How to create a fantastic web developer resume (with examples)

It’s a great time to be a web developer. The demand for web developers has never been higher than it is today. Even with talks of an economic downturn, the fact is that highly-skilled web developers are in great demand.

However, getting a high-paying web dev job isn’t easy.

You need the skills, the experience, and you should know which companies to apply to.

And when you’re applying, it’s important that you make a very good impression. That’s where your resume comes into the picture. It’s the first thing that potential employers are going to see. It’s your introduction to the company.

At Simple Job Listings, we see some amazing web developer resumes. Unfortunately, we also see a few that aren’t very good.

This blog intends to fix that. This is a step-by-step guide on how to create a web developer resume that not only beats the ATS (more on this shortly) but also positions you as a top candidate for the role.

So, let’s get started.

Must-haves in a web developer resume:

Irrespective of what role you’re applying for, there are a few things that every resume has to have. We’re going to go through each one of these in detail and with examples shortly but for now, a quick summary:

Personal details and contact information

Obviously, everyone writes their name and contact number in their resume. The tip here is to show them off prominently.

For tech roles, recruiters often get thousands (literally) of applications. This means that they cannot spend a lot of time on every resume.

If a recruiter likes your resume, contacting you should be very, very easy. Recruiters will look for a few seconds and if they can’t find your contact info, they’ll just move along to the next resume in the pile.

So, make sure that your contact details are prominently displayed.

Objective or Summary Statement

This section, generally a concise paragraph or a few bullet points at the top of your resume, should serve as a hook that intrigues the hiring manager.

An objective statement outlines what you're seeking in your career, typically used by those new to the field or changing careers.

A summary statement, conversely, gives an overview of your professional background and key achievements, better suited to experienced professionals.

Skills

List relevant programming languages, frameworks, libraries, databases, and other tools you're proficient in.

Soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, or communication should also be mentioned, as they're increasingly valued in today's collaborative work environments.

Suggested: Web Developer skills for 2023: The ultimate guide

Work Experience

This section forms the heart of your resume. It should detail your previous roles, key responsibilities, and notable achievements.

The golden rule is to focus on outcomes over tasks—quantify your achievements where possible and illustrate how you made a difference. Ensure your most recent and relevant experiences are highlighted.

Education

Though your skills and experience take center stage in a web development career, don't underestimate the value of your educational background.

Mention your degree(s), the institution(s) you attended, and the date of graduation.

For recent graduates or those still pursuing their degrees, you can also list relevant coursework or projects.

Certifications (if applicable)

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, certifications from credible platforms (like AWS Certified Developer, Certified ScrumMaster, or Google's Mobile Web Specialist) can distinguish you as a continuous learner. Include any certifications that endorse your skills and stay relevant to the job you're applying for.

Projects/Portfolio

A portfolio is your visual proof of expertise, a testament to what you're capable of creating.

It's especially crucial for web developers as it demonstrates your practical skills in action.

Include personal projects, freelance work, or contributions to open-source projects. Links to live sites or GitHub repositories are beneficial and ensure to describe what you did on each project and the technologies used.

Suggested: How to create a stunning front-end developer portfolio

Objective or Summary for web developer resume:

Your web developer resume's objective or summary statement is your opening pitch. It's your opportunity to make a strong first impression, compelling the hiring manager to read further.

Given its prime real estate at the top of your resume, this section can prove decisive in capturing the attention of potential employers.

Objective Statement Vs. Summary Statement

An objective statement is generally used by those new to the industry, including recent graduates, entry-level professionals, or individuals transitioning from a different field.

It is a forward-looking statement that focuses on your career goals and ambitions, outlining what you aim to achieve in your next role and how you can bring value to the prospective employer.

On the other hand, a summary statement, often used by mid-level to senior professionals, serves as a snapshot of your career accomplishments and skills.

It encapsulates your unique value proposition and how you can leverage your past experiences to benefit your potential employer.

How to write a great objective/summary:

• Focus on Value: Demonstrate how you can add value to the company. Align your goals, skills, or experiences with the requirements of the role you're applying for.

• Be Specific: Avoid vague phrases. Instead, use concrete details about your skills, experiences, or career aspirations.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a statement that is three to five lines long. The goal is to deliver a strong impact in a brief space.

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description. This makes your resume more likely to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the recruiter's eye.

Examples:

Why It Works: This statement clearly outlines the candidate's educational background, core skills, and career goals. It emphasizes relevant technical skills and the candidate's eagerness to apply them in a professional setting, demonstrating potential value to prospective employers.

Why It Works: This statement succinctly captures the candidate's experience, technical skills, leadership abilities, and career aspirations. It positions the candidate as a seasoned professional with a proven track record, signaling their potential value to prospective employers.

Why It Works: This statement addresses the career transition head-on, highlighting relevant transferable skills (project management), recent technical training, and a clear goal. It effectively sells the unique value proposition of the career changer, painting a picture of a multi-skilled professional capable of bringing a fresh perspective to web development roles.

Write an ATS-friendly resume:

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s software that companies use to filter out candidates.

Consider this — most resumes are never read by an actual human.

Companies, as mentioned earlier, get thousands of applications for high-paying jobs. They simply cannot go through every single one of them. So, they use an ATS.

ATS is, at its heart, a filtering software. It ‘reads’ the resumes, filters out the ones that aren’t a great fit, and then forwards the relevant ones to the recruiters. These are the resumes that recruiters actually read.

We have a comprehensive guide on how to beat the ATS. Read it for information but here’s a quick summary of how to beat the ATS:

1. Use simple fonts: ATS cannot read fancy fonts. Use simple, classic fonts (think Ariel, Times Roman, etc)

2. Use classic templates: Again, ATS cannot really read templates that are heavy on graphics or those that have multiple columns. So, use a simple template.

3. Use the right keywords: The way that ATS ‘reads’ a resume s by searching for keywords. So, for a front-end job, experience with React, Angular, or Vue is crucial. It looks for these words and the experience associated with those words.

Mention skills that are relevant to the job

In web development, both hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills play a vital role in your ability to perform effectively.

A strategic balance of these skills can make your resume more appealing to potential employers.

Hard Skills in Web Development

Hard skills pertain to the technical knowledge and abilities that are required for web development.

They are quantifiable and are often acquired through formal education, training, or hands-on experience.

Here are some hard skills that are important:

• Programming Languages: Knowledge of languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, etc., is crucial.

• Frameworks/Libraries: Proficiency in tools like AngularJS, React, Vue.js, jQuery, Django, or Laravel is highly desirable.

• Database Management: Skills in MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or Firebase will stand you in good stead.

• Version Control/Git: Version control is a necessity in collaborative environments to track and control changes to the codebase.

• Responsive Design: With the multitude of devices available today, understanding responsive and adaptive design principles and how to implement them is key.

• Testing/Debugging: Skills in test-driven development and proficiency with tools like Mocha, Jest, or Selenium are valuable.

• SEO: A foundational understanding of SEO principles can help optimize websites for visibility and ranking in search engine results.

Soft Skills in Web Development

Soft skills, while not specific to any job, are crucial for success in the workplace. These skills enhance your interactions, job performance, and career prospects. Here are some important soft skills for web developers:

• Problem-Solving: Coding often involves overcoming challenges and solving problems. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are therefore essential.

• Attention to Detail: Small errors can cause significant problems in coding, so meticulous attention to detail is a valuable trait.

• Communication: Whether it's conveying complex technical information to non-technical colleagues, or understanding project requirements from clients, effective communication is crucial.

• Teamwork: Web development is often a team effort. The ability to collaborate effectively with others can significantly impact a project's success.

• Time Management: With multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines, effective time management and the ability to prioritize are key.

• Adaptability: Technology evolves rapidly. Being open to learning and adapting to new technologies, tools, or methodologies is a significant advantage.

Suggested: Soft skills for developers: why it matters and what you should learn

Examples

Here are examples of how to effectively showcase your skills on your web developer resume:

Write education highlights that are relevant to the job:

The education section should include your degrees, the institutions where they were earned, and the years of graduation.

If you're a recent graduate or if your education is particularly relevant to the role you're applying for, you can include details about relevant coursework, projects, or theses.

Here's what to include:

• Degree: List your highest degree first. Include the type of degree (B.A., B.S., M.S., etc.), the field of study, and any minors or concentrations.

• School: Include the name of the university or college, and the city and state where it's located.

• Graduation Date: Include the month and year of your graduation. If you're currently enrolled, list the anticipated graduation date.

• Relevant Coursework or Projects: If applicable, include significant coursework or projects related to web development.

Certifications

In web development, certifications can often carry substantial weight. They can show your specialized knowledge in certain areas, your dedication to the profession, and your commitment to staying updated with new developments.

Certifications can range from vendor-specific qualifications to platform-specific or technology-specific credentials. Including certifications in your resume could give you an edge over other candidates.

When listing certifications, include the name of the certification, the institution or organization that issued it, and the date you received it. If it's a certification that requires renewal, you should also include the expiry date.

Examples of Education and Certification Listings

Work experience — highlight the right experience

The work experience section is arguably one of the most crucial parts of your resume. It allows potential employers to assess your hands-on experience and get a feel for your ability to perform in the role. A well-crafted work experience section can demonstrate your capabilities, highlight your achievements, and provide context for your skills and education.

Use Action Verbs and Quantifying Achievements

Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong action verb. This gives your resume a tone of initiative and productivity. Examples include words like "developed", "implemented", "managed", "led", etc.

Next, wherever possible, quantify your achievements. Numbers, percentages, and other measurable data can provide a concrete demonstration of your capabilities. They enable recruiters to understand the scale of your past roles and the impact of your work.

For instance, instead of saying "improved website performance", you might say "improved website loading speed by 35% resulting in a 20% increase in page views".

Tailor Your Work Experience to the Job Description

Your work experience should be tailored to each job application. There’s no point in having one resume and just using it for every job. It simply doesn’t work. We have a great guide on how exactly you should tailor your resume for a job.

For now, suffice to say that you should carefully review every job description to understand what the employer is looking for.

Then, emphasize the elements of your past experience that align with those requirements.

Use similar language and keywords to those in the job description. This is important to get through ATS.

Examples of Well-Described Work Experience:

Show off your side projects and portfolio

A portfolio is an indispensable tool for web developers.

It's a concrete demonstration of your skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Potential employers don't just have to take your word for it - they can see evidence of your work firsthand.

A portfolio is especially important if you're a new developer without a lot of work experience. However, even seasoned professionals can benefit from maintaining an updated portfolio to showcase their recent projects.

Suggested: Importance of side projects for developers: a comprehensive guide

Present Your Projects Effectively

When presenting your projects in your resume or on your personal website, here are a few tips to bear in mind:

• Selection: Choose projects that highlight your skills effectively. These should ideally be projects that you have completed either as part of your professional work, during your education, or as personal projects.

• Details: Provide enough details to understand the project's scope, your role in it, the technologies you used, and the problems you solved.

• Link: Include a link to the live project, if available. Alternatively, provide a link to the source code on a platform like GitHub.

• Visuals: If applicable, include screenshots or other visuals of your projects, particularly for UI/UX work.

• Results: Highlight any measurable results of your projects. Did you help increase website traffic, reduce loading times, or improve user experience? Mention these achievements.

• Relevance: Tailor your portfolio to the job you're applying for. Highlight the projects that showcase the skills and experience most relevant to the position

Formatting and design tips for a web developer resume:

When it comes to your web developer resume, the importance of readability and aesthetics can't be overstated. As someone who designs web experiences for users, your resume should reflect your ability to present information in an accessible and visually appealing way.

Here are some key considerations and best practices for formatting your resume.

Consistency

Consistency is critical in maintaining a professional and polished look. Use the same font, font size, and color scheme throughout. Be consistent in the way you list dates, locations, and the formatting of different sections. Consistency aids readability and makes your resume look organized and well thought out.

Whitespace

Leverage the power of whitespace. Avoid cramming in too much information. Leave sufficient space between sections and bullet points. Good use of whitespace enhances readability, making it easier for hiring managers to skim through your resume quickly.

Font Choice

Choose a professional, readable font. Avoid overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts. Some safe choices include Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. The font size should be large enough to read easily, typically between 10 and 12 points.

Section Headings

Use clear, bold section headings to guide the reader's eye through your resume. This allows hiring managers to easily find the information they're most interested in.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points for detailing your skills, work experience, and achievements. This breaks up text, making it easier to read and digest.

Color

Use color sparingly. While some color can help make your resume stand out, too much color can be distracting or appear unprofessional. Stick to one or two colors, using them for section headings or lines separating sections.

Length

As a rule, try to keep your resume to one or two pages. If you're a seasoned professional with extensive experience, you might need more space. However, for most, one to two pages should be enough to succinctly showcase your skills, experience, and achievements.

File Format

Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your formatting across different devices and platforms. Some employers may specify a different format, in which case, you should follow their instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Web Developer Resume

Not Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

Each job application should receive a personalized version of your resume. Employers want to see that you've taken the time to understand their needs and that you're not just mass-applying to multiple positions.

How to Avoid: Carefully read each job description and tailor your resume to highlight the skills, experience, and achievements most relevant to that specific role.

Overloading Your Resume with Technical Jargon

While it's essential to demonstrate your technical prowess, overloading your resume with jargon can make it hard to understand. Remember, the first person to review your resume might be an HR professional who doesn't have a technical background.

How to Avoid: Use clear and concise language to describe your technical skills. While it's essential to mention specific languages and technologies, focus on describing how you've used these tools to achieve results.

Not Showcasing Your Soft Skills

In addition to your hard skills, employers want to see evidence of soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These are often what set apart good candidates from great ones.

How to Avoid: Include specific examples of projects or situations where you've demonstrated key soft skills. This could be anything from leading a team project to resolving a challenging client issue.

Neglecting Your Online Presence

As a web developer, your online presence can act as a second resume. If you fail to maintain your online portfolio or professional profiles, you're missing an opportunity to impress potential employers.

How to Avoid: Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or portfolio, and GitHub account. These should reflect your current skills and projects. Also, ensure to include these links in your resume.

Suggested: Why you should build a personal brand as a developer

Not Proofreading Your Resume

Spelling and grammar mistakes can harm your credibility and give the impression of a lack of attention to detail – a crucial skill for any developer.

How to Avoid: Always proofread your resume multiple times before sending it. If possible, have a friend or mentor review it as well.

Forgetting to Quantify Your Achievements

Without quantifiable metrics, your achievements can seem vague and unconvincing. Numbers provide concrete proof of your skills and abilities.

How to Avoid: Wherever possible, include data and numbers to support your achievements. For example, "improved website load times by 30%" is far more impactful than "improved website performance".

Not Highlighting Your Most Recent Skills

In the ever-evolving field of web development, outdated skills can make your resume seem irrelevant.

How to Avoid: Continuously learn and upskill in the latest technologies and best practices in your field. Highlight these skills on your resume, and ensure they align with the requirements of the job you're applying for.

Web developer resume examples:

Please note that these are not PDFs or templates. This is just plain text. So, feel free to use it anywhere you want.

Entry-level web developer resume sample

Contact Information

Name: John Doe

Address: 123 Main St., New York, NY 12345

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: johndoe@gmail.com

[Link to portfolio or GitHub profile]

Objective

Eager and motivated Computer Science graduate with a strong foundation in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Completed an intensive web development internship and maintained a personal portfolio of projects that showcase skills in front-end web development. Seeking to leverage skills and passion for web technologies to bring excellent web experiences to XYZ Company.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, New York, NY (2019 - 2023)

Skills

• Proficient in JavaScript, CSS, and HTML

• Familiarity with responsive design

• Understanding of SEO best practices

• Strong problem-solving abilities

• Excellent communication skills

• Projects

Projects:

Online Portfolio

• Created a personal online portfolio to showcase web development projects.

• Technologies used: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

Personal Budget App

• Developed a simple budgeting app to track income and expenses.

• Technologies used: JavaScript, React.js.

Certifications

Certified Front-End Web Developer, freeCodeCamp, 2023

Mid-level web developer resume sample

Contact Information

Name: Jane Smith

Address: 456 Main St., Los Angeles, CA 12345

Number: (123) 456-7890

Email: janesmith@gmail.com

[Link to portfolio or GitHub profile]

Summary

Passionate and dedicated web developer with over 5 years of experience specializing in front-end development. Expert in a wide range of technologies including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and React.js. Looking to utilize my expertise in creating user-centric, high-performing websites at XYZ Company.

Work Experience

Front-End Web Developer, ABC Company, Los Angeles, CA (2018 - Present)

• Led a team of 3 junior developers in the creation and maintenance of 10+ company websites.

• Implemented responsive design techniques to optimize websites for mobile devices, resulting in a 35% increase in mobile traffic.

• Collaborated with the marketing team to improve SEO and increase organic website traffic by 20%.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, Los Angeles, CA (2013 - 2017)

Skills

• Expert in JavaScript, HTML, CSS

• Proficient in React.js and Vue.js

• Experience with Agile methodology

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills

• Excellent problem-solving abilities

Certifications

• Advanced CSS and Sass: Flexbox, Grid, Animations and More!, Udemy, 2018

Senior or experienced web developer resume sample

Contact Information

Name: Robert Johnson

Address: 789 Main St., Chicago, IL 12345

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: robertjohnson@gmail.com

[Link to portfolio or GitHub profile]

Summary

Highly skilled web developer with over 10 years of experience in a variety of web technologies. Expert in front-end and back-end development, as well as managing and leading development teams. Proven track record of delivering high-performing, scalable web applications for Fortune 500 clients.

Work Experience

Senior Web Developer, ABC Company, Chicago, IL (2013 - Present)

• Led the development of a high-traffic e-commerce platform, resulting in a 50% increase in online sales.

• Managed a team of 5 developers, facilitating daily scrum meetings and conducting code reviews.

• Implemented a new CI/CD pipeline, reducing deployment time by 30%.

• Education

• Master's in Computer Science, XYZ University, Chicago, IL (2009 - 2011)

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, Chicago, IL (2005 - 2009)

Web Developer, DEF Tech, Boston, MA (2011 - 2013)

• Participated in the redesign of a large-scale news website, leading to a 20% increase in daily page views.

• Worked closely with the design team to implement responsive web design, improving mobile user experience significantly.

• Assisted in maintaining the integrity of the server data by employing advanced security measures and backup systems.

Junior Web Developer, GHI Solutions, Indianapolis, IN (2009 - 2011)

• Developed features for the company's main website using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

• Assisted senior developers in debugging and fixing website issues, enhancing site performance by 15%.

• Took part in weekly code review sessions, which facilitated learning new coding techniques and best practices.

Skills

• Expert in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, Node.js, and PHP

• Proficient in Angular.js, React.js, and Vue.js

• Experience with AWS and Docker

• Strong leadership and project management skills

• Excellent problem-solving abilities

Certifications

• Certified Senior Web Developer, freeCodeCamp, 2015

• AWS Certified Developer, Amazon Web Services, 2017

Conclusion

A great resume alone won’t get you a high-paying web developer job but it’s a big part of the process. Thanks to the sheer number of web devs out there, every little bit of effort helps and a great resume will give you a significant edge over a lot of applicants.

Once you have a great resume, you might want to start applying for jobs right away.

If you do, make sure you check out Simple Job Listings. All jobs on Simple Job Listings are remote, most pay amazingly well, and a significant number of jobs that we post aren’t listed anywhere else. Visit Simple Job Listings and find an amazing remote web developer job. Good luck!