The role of a Back-End Developer has never been more crucial in today’s digital-first economy. Behind every smooth and interactive website or mobile application lies the meticulous work of back-end specialists. These professionals ensure that systems run efficiently, databases stay secure, and users have seamless access to the tools they need. A Back-End Developer typically designs, builds, and maintains the server-side infrastructure of web applications, working with databases, APIs, cloud services, and security protocols.
In the UK, the average Back-End Developer salary ranges between £45,000 to £70,000 per annum, depending on experience and sector, with senior specialists often commanding six figures. With demand rising steadily across industries such as fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, and SaaS platforms, standing out with a powerful and interview-winning CV is absolutely essential.
That’s where a carefully crafted Back-End Developer cv template and cv example comes into play.
Why Your Back-End Developer CV Matters More Than Ever
Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with applications every single day. On average, your CV will get less than 7 seconds of attention in the first screening stage. That’s right – in under 10 seconds, a recruiter will decide whether you are worth shortlisting. Therefore, your Back-End Developer CV must make an instant impact: it must communicate technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and a strong understanding of server-side development.
Think of your CV as your marketing tool. It’s not just a list of duties; it’s a persuasive sales document showcasing what you can do for the employer. The right cv template can help you structure this information clearly and effectively.
What Employers Look For in a Back-End Developer
When hiring a Back-End Developer, employers typically want to see:
Proficiency in languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, Go, or Node.js.
Database knowledge, including SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and other database technologies.
Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices, and server-side frameworks.
Understanding of DevOps, containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Strong debugging, optimisation, and security awareness.
The ability to work collaboratively with front-end teams and non-technical stakeholders.
Your CV must reflect these core skills in a way that’s clear, professional, and tailored to the job description.
How to Structure Your Back-End Developer CV
A winning Back-End Developer CV should always follow a clear, recruiter-friendly structure. Here’s a tried and tested format:
Contact Information
Keep this simple: full name, phone, professional email, LinkedIn link, and GitHub or portfolio (if relevant).
Professional Profile / Personal Statement
This is a short 4–6 line introduction at the top of your CV that summarises your experience, technical skills, and what you offer employers. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
Key Skills Section
Highlight technical skills such as languages, databases, frameworks, and cloud tools in a bullet-point format. Recruiters often skim here first.
Professional Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order. For each role, include company name, job title, and dates. Then, write 4–6 impactful bullet points focusing on achievements rather than just duties. Use strong verbs like “engineered”, “optimised”, “deployed”, or “secured”. Whenever possible, quantify results (e.g., “Optimised database queries, reducing system latency by 35%”).
Education & Certifications
Include degree details, technical certifications (AWS Certified Developer, Oracle, etc.), and relevant courses.
Additional Sections
Projects, hackathons, publications, or volunteering related to coding are valuable extras.
Back-End Developer CV Template Example
Here’s a simplified cv example structure you could adapt:
John Smith
London, UK | john.smith@email.com | 07123 456789 | LinkedIn.com/in/johnsmith | GitHub.com/johnsmith
Professional Profile
Back-End Developer with 5+ years’ experience designing and implementing scalable web applications for fintech and SaaS environments. Skilled in Python, Node.js, and SQL with proven expertise in optimising server-side performance, enhancing database security, and deploying cloud-based infrastructures. Passionate about delivering efficient solutions that enhance user experience and business efficiency.
Key Skills
Languages: Python, Node.js, Java
Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQL Server
Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Git
Frameworks: Django, Express.js
Expertise: REST APIs, microservices architecture, system optimisation
Professional Experience
Senior Back-End Developer | Fintech Solutions, London | Jan 2020 – Present
Engineered and deployed scalable microservices architecture, supporting 1.2M active users with 99.99% uptime.
Optimised API performance, reducing response times by 45%.
Led a team of 5 developers in implementing secure database solutions, ensuring GDPR compliance.
Back-End Developer | Tech Innovations Ltd, London | Jun 2017 – Dec 2019
Designed and maintained PostgreSQL databases handling real-time financial data.
Collaborated with front-end team to integrate REST APIs, improving customer onboarding speed by 30%.
Implemented CI/CD pipelines, reducing deployment errors by 60%.
Education
BSc (Hons) Computer Science – University of Manchester – 2016
Advice for Graduates Writing a Back-End Developer CV
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about a lack of work history. Instead, focus on:
University projects, dissertations, or coding assignments.
Open-source contributions or GitHub repositories.
Internships, placements, or freelance work.
Transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Graduates should keep their CV concise (one page if possible) but highlight enthusiasm, technical curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Advice for Mid-Level Developers
For those with 3–7 years of experience, your CV should demonstrate career progression and tangible results. Avoid re-listing basic duties; instead, emphasise achievements, leadership contributions, and how you’ve improved systems or processes. Recruiters want to see growth and initiative.
Advice for Senior-Level Developers and Managers
Senior professionals must take a strategic approach. Employers want to see your impact at a business level – how have you led teams, influenced architectural decisions, or driven innovation? Highlight leadership, mentoring, and technical strategy, not just hands-on coding. If you’ve collaborated with C-level executives, include this to show gravitas.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Back-End Developer CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV for each application, matching the job description.
Keep formatting professional and easy to read (no flashy designs).
Quantify achievements with metrics and percentages.
Use keywords (languages, tools, databases) that match the employer’s requirements.
Include links to GitHub or technical portfolios.
Don’ts:
Don’t list every tool you’ve ever used – focus on relevant expertise.
Don’t use vague language such as “responsible for” or “involved in”.
Don’t write lengthy paragraphs; stick to bullet points.
Don’t forget soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving, but keep them concise.
Don’t exceed two pages – recruiters rarely read beyond that.
Final Tips for an Interview-Winning Back-End Developer CV
Keep it tailored – one CV does not fit all applications.
Show measurable results, not just responsibilities.
Place the most important skills at the top.
Make your profile statement confident and forward-looking.
Proofread carefully – even one typo can create a poor impression.
A Personal Note from Jerry Frempong
As a career coach with over 25 years of experience helping professionals across the UK land their dream roles, I cannot stress enough how powerful the right CV can be. A carefully designed cv template transforms your job applications and positions you as the ideal candidate. Whether you’re a graduate eager to launch your career, a mid-level developer climbing the ladder, or a senior specialist aiming for leadership, your CV is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like personalised help with your Back-End Developer CV and LinkedIn profile, my team and I at CV London would love to work with you. We specialise in creating impactful, interview-winning CVs that capture attention and get results.
Book an appointment today to give your career the professional boost it deserves: Book an appointment with CV London
