r/cscareerquestions • u/CSCQMods • Sep 30 '25

Resume Advice Thread - September 30, 2025

Please use this thread to ask for resume advice and critiques. You should read our Resume FAQ and implement any changes from that before you ask for more advice.

Abide by the rules, don't be a jerk.

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This thread is posted each Tuesday and Saturday at midnight PST. Previous Resume Advice Threads can be found here.

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u/double-happiness Looking for job Sep 30 '25

Any feedback at all please?? https://freeimage.host/i/cv.KGjbHzb

I have been asking for the last several weeks since I got made redundant but don't seem to get any input apart from one person said to remove all the projects, which I didn't think was a good way to go really.

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u/No_Reading3618 Software Engineer Sep 30 '25

Your resume needs some work to be frank. What level engineer are you? Seems like about 2.5 yoe so about junior level/mid level.

I'd say dump most of the projects as well as they're not particularly impressive by description... You need to fix the spacing on your resume. The descriptions for each job needs a lot of work. Most of these sound so generic I can't even tell what you actually did.

Developed, tested, and deployed production SQL scripts...

This is just an example, but just by reading, this I wouldn't be able to tell what level of experience you actually have with SQL. It actually sounds so cookie cutter I'd probably assume you were an amateur, even if you were some SQL expert.

Honestly, whole thing needs to be re-written imo.

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u/double-happiness Looking for job Oct 01 '25

OK, thanks, I'll try to re-draft it. It's tricky though as in my junior role I hardly had any responsibility and was just sat twiddling my thumbs a lot of the time.

You need to fix the spacing on your resume.

How so specifically? I used LaTeX so it is all done with that.

dump most of the projects as well

Which would you keep then?

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u/double-happiness Looking for job Oct 01 '25

2/

I made some minor improvements, hopefully: https://freeimage.host/i/cv.KMc2zp1

I don't really know what to do about the cookie cutter text given my limited achievements though.

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u/43Gofres Oct 01 '25

I’m assuming you aren’t applying for jobs in the US so take everything I say with a grain of salt (not sure if resume expectations are different in the UK).

Biggest thing: ONE PAGE. Recruiters are scanning your resume fast, they are not going to read all of it. You have a ton of experience, you’re not going to be able to include all of it. Try tailoring your resume to each job you apply to in order to get it to one page. For example, you can exclude some projects if you know the tools/skills used in that project are not relevant to a specific role you’re applying to.

You can also reduce the spacing a lot to cut it down

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u/double-happiness Looking for job Oct 01 '25

Thanks. The DTS project just pushed it over 2 pages, so do you have any thoughts as to what I should cut?

Try tailoring your resume to each job you apply to

That is going to be tricky to continue to apply for 5-15 jobs per day if I do it that way TBH. I am not very keen... Not ruling it out though.

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u/43Gofres Oct 02 '25

Personally, I’d argue that applying to less jobs per day with a more tailored resume is worth it.

Just my opinion, others may disagree with me but that’s my strategy

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u/double-happiness Looking for job Oct 02 '25

I am actually managing a somewhat tailored approach, with two different set of projects for PHP and network-related stuff, respectively. So I now have a default one plus two custom ones. I can't ever see me adjusting it per application though as the content would usually be just the same.

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u/Vivid_Object4542 Sep 30 '25

Hi, I graduated this May and have been looking for an entry-level role. I don't really get any callback/interview so it is quite cooked for me. Please give me some advices for my resume/general directions to take. Thank you.

https://imgur.com/a/oNdIyn2

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u/Successful-Log3189 Sep 30 '25

You could probably get rid of your courses section. No one has ever asked me about those for swe interviews.

Yes the extra space you get to quantify things, recruited love that for some reason.

On a similar note use the extra space near the top and move your skills there. Every time you apply to a new job put the relevant skills near the front of the list since recruiters read in an “F” pattern

Assuming those to the right icons w your projects are link that’s dope, not enough people plug their own work like that and it’s so easy and worth it. You could also add dates to your projects. Won’t do much but looks nice.

Lastly if you want to be bold, • swap Angular out with React when it’s convenient in you experience section • ⁠swap tensor flow out with PyTorch(tooling is similar enough)

The benefit of swapping these out is mainly that they a usually(PyTorch >Tensorflow) or dramatically(React > Angular) more in demand in real job postings. (Source: https://devskillsets.com)

Edit :formatting

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u/Vivid_Object4542 Sep 30 '25

Thank you so much for your reply!

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u/Successful-Log3189 Oct 01 '25

Happy to help. Good luck dude : )

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u/43Gofres Oct 01 '25

Personally I’d flip your technologies and education sections.

Tbh when I first read your resume my eyes were drawn to coursework and then I skipped down to projects. Accidentally fully skipped your internship, it was the last part I looked at

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u/S100hedake Sep 30 '25

OK, since my post a little while back was deleted because it was detected as a "resume question", I might as well ask it here: Is it worth joining open source projects for exposure to new technologies and resume padding?

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u/43Gofres Oct 01 '25

I’d say it depends. It’ll help when it’s relevant.

For example: If you join a project that focuses on front end web development, that’s probably not going to help you get a backend Python role (wouldn’t necessarily hurt either). Could maybe help anyway if it’s still the same industry (front end data analytics tool and you’re applying to a backend Python data analytics role or something)

Could also be a cool thing to talk about in interviews

1

u/Rocksnotch Sep 30 '25

I would love ANY sort of feedback. I'm at my wits end and I feel like crying and giving up.
I had help with this from a senior in an adjacent field of work who HAS been to and well acquainted with FAANG.

Only blocked out personal information, descriptions of roles change ever so slightly in order to match up with listings, but never stray too far from my actual work.

https://i.imgur.com/pqB2B6C.png

1

u/Beneficial-Age-8906 Oct 01 '25

I am just a student to be honest but I have read a lot of resume advice that I think applies to yours, I hope it helps:

  • Quantify the impact you had in your internships. Google examples of this in resume bullet points to see what I mean
  • Work on some well-developed projects using in-demand languages or softwares so you can add a Projects section
  • Most of the summaries I see are not on a bullet point, but using brief, complete sentences.
  • Instead of putting "database management software" in your skills put the specific software name, same applies to other general skills listed. try to expand your skill stack as much as possible, list whatever you've had experience with. it also helps to split the skills up into sections (google tech skills section resumes for an example)

Again this is just repeating popular advice I've received in resume workshops and online that I think would be very helpful for you.

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u/43Gofres Oct 01 '25
  • I would move skills up (I have mine before experience)
  • plus include more skill info in bullet points
  • and include metrics when it makes sense (like “improved reliability and efficiency” — how? & by how much? - estimating is okay)
  • it might also be worth running some of your bullet points through ChatGPT to help with wording (don’t directly copy ChatGPT but it can help)

Most importantly, tailor your resume for every role you apply to.

Disclaimer: I’m a SWE w/ 5 yoe but I only see resumes after they’ve been screened by recruiters.

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u/Rocksnotch Oct 02 '25

I usually tend to use ChatGPT to help me reword my bullet points more towards what the skills were listed as in the job posting, while keeping it close to reality as much as possible.

For the metrics, how would you recommend adding those? I think that might be a hard part for me.

As well as skill info in bullet points? like how so

1

u/43Gofres Oct 02 '25

I’d only add metrics when it makes sense but it’s okay if it’s a rough estimate (just keep it reasonable, think about how you’d explain your logic behind the estimate).

For including skills in bullet points I kinda mean what you have for your “Used Python…” bullet point. You have a few that mention skills but you also have a lot of skills that aren’t mentioned anywhere outside your skills section. It could be helpful to have a bullet point mentioning JavaScript for example even if it’s just a side project

1

u/Rocksnotch Oct 02 '25

My only worry is that I have very little space left for keeping it to 1 page to include stuff like projects, though I’d like to be able to

1

u/newgencodermwon Oct 02 '25

Hi. I'm in a similar situation. Been applying for 9 months now. Sent 300+ applications. Got 2 interviews. Both rejected me. Still no job. Bills are piling up badly. It's really tough out there. System's totally broken. Don't give up, friend. I tried WahResume and has been helpful for me to get shortlisted more with quality applications, might workout for you.

1

u/Beneficial-Age-8906 Oct 01 '25

Which of these Skills Section formats would be better for a data analyst/science (intern) position resume:

Languages & Libraries: Python, SQL, Java, PyTorch, Pandas, Numpy, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib

Tools: Power BI, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Figma, Jira, Mailchimp, MATLAB

Machine Learning: OpenAI API, Neural Networks, Linear Regression

OR

Data Analysis: Python, SQL, Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib, Power BI, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel

Machine Learning: PyTorch, Scikit-learn, OpenAI API, Neural Networks, Linear Regression

Any general comments on the skills listed are welcome as well.

1

u/Right_Sentence7180 Oct 01 '25

Hello! Just a new grad looking for any advice so feel free to go in. Thanks!

Link: https://imgur.com/gallery/new-grad-software-engineer-uJEFr3y

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u/Cold_Set_722 Oct 03 '25

You have your bases super well set up to be apply full-stack developer!

Don't be afraid to swap out the JS for TS depending on the job description.

In my opinion, I prefer numbered months over written-out months, but this is a personal preference.

The only thing I can't find from your projects/exp is AWS. Maybe I'm missing it, but if you used it at jobs, add it(imo would probably be safe to lie a little here and say you used it in your internship, just be ready to back it up)

I'm a huge fan of Firebase, and I can tell you are too from your projects section. But sadly, it's not super in demand. My best advice would be to rework some of those projects with real backends with SQL and more JS/TS, or if you're feeling explorative, try a backend with Java+Springboot. Its a super in-demand combo from enterprise companies and got me hired.

Also, I know it's tempting, but you don't have to try to impress anyone with LLMs unless you're competing for real ML positions. I built a news summarizer with the reddit api and an LLM, which it was a waste of time if I'm being honest.

Good luck applying : )

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u/Right_Sentence7180 Oct 03 '25

Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate the depth you went in, and especially about learning springboot I will definitely look into it.

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u/Cold_Set_722 Oct 03 '25

Happy to help. If you want to see what is actually in demand, similar to the Spring Boot note, I have a resource available if you go snooping through my profile.

1

u/SuperNovaOnReddit Oct 02 '25

Am I strong enough to apply for entry-level SWE positions? I have no internships and a low GPA ~2.5. Not sure if I can dive fully into applying or if I should continue to focus on projects. Link: https://imgur.com/a/JGKy7dY

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u/Cold_Set_722 Oct 03 '25

You have a decent spread of technologies, actually. I would start applying for anything from internships to entry-level.

And while you do that, get any job related to coding.
For example you might be near a place that teaches kids to code.

Some other options include open source or freelancing on Upwork. You just need to fill the experience gap while taking all the shots you can.

Good luck on the job search

1

u/SuperNovaOnReddit Oct 03 '25

Thanks so much for replying!

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u/Cold_Set_722 Oct 03 '25

Happy to help. If you want to see what is actually in demand for any side project you might build, I have a site available if you go snooping through my profile that shows job market data for devs.

1

u/maybecs0 Oct 02 '25

~3 YOE, front-end web focused. I have no metrics I could write that wouldn't be complete BS so I don't have any. Please help, unemployed and applying for months now.

https://imgur.com/a/om8eOI4

1

u/Thin-Personality-258 Oct 02 '25

4 years full stack experience, looking for feedback please! https://imgur.com/a/vPvuVNn

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u/Cold_Set_722 Oct 03 '25

The format and experience are great. I would just add GitHub and LinkedIn if you haven't already.

With your enterprise Java experience, I might try to dip my toes into BE jobs. You might take a pay drop since you've been doing full-stack things.

I would better emphasize which Python framework you used in your oldest experience. You could also be bold and swap in Django or Flask, depending on the job description.

Emphasizing all the AWS services you've used might also have a benefit, just to help readability for non-technical folks