Section Priority
The section priority is the ordering of how most recruiters will read your resume. The sections should be ordered top-down from most important to least important.
For students: Education → Experience → Projects → Skills.
For experienced engineers: Order is less strict, typically favoring Experience first.
The following subheadings are ordered from most important to least important.
1. Graduation Date
Companies prefer one or two terms post-internship before offering full-time roles. Your graduation date should align, as many firms auto-reject otherwise.
If graduating earlier, target new grad positions. No need to specify university start, use Expected May 2026 format.
To prevent auto-rejection, pretend your graduation is earlier by a year if at least three years remain. Explain as "extra coursework" if asked.
Make sure your graduation date is sensible to facilitate potential return offers.
2. School Name
The choice of your university holds significance, as certain schools are favored by recruiters. In many cases, a reputable school without experience can outweigh a less reputable school with experience when applying for internships.
3. Relevant Experience
Prioritize Experience from Most to Least Relevant:
- Previous Software Internships
- Relevant Research Internships
- Teaching Assistant for Computer Science Courses
Exclude Non-Software Roles like IT Support, unless in dire need or responsibilities closely relate to software.
4. Technical Projects
Especially valuable when lacking relevant experience. Software projects serve as tangible proof of your skills and showcase your genuine interest in the field.
5. Extracurricular
An effective method to showcase leadership and teamwork abilities, particularly through involvement in real software projects within clubs, hackathons, or similar initiatives.
6. Technical Skills
Recruiters aren't particularly drawn to this section, but it serves as an essential checklist.
Each skill serves as a keyword for parsing. Reiterate these keywords in experience and projects to project proficiency.
Do not add soft skills; they're too subjective.
What level of proficiency is suitable?
- You should be able to talk about what it is in an interview.
7. GPA
When to Exclude GPA?
GPA isn't overly crucial; exclude it if it falls between 3.0 to 3.5. If your school is reputable and academically rigorous, consider the lower range. Personally, I'd suggest 3.5.
Which GPA to Use?
cGPA is assumed if not explicit. If low, consider writing major GPA or sessional GPA.
8. Courses and Certificates
Consider graduate-level courses and certifications like AWS for added value, particularly when the role demands specialized skills.
This section is often unnecessary and provides limited benefit.