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Lead 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 lead developer skills. We ranked the top skills for lead developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.1% of lead developer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a lead developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 lead developer 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 lead developers use java:

Design, develop and maintain student loan portfolio management applications using Java and related technologies.
Performed a feasibility study for migrating screen scrapper application to Java enterprise environment.

2. JavaScript

Here's how lead developers use javascript:

Maintained a JavaScript API library that provided basis for development of CTI client applications interacting with LiveOps telephony system.
Provided real-time search and search suggest functionality using the Prototype JavaScript Framework.

3. Architecture

Here's how lead developers use architecture:

Developed JSON based REST services as parallel providers for selected entities as proof-of-concept, pending enterprise standardization and SOA architecture acceptance.
Participated in hiring processes, process improvement, deliverable estimation, architecture, planning, development and client staff technical training/mentoring.

4. 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 lead developers use c++:

Involved in design & development of trading application SDK (in managed C++) used for Buy-Side and Sell-Side client applications.
Implemented core data manager made of both acoustic and graphic elements, with acoustic study project management (ANSI C++).

5. Web Application

Here's how lead developers use web application:

Designed and developed a web application to support Business to Government transactions with a moderate level of automation and interactivity.
Developed a utility that enabled applications written in any language to launch web applications with an encrypted parameter list.

6. GIT

Here's how lead developers use git:

Trained a team of o shore developers in the use of git, and git flow.
Upgrade the project from Git to Bit bucket and set up the Build jobs in Jenkins.

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7. API

Here's how lead developers use api:

Created interfaces with Motorola hardware API for secure communication over proprietary network for seamless device communication.
Developed project specific reusable API using core Java/Collections to perform common utility functions.

8. CSS

Here's how lead developers use css:

Design and Developing of Master Page, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for User Interface uniformity throughout the application.
Provide Corporate Security Services (CSS) the ability to monitor both COF and CRS user activity for internal fraud.

9. UI

Here's how lead developers use ui:

Implemented and encapsulated the view framework and routines for user interface; extended the UI to support image-to-image rectification and classification.
Developed feeds for Client Performance measurement/reporting project for PI.CAM UI interface development for uploading account information to PACE data warehouse.

10. HTML

Here's how lead developers use html:

Handled unprocessed HTML documents and inserted formatting according to company standards.
Displayed data using DataGrid, Repeater controls etc or used the XSLT to display the XML Data in HTML with styles.

11. Code Reviews

Code review is a methodical examination of computer source code designed to find and correct errors that go unnoticed in the early stages of development. This generally improves the value of the software and the skills of the developer. Code reviews are important because they improve code quality and make your codebase more stable. They also help programmers build relationships and work together more effectively. Typically, a code review process is performed before merging it with the codebase.

Here's how lead developers use code reviews:

Supported team by developing documentation, performing code review, provided information and actively adding to brainstorming sessions.
Performed extensive code reviews and interviews with developers and product manager and recommended areas for improvement.

12. 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 lead developers use scrum:

Develop, review software designs following industry best practices in application using Agile methodologies including Scrum.
Followed Scrum iterative incremental process for software development and responsible for Scrum updates.

13. 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 lead developers use web services:

Developed a generic Authentication web service in VB.NET consumed by various vendors hosting Application websites.
Implemented Business Layer components to consume web services to facilitate communication with other internal systems.

14. Html Css

Here's how lead developers use html css:

Developed HTML CSS style sheets for web interface creation.
Involved in design and building client-side user interfaces (UI) using XHTML CSS and JQuery.

15. SQL Server

Here's how lead developers use sql server:

Designed and Developed SQL Server 2008 stored procedures/Triggers/functions.
Developed report generator using SQL Server Reporting Services.

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What skills help Lead Developers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on lead 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 lead 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 lead 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 lead 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 lead 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 lead 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 lead developer skills to add to your resume

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

Java
JavaScript
Architecture
C++
Web Application
GIT
API
CSS
UI
HTML
Code Reviews
Scrum
Web Services
Html Css
SQL Server
Application Development

Azure
JQuery
XML
Jenkins
Jira
CRM
MVC
Spring Boot
PHP
Apex
Patients
JSON
PL/SQL
Linux
QA
SDLC

Data Warehouse
Cloud Security
HR
Microservices
Ruby
AngularJS
Digital Marketing
ETL
User Interface
Maven
Strong Analytical
Net Core
Debugging
J2EE

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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