Our report on the top 10 tech jobs of 2024 shows the vital importance of software developers. In fact, three of the top 10 roles were jobs in software development. While artificial intelligence is changing how software developers do their day-to-day jobs, there is still a high demand for skilled professionals.
So, how can you get a job in software development? Read our guide to the skill sets your potential employers are looking for.
Software developers use a number of programming languages to create applications of all types. Depending on your knowledge, skills and passions, you might pursue a software role down many different career paths. Your role could entail:
Software development is a challenging field. It’s also highly rewarding. As such, tech companies and employers look for a range of skills and abilities. Of course, technical skills are held in high regard, especially writing code in widely used languages.
But there are a number of soft skills and personality traits that can also help you land a job. Whether you have years of experience or no experience at all, there’ll be a software job vacancy at your level. Remember: how you answer interview questions will help the hiring manager to make up their mind.
Let’s review the most in-demand skills to land you that job offer.
Software development roles require constant learning. If you’re looking for an internship or an entry-level first job, here are some transferable skills to highlight in your interview.
At its core, software development is a career in problem-solving. Developers spend hours, if not days, analysing code to figure out how something works (or doesn’t). Having great problem-solving fundamentals will show the recruiter that you have the right mindset for the job. Remember to provide specific examples of how you’ve solved problems in other areas.
Likewise, coding skills require lots of attention to detail. Show the hiring manager that you have the skills to look beyond the obvious and spot problems, patterns and trends. This will demonstrate that you have the patience and keen eye needed.
As we’ve mentioned, software developers never stop learning. There are always new languages, libraries and career development opportunities to explore. In fact, in the fast-paced technology industry, those who aren’t learning will get left behind. That’s why a potential employer will want to see your passion for active learning.
While coding might sound like a solitary job, don’t underestimate the importance of people skills. During your career, you might code in pairs or as a team. You’ll deal with colleagues, stakeholders and project managers. Importantly, you’ll need to translate technical terminology to laymen across your company.
Excellent soft skills can open up many avenues for future career advancement. A clear ability to work with others will make you highly attractive to employers.
Looking to upskill for a full-time software engineering role? You don’t necessarily need a degree in computer science. Instead, try to familiarise yourself with computer software in other ways:
If you need to learn new coding skills, a bootcamp is a fast and efficient way to do it. These courses can be intense, but there’s no doubting their effectiveness. Look for a bootcamp that offers the financing, timescales and skills you’re looking for. Some training courses even provide financial support.
During these bootcamps, you’ll learn the fundamentals, along with popular languages like Python, Javascript, Java and others. Try to identify your preferred operating systems, to help narrow your search for a job in software development.
Learn basic computer science theory. Get to know data and algorithms by reading around the subject. If you’re attending a bootcamp or seeking professional training, you’ll cover this early. If not, there are plenty of instructional videos and materials available online.
Once you’ve started to grasp programming, employers love to see you use those skills outside of work. Before you apply for an entry level software role, try creating a personal project on a platform like GitHub. No matter how basic your project, you’ll face challenges and learn a lot. Personal projects can be excellent interview fuel. Extra-curricular projects also bolster relevant work experience or CV gaps.
Once you’re comfortable and more experienced, try attending in-person meetups. Join a community of software developers to learn from one another. You could even contribute to large open-source projects with other developers.
The growth of the cloud and AI has impacted every industry. Many coding jobs now take place in cloud-based environments — so knowledge of how these platforms work will help a lot. You can obtain basic cloud certifications in just a few days. Similarly, you should learn how AI can help you write and test systems to become a more efficient developer.
To get a job in software development, you need more than just programming skills. Identify your soft skills, show effort and ambition, and actively learn new things. These attributes will help you to shine in your next job interview.
Search our software developer opportunities here.
Jason Barr Director - Software Engineering, Hays Ireland
Jason has worked in Software Engineering recruitment for the past 12 years, placing candidates within every technical stack at everywhere from household names to start-up scaling companies that have went onto IPO. Jason currently leads a team of technical recruiters and hosts a leadership webinar called "Inspiring Technology: Stories of Success” which brings together tech leaders in Ireland to discuss their careers.
