What to include in a CV for a web developer role

Universities and academic institutions need web developers who can create engaging websites and maintain them. In the following article, I have highlighted some guidance on how to create a successful CV if you are applying for a web developer role within the Higher Education sector.

What does a web developer do?

Web developers working as back-end developers are responsible for the technical side of websites (functions that you cannot see). Front-end developers build websites and applications that users interact with. Full-stack developers may work cross-functionally on the front and back end.

You will find a template below which you could use to create your CV. Please be aware that the suggested CV is only an example. Use it as a template, however, make sure that your application is tailored to the job you are applying for.

Read the job description

Prior to starting to draft your application, do explore the job description to see whether you have the relevant experience and qualifications. You might also want to think about what would help you stand out from other candidates. It could be a real advantage if you have previously worked in a similar web developer role for other universities.

Create a personal profile

This part is a snapshot of your application and it should include a brief description of your skills and experiences. Try to use specific and clear language:

E.g. Senior web developer with 10 years of experience building e-commerce websites. Proficient in JavaScript, HtML5 and SCC3. Previous professional experience includes debugging, programming, and wireframes. Received company award for best employee of the year.

E.g. A UK-based senior engineer with over 10 years experience in software development. Experienced in managing teams, providing supervision to engineers and software architecture. Demonstrates excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Displays a positive outlook to all challenges, is flexible and can manage priorities.

Highlight your educational background

In this section, list any degree and diploma level courses in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent one). If you are currently studying for a qualification which is relevant to the job, do remember to include this and mention the expected completion date.

List your technical skills

Create a list of all the technical skills which you have gained in the past. These may include JavaScript, HTML5, SCC3, Node.js, Firebase, MongoDB, MySQL, React, Ractive, jQuery, Git, Perforce etc.

Make sure that you also list some specific web developer soft skills such as:

Effective Communication, Flexibility, Critical Thinking, Organisation, Problem Solving, Team Working, Creativity, Time Management, Visual Thinking, etc.

Outline your professional experience

Your professional experience section is the ‘heart’ of your CV. You might find that you spend the most amount of time writing it.  This is the part that recruiters look at both before and after the interview. Do provide a list of your previous roles in reverse chronological order. If you have previously worked for a number of employers, you might find it helpful to go back no more than 10 years.

The following questions will help you to develop this section:

• Have you managed a team of developers working on a significant project?
• Have you managed budgets in the past?
• Have you coached or trained junior developers?
• Have you been involved in streamlining web development processes?

Try to be as specific as possible when describing your roles: increased UX scores by 30%, trained over 10 junior developers, and achieved a 20% increase in eCommerce sales as a result of mobile app development.

There are a few web development skills that hiring managers are keen to see. These may include programming languages, types of software, troubleshooting, testing and debugging, optimisation and UX/ UI knowledge. Do clearly indicate if you have used these skills.

List additional courses/ other relevant info

You might find it helpful to provide details of any additional courses you have completed. These might include people and project management courses, soft skills training or any other professional development events you have taken part in.

You may have worked on web projects outside your professional work. Demonstrating a website that you have built using your own coding knowledge can be convincing of your dedication and creativity. You could mention the website you have developed independently or a video player you have created using JavaScript.

Present it carefully

According to a recent Eye-Tracking Study, recruiters spend approximately seven seconds reading a CV. A small grammatical mistake could lead to your CV being rejected within a few seconds. You might also find it helpful to ask a trusted friend or a colleague to proofread it.

Creating a bespoke CV for each of your job applications is a time-consuming process. However, the more time you invest in crafting your application, the more likely you will be to land the job of your dreams.

Download jobs.ac.uk free web developer CV template 

Creating a CV from scratch or revamping an old CV can be time consuming. At jobs.ac.uk we’ve created free CV templates to help you get started. We have created two designs in an editable format.

Click here to download your free Web Developer CV template.

Click here to download your free Software Developer CV template.

Further CV tips:

• What do employers look for in a CV?
• CV Advice Webinar
• Preparing to Change Jobs? Make sure your CV is ready too!
• Is Your CV Too Long? 6 Effective Fixes

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