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Junior software engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical junior software engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for junior software engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 16.1% of junior software engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a junior software engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 junior software engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 junior software engineers use java:

Developed in Java programming language.
Developed GMPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and MPLS protocol stack using Java, C++ in a team of eight.

2. 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 junior software engineers use c++:

Teamed with senior software engineers to optimize and test software algorithms, mainly using C# and C++.
Worked on development of investment and hospital HR systems, using VB.net, C++, MSSQL, PostGreSQL.

3. 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 junior software engineers use python:

Created a program using Python and PHP to crawl and scrape government websites, downloading data without user interaction.
Created Bash and Python scripts for testing and reporting on a distributed database network at SPAWAR.

4. Object Oriented Programming

Here's how junior software engineers use object oriented programming:

Developed prototype of application, and started development of the application using Visual Basic, object oriented programming.
Developed Web Based Banking Applications like Brand Migration, Mortgage Module Development and Snapshot Functionality using Object Oriented Programming.

5. CSS

Here's how junior software engineers use css:

Created Master Pages, CSS Styles Sheets and Integrated to SilverLight and got approval from Business Stake holders.
Designed and developed user interactive Web Pages using JSP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

6. GIT

Here's how junior software engineers use git:

Leveraged Git version control, code reviews, and spring planning to organize work across teams.
Use Git and GitHub to manage version control and review code of other engineers.

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7. 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 junior software engineers use linux:

Work under Windows or Linux/UNIX operating systems
Worked as a product client team developer on a variety of platforms including Windows, UNIX and Linux distribution using C/C++.

8. C Net

Here's how junior software engineers use c net:

Increased staff efficiency on a 70-user Novell PC network.
Implemented in Java EE Standard environment based application for Wireless Security Protocols and providing domain specific network.

9. Scrum

Scrum is a lean structure for communicating, designing, and promoting complex products, with a focus on programming development. It has been applied to a variety of areas, including manufacturing, testing, new technology, and marketing techniques. Scrum is a simple framework that helps people, organizations, and teams generate value by providing many solutions to complicated problems.

Here's how junior software engineers use scrum:

Applied SCRUM methodology for application development within development teams and Project Management teams.
Follow Agile Methodology/Attend Scrum meetings.

10. PHP

PHP, the abbreviation for hypertext preprocessor, is a scripted language used in websites to manage content.

Here's how junior software engineers use php:

Worked in PHP to modify existing web applications, fixing bugs, improving validation, adding functionality and working with MySQL.
Maintained and developed online web portals, Word press Blogs, written in PHP and MySQL for data storage.

11. HTML

Here's how junior software engineers use html:

Involved in development of User Interface using XSLT, HTML, JavaScript, Ajax, and JSTL.
Used JAVASCRIPT to add dynamic data from the database to HTML pages which involved AJAX calls.

12. Html Css

Here's how junior software engineers use html css:

Developed HTML CSS style sheets for web interface creation.
Created UI using HTML CSS and JavaScript's.

13. Jira

Here's how junior software engineers use jira:

Used JIRA for Agile project tracking.- Performed QA testing on applications.
Worked on windows services and tools like WinCVS and JIRA.

14. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open source automation server that is free to use. It aids continuous deployment and execution by automating the aspects of product creation related to building, analyzing, and deploying. It is a system based on the server that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Jenkins is a Java-based fully accessible automation platform with plugins designed for Continuous Integration.

Here's how junior software engineers use jenkins:

Integrated into a Continuous Integration Jenkins server that reported results and screen shots to project managers.
Worked on distributed test automation execution on different environment as part of Continuous Integration Process using Selenium Grid and Jenkins.

15. Web Services

A web service is software that is available on the internet and uses a specific messaging system. A web service is a kind of service that is not bound to any specific programming language or operating system. Web services help every device to communicate over the world wide web.

Here's how junior software engineers use web services:

Designed and developed Soap based web services for exchanging information.
Developed Restful Web Service for initiating the request functionality.

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What skills help Junior Software Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on junior software engineer 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 junior software engineers 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 junior software engineers?

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 junior software engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tao Ju

Vice Dean for Research & Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Graduates should research their targeted industries, companies and positions to identify which skills are in highest demand. Every job description has required qualifications and a desired qualifications section. The focus should be on trying to develop those desired qualifications. This could include learning a new programming language or working towards a certification (EIT, LEED, Six Sigma, etc.). Having said that, the specific skills themselves are less important than demonstrating the drive, passion and curiosity to continue developing. Do something. Take a course, volunteer, take on a short-term project, or teach yourself new software. The more graduates have developed their technical and transferable skills (leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, etc.), the more competitive they will be as they enter the job market, and the quicker they will make a difference in an organization.

What type of skills will young junior software engineers 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 junior software engineer 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 junior software engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a junior software engineer resume and required skills for a junior software engineer to have include:

Java
C++
Python
Object Oriented Programming
CSS
GIT
Linux
C Net
Scrum
PHP
HTML
Html Css
Jira
Jenkins
Web Services

JSON
UI
Unix
JQuery
Visualization
Version Control
Debugging
Confluence
SQL Server
Ruby
Web Application
Tomcat
Eclipse
Junit
MVC

Android
SVN
Test Scripts
Azure
Source Code Management
QA
J2EE
Amazon Web Services
Cloud Computing
Test Cases
GUI
Regression
Elasticsearch
UML

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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