What are the top skills for a Software Engineer?

Key Software Engineer skills include JavaScript, Python, SQL, Git, among others — always tailored to the specific job posting.

How many skills should I list on a Software Engineer resume?

List 8–12 relevant skills, mixing technical/hard skills with soft skills, and back the important ones up in your experience section.

Should Software Engineer skills be hard or soft?

Both. Recruiters and ATS look for hard skills to qualify you and soft skills to gauge fit, so include a balance.

Top Software Engineer Skills for Your Resume

The best Software Engineer resumes lead with the skills employers actually search for. Here are the top Software Engineer skills to list, plus how to show them with evidence rather than just naming them.

Top skills to list

JavaScript — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
Python — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
SQL — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
Git — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
CI/CD — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
REST APIs — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
Problem solving — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword
Agile — show it with a specific result or project, not just the keyword

Skill keywords

JavaScriptPythonSQLGitCI/CDREST APIsProblem solvingAgile

How to show them

Put your strongest Software Engineer skills in both the skills section and your experience bullets.
Use the exact wording from the Software Engineer job posting to match ATS keyword searches.
Pair every hard skill with a soft skill (e.g. collaboration, communication) for balance.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top skills for a Software Engineer?: Key Software Engineer skills include JavaScript, Python, SQL, Git, among others — always tailored to the specific job posting.
How many skills should I list on a Software Engineer resume?: List 8–12 relevant skills, mixing technical/hard skills with soft skills, and back the important ones up in your experience section.
Should Software Engineer skills be hard or soft?: Both. Recruiters and ATS look for hard skills to qualify you and soft skills to gauge fit, so include a balance.