It takes approximately 6 seconds to capture the attention of a recruiter! — yes, you read that right.
With the proliferation of e-application platforms, recruiters receive thousands of job submissions, from the qualified to the unqualified and/or underqualified alike. Tasked with sieving out the best fit(s) from a pool, employers now use ATS (applicant tracking systems) to process job applications.
ATS (via preset algorithms) automatically sifts out applicants who are not a close match for the job leaving the recruiter with a more realistic number to scrutinize physically. Even then, a sizeable number of applications will still be examined (Backend Developer roles are competitive) meaning that you really have to strike a chord or your CV gets tossed.
Even if you are the best fit for a role, there’s a high chance you may get unnoticed if your CV is not well-structured. Below is a definitive guide to creating an eye-catching Backend Developer CV that lands you the job.
Introduction
Ideally, your CV should be as concise as possible except when stated otherwise. A professional summary at the top of the page should do the trick. The summary should demonstrate expertise, facts, and figures as opposed to self-flattery. An example goes thus:
An astute Google certified Backend Developer with 5 years experience in e-commerce API integration and Database Management. Expert proficiency in MySQL, C#, and .NET frameworks. Seeking to use proven interpersonal skills to improve Ustacky’s dynamic team.
More importantly, you should infuse keywords in the advertised job description into your summary and throughout the body of your CV.
Backend Developer Skills
Though you have indicated some skills in the professional summary, your CV should have a section that clearly highlights all your skills in a detailed, crisp manner. Some skills to highlight include:
- Languages such as Python, C#, Java, Visual Basic, PHP, etc.
- Databases such as MySQL, Oracle, Access, etc.
- HTML, CSS, and Javascript
- Soft skills such as meticulousness, teamwork, and communication.
Your Backend Developer Experience and Education
In this section, you should demonstrate that you possess the experience required for the job. Not just by providing the number of years but details of the specific roles and responsibilities you undertook. You should as well state your certification(s) and publication(s) if any. Ensure this section is arranged in reversed chronological order with dates. As shown on roberthalf.co.uk, some Backend Developer duties are:
- Building and maintaining web applications
- Assessing the efficiency and speed of current applications
- Troubleshooting and debugging
If you built programs and applications, include them here and demonstrate how that affected the organization’s KPIs.
However, if you are a junior Backend Developer with little or no experience, harp on your soft skills and demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the job.
Rounding Off
As you put finishing touches to your Backend Developer CV, do not lose sight of the fact that you have just a few seconds to catch the recruiter’s attention. Therefore, concentrate on the most crucial pieces of information an employer would want to know.
Optimize your CV title to the advertised job description, keep the information focused and relevant, and grab the employer’s attention by telling them what they want to hear. With this, you would have successfully executed a surefire approach to landing an interview.
Are you interested in becoming a Backend Developer?
Begin today by enrolling in Ustacky’s Backend Python Developer and Backend PHP Developer Microdegree programs. In less than 3 months, you will gain real-life Backend Developer experience from the training, projects, and extensive mentorship. This provides a headstart in your Backend Developer career.