How To List Programming Skills On A Resume (With Examples)

Professionals use computer programming to create code that defines how a computer, application or software program operates. Most IT professionals need programming skills as one of their primary hard skills. When applying for a job in the IT field, it is essential to showcase your programming skills on your resume. In this article, we discuss how to list programming skills on a resume, explain why it is essential and review some examples to help you get started.

What Are Programming Skills?

Before learning how to list programming skills on a resume, it is essential to understand its definition. Programming skills are technical skills that computer programmers use on the job to write code that performs a specific set of activities. Professionals use these skills to write code that is functional, simple to understand, modular and efficient. The development of software, hardware and applications requires a variety of coding languages. During an interview, employers may need candidates to have knowledge of several coding languages based on a company's systems. Some essential programming languages required for a job in this field are:

• Python: Python is an easy language to learn and apply, making it a versatile tool for everything from web development to video games. People also use Python for machine learning and data analytics.

• JavaScript: Most websites use JavaScript for their user interfaces. Developers use it to create web apps and mobile apps.

• Java: Java is an object-oriented programming language that is platform-independent. The platform is helpful in developing mobile and desktop applications, processing big data and designing embedded systems.

• C: C is a general-purpose programming language. Programmers use this language in applications with high-performance requirements, such as games, special effects, computer-generated imagery (CGI) and parts of operating systems, such as Windows.

• C++: C++ is a simplified version of C and finds its application in large-scale commercial applications. Programmers use this language to develop applications that require high performance, such as image processing, virtual reality and animations.

• SQL: Programmers work with structured query language (SQL) to store, manipulate and retrieve data from databases. Many applications and websites rely on SQL database servers to store data.

• HTML: HTML stands for hypertext markup language and it is an essential part of nearly every website. HTML instructs browsers on how to display backgrounds, what font to use, where to place headings and other vital information.

Related: What Is Object-Oriented Programming Language? (With Basics)

How To List Programming Skills On A Resume

Here is a guide showing you how to list programming skills on a resume:

1. Review the job description

Read the job posting carefully to make sure you are familiar with the employer's requirements. Determine the programming skills that the employer requires, along with any additional details, including years of experience using a programming language and relevant certification courses. Ensure that your resume includes the skills mentioned in the job description.

For instance, if a prospective employer seeks candidates with R programming experience to develop machine learning models and you have worked with R and R Studio, include that in your resume. Adding this increases your chances of getting hired.

Related: Similarities And Differences Between C++ And Java

2. Assess your technical skills

After reviewing the job description, consider how your programming skills and experience align with the employer's requirements. Be honest in what you include in your resume. Be careful not to overstate your experience or to include programming languages you are unfamiliar with. Identify other skill areas that you could use to emphasise your technical expertise if you do not have prior experience with the programming languages listed in the job description.

If you are a recent graduate without prior work experience, you can include programming languages you used during your college assignments and projects.

3. Place the skills section at the top of your resume

Make sure to position the skills section at the top of your resume so that the employer gets a quick overview of your technical skills and qualifications. Place the skills section after you have added the header and contact details. If you plan on writing a professional summary, you can include the skills section below it.

4. Prioritise your programming skills

Depending on the job, some employers may require candidates with a certain amount of experience using a programming language. List your programming skills in reverse chronological order based on the number of years of experience or level of expertise. Employers can quickly view your profile to determine if your skills match the job responsibilities.

Related: What Is Coding? A Complete Guide To Coding Languages

5. Categorise your skills

Organise your skills into separate categories, such as programming languages, tools and operating systems, instead of listing them as unorganised bullet points. Your resume looks visually appealing and makes it easier for hiring managers to find the information they need. It also demonstrates your organisational skills and attention to detail.

6. Customise your resume

If you are applying for multiple positions, make sure your resume matches the job description. Although you may have a wide range of skills, consider the most relevant skills in your industry, along with what employers seek. Emphasise the skills where you are the most proficient. You may list up to ten relevant skills on your resume. Adding more skills makes your resume appear cluttered and unorganised.

Related: Best Font For Resume: How To Choose Type And Size

Why Is It Essential To List Programming Skills On A Resume?

Having programming skills is a key component of a candidate's resume when looking for a job in the IT field. It demonstrates that you are a technically adept candidate. If you have a wide range of programming skills, you can make an excellent candidate for a job position.

Tips For Including Programming Skills In Your Resume

Include the following components in your programming skills section on your resume:

• Add a header. Use the header to indicate what the section is about. Section titles, such as core skills, programming skills or technical skills, help employers determine what each section contains.

• Highlight technical skills. Include relevant skills that demonstrate your qualifications. You can include tools, programming languages or operating systems you are familiar with.

• Show your skill level. Evaluate your programming skills according to your level of proficiency, such as beginner, intermediate or advanced. It is important to place your most advanced skills at the top of your skill section because hiring managers focus on your strongest skills.

• Detail your years of experience. You can also indicate how long you have worked with a particular programming language.

Related: Technical Skills: Definitions And Examples

Templates And Examples

The following are some templates and examples for listing your programming skills on a resume:

Template 1

The following template includes a list of programming languages, operating systems and programming tools you are comfortable with:

Example 1

Here is an example that mentions the various core programming skills, along with the operating systems and programming tools:

Template 2

The following template includes a list of programming languages and their respective skill levels:

Example 2

Here is an example that mentions various programming languages, along with their skill levels:

Template 3

This template includes a list of programming languages, years of experience with each language and degrees of proficiency:

Example 3

Here is an example that shows various programming skills, years of experience utilising a certain language and levels of proficiency:

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