Programming is a very demanding skill set in the modern job market, but if we talk about programming in general, it also has fierce competition. Whether you are applying as a software engineer or a developer, you need to possess technical skills and a high level of programming knowledge. Many people have adequate skills, but they don’t know how to present them properly in their resume to ensure that they get selected for the job. In this article, we will break down the best ways to list a candidate’s programming skills on their CV in a simple yet powerful manner.
The Right Way To List Your Programming Skills In Your CV
Following the steps discussed below, you can create a CV that will get you the desired job interviews.
1. Understand What The Employer is Looking For
As you go about putting up programming skills in your resume, it is prudent to know what employers want. Technical skills vary according to the job, industry, and seniority, and therefore, employers have various technical skills they seek.
To provide an example, a backend developer will require knowledge of Java, SQL, and Python, whereas a frontend developer will require knowledge of JavaScript, React, or HTML/CSS. In addition to the programming languages, the employers are also concerned about your problem-solving skills, understanding of frameworks and libraries, and your ability to adjust to new technologies.
So, when reading the job description, make sure to read their requirements carefully. Always create your skills segment according to what the employer may be looking forward to seeing most.
2. Create a Dedicated Skill Section
The easiest way of listing your programming skills is to create a section entitled ‘Skills’ or ‘Technical Skills’ in your resume. This is where you can demonstrate all you know about programming. Place this section on such a side that it can be easily noted by just taking a glance.
In case you know many languages, you can group the programming languages and tools you are conversant with, then list them down logically. As an example, you could combine the headings such as Web Technologies, Programming Languages, and Databases so that it is easy to read.
3. Highlight Relevant Projects
One of the best ways to showcase your skill set is to present your previous projects relevant to the programming skills you have acquired. Now this can be something from your academic coursework, previous professional experience, or something you did just for fun. These projects demonstrate your ability to apply programming to real-world problems.
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | |
| Languages | Java, JavaScript, Java Beans, JSP, SQL, HTML, XML, Node.js, Bootstrap |
| Frameworks | JSF, J2EE, Apache Struts |
| APIs | Servlets, EJB, Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) |
| Software | Eclipse, Toad, Works, NetBeans |
| Databases | IBM DB2, Oracle, MySQL, Database SQL command |
4. Listing Skills By Relevance and Proficiency
You probably are familiar with dozens of kinds of programming languages or tools, but be careful not to give the employer a list the size of a monster. Choose those skills that are relevant to the job. It is better to go for quality over quantity,
You may also include your proficiency rating, such as Intermediate or Advanced, in case you are interested, so that the recruiters would have an idea of how much experience you have. To be more specific, you can list the years of experience as well, e.g., JavaScript (4 years). This will assist the hiring managers in evaluating your CV within a short duration.
5. Mention Previous Work Experience
You should make sure to include your work experience with your skill set, apart from just listing what you did previously. It is not sufficient to just mention languages in the skills section, as it will not essentially prove that you can use the said languages in practice. An expert IT CV writer makes an impactful CV by listing the programming languages that you employed under each of your former jobs or internships, and explains what you managed to attain during that time.
For example, you can talk about a project you did, such as making a customer support application through Python to enhance the order tracking and reduce customer queries by 30%. This shows that you not only studied Python but also used it to solve real-world problems.
6. Include Certifications and Courses
Another way to showcase your abilities and programming skills is to include relevant certifications and courses. This can be done during your studies or after completion, as it demonstrates to the employer your determination to learn and perfect that skill. You can create a different section or just list these certifications under the education section.
This reassures the employer that you are well tested and know how to use that particular skill set. For example, you can state that you are an “AWS Certified Developer” or have completed the “Coursera Python for Everyone” course.
7. Use Online Portfolios
Nothing is equivalent to a professional portfolio that displays your work and real-time code. You can build a profile on GitHub where you can post snippets of your work, code, scripts, models, and algorithms you are working on. This will provide a future employer with real-time proof about the style and quality of your work.
8. Tailoring Skills for Each Job Application
The biggest mistake most candidates make is sending the same resume to every job application, which often results in no interview calls. This is why experts who offer resume writing services provide their clients with a tailored CV for every job they are applying for.
Make sure to read the job description carefully, identifying the keywords, and incorporating them into your resume to ensure it passes through the ATS. A simple step of putting the required skills in your CV helps you pass the applicant tracking system and get that interview call.
9. Keeping the Language Simple
Although it’s a technical field and you must feel tempted to use the right acronyms to leave a good impression on the employer, that’s not the case, as you would confuse the non-technical specialists. So, make sure that whenever you are building up your CV, you use plain, simple, and clear language. Avoid complex jargon unless you are applying for a highly specialised position.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can students with no professional experience list programming skills?
They can highlight academic projects, hackathons, and open-source contributions. This proves they know the practical implications and have a passion for programming.
Is it necessary to frequently update my resume?
Yes, regardless of your professional field, you should regularly update your resume to ensure it accurately reflects your current skills and experience.
Can I mention outdated programming languages I learned in the past?
Yes, but it all depends on the role you are applying for; otherwise, focus on the modern, in-demand skills you have acquired.
The Right Way To Program Your CV
Listing down programming languages on your resume will not help you get a job. You need to ensure that you tailor your skills according to your job, showcase real-time examples of your work, and highlight results. Always use simple language and provide what an employer asks for in your CV. A clear and outcome-driven CV helps to make your technical abilities stand out and boosts your chances of getting a job.