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Software Developer CV example

Developer CVs are screened on stack, scope and impact. This software developer example leads with the technologies, shows what was built and for whom, and backs each bullet with a result.

Written for New Zealand, with notes for Australia · Checked

Free. Then compare it with a real Software Developer job ad.

The example

A Software Developer CV, start to finish.

Arjun Mehta is made up, and so are the employers. The layout and the wording are what New Zealand employers expect: no photo or date of birth, the most recent job first, and every bullet showing what was done and what came of it.

Arjun Mehta

Software Developer, full stack

Wellington · 021 555 0156 · arjun.mehta@email.com · github.com/arjunmehta

Profile

Full-stack developer with five years building web apps in TypeScript, React and Node.js, most recently for a government services platform. Writes tested, maintainable code, cares about accessibility, and mentors junior developers.

Skills

TypeScript · React · Node.js · PostgreSQL · Automated testing · AWS · Accessibility (WCAG) · CI/CD

Experience

Software Developer, Tūī Digital

Wellington · 2022 to now

  • Build features for a citizen-facing services platform in React and Node.js
  • Raised automated test coverage on the core booking service from 40% to 85%
  • Led the accessibility fixes that brought the platform in line with WCAG 2.1 AA
  • Mentor two junior developers through code reviews and pairing

Junior Developer, Harakeke Software

Wellington · 2021 to 2022

  • Built internal tools in React and TypeScript
  • Moved deployments to an automated pipeline, cutting release time

Education

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington

2020

Other details

Work rights
New Zealand resident

Referees

Available on request

Arjun wrote a cover letter to go with it. Read the software developer cover letter

Skills and keywords

What software developer job ads look for.

Use the ad's own words where they're true of you. An ATS, and a recruiter skimming, both look for them.

  • TypeScriptList languages the way the ad does.
  • ReactFrameworks are often filtered on exactly.
  • Automated testingShows you ship code that lasts.
  • CloudName the platform: AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
  • AccessibilityGovernment and larger employers ask for WCAG.
  • CI/CDShows you know how code reaches production.
  • MentoringThe step towards senior roles.

Bullet points

8 strong lines to borrow from.

Each says what was done, how, and what came of it. Swap in your own facts: a line is only strong if it's true.

  1. 1Built features for a citizen-facing services platform in React and Node.js
  2. 2Raised automated test coverage on the core booking service from 40% to 85%
  3. 3Led the accessibility fixes that brought the platform in line with WCAG 2.1 AA
  4. 4Mentored two junior developers through code reviews and pairing
  5. 5Moved deployments to an automated pipeline, cutting release time
  6. 6Designed a PostgreSQL schema for a new reporting feature
  7. 7Reduced page load time on the busiest page by fixing slow database queries
  8. 8Wrote the team's guide to code review

Common mistakes

What costs software developer CVs interviews.

  • A wall of every technology you've touched.

    List what you'd be happy to be tested on, and show it in use in your experience.

  • Describing tasks, not outcomes.

    Say what changed because of your work: speed, reliability, coverage or users.

  • Leaving out links.

    Add your GitHub or portfolio, and make sure what's there is worth reading.

New Zealand and Australia

What changes across the Tasman.

New Zealand

New Zealand tech employers often ask about work rights, as many hire from overseas. Say yours in your details.

New Zealand CV format

Australia

Australian tech ads often ask for similar stacks. Say whether you hold Australian work rights, since some roles need them. Australian employers usually say resume rather than CV, and expect about two pages.

Australian CV format

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Email support@smartcvs.ai and a person will reply.

Should I include personal projects?

Yes, if they show skills the job asks for. Link to the code.

How long should a developer CV be?

Two pages. Put the stack and your most relevant work on the first.

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