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Industry·10 min read·Dec 18, 2025

The state of developer relations, 2026 edition

Devrel spend is up. Devrel hiring is flat. Something's shifting — we surveyed 340 devrel leaders to understand what.

Kenji Nakamura

Kenji Nakamura

Industry analyst

Reading time
10 min
Word count
48
Sections
4
Level
Intermediate

Key takeaways

  • Skip the objective statement — recruiters don't read them anymore.
  • Lead every bullet with a measurable impact number, not a duty.
  • Two pages is fine if you've earned it; one page is a strong default.
  • Optimize for the human reader first, ATS parser second.

Something's changing in developer relations, and the numbers don't quite add up. Spend is up 18% year over year. Headcount growth is flat. The gap has to go somewhere.

We asked 340 devrel leaders where the money is going, and their answers were more consistent than we expected.

Try it yourself

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A good resume doesn't win the job — it wins the interview. Aim for the interview, not the applause.
— Kenji Nakamura, Industry analyst
Takeaway
"Devrel spend is up. Devrel hiring is flat. Something's shifting — we surveyed 340 devrel leaders to understand what."
Filed underDevRelIndustry

Frequently asked

Quick answers to common questions

  • 01

    How long should my resume be?

    One page if you have under 8 years of relevant experience. Two pages max otherwise — every extra line has to earn its place.

  • 02

    Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?

    Only when the role explicitly asks for one, or when you're changing industries and need to explain the story. Otherwise, skip it.

  • 03

    What about ATS keyword stuffing?

    Mirror the exact phrasing from the job description — but only where it's honest. Naked keyword lists at the bottom look like tricks.

  • 04

    Should I include a photo?

    In the US and UK: no. In parts of Europe, LATAM, and East Asia: often yes. Follow the local norm.

Kenji Nakamura

Kenji Nakamura

Industry analyst

Writing about industry for Joblo. Get in touch on any social channel — replies within 24 hours.