Free Senior-level java developer CV (2026)

Start with your full name, city and postcode, telephone number, and a professional email address. Include links to your GitHub and LinkedIn, and add a personal site if you have one that shows projects and architecture notes.

Keep contact details concise and consistent. Do not include your full postal address; listing city and postcode is usually sufficient.

Avoid informal nicknames in your email if you want to come across as professional.

Write a 2-3 sentence professional summary that focuses on your Java domain, years of experience, and leadership scope. Mention core areas such as backend systems, microservices, cloud deployment, and team size you led so readers can quickly judge fit.

Use specific role labels and outcomes rather than vague phrases. For example, say you led a platform team of eight engineers and reduced API latency by a measurable percentage, instead of saying you 'improved performance' without numbers.

List languages, frameworks, tools, and systems in grouped lines such as Languages, Frameworks, Cloud and Tools. Order items by relevance to the roles you are applying for, with Java and key JVM technologies first.

Avoid an exhaustive laundry list that dilutes your focus. Highlight proficiency level next to specialised items like Spring Boot, Hibernate, Kafka, Docker, and whichever cloud provider you use most.

Present each role with company name, location, your title, and dates. For each position include 3 to 6 bullet-style achievement statements that start with an action verb and show measurable results where possible.

Focus on scope, systems, and outcomes rather than daily tasks. Describe the architecture you owned, services you designed, the team size, and concrete results such as throughput improvements, cost reductions, or delivery timelines you met.

Use DD/MM/YYYY format for dates. Where relevant, reference NHS or other sector-specific considerations for healthcare-related roles and mirror any pay bands or contract terms in line with UK norms.

Add a Projects section for standout systems you built, libraries you maintain, or major migrations you led. For each project include a short description, your role, tech stack, outcomes, and links to repositories or live demos.

Emphasise results such as performance gains, reliability improvements, or successful migrations with clear metrics.

List your educational background in the UK order, emphasising qualifications relevant to software development. Include degree name, subject, university (preferably if a Russell Group institution), location, and graduation date in DD/MM/YYYY format.

For early career applicants, you may include GCSEs and A‑levels (with grades). For most senior roles, UCAS tariff and university reputation help but focus on recent or relevant qualifications.

Include professional certifications (e.g. AWS/Azure/GCP, Java SE/EE certifications, or security credentials) and any ongoing training relevant to the role.

Mention right-to-work status if required by the employer and note any National Insurance requirements or pension auto-enrolment details when relevant.