The Web Developer's Resume: Constructing a Projects List

If you’re a developer, the best way to showcase your experience is with a projects list. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before.

The most efficient way to begin your Projects page is by keeping a journal. All you need is Notepad, a spreadsheet or a Moleskin notebook. Before you go home at the end of the day, jot down the projects you worked on, any obstacles you encountered, any success you achieved, any recognition you received, or anything else that stands out:

• Lucky Lu’s Tattoo Shop: worked from creative comp — no spec sheet. Again. Found codebase from 1998, not helpful. Considering transition to HTML 5. She wants a tattoo gun that people can use.
• Sea Hag iPhone App: can’t figure out the film strip mode to view images. Reconstructed the database. Again. Lost my mind.
• John’s Rebate Coupons: sent first draft to John. Expecting feedback Monday. I bet he’ll want QR codes, he thinks he’s cool.

This seems like such a simple thing, but with the right dataset to work from, you’ll be able to whip out a projects page that contains not only your functional keywords but also gives a human-usable description of your abilities.

Don’t forget to note somewhere which technologies you used. Additionally, even on the days you don’t remember to write things down, you’ll have something there at least to jog your memory:

• Lucky Lu’s Tattoo Shop http://www.luckylus.com Developed and implemented a fully interactive entertainment site , working only from creative comps; delivered product on time and with few change requests. Client was pleased with the results and did not miss her old site at all. Used HTML 5, CSS, C#, and edited videos.
• Sea Hag iPhone App: Used film strips, integrated menus, WCF, and GL. Overcame lack of client organization throughout database to secure and promote functional leads. Certified iPhone Developer.
• John’s Rebate Coupons: supplied content management system and supporting database to deliver QR code-based coupons into the hands of over a thousand subscribers. Client has since requested repeat business and has signed a contract for three years of support, maintenance, and coupon design. Used Constant Contact, Excel, C# and PhotoShop.

It’s five minutes of your time for a life’s worth of accomplishments. When you get to the entries that say, “Those idiots, WTF,” and you know it’s time to start looking for a different job, you’ll be well prepared to update that resume quickly and efficiently.