Programmer CV Example & Writing Guide

CVapp.ie was created to help programming professionals just like you find the perfect job. With top tips, tools and tricks, we've created this guide to empower you with the tools and opportunities you need to succeed in the programming industry. Before we get started, it’s important to understand that every successful CV contains the following structure: 

• A professional profile
• An employment history section
• A skills section
• An education section

Without further ado, let’s begin with the professional profile!

Professional Profile: Express your career potential 

Creating an impactful professional profile is pivotal to creating a positive first impression with employers and starting off on the right foot. It’s your chance to speak directly to employers and define your point of difference: As a programmer, what professional skills or strengths do you have to offer potential employers or clients? Is your second language Python? Have you been coding for several years? In 3-5 sentences, you’ll want to highlight any professional strengths, capabilities or expertise that make you a great candidate for the role you’re applying for. Need a great example? Check out our customisable professional profile template below: 

Employment History: Summarise your career journey

When writing your work history section, it’s best to prioritise including roles that are more relevant to the programming industry. For example, if you worked in retail, but you’ve completed programming projects for over three clients, you can avoid including details about your previous retail position. In this section, you should include the name of the business, organisation or client you completed programming projects for, the duration of your employment, any significant  positions and responsibilities you held during your time in each position, and any outstanding achievements you may have accomplished during your time in each role. Additionally, if you have a portfolio to show clients, organisations or businesses, be sure to include this with your CV or a link to your online portfolio in your header!

Education: Where training meets talent

To become a programmer, you don't always need an extensive educational background. While formal education can provide a strong foundation in programming principles, practical experience and demonstrated skills often carry more weight in the eyes of employers. That said, it's still important to showcase any academic accomplishments and qualifications you possess to highlight your expertise. Even if your educational background is not directly related to computer science or programming, mentioning relevant coursework, certifications, or specialized training can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development. By including your academic achievements, you provide employers with valuable insights into your drive, determination, and potential to excel in the programming field.

When listing your educational achievements, be sure to include information about the institutions you attended, including their cities, the years you were enrolled, and any outstanding details that may catch employers' attention. Here’s a great example below: 

Skills: Your professional tool-kit 

When writing your skills section as a programmer, it's important to highlight the specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools you are proficient in. We know you're a programming pro, but it's important to showcase these strengths to employers, too! Be sure to showcase your expertise in languages like Python, Java, JavaScript, and other relevant coding languages where possible. Additionally, you can mention any specialised knowledge or domain-specific skills you possess, such as web development, data analysis, or DevOps tools. Remember to keep your skills section concise, only including relevant skills that align with the job you're applying for.