills

AWS Lambda can sometimes throw complex bugs. If you've encountered such issues and solved them, detail these in the 'Accomplishments' section. This will show your problem-solving skill and tenacity, traits that employers value highly in this role.

Skills you can include on your AWS Lambda Engineer resume

As a hiring manager who has recruited DevOps professionals at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, I know what it takes to create a winning resume in this field. The following tips will help you craft a DevOps resume that stands out and showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.

   Highlight your DevOps tools and technologies expertise

Showcase your proficiency in the specific DevOps tools and technologies that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Here are some examples:

• Proficient in using configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef to automate infrastructure provisioning and management
• Experienced in leveraging containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes to deploy and scale applications
• Skilled in utilizing CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps to streamline software development and delivery processes

By highlighting your expertise in these key areas, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the technical skills necessary to succeed in a DevOps role.

   Quantify your impact with metrics and data

When describing your DevOps experience, use specific metrics and data to quantify the impact of your work. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and significance of your contributions. Avoid vague statements like:

• Improved application performance
• Reduced infrastructure costs

Instead, provide concrete examples with numbers:

• Improved application response time by 40% by optimizing database queries and implementing caching mechanisms
• Reduced infrastructure costs by 30% through the adoption of cloud-native technologies and right-sizing resources

   Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and communicate

DevOps is all about collaboration and breaking down silos between development and operations teams. Showcase your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. For example:

• Collaborated with development teams to implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, resulting in faster time-to-market for new features
• Worked closely with IT operations to ensure the stability and reliability of production environments, reducing downtime by 50%
• Presented regular status updates to executive leadership, clearly communicating project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies

   Showcase your problem-solving skills with specific examples

DevOps professionals are often faced with complex challenges that require creative problem-solving skills. Use your resume to highlight specific instances where you successfully troubleshot and resolved issues. For example:

Investigated and resolved a critical production outage caused by a memory leak in the application code. Collaborated with the development team to identify the root cause, implement a fix, and deploy the updated code to production, minimizing downtime and ensuring service stability.

By providing concrete examples of your problem-solving abilities, you demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to handle the challenges of a DevOps role.

   Tailor your resume to the specific job requirements

When applying for DevOps positions, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific requirements of each job. Review the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to that particular role. For example:

• Listing every programming language you've ever worked with, even if they're not relevant to the job
• Including generic DevOps buzzwords without providing specific examples of how you've used them

Instead, focus on the key skills and experience that the employer is looking for:

• If the job requires experience with AWS, highlight your expertise in deploying and managing applications on AWS infrastructure
• If the job emphasizes automation, showcase your experience in writing scripts and utilizing automation tools to streamline processes

   Include relevant certifications and training

DevOps is a constantly evolving field, and employers value professionals who stay up-to-date with the latest tools and best practices. If you have relevant certifications or have completed training in DevOps-related areas, be sure to include them on your resume. For example:

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
• Docker Certified Associate
• Completed a course on Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform

These certifications and training demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your expertise in key DevOps areas, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Experience in data management, automation, and program quality testing are all critical skills needed for DevOps — after all, DevOps is short for Developer Operations, so anything that helps with improving the efficiency of developers is what you want. If your resume can display your success with many different programming tools and other departments’ data to drive efficiency, you’ll be one step closer to obtaining your next DevOps job. Below are some tips to help you structure your perfect DevOps resume.

   Mention who you’ve worked with on the job.

You had to have obtained the data from somewhere. Gathering data may be part of your job, but it’s not your main focus. Other teams in the company need to provide you info and data that you need to optimize. Mention those other teams in your resume. If you’ve managed a team, talk about them, too. Did you train a team of junior developers? Were you in charge of a team project that led to a boost in company revenue? Elaborate on all of it so recruiters can see your ability to effectively work with others.

   Use numbers to quantify your achievements

Listing your achievements is good; providing numerical details is much better. Which do you think sounds better to recruiters: “implemented a new system that reduced labor” or “developed an automated system to track business process ordering which reduced claim loss by 23%”? Your resume should use numbers to strengthen how impactful you were/are to a company. It gives recruiters an idea of how useful you could be for their company.

   Emphasize how you improved the software/system development life cycle

As a DevOps engineer, your task is to use one --or all-- of the seven stages of a development life cycle: code, build, test, package, release, configure, and monitor. Because you’ll work with other departments to develop a program/system, you could have a larger impact in one stage than the other. Regardless what stage you were more involved in, recruiters want to see the skills you used. If you have skills that can be used for many or all of the stages, list them. Doing so shows that you know what tools are necessary to reduce time or boost efficiency of development.

   Talk about relevant skills from other positions

Maybe you’re chasing after a brand new role like management. Regardless, software engineers will have lots of experience that can transfer over. When describing your experience in other roles, put more focus on the experience that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you built or designed some kind of efficiency program, talk about it in your resume. We’re almost certain that the mentioned experience will transfer over to this role. You may use new software tools, but you’d be using the same basics like cloud computing and infrastructure management.

Writing Your DevOps Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. put your name front and center.

Your name should be the most prominent element in your header, ideally on its own line. Use a larger font size than the rest of your contact details to make it stand out.

Here's an example of a well-formatted name in a DevOps resume header:

Avoid adding labels or titles next to your name that could distract from it, like this:

John Doe, DevOps Engineer

2. Include essential contact details

After your name, list your key contact details so employers can easily get in touch:

• Professional email address
• Phone number
• Location (City, State)
• LinkedIn profile URL

You can include these details on one line, separated by vertical bars or bullet points to keep your header compact:

[email protected] | 555-123-4567 | Seattle, WA | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Avoid including personal details or a full mailing address, which can take up valuable space:

• Home address: 123 Main St, Apt 4B, Seattle, WA 98101
• Birthday: January 1, 1985

3. Optionally include your desired job title

If you want to quickly convey your career target, consider adding your desired job title in your header. Keep it concise and use the common industry term.

For example:

John Doe DevOps Engineer [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | Seattle, WA | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

However, avoid using an overly specific or wordy job title, or stuffing it with keywords:

John Doe AWS Certified DevOps Engineer | Docker | Kubernetes | Ansible [email protected] | 555-123-4567 | Seattle, WA | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Remember, you'll have space to detail your specific DevOps skills and certifications in other resume sections.

  Summary

A resume summary for a DevOps role is optional, but it can be a great way to provide additional context about your experience and skills that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of your resume. It's particularly useful if you're a career changer or have a diverse background that doesn't perfectly align with the DevOps role you're targeting.

However, avoid using an objective statement, as it's outdated and doesn't provide value to the hiring manager. Instead, focus on crafting a concise summary that highlights your most relevant qualifications and the value you can bring to the organization.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your DevOps resume, or figure out if you need one, please read DevOps Resume Summary Examples , or DevOps Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the specific DevOps role

When writing your DevOps resume summary, it's crucial to align it with the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role you're applying for. DevOps positions can vary significantly between organizations, so research the company and the job description to identify the key skills and experience they're looking for.

For example, if the role heavily emphasizes experience with AWS and infrastructure as code, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in those areas:

DevOps Engineer with 5+ years of experience automating infrastructure deployments using AWS, Terraform, and Ansible. Proven track record of implementing CI/CD pipelines and collaborating with development teams to streamline software delivery processes.

Avoid using a generic summary that could apply to any DevOps role, like:

• Experienced DevOps professional seeking a challenging role in a fast-paced environment.

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

To make your DevOps resume summary more impactful, include specific metrics and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate the value you've brought to previous roles. This helps hiring managers understand the tangible impact you can have on their organization.

For instance, instead of simply stating that you "improved deployment processes," quantify the improvement:

• Reduced deployment time by 80% by implementing a fully automated CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins and Kubernetes.
• Increased system uptime from 99% to 99.99% by redesigning infrastructure architecture and implementing robust monitoring and alerting systems.

Avoid using vague or unsubstantiated claims in your summary, such as:

• Significantly improved system performance and reliability.
• Skilled in a wide range of DevOps tools and technologies.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished and the skills you've developed. For DevOps roles, it's crucial to highlight your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience with automation and collaboration. Let's break down how to write a strong work experience section step-by-step.

1. Highlight your DevOps skills and tools

DevOps roles require a wide range of technical skills, from coding and scripting to automation and monitoring. Make sure to showcase the specific DevOps tools and technologies you've used in each role.

For example, instead of simply listing 'Created CI/CD pipelines', highlight the specific tools you used:

• Built and maintained CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Git, and Docker, reducing deployment time by 50%
• Implemented infrastructure as code using Terraform and Ansible, improving scalability and reducing manual configuration by 80%

By showcasing your expertise with industry-standard tools, you demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running in a new role.

Not sure if your resume highlights the right DevOps skills? Try our Targeted Resume tool, which scans your resume and compares it to a job description to ensure you have the right keywords.

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Numbers speak louder than words when it comes to your resume. Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify the impact of your work. This could include:

• Percentage improvements in deployment frequency, lead time, or other key metrics
• Cost savings from automation or optimization efforts
• Uptime percentages for the systems you maintain

Reduced AWS costs by 30% by implementing auto-scaling and spot instances, saving the company $50,000 per year

Metrics help hiring managers understand the tangible value you've brought to your previous roles, and how you could contribute to their organization.

If you don't have access to specific metrics, you can still use numbers to provide context for your achievements. For example, 'Managed a fleet of 100+ EC2 instances' or 'Supported a web application with 10,000+ daily active users'.

3. Show your progression and leadership

DevOps is a fast-evolving field, and hiring managers want to see that you've grown and adapted over time. If you've been promoted or taken on increasing responsibilities, make sure to highlight that in your work experience.

• DevOps Engineer, Acme Inc
• Worked on various projects and tasks

Instead, show your progression like this:

• Senior DevOps Engineer, Acme Inc
• Led a team of 5 DevOps Engineers, implementing best practices and mentoring junior team members
• Promoted from DevOps Engineer after 2 years, based on strong performance and leadership skills

Showing your career growth demonstrates your ability to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges - all key qualities for success in a DevOps role.

If you're not sure if your resume effectively showcases your career progression, try our Score My Resume tool. It provides instant feedback on your resume's strengths and areas for improvement, including how well you've highlighted your achievements and growth.

  Education

The education section of your resume is an important place to showcase your academic achievements and training. As a DevOps professional, you'll want to highlight your technical skills and knowledge in this section. Here are some tips to help you write an effective education section on your DevOps resume.

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent degree first and work backwards. Include the name of the institution, location, degree earned, and graduation date.

Here's an example:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, City, State, Graduation Date

Avoid listing irrelevant or outdated degrees:

• Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts, ABC Community College, City, State, Graduation Date

2. Include relevant coursework and projects

If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can include relevant coursework and projects in your education section. This can help demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, XYZ University, City, State Relevant Coursework: Cloud Computing, Database Management, Network Security Senior Project: Developed a cloud-based application using AWS services

3. Highlight your certifications

DevOps roles often require specific certifications, such as AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Certified Kubernetes Administrator. If you have any relevant certifications, be sure to include them in your education section.

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional, Amazon Web Services, Certification Date
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator, The Linux Foundation, Certification Date

4. Keep it concise for senior-level positions

If you're a senior-level DevOps professional with extensive work experience, you can keep your education section brief. Simply list your degree, institution, and graduation date.

• MS, Computer Science, XYZ University
• BS, Information Technology, ABC College

Avoid listing outdated or irrelevant degrees:

• Associate's Degree in Business Administration, DEF Community College, 1995

Action Verbs For DevOps Resumes

DevOps engineers need to do a lot of building, configuring, and testing programs. Doing so requires skill and experience with tools like OpenVZ/KVM, Hadoop, and the cloud. Therefore, it’s necessary to use action verbs that highlight your abilities with these tools. Just make sure the verbs --and the following experience-- are related to DevOps. Other software engineer-related jobs use the same or complementary tools. So whichever ones you choose to use in your resume need to be useful for this exact role. However, if those action verbs from other roles happen to be connected to this one, use them in your resume.

• Transformed
• Streamlined

For more related action verbs, visit Software Engineering Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for DevOps Resumes

Skills for devops resumes.

Since the DevOps role involves much work with various software programs, experience and skills with tools that help to manage those programs are key. Include those skills and how you’ve used them throughout your resume. If you’re uncertain of which skills to include, the job description should help you out. It’ll tell you which skills the hiring company is looking for in an applicant. Try listing some of them; it’ll help you get past ATS. However, stick to using primarily hard skills. Soft skills are important to have, especially for upper-level roles, but technical skills should be what you focus more attention on.

• Docker Products
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Agile Methodologies
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
• Python (Programming Language)
• Continuous Delivery
• Shell Scripting
• Cloud Computing
• Continuous Integration
• Elasticsearch
• Go (Programming Language)

How To Write Your Skills Section On a DevOps Resumes

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:

Skills Word Cloud For DevOps Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on DevOps job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Resume bullet points from devops resumes.

You should use bullet points to describe your achievements in your DevOps resume. Here are sample bullet points to help you get started:

Developed and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2

Designed and implemented 50+ E2E tests using Selenium & Protractor, simulating each user group's actions

Cut projected time for data analysis by one week by developing reusable ETL components using Pentaho Kettle

Designed and implemented an automated system for processing employee timesheets, eliminating the need for manual handwritten timesheets and resulted in a 10/hr per week time saving

Led full redesign of website with findings from customer segmentation and competitive research, increasing website leads by 200%

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 .

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11 Real Java Developer Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Java Developer Resume

• Java Developer Resumes by Experience
• Java Developer Resumes by Role

Writing Your Java Developer Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

The hardest part of building your Java developer resume and creating a cover letter is looking at a blank page. We looked at numerous Java developer resumes for different career stages and specialties and chose the best five to help you get started.

These 11 Java developer resume examples have  helped Java devs land jobs at companies like JP Morgan and Stripe,  so they’re proven to work and a great way for you to get started creating or  updating your resume  in 2024.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• It’s better to focus on your accomplishments instead of responsibilities on your resume. Achievements can naturally be described using metrics.
• The impact of your work can be very rough estimates. You want to show that you know which metrics matter to the business. These metrics are usually customer-facing. Revenue, user growth, and efficiency improvements are all examples of metrics on which you can focus.
• If you have less than five years of experience, you should strive to keep your resume to one page. As such, only include a  resume objective  if you think it will convey new information about your qualifications for the kind of job for which you’re looking.

Senior Java Developer Resume

• If you managed other, more junior developers, be sure to dedicate a bullet point on your resume to that!
• It’s a big red flag for a technical hiring manager to see a programmer who claims knowledge of 10+ programming languages on their resume. It’s much better to be an expert of one or two than claim knowledge of so many.
• When determining which Java frameworks to include on your senior Java developer resume , read the job description of the role for which you’re applying.

Junior Java Developer Resume

• Getting your first full-time Java developer role can be challenging and discouraging at times. Don’t worry; remember, everyone started as a junior Java developer at some point!
• Career objectives are only useful when they’re customized. This means you should tailor them to each position you apply to (use the  job description  for keywords) and mention the company by name.
• Did you build something cool as part of a class? Do something to scratch your own itch? Have success at a hackathon? The more project work on your junior Java developer resume, the better.
• At this point, hiring managers know your resume won’t be comprehensive. Just include relevant projects and any internships to showcase your knowledge.

Entry-Level Java Developer Resume

• More than that, you should show how you used that language/framework to impact the business meaningfully. The more metrics, the more convincing your resume becomes.
• Have the primary job title on your entry-level Java developer resume (right under the name in this resume) exactly match the role you’re applying to as a developer. Also, include your experience with development in your  resume objective  (if you decide to include one, which you don’t need to do). If you’re light on or have no experience, you might list relevant projects, activities, or hobbies that show employers your interest and initiative in the field.

Java Production Support Resume

• Let’s draw inspiration from Jordan’s Java production support resume. Bolded and underlined phrases like “reducing downtime by 42% and restoring services within an average of 19 minutes” and “organized three training sessions on Eclipse IDE for nine junior engineers” are unlikely to escape the recruiter’s notice. And that’s how you make an impression—short and with just the right amount of punch.

Java Spring Boot Resume

• Cooking up stories about your qualifications or skillset is a no-go. After all, the cringe that will wash over you when a sharp-eyed recruiter uncovers these embellishments is not worth the risk. And of course, you’re not looking at jail time for this, but you’ll certainly watch that job slip through your fingers. The truth is always your safest bet here.

Java UI Developer Resume

• Showing knowledge and former application of such technologies doesn’t just demonstrate your tech-savviness but also provides a practical overview of the tasks and projects you’re capable of handling. Won’t that instill confidence in the potential employer about your suitability for their team?

Java AWS Resume

• Your previous job experiences deserve maximum visibility on your resume; organize them in bullet points for readability (starting from the most recent), detailing your role, responsibilities, tools used, and quantified achievements.

Java Backend Developer Resume

• Holding a notoriously challenging certification like Oracle’s Java SE 11 is well worth including on your Java backend developer resume to prove you know your stuff.

Agile Java Developer Resume

• If you have experience designing the user interface on a widely-used platform—like Lyft or Netflix—place those positions prominently on your Agile Java developer resume to quickly gain recognition from recruiters.

Full-Stack Java Developer Resume

• When you’re applying for a specialized role, make sure the title on your full-stack Java developer resume (below your name) matches the job title of the role found in the business  job description .
• Discuss any frameworks you’ve used (like Spring) and the scope of the projects in which you used Java. This is the time to put some context around your Java experience.
• If you happen to be a little light on your work history, you can fill up any white space with internships or relevant projects you’ve worked on—they can effectively demonstrate your skill, initiative, and passion, in lieu of paid work.

Related resume guides

• Front End Developer
• Full Stack Developer

Tailor Your Java Developer Resume to Match the Needs of Your Clients

You’re a wizard when it comes to writing complex lines of code that seemingly make the magic happen. It’s totally okay if writing a resume doesn’t come as naturally. Fortunately, the best way to succeed is to just focus on the job description, and the most interesting part by far is the “job responsibilities” section.

What do employers generally want from Java developers like you, you may wonder? We’ve done the legwork and combined the most popular job responsibilities in your field to help you perfect your resume!

• Design, develop, and maintain software and services using Java, Python, and C++
• Write clean, efficient, and scalable code to meet back-end and full-stack requirements
• Perform code testing and debugging, describing and resolving performance issues or bugs
• Optimize application performance by tuning the JVM, implementing caching mechanisms, and refining SQL queries
• Participate in code reviews, daily stand-ups, and stakeholder meetings to ensure project completion and progression
• Follow DevOps best practices to provide timely deployment in accordance with company policies

Adding skills to your real java developer resume

Reverse-chronological format, functional format, and combination/hybrid format

• The most popular formats in 2024 are reverse-chronological, functional, and combination/hybrid. Online tools like our  resume formatting guide  can help you format your resume in minutes, but it’s still worth understanding the basics.
• Using the reverse-chronological format, your most recent, relevant position would be at the top of your resume, with previous work following in reverse-chronological order. 
• Next, you would add education, followed by other information in any order you choose. Employ a functional format when you’re trying to change career paths.
• To implement a combination or hybrid of functional and reverse-chronological format, skills and work history are equally balanced. List skills after contact information, but emphasize work history, as well.
• The reverse-chronological format is the best choice for a Java developer resume because it ensures that recruiters can see your most recent work history first in an easy-to-read timeline

Including the right contact info

Contact information is an essential part of your resume. Include a logical flow of information that will help recruiters reach you easily. Our  resume examples  can teach you what you need to know! Contact information should be located near the top of your resume. Your Java developer resume should include:

• Your name and job title you’re seeking
• Phone and email 
• City and state are optional
• Social media links are optional but can help the employer discover more about you if needed

Beat the ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords related to the job description, so it’s important to format your Java developer resume with keywords in mind. ATS scans for patterns and analyzes the content of the resume. If your resume lacks keywords or is formatted improperly, you may be automatically filtered from the applicant pool. 

Essential tips to getting past the ATS:

• Margins: The role of margins in formatting your Java developer resume is to ensure the text looks neat and clean. Place one extra line between each paragraph for better readability. The top, bottom, and side margins are typically 1 inch. 
• Fonts: The most common fonts used in resumes are Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, with 10-12 points being standard. 
• Header names: The headers in your resume should be bolded and consistent.
• Skills: The skills section in your Java developer resume should comprise three to five keywords related to the job description for which you’re applying.
• Reverse-chronological order: Use reverse-chronological order of information for easy reading. The progression should be from the most relevant and recent experience at the top to a flow of less recent work history. 
• Alignment: The alignment of your Java developer resume will help it look crisp. For just about everything, you’ll want to align your text left. Your contact header can break this rule, though, if you like.
• One page: Keep your resume a burden-free one page. Recruiters are busy people!

Keep your resume from being filtered by either the ATS or a swamped hiring manager with proper, tidy formatting. Our  free resume builder  can help you format your resume correctly. It will take you through the process of building a perfect Java developer resume in no time!

Writing an effective Java developer resume may seem like a daunting task. Taking it step by step and using our resume builder will set you on the right track. While  writing your resume , consider the following:

What about a resume objective or summary?

Job experience.

• Add an objective to your Java developer resume if you lack experience or change careers. It can add fullness to a thin resume.
• Objectives should be concise and to the point, giving a glimpse of what you can offer. 
• Use a summary to highlight your most significant experience, skills, and specializations.
• A summary works well when you’ve worked about 10 years or more in your field.
• The summary gives recruiters a quick, focused glance at your solid expertise and achievements.
• Objectives and summaries can provide strategic snapshots to hiring managers looking to weed through applicants quickly.
• You can omit an objective if you have many years of experience, aren’t changing careers, or don’t intend to customize your resume for each position to which you apply.
• A summary is helpful if you have special achievements and many productive years to highlight but is optional.

Example of a poor, vague objective

Seeking a job as an Android developer

Example of a poor, vague summary

Worker with more than 5 years of experience as a full-stack developer

Vague objectives and summaries fail when they lack depth and specifics. Customize yours to the job you’re applying for and mention that company by name. Summaries should highlight the numerous positions you’ve held and the impact you will offer the next business, should they be savvy enough to hire you.

Examples of good objectives:

• Experienced Java developer who dreams in Java and has a solid grasp on web services and complex application development. I am excited to continue my career by joining a company composed of driven professionals who value creative problem-solving and strive to revolutionize AT&T’s services.
• Software engineer with a proven ability to work creatively in small and large team environments. For a team project, I was responsible for the front-end. I learned Django back-end to ensure smooth interactions and am looking to use these skills in a collaborative environment with other passionate engineers at Pixar.

Examples of good summaries:

• Proven 8+ year full-stack Java developer with a passion for learning and working with new technologies that positively impact society. Proficient in Java and JavaScript performance and teaching. Dedicated to learning better ways to write clean, efficient code while keeping up with the latest tech stacks. Searching for my next Java developer role at Google that will leverage my expertise in creativity, analytics, and problem-solving.
• Experienced Java developer with 9+ years of experience participating in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including estimating, technical design, implementation, documentation, testing, deployment, and support of applications developed for various clients. Looking forward to mentoring and leading a team of developers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams at Peterson Technology Partners to transition to cloud technologies. 

Though rarely done well, a good summary or objective is specific and chock full of information to help hiring managers narrow applicants. These  resume objectives  and summaries are successful because they focus on relevant information, are customized to the employer, and include keywords that directly relate to the job. 

It’s best to include two to four job experiences in reverse-chronological order. You don’t need to include every position you’ve ever held in your life. Instead, focus on those relevant to the position to which you’re applying. Begin with your most recent role, as it will provide a good idea of your skillset and experience.

Writing your job description bullet points

Your job description bullets should be clear, concise, and contain keywords that link you to the job for which you’re applying. The language on your Java developer resume should be simple with consistent punctuation. For example, if you end one bullet point with a period, continue that format throughout. Avoid using personal pronouns, and remember to use active verbs for impact.

Poor bullet points in your Java developer resume:

• Software developer for 5 years
• Focused on building automated test suites and creating documentation
• Worked with a team of developers to integrate features into the system

These bullet points fail because they lack depth, specifics, and keywords. They’re also void of stats and examples of work or achievements.

Good bullet points:

• Collaborated with a team of 12 to ensure that the workflow engine continued to scale and perform well
• Created 65 automated test suites and coded automated tests while documenting features and functionalities of the system to better educate other developers
• Used DevOps and Agile principles with a team of 5 other developers, optimizing workflows by 35%

Your bullet points should provide metrics, examples of achievements and be concise while showing the employer your impact. 

Quantify your impact

Quantifying your impact on your Java developer resume is an effective way to highlight your experience. Include numbers such as how much time you saved the company by automating a task, how many clients you had, and how much revenue you generated.

Ways to incorporate metrics into your bullet points include:

• Example: Designed and created automated test suites that ran over 500 tests in 7 minutes, saving 40% of process time
• Example: Generated $10,000 in new revenue by writing and publishing a range of in-depth technical articles
• Example: Managed a portfolio of 26 clients who generated 2.5M in annual revenue

Top Java developer skills

Java is one of the most in-demand skills because it allows developers to work on the back-end server-side of coding. Listing hard and soft skills can dress up your Java developer resume. Hard skills can be linked directly to a project. Soft skills are more about your personality and attitude and are harder to quantify. Hard skills show your ability to do a specific job, whereas soft skills give employers an understanding of who you are.

Java developer hard skills can include:

• Programming languages such as Java, Scala, and Python 
• Frameworks such as Spring Boot, Hibernate, JavaServer Faces
• Configuration tools such as Maven, Gradle, Ant
• Languages such as SQL, HTML, CSS
• Operating systems such as Windows and Linux 

Java developer soft skills can include:

• Communication
• Quick learner
• Organization
• Detail-oriented
• Patience 
• Collaboration

These soft and hard skills are important because they show employers that you have the right attitude and personality for the job. They also give a solid glimpse of your technical knowledge, work ethic, and how well you can work within a team. Try to include a hybrid of at least 6 but no more than 10  soft and hard skills . 

Education, certifications, and licenses

It’s important to read the job description thoroughly to see whether the employer requires certifications. Include any relevant licenses or awards in your resume. For example, if you’re a certified scrum developer, list it! Entry-level Java developer resumes should include education near the top. However, if you boast many years of experience, education becomes far less significant and can be deprioritized toward the bottom. If you have one year of experience AND a BS, education simply doesn’t matter beyond “BS in CS from the University of Location.”

What about projects, interests, or hobbies?

Most Java developer resumes won’t include projects or hobbies, but having this information can add fullness. If you’re light on experience or fresh out of college, consider including a project,  interest, or hobby relevant to Java programming . Projects are great for entry-level positions because they demonstrate that you have created a product from scratch. You can show employers that you have the initiative to create something and write code.

Entry-level Java developer project examples:

• Volunteered to lead a weekly competitive Sudoku club 

This example shows you know how to problem-solve. You volunteered at a local organization to solve their security issues and better their establishment.

• Hosted a weekly 13-member tech meet-up, where we designed and patented a new coaching app for dog trainers 

This example demonstrates your initiative, communication, and collaboration skills, which impress any hiring manager.

Customize your Java developer resume

To land that coveted Java developer role, customize your resume for every job to which you apply. This means tailoring your Java developer resume to meet the job description. Your objective, experiences, and skills should be hand-tailored to precisely reflect the job description of the position you’re seeking. 

Edit your Java developer resume

Most people overlook editing when crafting their Java developer resume. Don’t make the same mistake! To increase your chances of scoring an interview, you need to edit and format your resume properly. It should be error-free. The idea is to make your resume as neat, clean, and professional as possible. Ask other people to review it and provide feedback. You can also take advantage of our free resume checker if you’d like some help.

Java Developer Resume FAQs

It’s a bit of a loaded question. First, exclude soft skills (strong communication, problem-solving, etc.) from your resume skills section because this short list really only leaves room for you to hit the best of your technical skills (programming languages, frameworks, etc.). However, use your job description bullet points to showcase soft skills in action. For example, if you discuss writing clean, maintainable, scalable code, you’re attesting to your attention to detail.

Besides listing your technical skills in a short resume section, show how you put those skills to the test when talking about your work experience as a Java Developer. If Jenkins is something you know and it’s mentioned in the company’s job ad, talk about how you used Jenkins to enable CI/CD. Or maybe Angular is really crucial for a company, so you discuss how you worked on a customer-facing insurance app to build conditional components in Angular.

If you’re wondering how to fill out a resume when you’re light on work history, the answer primarily lies in projects. As a Java developer, think about how you found yourself in this field, to begin with. Did you tinker around on personal or academic projects, such as building a word counter or developing a real-time tracker for university events? Don’t overlook these kinds of projects, as you can list them on your resume in bullet points just as you would with your job history.

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