1. WELCOME TO MODULE 3 OF WRITING IT RESUMES!
Software has undergone significant innovations in recent years.
API integrations, open-source code, cloud computing, and Agile methodology have transformed how (and how fast!) software gets developed, used, and scaled across global markets.
There are many different types of software, which as a resume writer, you should have a basic understanding of:
- Open Source (GIMP, Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice)
- Applications (media players, communications, web browsers)
- SaaS (CRMs, accounting, graphic design)
- System (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Utility (virus scan, file backup)
- Firmware (printers, appliances, routers)
Looking at this list, you might get concerned.
How are you expected to write resumes for software professionals across many channels?
The answer is easy: software is software.
Software engineering and development go through much the same processes (e.g., conceptualization, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance) regardless of the end purpose of the product.
1. Difference Between Software Engineers & Software Developers
In this module, we're focused on software engineers, not software developers.
You must understand any differences.
Software developers (could also be called programmers) write code, develop the design/architecture, debug, and test software. Common developer job titles include:
- Web Developers
- Software Developers
- Front-End Developers
- Java Developers
Developers can focus on one or more aspects of a software/app project.
Software engineers drive software innovation, development, and integration, overseeing or performing coding, design, data structures, debugging, and testing.
Did you notice the similarities between the developer and engineer descriptions?
Yeah, this is why the two job titles get used universally at times.
And the confusion doesn't stop there.
Many employers use various job titles to describe much of the same roles.
For example, software engineers can also be referred to as:
- Software Development Engineers
- Infrastructure Software Engineers
- Software Quality Engineers
- Application Engineers
- Full-Stack Engineers
This is WHY resume writers, in part (based on what we've seen), get nervous when writing IT resumes. The important aspect to understand is that the tasks outlined across these many job titles are either the same or very similar, with the PROJECT(S) dictating the differences.
How Software Has Evolved Our Everyday
Most software we use in our businesses works in the background of our daily.
For example, if we asked what software improvements have occurred to firmware recently, most people won't be able to answer. We generally don't notice software updates because bugs get fixed, and security threats get addressed. You know, the uninteresting part of software.
Many of us don't pay firmware much mind until a software update causes our equipment to act funny - and our vocabulary expands. 😉
The most significant evolution to our businesses has occurred from increased software functionality and accessibility due to applications and SaaS products. We access the software via a network (online) or use a local copy (app) on our computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
An example of online (SaaS) software for businesses like ours includes QuickBooks and Canva. We log in and access the software online. Other examples of online software include:
- Cloud File Storage/Sharing
- Graphic Design/Editing
- Emailing/Communications
- Project Collaboration/Management
An example of local copy (app) software that gets downloaded to our devices includes Microsoft 365 (e.g., Outlook, Excel, and Word).
Other examples include Skype, Zoom, and Teams.
Where Should You Focus...
You'll probably spend most of your time writing resumes for software engineers and developers involved with applications and SaaS products for mobile and desktop devices.
2. TOOLS & TECH FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERS
Common programming languages include C#, C++, SQL, PHP, JavaScript, Python, Java, Ruby on Rails (Ruby), and HTML.
Common platforms used by software engineers and developers include GitHub, Amazon Web Services, Azure, etc. Platforms provide a foundation where additional apps and tech get built. Companies most known as platforms include Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
Common frameworks (not to be confused with platforms), such as NodeJS, React, Django, and Angular JS, provide software professionals with a foundation and resources. Frameworks speed the software development process.
Common cloud service providers and database management systems, such as Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft, help companies manage and process large data collections.
3. CERTIFICATIONS
- Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)
- Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
4. APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS (ATS)
Let's dive into what ATS will mean to you as you progress your resume writing career.
You might not know much about ATS. And if your knowledge of ATS is limited, this section is perfect for you.
With all the chatter about applicant tracking software (ATS), it comes off as some magical beast that needs slaying.
Yet, ATS is nothing more than human-created software.
In the early days, ATS was more of a resume database. HR managers would input a job title or set of keywords into the software, and it would present results of potential job candidates with matching resumes.
After just a decade or so, ATS has become more sophisticated, and its functionality has also transformed. No longer is applicant tracking software limited to a simple resume database.
Modern ATS offers add-ons that manage employee onboarding, communications, training, and data tracking. There are also some artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities (AI/ML).
There is an estimated 200+ applicant tracking software on the market globally. With this many, there are bound to be rockstars and duds.
Some are proprietary, meaning they were developed internally, while others are known as software as a service (SaaS). A few of the most common SaaS ATS solutions include Taleo, Workday, and iCIMS.
Specific ATS solutions, such as those provided by Oracle, integrate with other programs, such as workforce management, payroll, and legal/HR compliance.
ATS, in general, provides hiring staff with the ability to:
- Schedule Interviews
- Initiate Assessments
- Communicate With Candidates
As you'll notice from the above list, most of what ATS does is unimportant to what resume writers do with the resume itself.
So, what do resume writers need to concern themselves with?
Resume writers need to ensure their resumes "behave" well when input into these systems. And, they need to optimize each document's content to match what employers want to see in ideal candidates.
That doesn't sound so tough, right? It's not, as long you know a few ground rules from the onset.
5. 5 STRATEGIES FOR KEEPING YOUR RESUMES ATS COMPLIANT & FRIENDLY
First, ensure that ATS can read and process the content you write for each resume.
This means using common header titles and refraining from using ALL CAPS for select content - because ATS "presumes" the caps signal a section header.
The goal of the ATS is to take the content from a resume (preferably a .doc or .docx file) and parse that content into their matching text fields. Doing this makes the content searchable.
Second, the content you write needs to be keyword-rich but not stuffy. 
Although ATS looks pretty mysterious and powerful, they are still very keyword-driven.
This means optimizing your content to include relevant and recent job tasks that introduce ideal keywords and key phrases.
However, the latest advice we hear from the hiring community is to avoid "keyword (skills) stuffing" because when a candidate is too much of a match, that's looked upon negatively.
Employers don't like when candidates try to game their ATS.
Third, use synonyms and other descriptors to describe the same/similar job skills.
For example, instead of “user experience,” you could opt for "user journey" or “user interface and experience.”
Strategies like these will deepen the relevance of the content you write.
Fourth, avoid graphics, pie charts, and text boxes.
This isn't 100% accurate.
There is a workaround for this that I'll talk about later in this writing program that you won't want to miss!
Fifth, use whole phrases with acronyms (and appropriate slang) to cater to those HR managers who conduct more refined resume/candidate searches.
Here are a few examples:
- Development Operations (DevOps)
- User Interface/User Experience (UI/UE)
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
- Quality Control & Assurance (QC/QA)
Avoid putting both forms in more than one or two places in the same resume. Doing so will make the resume content look excessively repetitive.
In conclusion, ATS isn't complicated and is more like common sense.
For example, we know that ATS reads content from top to bottom and left to right - at least for now.
For resume writers who like using columns in their resumes, ATS can struggle with "reading content sequentially" and thereby cause content parsing issues when uploading a resume into an employer's online application.
The best EDUCATION that resume writers can get to familiarize themselves with how ATS reads content is to visit several employer websites and play around with their systems.
And avoid the temptation of applying for positions, of course.
6. DOWNLOADS
Project Quick Sheet For Software Engineers
As resume writers, we embrace verbs we’re too familiar with, such as support, manage, oversee, direct, etc. Yet, if we want clients (and prospects too) to appreciate our writing skills, we need to elevate our word usage and grow as writers. One way of writing more robust copy is by using unique verbs and other descriptives to add eye-catching words to the page.
In this download, we've included several unique action verbs to consider:
