How to write a job-winning web developer resume

Behind every beautiful website you see is a talented web developer who has taken the time to hone their craft and become the best possible developer they can be. To earn a job as a web developer, you need a resume that shows your dedication to the industry, as well as your key qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

In this guide, we teach you how to write a job-winning web developer resume in just 5 simple steps. Keep reading to learn all about:

How to choose the right format for your web developer resume
What to say in your web developer resume summary
Which key skills to list on your web developer resume
Ways to effectively describe your work experience as a web developer
How to properly list your educational credentials as a web developer

1. How to choose the right format for your web developer resume

Writing a web developer resume begins with one crucial step: choosing the right format that fits your needs as a job applicant.

In general, there are three main types of resume formats: reverse-chronological (RC), functional, and hybrid.

The RC resume is the most commonly used format and is the standard expected by most employers. It focuses mainly on work experience, placing lighter emphasis on other sections. Alternatively, the functional resume does the opposite — emphasizes education, skills, and unpaid experience, while paying less attention to formal work experience.

As for the hybrid format, this type of resume strives to be a happy middle ground between the RC and the functional formats, spreading out the focus of the document evenly between all sections.

Regardless of which format you use, you must always include a well-formatted header at the very top of the page. This header should include your name, professional title, and professional contact information.

Here is an example of a well-formatted web developer resume header

Jane Matthews, WebDeveloper
(123) 456-7890 | janematthews@email.com | linked.com/in.jane-matthews

2. How to write an impressive web developer resume summary

A resume summary follows your header and helps to introduce you to the employer and keep them interested in what your resume has to offer.

In a web developer summary, the most important information to focus on is your work experience, specializations, and what you want out of a job.

Here is an example of a well-written web developer resume summary

Diversified Web Developer with 10+ years of specialized experience working with Wix, WordPress, SquareSpace, and other top web development tech companies. Currently in search of a role where I can onboard my current clientele and help to attract a wider client base for myself and my future employer.

Why is this correct?

This summary first describes who the applicant is and how much experience they have before then described their specialized areas of expertise. This is followed up by a quick statement on what the applicant is looking for out of a job and what they bring to the table.

3. Which key skills to list on your web developer resume

Anytime you write a web development resume, it is important to include both technical and interpersonal skills. Technical skills refer to your learned abilities, such as proficiencies in coding language, while interpersonal skills refer to your natural or learned abilities to work with other people.

Including both types of skills on a resume is key, as it shows an employer that you have a diverse skill set and are a well-rounded professional web developer.

Here are 5 examples of technical skills to include on a resume

Coding language proficiencies
Web development platforms (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)
Designing user interfaces
Integrating web applications
Troubleshooting problems in development

Here are 5 examples of interpersonal skills to include on a resume

Collaboration
Creative thinking
Critical thinking
Problem-solving
Clear communication

4. Ways to effectively describe your work experience as a web developer

As you begin to describe your work experience as a web developer in a resume, it is important to know how to effectively list this information.

Typically, an employer will not read an entire resume — instead, they will skim over it to discover the key points of information that tell them what they need to know about the applicant’s skill level and experience. As such, you should use bullet points to organize your work experience descriptions and make them more visually navigable and skimmable.

Here is an example of an effective work experience entry from a web developer's resume

Web Developer at WordPress Master Solution
Chicago, IL
January 2017 to October 2022

Implemented a new website platform that helped increase website loading speeds by more than 25% on average.
Developed several template website builds for use on WordPress that became valuable digital products for the company to sell, increasing revenues by 10%.
Built custom websites according to the exact specifications of more than 100 clients.

5. How to properly list your educational credentials as a web developer

To finish off your web developer resume, you need to create a concise education section.

Depending on how you got into web development, the educational credentials you possess may vary. It is important to always include at least your highest level of education and any highly relevant certifications you have earned.

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on a web developer's resume

Associate’s Degree at Wilkes Community College

Major: Computer Science
Graduated: 2017

Certifications:

Certified Web Professional — Application Developer

6. How to effectively list extra sections in your web developer resume

In a web developer resume, including extra sections can be highly advantageous as they provide an opportunity to showcase your diverse skill set, highlight your unique qualifications, and demonstrate your passion for web development.

These additional sections act as a window into your abilities beyond coding, allowing you to present a well-rounded profile to potential employers.

One particularly relevant and impactful extra section to consider is "Open Source Contributions." This section showcases your active involvement in the open source community, which not only highlights your technical proficiency but also demonstrates your collaborative spirit and dedication to advancing the field.

Here's how to list an extra section in your web developer resume

Open Source Contributions

Contributed to the development of the WordPress Core by submitting code patches and bug fixes, improving the overall stability and functionality of the platform.
Developed and maintained a popular open-source JavaScript library that provides a streamlined solution for responsive image loading and optimization.
Actively participated in online forums and communities, providing support and guidance to fellow developers, sharing code snippets, and promoting best practices.

Published on June 1, 2023

Martin Poduška

Editor in Chief / Resume Writer

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written nearly 100 in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam.

Land your dream job with our web developer resume guide and samples. You will learn how to create appealing CV sections tailored to the position you are applying for, while making your web developer resume functional and slick-looking.