ATS-Friendly Resume Example for Software Engineers (Free CV Template)
You can code in multiple languages, ship production-ready apps, and debug faster than anyone on your team, yet you still can’t seem to get interviews. The problem might not be your experience. It’s your resume format.
In 2025, almost every tech company uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan, filter, and rank resumes before a recruiter ever sees them. If your Software Engineer CV isn’t optimized for ATS, it can be automatically rejected, even if you’re a perfect match.
This guide will show you exactly how to make your resume ATS-friendly, which keywords to include, and how to download a free optimized Software Engineer template that actually gets through the system.
What recruiters and ATS look for in a Software Engineer resume
Recruiters want evidence of technical mastery and impact. The ATS wants clean structure and keyword alignment.
A successful Software Engineer resume should highlight:
- Core programming languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, etc.)
- Tools and frameworks (React, Node.js, Spring Boot, Django, AWS, Docker)
- Software development lifecycle experience (Agile, CI/CD, version control)
- Results, not just responsibilities (“reduced load time by 40%,” “built APIs serving 1M+ users”)
The ATS will scan your file for these exact terms, so missing them can lower your score and visibility.
Common mistakes that make Software Engineer CVs fail ATS
- Exporting from design tools — ATS can’t read text embedded in images.
- Using columns or tables — confuses the parsing process.
- Listing tech stack in icons or graphics instead of text.
- Skipping project metrics — ATS prefers measurable results.
- Inconsistent naming — e.g., “JS” vs “JavaScript.” Stick to one.
Step-by-step: How to make your Software Engineer CV ATS-friendly
1. Use a simple file format
Submit only .docx or a text-based .pdf. Avoid Canva, Figma, or exported image resumes.
ATS reads plain text best.
2. Use standard fonts
Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These are the safest for ATS parsing.
3. Use recognizable section headings
Use “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Technical Skills,” and “Projects.”
Avoid “Things I’ve Built” or “My Journey” — they aren’t recognized headings.
4. Include keywords from the Job Description
Read the job post closely. If it says:
“We’re looking for a backend engineer with Node.js, AWS, and MongoDB experience.”
You should naturally include:
“Built and deployed Node.js APIs on AWS with MongoDB for data storage, improving scalability by 30%.”
Upload your resume and job description to our ATS CV Optimization Tool to:
- Get your ATS compatibility score
- Identify missing skills and tools
- Receive instant suggestions for improvement
5. Show results, not just tech
Don’t just list the stack — describe what you achieved with it.
Instead of: “Worked with React and Node.js.”
Use: “Developed a React front-end integrated with Node.js APIs, improving user session speed by 25%.”
6. Explain acronyms
Spell out terms at least once:
“Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)” instead of just “CI/CD.”
7. Be consistent with formatting
Use one date style throughout (e.g., “Jan 2022 – Present”).
Stick to one layout — no columns or text boxes.
8. Keep technical skills separate
Add a dedicated section for your stack:
Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Express
Databases: MySQL, MongoDB
Cloud/Tools: AWS, Docker, Jenkins, Git
This section helps the ATS identify your technical expertise immediately.
Example: ATS-friendly Software Engineer resume (before & after)
| Category | Before (Rejected by ATS) | After (Passed ATS) |
|---|---|---|
| File Type | Canva design | .docx |
| Format | Two-column layout | Single-column text |
| Keywords | “Coded websites” | “Developed React.js front-end integrated with Node.js API and AWS” |
| Metrics | None | “Reduced load time by 40%” |
| Acronyms | “CI/CD” only | “Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)” |
| Score | 56% match | 91% match |
Top keywords for a Software Engineer CV
Programming Languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C++, C#, Ruby, Go, SQL, PHP
Frameworks & Libraries: React, Node.js, Express, Spring Boot, Django, Angular, Flask, Vue.js
Tools & Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Git, GitHub, GitLab, Jira
Concepts & Practices: Agile, REST APIs, CI/CD, Unit Testing, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Version Control, Scalability, Cloud Architecture
Metrics (to include in results):
Response time improvement, uptime percentage, code coverage, build success rate, traffic growth, deployment frequency
Use our ATS CV checker
Before you hit “Apply,” check your CV’s readability and keyword strength with our ATS CV Optimization Tool.
It will automatically analyze:
- File format and readability
- Keyword match with your chosen job description
- Spelling and consistency issues
- Section order and structure
Then you can:
- Add missing skills directly within the tool
- Download your enhanced CV using one of our templates
- Preview and edit your updated CV before submission
Software engineers often underestimate how much a resume’s structure matters. You can be highly skilled, but if your keywords and formatting don’t align with ATS logic, your application may never be seen.
Keep your CV clean, consistent, and data-driven. Focus on measurable outcomes and relevant technical terms.
To ensure your resume is fully optimized, upload it to our ATS CV Optimization Tool — you’ll instantly see your score, missing keywords, and an upgraded version ready to send out.