How to Create a Resume as a Recent Software Engineering Graduate

Graduating from a software engineering program is exciting. You have spent years learning how to code, design systems, and build applications. Now it is time to take your skills to the job market. The first step is making a resume that helps you get noticed by employers.

Whether you studied in Canada, the United States, or abroad, your resume needs to show that you have the technical ability, problem-solving skills, and drive to succeed in a professional environment.

This guide will walk you through the steps to create a strong software engineering graduate resume.

1. Start with Contact Information

Place your contact information at the top of your resume. Include:

• Your full name
• City and province or state
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile link
• GitHub or portfolio link if you have one

Example:

Alex Johnson Toronto, ON | (416) 555-1234 | alex.johnson@yotruemail.com linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson | github.com/alexjohnson

2. Write a Short Professional Summary

A professional summary is two or three sentences that introduce you to the employer. Even as a new graduate, you can highlight your degree, skills, and career goals.

Example:

Recent Bachelor of Software Engineering graduate with skills in Java, Python, and cloud-based application development. Completed projects in full-stack development and API integration. Eager to join a collaborative team to create innovative software solutions.

3. Highlight Your Education

As a new graduate, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include:

• Your degree
• University or college name and location
• Graduation date
• Relevant coursework
• GPA or honors if they are strong

Example:

Bachelor of Software Engineering
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON — Graduated May 2025

• GPA: 3.8/4.0 (Dean’s List)

• Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Software Architecture, Cloud Computing, Machine Learning

4. List Your Technical Skills

Employers want to quickly see what tools and languages you know. Group them into categories so they are easy to read.

Example:

Programming Languages: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, SQL
Frameworks and Libraries: React, Node.js, Django, Spring Boot
Tools and Platforms: Git, Docker, AWS, Firebase, Jira
Databases: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL

5. Show Your Projects

If you do not have much work experience, projects are the best way to show your skills. Include academic, personal, or open-source projects. For each one, give a short description and list what you did.

Example:

Personal Finance Tracker | GitHub Link

• Built a web application with React, Node.js, and MongoDB

• Added secure user authentication

• Integrated real-time currency exchange API

AI Chatbot for Student Services | Capstone Project

• Developed chatbot using Python and Dialogflow

• Trained with 500+ sample questions

• Deployed on AWS with a CI/CD pipeline

6. Add Work or Internship Experience

If you have internship or co-op experience, list it just like a regular job. Focus on your contributions and results.

Example:

Software Developer Intern | Shopify, Ottawa, ON | Jan–Apr 2024

• Built and tested REST APIs for e-commerce analytics

• Increased code coverage by 20 percent with new tests

• Participated in Agile sprint planning and standup meetings

7. Include Achievements and Activities

Employers value more than technical skills. Include leadership roles, hackathon wins, or club participation.

Example:

• Winner, Best Mobile App – Hack the North 2024

• Vice President, University Coding Club

8. Format for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS software to scan resumes. To pass:

• Use simple headings like Education, Skills, Projects, and Experience
• Avoid graphics or fancy fonts
• Include keywords from the job posting in your bullet points

Special Section: Tips for International Students

If you studied outside Canada or the United States, make sure your resume is clear for North American employers.

Translate your degree: If your degree name is different, use the North American equivalent in brackets.
Example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (Equivalent to Canadian Bachelor of Software Engineering)

Highlight technical skills: Employers care most about what you can do. Make your skills section strong and up to date.

Explain unfamiliar company names: If you worked at a company not well-known in North America, add a short description.
Example:

Software Engineer – XYZ Tech Solutions (Leading fintech software provider in India)

Show project results: Use measurable outcomes where possible, such as “Reduced application load time by 40 percent.”

Final Tips for a Strong Resume

• Keep it to one page if you have less than three years of experience
• Start bullet points with action verbs like built, developed, designed, tested
• Tailor your resume to each job posting
• Proofread to remove any errors

Bottom Line

A well-written software engineering graduate resume tells your story clearly and shows employers that you can contribute from day one. Focus on your skills, projects, and the value you can bring. If you are an international student, make sure your education and experience are explained in a way that North American hiring managers understand.

With the right resume, you will be ready to take your next step into the tech world. Get started on Yotru by building a job-ready resume.