Pick a clean template that shows your code work and job history. Use a reverse-chronological layout if you have steady programmer experience. If you switch fields often, use a hybrid layout to group skills and projects near the top.
Keep your resume short and focused. One page fits most junior and mid-level programmers. Go to two pages only when you have many relevant roles, open-source projects, or published papers.
Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial. Set body text to 10–12pt and headings to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and leave clear margins for white space.
Prioritize plain formatting over fancy visuals. Recruiters read many resumes fast. Simple layouts parse better through applicant tracking systems.
Avoid common mistakes that hurt programmers. Do not use multiple columns that break parsing. Skip heavy graphics and logos that confuse parsers. Remove unusual fonts and long paragraphs of duties.
Structure your resume with clear headings. Use sections titled: Contact, Summary, Experience, Projects, Skills, Education. Put technical skills in a concise list. Place key projects right after experience if they show applied skills.
Use bullets for achievements and metrics. Start bullets with action verbs and include short tech details. Keep each bullet under two lines so a reviewer can scan quickly.
Final check: export to PDF and test that text copies plainly. Scan for consistent dates, aligned margins, and one font family across the file. Those small fixes make your resume look intentional and easy to read.