• These tips will help you with your resume.typing image by Aditia Patria Warman from Fotolia.com
  
  Programmers may have the tendency to be too wordy or technical when writing a resume, as that is the nature of programming. However, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor, employers give most resumes only a quick glance. Therefore you want to make sure your resume is organized and concise and gives a good representation of what you offer.
  
  

Use Keywords

• Many companies use software to automatically screen resumes. If your resume doesn't have the right words, it may get tossed. Make sure your resume has keywords that apply to the job. For example, use the names of the software and computer applications you specialize on your resume. You might also consider adding any languages you specialize in such as Java or Perl, and any system you know like ASP.NET and Visual Basic. But remember to be brief so that the employer's eyes don't gloss over from reading your resume.
  
  

Be Focused

• Though you may have had plenty of jobs, you want to make sure your resume is focused on programming. Include a statement of your overall goals and a career summary so that employers can learn more about you. Include any programming languages you know and any technical certifications that you hold.
  
  

Use Plain Text

• If you are going to copy and paste your resume into a job application, make sure your resume is in plain text. If not, then your resume might be distorted when the employer goes to look at it.
  
  

Emphasize Achievements

• Don't just mention your skills. It is important to mention what you have accomplished with those skills. Think of the software and applications you've designed and coded. How have these enhanced the productivity or profitability of your previous employers? Mention how your technical certifications have benefited the organizations you've been employed with.
  
  

Proofread Your Resume

• Proofread your resume to make sure you don't have any grammatical errors. It's also important to make sure your career objective doesn't mention a company who you aren't applying to. So if you are applying to Apple, don't say that your ultimate goal is to get a programming job at Microsoft. If you are not a skilled writer then consider having someone else proofread for you.