Introduction
Want to land your first developer job or internship? A great resume can open the door. But most beginner devs either overdo it—or don’t know where to start.
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to write a clean, clear, and effective resume for tech jobs, especially if you're applying for junior frontend, backend, or full-stack roles.
We’ll walk through each section, give tips that tech recruiters actually care about, and show sample bullet points you can steal and adapt.
🧱 Step 1: Choose a Simple Format
Use a clean, one-page layout. Don’t try to be fancy. Recruiters scan your resume in under 10 seconds.
Here’s what to include:
- Contact Info
- Summary (optional)
- Skills
- Projects
- Experience (if any)
- Education
- Certifications (optional)
👉 Use tools like Canva, Novoresume, or Google Docs with a simple layout.
📞 Step 2: Contact Information
This goes right at the top.
Name: Sarah Dev
Email: sarahdev@example.com
GitHub: github.com/sarahdev
Portfolio: sarahdev.dev
Location: San Diego, CA (Remote OK)
✅ Use a professional email address and make sure your GitHub and portfolio are working!
💬 Step 3: Add a Short Summary (Optional)
A short paragraph can help introduce you, especially if you're transitioning into tech.
Self-taught frontend developer with a passion for building user-friendly websites. Completed 10+ real-world projects and proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
📌 Keep it short, specific, and beginner-friendly. Avoid fluff like "motivated team player."
⚙️ Step 4: List Your Tech Skills
Split them into categories if you can:
Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Express
Tools: Git, GitHub, VS Code, Figma
Databases: MongoDB (basic), Firebase
✅ Focus on the skills you’ve actually used in a project. Don’t list everything you’ve ever Googled.
🚀 Step 5: Highlight Your Projects (This Is Critical!)
Projects are more important than experience at the junior level. Each project should include:
- A name
- A short description
- A list of tools used
- A link to GitHub or live demo
💡 Recipe Finder App
Built a recipe search app using the Edamam API. Users can search recipes by ingredient and view calorie counts.
Tech: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Fetch API
Live: yoursite.com | GitHub: github.com/you/recipe-finder
Add 2–4 of these. Your portfolio is what sells you.
🧠 Step 6: Add Any Experience (Tech or Non-Tech)
If you’ve had internships or freelance work, include that. Otherwise, list relevant school or volunteer work.
Junior Web Developer (Freelance)
June 2024 – August 2024
- Built a responsive landing page for a local business
- Improved website load speed by optimizing images and code
- Used Git and GitHub for version control
✅ Focus on outcomes and what tools you used.
🎓 Step 7: Add Your Education
Whether it’s a degree, bootcamp, or online course, include:
Frontend Developer Certificate – freeCodeCamp
Completed: 2024
Included: Responsive Web Design, JS Algorithms, Frontend Libraries
🎓 You don’t need a CS degree. Bootcamps, self-learning, and certificates all count if you show what you’ve done.
📜 Step 8: Keep It Clean and Scannable
- Use consistent fonts and sizes
- Stick to one page
- Avoid graphics or photos
- Save and share as PDF
- Use keywords from the job posting
💡 Extra Tips for Success
- Create multiple versions of your resume for different roles (frontend, backend, full-stack)
- Use ChatGPT or Grammarly to proofread your content
- Match your resume with your LinkedIn and GitHub
- Write a simple cover letter tailored to each job
🌐 SEO & Career Tie-In
A well-written, keyword-optimized resume increases your chances of getting through ATS systems (applicant tracking software). Combined with a strong GitHub and portfolio site, your resume becomes a powerful tool for personal branding and career growth in tech.
🎯 Conclusion
Your resume is your ticket to interviews—but your projects are what truly speak.
✅ Focus on clarity
✅ Highlight what you’ve built
✅ Keep updating it as you learn
When you’re ready, explore our Career Guides for help with freelancing, interviews, and more.
Good luck, and happy job hunting! 🚀
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