What Recruiters Look for in a Junior Dev Resume (And What They Skip)

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What Recruiters Look for in a Junior Dev Resume (And What They Skip)

What Recruiters Look for in a Junior Dev Resume (And What They Skip)

Breaking into tech as a junior developer in 2025 is no easy task. You're competing with bootcamp grads, CS students, and self-taught coders — and your resume is often your first (and only) shot at making an impression.

So, what exactly are recruiters scanning for? And just as important — what makes them move on to the next candidate?

This post will walk you through the do’s and don’ts of a junior dev resume, backed by what recruiters and hiring managers actually care about.

✅ What Recruiters Want to See on a Junior Developer Resume

1. Relevant Technical Skills (Matched to the Job Posting)

Recruiters want to see that you’re familiar with the tech stack they’re hiring for. This means customizing your resume to include the right tools and frameworks.

Example: If the job post mentions React, REST APIs, and Git — your resume should include those exact terms.

Top skills recruiters search for:

  • JavaScript / TypeScript
  • React / Vue / Angular
  • Git & GitHub
  • HTML / CSS / Tailwind
  • REST APIs
  • Node.js
  • SQL / MongoDB
  • Testing (Jest, Cypress)
  • Agile / Scrum

2. Projects With Real-World Impact

You might not have job experience, but that doesn’t mean your resume has to look empty.

Show your personal or bootcamp projects. Highlight:

  • What you built
  • What tools you used
  • What challenges you overcame
  • What results you achieved

“Built a budgeting app using React and Firebase with user auth and data persistence.”
“Contributed to an open-source TypeScript library used by 500+ devs/month.”

Bonus: Link to your GitHub or live demo.

3. Clean, ATS-Friendly Formatting

No funky layouts. No columns. No graphics.

Recruiters — and applicant tracking systems (ATS) — prefer simple, scannable resumes.

Use:

  • One-column layout
  • Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, etc.)
  • Clear headers: "Projects", "Skills", "Experience", "Education"

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4. Clear Communication & Results

A great resume tells a story. Use bullet points that start with action verbs and include numbers whenever possible.

Examples:

  • "Built a responsive landing page with Tailwind CSS that increased signups by 28%."
  • "Deployed a full-stack app using Node.js and MongoDB on Vercel."

No fluff. Just value.

❌ What Recruiters Skip or Ignore on Junior Dev Resumes

1. Generic Templates With No Customization

If you’re sending the same resume to every job, recruiters can tell. It’s vague. It doesn’t reflect their needs. And it ends up in the “maybe later” pile (or worse — rejected by the ATS).

Fix: Customize for each job. Match the language of the job description.

2. Buzzwords With No Backing

Avoid filler phrases like:

  • “Team player”
  • “Hard-working”
  • “Passionate developer”

Unless you show evidence of those traits (like collaboration in a project), they don’t help you.

Focus on what you did, not how you feel about it.

3. Huge Education Sections With No Projects

Yes, you went to school. But that’s not enough anymore — especially for dev roles.

Instead of just saying:

“BSc in Computer Science, 2023”

Add something like:

“Built a campus directory search tool using React + Node.js for a final-year project.”

Projects > grades.

4. Resumes Without Any Online Presence

Recruiters almost always check your GitHub and LinkedIn. If they’re missing, it raises a red flag — especially in dev hiring.

At a minimum, include:

  • GitHub (with starred projects or contributions)
  • LinkedIn (with a friendly but clear bio)
  • Optional: Portfolio site or blog

💡 Pro Tips to Make Your Resume Recruiter-Ready

  • Always start bullet points with action verbs
  • Use past tense (unless it's something ongoing)
  • Keep it to 1 page unless you have 2+ years of experience
  • Include keywords naturally — don’t stuff them
  • Name your file clearly: FirstName-LastName-Resume.pdf

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Final Thoughts

Recruiters aren’t looking for perfect junior devs. They’re looking for:

  • Proof that you can learn
  • Evidence you’ve shipped things
  • Clear communication of your skills and goals

Your resume is the first impression — make it simple, relevant, and aligned with how hiring works in 2025.

You've got the skills. Let’s make sure they show.

👉 Check your resume now with ResumeAdapter

💡 Want to know if your resume will pass ATS filters?
Check out our guide: How to Instantly Analyze Your Resume for ATS with ResumeAdapter

FAQs

What’s the most important section on a junior dev resume?
Your projects. They show what you can actually do. Make them specific and keyword-rich.

Should I apply even if I don't meet all requirements?
Yes — especially if you match 70–80%. Tailor your resume, show relevant experience, and apply.

How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
Use a tool like ResumeAdapter to scan your formatting, keywords, and structure before applying.