How to write a developer CV + IT CV templates

A developer CV should be clear and concise. It gives a potential employer an overview of your work experience and the skills you can use in the IT field. But how do you write it in a way that will help you land your dream job? We’ve put together all the key information and a clear guide to help you do just that.

How to write a programmer CV?

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a document that introduces you to a potential employer and makes a first impression. You should therefore take the time to prepare it and include all relevant information about yourself.

The CV should be polished but concise. Provide recruiters with basic information about yourself, your education, work experience and skills. You can also briefly describe your interests or hobbies, but don’t go into too much detail.

Less is more. Write only what is really relevant. Avoid ‘waffle’ and unnecessary information that could spoil the first impression. If you want to elaborate, include a covering letter with your CV.

What format should I choose for my CV as a developer?

Before you start writing, find out what an IT CV should look like. The design should be simple, with a white background and black font. The most suitable fonts are Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri or Cambria in size 12. Section headings can be slightly larger.

If you write your CV in Word, set your margins to 1 to 1.5 cm and your line spacing to 1.15 to 1.5 cm. You can leave larger spaces between paragraphs so that the document doesn’t look cluttered and is easy to read. You can also create your CV in a graphic editor such as Canva. Just choose a template and overwrite the details. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create your programming CV yourself.

When you have completed your CV, save it as a PDF. This format ensures that sentences, paragraphs and headings stay in place regardless of the device on which the document is opened.

What structure should I choose when writing an IT CV?

To keep your IT CV clear, follow one of three basic structures:

1. Chronological structure

This is the most common structure and is suitable not only for IT but also for many other fields. It is based on your work experience, which is given the most space. Other sections, such as education or skills, are more concise.

The chronological structure is the best choice for a developer or IT specialist. When creating it, stick to the following division:

• bio (optional),
• personal and contact details,
• work experience (describe it in no more than two or three sentences),
• education (indicate school, course and period of study)
• skills (list only),
• optional sections such as interests, hobbies, etc.

2. Professional structure

In English, this type of CV is also called a skills-based CV. It aims to highlight your skills and strengths, leaving your work experience in the background. It is ideal for recent graduates or those with large gaps in their work history.

The professional structure consists of the following parts:

• bio (optional),
• personal and contact details,
• skills (choose a few main ones and describe them in detail),
• education (state briefly),
• work experience (describe briefly and concisely),
• optional sections.

3. Combined structure

The combined structure combines a chronological and a professional structure. This means that skills and work experience are given equal weight.

The combined structure includes:

• bio (optional)
• personal and contact details,
• relevant skills,
• work experience,
• education,
• optional sections.

What to include in an IT developer CV?

An IT CV should contain a few basic sections, which can be supplemented with additional optional sections. These include:

Short bio

A short bio is not a required part of a developer’s CV, but it is a handy introduction that quickly gives recruiters important information about you. Since not everyone writes one, it can make you stand out.

The bio should be short, to the point and clear. It is usually 3 to 6 sentences long, and can look like this:

“I am an experienced developer who loves new technologies and is interested in software development. I specialize in website and mobile app development, with expert-level Python and JavaScript skills. I have more than 10 years of experience as a Java developer, I take pride in details, I am reliable and I like to work in a team.”

The bio should match the requirements of the advert. Emphasize the strengths that potential employers are looking for so that you stand out at first glance.

Personal and contact details

This section is an essential part of any programmer’s CV. This is where you list your:

• first and last name,
• date of birth,
• address,
• phone number,
• e-mail,
• social media/web link.

Social networking sites are optional. However, if you are active on LinkedIn, be sure to include it – recruiters can learn more about you from it.

Work experience

In this section you can show a potential employer that you have enough experience to get the job.

In your CV, start with your job title, followed by the company you worked for, your dates of employment and a brief description of what you were responsible for. Keep the job description brief and clear.

Example:

Java Developer
msg life Slovakia
2020 – 2024

– development and programming of computer and mobile applications,
– website development,
– design and implementation of software components,
– cooperation with software testers and project architects,
– application of agile software management methods.

Provide only relevant information that recruiters are likely to be interested in and that confirms that you are the ideal candidate. For example, if you have more personal projects in your portfolio, you can list your website or project URL on GitHub.

Education and certificates

You don’t need to write too much about your education. Just mention the school, the subject or course you studied and the time you studied it. If you have space, describe what you studied in one or two sentences.

You can also include courses, certificates or awards in this section.

Skills

Education is followed by soft skills and hard skills, which are key skills for employers. They are often more important than education itself.

Soft skills that you can list as a developer and are in demand on the job market can be:

• teamwork,
• communication skills,
• creativity,
• patience,
• detail orientation,
• the ability to solve complicated problems,
• responsibility,
• openness to learn new things.

Hard skills:

• proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java, C#, PHP, Ruby, Node.js, HTML, CSS, JavaScript),
• OS management (Windows XP, MacOS, iOS),
• software development,
• knowledge of algorithms and data structures,
• mathematical and computational skills,
• machine learning and the use of AI,
• cloud computing.

Optional sections – interests and other information

If your IT CV isn’t too long, you can also add optional sections such as leisure activities you enjoy. You can link these activities directly to the job posting.

For example, if a company is looking for someone who can think outside the box, mention the creative activities you do. This will show that you can look at things from a different perspective and come up with unconventional solutions.

IT developer CV template

A template can help you write an IT CV where you simply fill in your details, save it and send it to the potential employer. There are many templates available today.

You can create a universal CV on Profesia.sk. If you’re looking for something different, try Canva, which offers both basic and advanced templates. You can also find inspiration in our article.

Attachments to IT developer CV

You can attach three basic types of attachments to your IT CV:

• Motivation letter – allows you to describe some of your work experience and skills. It also shows why you are interested in the job and why you are the best candidate.
• Cover letter – serves as an introduction to the CV. You can use it to give recruiters a brief introduction to who you are and what your strengths are. It is sent either as a separate document or directly in the body of the email.
• References – provide evidence of your qualities and skills through testimonials from previous bosses, managers or others in a position of responsibility.

What to avoid when writing a developer CV?

Avoid these unnecessary mistakes when writing a developer CV:

• Changing fonts – once you’ve chosen a font, use it consistently throughout your document. If you want to set off certain sections, increase the size of the text or use a bold font.
• Too much colour – IT recruiters expect a simple and clear CV, not a document full of colour that can look chaotic. So don’t go overboard with colours. It’s best to use a white background and black font.
• Irrelevant information – read carefully what the employer is looking for in a candidate and tailor your CV accordingly. For IT roles, emphasize your technical skills and relevant education.
• Typos and mistakes – grammar errors or missing letters look unprofessional and indicate that you haven’t taken enough time to prepare your CV. Employers may get the impression that you are similarly sloppy with the code text. Always have someone else proofread the finished document.
• Versatility – Every job is unique and requires different skills or knowledge. It is therefore important to read the advert carefully and tailor your CV to the employer’s requirements. For example, highlight the skills the company is looking for in candidates.

Get your dream job with an IT CV

Writing an IT CV follows a few basic rules. If you follow them, you can be sure to produce a quality document that will help you get an interview and land your dream job. Get inspired by our tips and start working on a clear, concise and easy-to-read CV today!