Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Example That Passes ATS Screening
This Entry-Level Software Engineer resume example demonstrates the keywords and formatting that pass ATS screening. Key terms to include: software engineer, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python.
Breaking into software engineering with limited professional experience is one of the most common resume challenges. This example shows how a recent CS graduate with internship experience and strong projects can build a resume that passes ATS screening and catches a hiring manager's attention. The key is leading with technical projects and quantifiable impact rather than relying on education alone.
Full Resume Sample
Marcus Johnson
Software Engineer
Professional Summary
Computer science graduate with hands-on experience building full-stack web applications and contributing to open-source projects. Completed a summer internship at a fintech startup where I shipped production features used by 10K+ customers. Seeking an entry-level software engineering role where I can apply my skills in JavaScript, Python, and cloud infrastructure.
Experience
Software Engineering Intern
PayPath (YC W23) · San Francisco, CA (Remote) · Jun 2024 - Aug 2024
- Built a transaction categorization feature using Python and scikit-learn that automatically classified 92% of user transactions, reducing manual tagging time by 60%
- Developed 3 React components for the customer dashboard that are still in production, serving 10K+ monthly active users
- Wrote 45 unit tests using pytest and Jest, increasing code coverage for the payments module from 62% to 84%
- Participated in daily standups and sprint planning, completing 100% of assigned tickets across 5 two-week sprints
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant — Data Structures
Georgia Tech Computer Science Department · Atlanta, GA · Jan 2024 - May 2024
- Held 4 hours of weekly office hours for a class of 180 students, explaining tree traversals, graph algorithms, and hash table implementations
- Graded 50+ assignments per week with detailed feedback on code quality, time complexity analysis, and edge case handling
- Created a supplementary tutorial on linked list debugging techniques that was adopted as official course material
Education
B.S. Computer Science, Concentration in Systems & Architecture — Georgia Institute of Technology, 2024 (GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List (6 semesters) | Relevant coursework: Operating Systems, Databases, Computer Networks, Machine Learning)
Skills
Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS
Frameworks & Libraries: React, Node.js, Express, FastAPI, Next.js, Tailwind CSS
Tools & Infrastructure: Git, Docker, AWS (S3, Lambda, EC2), PostgreSQL, MongoDB, GitHub Actions
Practices: REST APIs, Agile/Scrum, Test-Driven Development, CI/CD, Code Review
Certifications
AWS Cloud Practitioner (2024)
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Compare Your Resume →Why This Resume Works
Projects and internship carry the weight, not education. Many entry-level candidates make the mistake of leading with coursework. This resume leads with a real internship where Marcus shipped production features, then supplements with TA experience that demonstrates teaching ability and deep subject knowledge. Education is present but not the centerpiece.
Internship bullets read like a full-time engineer's contributions. Each bullet describes a real feature shipped, tested, or improved — not just 'assisted the team' or 'learned about React.' The transaction categorization feature has a clear ML component, a measurable accuracy rate, and a business impact (60% reduction in manual work).
The summary is specific about scale and technology. Instead of 'passionate developer eager to learn,' Marcus names the tech stack, the scale (10K+ customers), and the type of company (YC-backed fintech). A recruiter scanning for JavaScript/Python engineers immediately sees a match.
Teaching assistant experience signals communication skills. TA work demonstrates the ability to explain complex concepts — a skill that's valuable in code reviews, documentation, and cross-team collaboration. The supplementary tutorial being adopted as course material shows initiative beyond the basic TA duties.
ATS Keywords for Entry-Level Software Engineer Resumes
ATS systems scanning Entry-Level Software Engineer applications look for these terms. The resume above weaves them in naturally rather than listing them outright.
Section-by-Section Writing Tips
Professional Summary
For entry-level roles, name the most relevant project or internship immediately. Avoid generic phrases like 'quick learner' or 'eager to contribute.' Instead, cite a specific number: users served, features shipped, or test coverage improved.
Experience Section
If you only have one internship, expand your bullets and include personal or open-source projects as a separate 'Projects' section. Use the same bullet format: action verb + what you built + measurable result. Never say 'assisted with' — describe your specific contribution.
Skills Section
Entry-level resumes need a comprehensive skills section because you have fewer experience bullets to embed keywords. Group by type and put the most in-demand skills first. Only list technologies you could discuss in an interview.
Education Section
For recent graduates, include GPA if above 3.5, relevant coursework, and any honors. Once you have 2+ years of experience, shrink this to one line with degree and institution only.
Common Entry-Level Software Engineer Resume Mistakes
Hiring managers reviewing Entry-Level Software Engineer resumes flag these problems repeatedly. Each one can knock your ATS score or land your application in the rejection pile.
- Listing coursework as experience instead of using projects and internships to demonstrate applied skills
- Using vague descriptions like 'worked on a team project' without specifying your individual contribution
- Including every programming language from every class rather than focusing on the ones you can actually code in
- Omitting personal projects and open-source contributions that could fill experience gaps
- Writing an objective statement ('Seeking a challenging position...') instead of a specific summary with named technologies and achievements