Web Developer CV Example: a Guide with Key Tips
With an increasing reliance on the internet and smartphones in everyday life, web developers have never been more in demand. Gaining a job in this skilled, technical profession is a competitive activity, so it makes sense to spend time making your CV as strong as possible. In this article, we provide a simple guide to creating a perfect web developer CV.
Key Sections to Include in CV
While it’s crucial to make your CV stand out in a crowded field of applicants, there are some standard sections you’re going to need to include. How you present those sections, and the content you include in them, can make a difference to your chances of success. Take a look below at the key sections to include in a CV for web developer applications:
Header
In your CV header, add your full name, your address or location, your email address and your phone number. You might also wish to include a strapline to introduce yourself, such as ‘Innovative web developer’. Your experience plays a big role in your chances of success in web developer applications, so if you have a portfolio, website or LinkedIn profile that showcases previous projects, add a link to it here.
CV objective or summary
The CV objective is your chance to introduce yourself and highlight your strengths, experience and career ambitions. Write two to three sentences that will compel the hiring manager to read on and consider your application. Make sure this section reflects the priorities and requirements in the job description. Reference the hiring company by name if possible, for a personal touch.
Here’s an example of a web developer CV objective:
Innovative full-stack web developer with six years’ experience in a fast-moving agency. An expert in Python, JavaScript and HTML, who enjoys bringing creative solutions to UX development. Seeking to further my career by joining an agency at the forefront of machine learning apps and web services.
Work experience
Unless you’re a recent graduate and you don’t have much work experience, this section is likely to be the most important in your CV. List each previous relevant role in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include your job title, the company name, its location and the dates you worked there.
For each job entry, add several bullet points explaining your duties and achievements in the role. Consult the job description to understand the type of experience the company is looking for. Make sure your bullet points match with these. Focus on your role in successful development projects, how you fit into a team of developers and any specific developer skills you’ve gained in each job.
Take a look at this example work experience section for a web developer:
Web developer, Orange Iguana Web Design, Maidenhead, September 2019 – Present
- Working with designers, creatives and developers to build beautiful, useful websites and applications for a range of public sector clients, handling a portfolio worth £2m/year
- Building modules and features for apps in JavaScript and SQL, as well as testing, bug fixing and maintenance
- Operating in React and Django frameworks as part of a motivated and efficient team of developers
- Providing ongoing web support for clients, ensuring 99.9% uptime and receiving 95% customer satisfaction score
Education
In your education section, list your most recent or relevant qualifications. For web developers, this is likely to include a degree in computer science, web development or software engineering. Include the name and level of the award, the institution, its location and your dates of study or graduation. If you have space available, you could add one or two bullet points listing any minor subjects you studied, accolades or awards you won, or societies you were a member of.
Here’s a sample web developer education section that you can use for inspiration:
BSc (Hons) Computer Science, University of Portsmouth, September 2015 – July 2018
- Produced dissertation on privacy techniques for big data analytics
- Chairperson of university coding club
Skills
Consult the job description for a list of skills the hiring company is looking for. You can present your skills in one list, or divide them into hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are likely to include knowledge of programming languages, web development frameworks and version control systems. Soft skills might include analytical thinking, teamwork and the ability to work under pressure.
Read an example skills section below:
Hard skills:
- JavaScript, HTML and Python programming languages
- React.js and Angular frameworks
- Bug detecting and fixing
- Creating user documentation for new web applications
Soft skills:
- Working under pressure
- Collaborating with team members
- Analytical thinking
- Time management
Certifications
Adding a certifications section is optional, but any certifications or training you’ve undertaken on top of your degree might enhance your prospects. This could include training on programming languages or frameworks that you’ve completed.
Optional sections
Further optional sections you could add to your web developer CV include languages, hobbies and interests or volunteer work. Consider listing any of these if they add further weight to your application and show you’re capable of doing the job.
Tips for Writing the Role-Specific CV
These tips can help elevate your web developer CV and make you a serious contender for any role:
Choose the most suitable format
For experienced web developers, choose a traditional CV format. In this structure, your work experience goes directly below your CV objective. If you have less experience, you might list your education and skills before your job history. This is a ‘functional CV format’. Whichever structure you select, adopt a reverse-chronological format. This means always listing your most recent achievements and employment first, followed by each previous role.
Tailor your CV
Consult the job description and tailor your CV according to the requirements listed. Using keywords from the job advert can make your CV more likely to pass any ATS (applicant tracking system) stage. It can also help to prove you have the necessary skills and experience for the job.
Quantify your achievements
Add weight to your CV by quantifying your achievements. For web developers, this could mean including figures to explain the value of projects you’ve worked on. You could also list performance statistics that show the accuracy and efficacy of your work.
Don’t exaggerate
It may be tempting to stretch the truth to show you can do the job. Resist the temptation. Lying or exaggerating on your CV can come back to haunt you at the interview stage. Be honest about your skills and experience. If they match the requirements of the role, they should be enough.
Write a persuasive cover letter
Alongside your CV, your cover letter plays a key role in convincing hiring managers to progress you to the next stage of the recruitment process. It gives you the chance to provide further evidence of your suitability for the role. It also demonstrates your professionalism and communication skills. Take a look at this web developer cover letter example for inspiration.
Be concise
Generally, the shorter the CV, the better. Recruiters are unlikely to have the time to read a multipage CV in detail. Try to make your CV no more than one or two pages of A4.
Proofread your CV
Spelling and grammar mistakes can undermine your application. Make sure you proofread your CV and run it through a spellchecker before sending it.
Use a beautiful CV design
The presentation of your CV can have a big impact on your chances of success. Subtle use of colour, fonts, columns and tables can all make your CV more appealing. Thankfully, Jobseeker takes the trouble out of creating a beautiful CV. Review our CV examples to help create a CV that reflects your style and personality.
Key Takeaways for a Successful Web Developer CV
The key to a great web developer CV is to strike a balance between showcasing your technical skills and your previous body of work. Consult the job description and make sure you can confidently list the skills and experience the company requires. Make your CV stand out from the crowd by using subtle, professional design elements that catch the eye of the reader and hold their attention. Jobseeker has a wealth of CV templates and cover letter templates to give you the edge over other applicants. Sign up to start the simple process of creating a beautiful web developer CV today.
