Backend Developer CV Template
Backend Developers build and maintain server-side applications, APIs, and data systems that power web and mobile applications. UK employers seek developers with strong programming fundamentals, database expertise, and experience designing scalable, secure systems. Your CV should demonstrate architectural thinking alongside hands-on coding ability.
What recruiters look for in a Backend Developer CV
- Proficiency in at least one backend language with depth of experience in production systems
- Database design and optimisation skills (both SQL and NoSQL)
- API design experience with understanding of REST principles or GraphQL
- Cloud platform experience with specific services used (not just 'AWS')
- System design thinking — scalability, reliability, and security considerations
- Testing practices and code quality standards (code review, TDD, CI/CD)
Key skills for a Backend Developer CV
Example experience bullets for a Backend Developer
Use these as inspiration — always tailor bullets to your own experience and achievements.
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Tailor my CV nowFrequently asked questions
How should I present system design experience on a Backend Developer CV?
Describe the systems you've built in terms of scale (requests per second, data volume, user count), architecture patterns used (microservices, event-driven, CQRS), and the problems they solved. Include non-functional requirements you met (uptime SLAs, latency targets). This demonstrates senior-level thinking beyond just writing code.
Should I focus on one programming language or list many?
Lead with your primary language and show depth of experience with it. Include secondary languages but be honest about your proficiency level. UK employers value depth over breadth — a senior Node.js developer is more hireable than someone who lists 8 languages superficially. Tailor your primary language to match the job specification.
How do I demonstrate DevOps skills alongside backend development?
Include Docker, CI/CD pipeline configuration, and cloud service experience in your skills section. In your experience bullets, mention infrastructure you've set up: 'Configured CI/CD pipeline with GitHub Actions and Docker, reducing deployment time from 2 hours to 10 minutes.' Backend developers with DevOps knowledge are increasingly sought after in UK tech companies.