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Contract software developer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical contract software developer skills. We ranked the top skills for contract software developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.8% of contract software developer resumes contained web application as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a contract software developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 contract software developer skills for your resume and career

1. Web Application

Here's how contract software developers use web application:

Designed and implemented Web application.
Worked on development of an Online Leasing Web Application using Microsoft MVC 5, Entity Framework 6, Knockout.

2. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how contract software developers use database:

Designed and developed an automated database upgrade system in Python for multiple SQL Server installations.
Created new database and calculation functionality, new insurance ledger output to PDF using Python/ReportLab.

3. SQL Server

Here's how contract software developers use sql server:

Designed and implemented MS SQL Server databases to customize applications and reporting business requirements.
Performed report modification enhancements utilizing SQL Server 2000, and performed application bug fixes.

4. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how contract software developers use java:

Developed a galaxy formation simulator written in Java.
Worked on Java application for distributed computing.

5. JavaScript

Here's how contract software developers use javascript:

Handled front-end validation via JavaScript and implementation.
Hired to assist with web development using PHP, HTML, CSS, MySQL, and JavaScript.

6. PL/SQL

Here's how contract software developers use pl/sql:

Created C#/Web system displaying/editing Oracle table data, PL/SQL stored procedures generating table info.
Replaced a mainframe processes for generating bank and treasury export flat file with PL/SQL.

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7. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how contract software developers use software development:

Associated with various contract positions relating to Software Development and deployment.
Applied basic concepts of development using an Agile Software Development Methodology

8. HTML

Here's how contract software developers use html:

Developed ASP.NET MVC, HTML and AngularJS interfaces for a driver license management system.
Web Page Development Learn fundamentals of web page design and development using HTML.

9. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how contract software developers use python:

Conducted follow-up research in Pattern Derivatives and developed Python library for their valuation.
Developed and debugged Python automated tests for hardware in a Linux environment.

10. C

Here's how contract software developers use c:

Recreated the C source code using the executable and code from parallel projects for a Bank of N.Y. mail sorter.
Developed C software that enhanced the HDX product's H.323 firewall traversal software increasing stability and memory utilization.

11. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how contract software developers use c++:

Developed a voice-over-internet distributed call processing system using a prototype version of C++ in their experimental distributed objects laboratory.
Designed and implemented Windows GUI application software using Visual C++ 6.0 development environment for a network security system.

12. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how contract software developers use linux:

Automated several daily/monthly customer usage statistics reports/reconciliations on Linux servers, boosting team productivity by 30%.
Used Linux systems to perform server configurations and maintenance including Apache server management in a multiple virtual host environment.

13. CSS

Here's how contract software developers use css:

Enhanced customer Account Profile usability by implementing reusable components using JavaScript prototyping and CSS.
Designed and developed intranet web applications using JavaScript and CSS.

14. XML

XML is a medium for storing and transporting data that is independent of software and hardware. XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML, like HTML, is a markup language that was created to store and transport data. It was created with the intention of being self-descriptive. There are no predefined tags in the XML language. Another feature is that XML is extensible.

Here's how contract software developers use xml:

Used Hibernate Framework to define the data access layer of the application using hbm and hibernate.cfg.xml.
Used Java/J2EE on a Linux JBoss Application Server to createHibernate mapping document .hbm.xml files.

15. User Interface

The user interface (UI) is the area or point where a person communicates with or transfers information to an electric computer or application. The user interface enables applications to offer precise product details to their intended customer without causing any misunderstanding. Customers want modern technology to behave in a certain manner for their convenience, so it is advised to create a user interface that is simple to use, precise, and predictable so that customers are fully pleased with its services. It can make a significant difference in converting visitors into customers.

Here's how contract software developers use user interface:

Developed Visual Basic prototype for usability testing for a major mailing platform user interface.
Developed simulation program for testing user interface of a hand held digital recorder.

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What skills help Contract Software Developers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on contract software developer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC), Montana State University

All companies are looking for some experience beyond the classrooms. This can be through internships or doing research at their universities. But students still need to show an acceptable GPA to show employers that they understand the fundamentals of their discipline.

What soft skills should all contract software developers possess?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.

What hard/technical skills are most important for contract software developers?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.

What contract software developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Brian Law

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

There are several areas that are "hot" right now, such as the previously-mentioned data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, but also cybersecurity and databases/data warehousing. That being said, the most important thing for a new graduate seeking employment to do is just to do anything, produce something. Tech employers don't and have never trusted computer science credentialing; that mistrust is the origin of the infamous "tech interview," used to verify whether a candidate actually has the technical skills to back up their piece of paper.

So to preemptively answer that question and get a leg up on other candidates, graduates should be sure to generate some artifact(s) that demonstrate(s) their technical and organizational skills. Show them that you can plan a project, design it, see it through in programming it, and do so in a responsible, organized manner (good coding style, readable code, well-documented, and using proper version control), and you'll have addressed your future employer's greatest worries right off the bat.

If it's a project in one of these "hot" areas or specifically tuned for the work the employer does, all the better, but anything the employer is doing is probably leagues beyond what a fresh graduate can do by themselves in a few months, so ultimately they're not going to be that impressed with your domain-specific technical knowledge. Instead treat it more as an opportunity to show off your "soft" skills, your programming maturity, and your ability to actually produce a product rather than just answer exam questions. And while you're at it, you might as well make it something fun for yourself so you'll be driven to finish it.

What type of skills will young contract software developers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a contract software developer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of South Alabama

Strong database skills including big data and SQL are always valued by local employers hiring our IS majors. While not technical, written and verbal communications skills are always important.

Do you want to know more?

List of contract software developer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a contract software developer resume and required skills for a contract software developer to have include:

Web Application
Database
SQL Server
Java
JavaScript
PL/SQL
Software Development
HTML
Python
C
C++
Linux
CSS
XML
User Interface
Windows XP

API
JQuery
Web Services
Asp
GIT
PHP
Entity Framework
Front End
Scrum
GUI
C Net
Jira
MATLAB
Management System
Source Control
Jenkins

JSON
T-SQL
Unix
Android
Bootstrap
Perl
Test Cases
VB
Ajax
Server Side
Spring Framework
WCF
WebAPI
ANT
Bug Fixes
Development Environment

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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