How to Create an Appealing Software Engineering Resume

Overview

Searching for a software engineering job in India? You’re not alone — and in such a competitive space, your resume often determines whether you land an interview or get overlooked.

At Antal Tech Jobs, we work closely with hiring teams and tech professionals every day. Based on what we’ve seen (and screened), here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a software engineering resume that actually gets noticed.

Understanding the Hiring Pipeline

Before you even write your resume, it’s important to understand how hiring works:

1. Hiring Manager identifies a need and informs HR with a list of required skills.

2. HR posts the job ad on platforms like ATJ, LinkedIn, etc.

3. Your resume is stored in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

4. HR scans hundreds of resumes, spending just 3–5 seconds per application, looking for relevant keywords.

5. A shortlist is passed to the Hiring Manager for interviews.

Key takeaway?
📌 Your resume must impress in seconds. Format it to highlight the most relevant, eye-catching details first.

Resume Structure That Works

Your resume should follow a clear, professional format. Here's a proven structure:

✅ 1. Header

Include:

• Full Name

• Email

• Phone number

• GitHub / LinkedIn profile

• Current location

✅ 2. Technical Skills

List relevant tools, programming languages, frameworks, and technologies.

✅ 3. Work Experience

List your jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Use bullet points to highlight achievements, not just responsibilities. Always include measurable outcomes where possible.

✅ 4. Projects / Achievements (Optional)

Add side projects, certifications, or awards — especially if you can discuss them confidently in an interview.

✅ 5. Education

Keep this brief unless you’re a fresher or your degree is highly relevant.

❌ Avoid fancy, multi-column layouts. Keep it simple and vertical — most HRs will reject column-styled resumes outright.

Writing Tips & Best Practices

🖋️ Tip 1: Choose the Right Font

Stick to professional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or any clean serif font. Use:

• Font size 10–11 for text

• 12–14 for section headers

• Bold for titles and section names

🧹 Tip 2: Keep It Clean

Don’t use colorful text boxes or heavy graphics. This isn’t a design portfolio — it’s a professional document.

Use:

• Bold for headers

• Italics for secondary info

• 🔗 Blue text/underline for clickable links

🧠 Tip 3: Add Only What You Can Defend

Only include a Projects or Achievements section if you’re confident about discussing it in an interview. Otherwise, invest that space in enhancing your work experience.

🗓️ Tip 4: Update Regularly

Maintain a “brag document” where you log accomplishments weekly. Update your resume every 2–3 months with top highlights.

🔍 Tip 5: Proofread

Spelling or grammar mistakes can get your resume rejected instantly. Use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway, or even ChatGPT to review your content.

Bonus Resources

• Free Google Docs Resume Template (Anonymous)

• [ATJ Candidate Community on Discord – Request a Resume Review]

• [r/EngineeringResumes Wiki – Reddit’s Resume Hub]

• How to Break into the Tech Industry – Interview Prep & Strategy

Final Thoughts from ATJ

A great resume won’t guarantee a job — but a bad resume will almost always disqualify you. In tech hiring, first impressions are often made in milliseconds, and your resume is your only voice until you get in the room.

The good news?
Platforms like www.antaltechjobs.com are built only for tech jobs, meaning your resume gets in front of the right eyes — fast.

So take the time, use this guide, and get ready to shine in your job search. And if you have questions, drop them in the comments or reach out to us. We’re here to help you land your next big tech opportunity.