As a custom software company we are always looking for or to encourage new talent. So we have written this article for those, who you might know, who are showing an interest in pursuing a software development career. Please feel free to share.
Whether you are a recent graduate or are just looking for a change of career, the software development industry offers many fast-paced and exciting job roles. If you’ve just started looking at jobs within the industry, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to look for a job. BSPOKE Software has a wealth of experience in the software development industry, so we have compiled a list of some of our top tips below, so you can feel more confident about applying and interviewing for a developer role, this year.
Qualifications and skills needed
Before looking at the recruitment and application process, it’s important to understand the skills and qualifications you may need for a software development job role. If you are looking to work as a software engineer, you’ll find that many job requirements state that you need a degree in computer science or software engineering. While some companies may be happy to simply look at your previous work experience, others may be more interested in your academic background.
However, times are changing, and less traditional qualifications and training options are also now being viewed positively by companies. Ensure you review the qualifications carefully before applying for a job role. While there’s no harm in sending your CV and application to jobs you aren’t fully qualified for, you will be better off looking for ones that are more suitable for your level of experience.
On top of your formal qualifications and work experience, there are certain skills you should expect to see on any job description. You’ll be expected to maintain and create architectures or databases and should have good problem-solving skills. Candidates will be quizzed on their knowledge of various programming languages, so the more you know, the more qualified you will be for the role. On top of that, soft skills such as communication and listening skills will be tested during your interview, as these are crucial skills for working as part of a team of software developers.
Choosing a niche
One consideration when applying for a software development role is whether you want to specialise in a particular sector within software development. For example, some software developers specialise in certain computer systems or programming languages. On top of that, you may want to look at software development roles within a specific industry. Areas including manufacturing, healthcare, IT services, and security will only continue to grow and will offer you increased job security in the future.
There are so many options on offer for software developers, which is why this is such an attractive career route for so many individuals. Take the time to review the specific requirements for the type of jobs you are applying for. Employers are now looking for a more specialised skill set, as opposed to general programming skills.
Prepare your portfolio
Your portfolio should offer recruiters some examples of your previous work and the progress you’ve made throughout your career. Showcase different types of projects within a portfolio to offer a well-rounded and impressive application. A portfolio offers you the chance to showcase your skills and personality and will help you to stand out from the crowd. You may be asked to walk through a project during your interview, as well as critique your own work. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are to talk about your portfolio, the greater chance you’ll have of succeeding during an interview.
Where to search
As with any job, online job boards and industry-specific job boards are a great option for software development roles. If you already have connections within the industry, word of mouth recommendations can be an easier route into a company. When looking for jobs online, ensure you take the time to understand their job requirements and the application process.
Tailor your CV and cover letter to each and take the time to research the company you are applying for. With the challenges of the past year, expect hundreds of applicants for each role, especially within the top organisations in your country. On top of traditional full-time positions, you may want to consider short-term contracts or freelancing to help you gain experience for future applications.
Software development interviews
If you’ve been lucky enough to pass the first stage of the application process, the next task is to ace your interview. Interviews for software development roles can vary greatly from company to company and are often very different to traditional job interviews. You’ll likely have a technical interview, but you may begin the process with a general interview with the HR team or recruitment.
A hiring manager will then be assigned to your application to complete a more technical interview, followed by a face-to-face or video interview. On top of generic job interview questions, expect to be asked to demonstrate your skills via problem-solving.
During an interview, you’ll want to work to showcase your communication and problem-solving skills. Interviewers generally expect very concise and clear answers, as opposed to someone talking for the sake of filling time. You will usually be asked how you would overcome various issues, or you may be asked to give examples of writing code. While you can’t prepare for the exact questions you will be asked on the day, try to go through various common workplace scenarios before your interview, so you aren’t surprised by anything during the session.
The world is your oyster
As with almost all industries. the software development industry is incredibly competitive at the moment. However, the good news is that with our growing reliance on technology, companies are constantly looking to expand their software development teams. By considering specialising in a specific industry or niche, you’ll find you may reduce the competition for each role you are applying for.
As with any job application process, patience and perseverance are the keys to success. By following our tips listed above, you can set yourself up for success and land the perfect role for yourself within the software development industry.
Ready to join us? Email us with your CV [email protected].
