Whether you’re writing games, software, or web applications, a computer programmer role offers a varied career path. Take the next step by learning how to showcase essential technical, analytical, and soft skills. Using our programmer CV examples, you can impress recruiters with concise presentation and relevant experience.

Whether you’d like to discover an amazing programmer CV template or get some advice about skills, salary, and how to format your computer programmer CV – you’ll find all the CV help and tips you need right here.

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Top tips for your software programmer CV

To create the best programmer CV, you need to understand the ins and outs of how to write a successful CV, from formatting to design. Here are our top tips for a good programmer CV.

  • Organise your CV

    A successful CV is generally made up of several key elements:

    These should be presented in a clear and organised manner for recruiters to read. Generally speaking, a computer programmer CV should use reverse chronological formatting. This format records your work experience backwards, starting from the most recent position – making it easy for recruiters to pick out the information they need.

  • Double check the job description

    You should always have a thorough read of the job description before writing a software programmer CV. Jot down any skills and experience you have that matches up with the roles and responsibilities of the developer / programmer position. Don’t assume you know the requirements of the role, as this can vary. A Java programmer job description will have different duties and requirements to that of a game programmer, for example.

  • Code in your achievements

    A missing line of code can break down a great piece of software – and a software programmer CV is much the same. If major accomplishments from your career are missing, you won’t stand out for employers. When writing a game programmer CV, for instance, don’t just list the duties of your previous roles – let recruiters know about the game you programmed that won an award, or the game-breaking bug you located and fixed in record time. Take a look at some programmer CV samples for more ideas of achievements to highlight.

  • Professionality is key

    A good programmer CV always keeps it professional. Just as messy code is likely to become confusing, a messy CV will have recruiters scratching their heads. Once you’ve written your CV, proofread for accurate spelling and grammar. When selecting a programmer CV template, make sure the font and CV design you choose looks professional and clear.

  • Back it up with evidence

    When writing about your work history and skills, always make sure you can back up what you say with evidence. Even if you’re writing an entry level programmer CV, there are plenty of skills and accomplishments from your academic history to draw on. Plus, many candidates will link to a programmer CV website within their CV contact details or cover letter, for recruiters to check out their portfolio.

Skills to include in your software programmer CV

Whether you’re writing a web programmer CV or a game programmer CV, there are some essential skills that any programmer needs under their belt for a successful job application.

Grab the recruiters’ attention with these technical skills

  • Advanced coding
  • Troubleshooting and debugging
  • Mathematics
  • Data management
  • Communication skills
  • Computer hardware knowledge

Transferable skills to impress employers

  • Problem solving
  • Analysis skills
  • Proactive decision making
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer oriented approach
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Top FAQs about your software programmer CV

What does a programmer do?

The roles and responsibilities of a developer or programmer will vary between positions and specialisations. Generally speaking, computer programmers write code in programming languages, such as Java or C++, to create functioning computer software or games. They will also need to examine their code for any issues and continue to update it as required. However, the specific details can vary between the type of software being coded and the programming languages used. For example, a Python programmer CV will usually include more experience with creating data science applications, whilst Java programmers may have more experience with GUI applications.

How to become a programmer?

To become a programmer, you’ll generally need a degree in programming or computer science. Competitive candidates will also need around three years in the industry to stand out. However, a self-taught programmer CV will need to focus more on the essential skills and experience that show you meet the job criteria. Advanced knowledge of programming languages, operating systems and computer hardware is a must. Understanding how to write a CV to highlight your key strengths is one of the most vital skills for candidates looking for a career in programming.

How long does it take to become a professional programmer?

This ultimately depends on you. You might decide to go the traditional pathway of becoming qualified through a degree in a computing subject. This will usually take around four years to complete. However, if you have a degree in another subject or no degree at all, you could also break into programming through a boot camp course, which can help you to become employed within 6 months to a year. You’ll need to tailor your junior programmer CV to your strengths, no matter how you enter the industry, focusing on the experience in your academic history – and showcasing your major skills in an innovative portfolio where possible.

How much does the average computer programmer make?

The average computer programmer salary in the UK is between £30,000 and £37,000 per year. However, this varies between different fields and experience levels. Experienced candidates can reach salaries of over £50,000 per year. Meanwhile, the average programmer salary for UK jobs at entry level starts at around £20,000 per year. Salaries can also vary between coding languages, with the salary of a python programmer in the UK ranging from £40,000 to £80,000 per year.

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Creating a personal statement for a good programmer CV

From the moment recruiters first look at your CV, they need to see why you’re perfect for the role. That’s where your personal statement comes in. This will form a short summary of your key achievements, skills and accolades – and should be around 3-4 sentences. For example, a junior Java programmer CV will need a personal statement that highlights industry knowledge and experience with Java and J2EE.

Your personal statement should provide an instant overview of what makes you a dream candidate. Taking a look at a programmer CV sample can help you to see how to perfect your profile.

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Reach your dream job with a software programmer CV

Now you have all the CV help and tips you need – it’s time to get started. Once you’ve read the job description and gathered your information, the first step is to take a look at a programmer CV example, then choose a professional CV template to create your own.

If you’d like to create an attention-grabbing CV to impress recruiters, why not use our online CV builder? You’ll discover plenty of programmer CV templates, which can be filled with pre-written content that’s tailored to programmer jobs!

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