Developer CV: a sample, tailored to the job
An IT vacancy always names a stack: Java, .NET, PHP, React. The ATS and the recruiter look for those words in your experience, not just in a skills list. So the same developer's CV should look different for a Frontend role and a WordPress one.
What the job ads keep asking for
- A specific language and framework: banks often want Java and .NET, agencies PHP and JavaScript (React).
- 2 to 5 years of experience for a Middle role.
- Git with GitHub or GitLab.
- Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL or MS SQL, including query optimisation.
- Building REST APIs and integrating outside services.
- In newer vacancies, AI coding tools: Cursor, GitHub Copilot and the like.
- English good enough for technical documentation.
From current vacancies posted on jobs.ge.
The words a recruiter scans for
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- React
- Node.js
- PHP
- .NET
- Java
- Python
- SQL
- REST API
- Git
- Docker
- CI/CD
The CV almost everyone sends
A general CV, the kind most people send unchanged to every vacancy. It's only an example: the person, companies and numbers are made up.
Luka Chikovani
Full-stack developer
Summary
Full-stack developer with 5 years' experience. I write React and TypeScript, build back ends in Node.js and PHP, and work with MySQL and PostgreSQL.
Experience
Full-stack developer · FlyTraveli, online travel agency 2023 – present
- Built the booking page in React and TypeScript; mobile conversion rose 22%.
- Connected 3 airlines' REST APIs to our Node.js service.
- Cut page load from 3.1 to 1.2 seconds by optimising slow MySQL queries.
- Review code and run automated tests with GitHub Actions.
Web developer · Pixel Lab, digital agency 2021 – 2023
- Built 20+ WordPress sites, including WooCommerce shops and custom plugins in PHP.
- Turned Figma designs into responsive HTML/CSS.
Education
BSc in Computer Science, Free University of Tbilisi, 2017 – 2021
Skills: TypeScript, React, Next.js, Node.js, PHP, WordPress, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Git, Docker, GitHub Copilot
Languages: Georgian (native), English (B2) · github.com/luka-example
One person, two jobs, two CVs
VacancyMiddle Full-stack developer (WordPress, PHP)
Asks for: PHP and WordPress (themes, plugins, REST API), JavaScript or React, MySQL, Git, responsive layouts, AI tools. WooCommerce a plus.
Luka Chikovani
Full-stack developer (WordPress, PHP, React)
Summary
Full-stack developer with 5 years' experience. I've built 20+ WordPress sites and custom PHP plugins, connect outside REST APIs and write front ends in React. Optimising MySQL queries cut page load from 3.1 to 1.2 seconds.
Experience (top bullets)
- Built 20+ WordPress sites, including WooCommerce shops and custom plugins in PHP.
- Connected 3 airlines' REST APIs to our Node.js service.
- Cut page load from 3.1 to 1.2 seconds by optimising slow MySQL queries.
Skills: PHP, WordPress, WooCommerce, JavaScript, React, MySQL, Git, GitHub Copilot
What changed: The WordPress work, buried in the second job on the general CV, is now in the summary and the first bullet. WooCommerce is on the vacancy's nice-to-have list, so it shows. Docker and Next.js left the skills line so the main things stand out.
VacancyFrontend developer (React, TypeScript)
Asks for: React, TypeScript, Next.js, REST API, tests, Git, English.
Luka Chikovani
Frontend developer (React, TypeScript)
Summary
Frontend developer with 5 years' experience. I write React and TypeScript: the new booking page raised mobile conversion by 22%. I work with REST APIs, review code and run automated tests in GitHub Actions.
Experience (top bullets)
- Built the booking page in React and TypeScript; mobile conversion rose 22%.
- Review code and run automated tests with GitHub Actions.
- Turned Figma designs into responsive HTML/CSS.
Skills: React, TypeScript, Next.js, REST API, HTML/CSS, Git, GitHub Actions, Figma
What changed: The headline changed from "Full-stack" to "Frontend" because this vacancy only wants front-end work, and Luka really has it. PHP and WordPress moved to the background.
Before you hit send
- Put the stack next to each job, not only in the skills list. The recruiter should see where and for how long you wrote Java or React.
- Results, not just tasks: speed, conversion, users. "Wrote APIs" says what you did; "cut load time from 3.1 to 1.2 seconds" says how well.
- A GitHub or portfolio link at the top. In IT the CV often goes in English, so have both versions ready.