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Senior programmer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior programmer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior programmers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.7% of senior programmer resumes contained macro as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior programmer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior programmer skills for your resume and career

1. Macro

Here's how senior programmers use macro:

Led solutions engineering that involved process automation, macro conversion and functionality enhancement.
Created various study specific and utility macros and debugged several company standard macros.

2. SAS

SAS stands for Statistical Analysis System which is a Statistical Software designed by SAS institute. This software enables users to perform advanced analytics and queries related to data analytics and predictive analysis. It can retrieve data from different sources and perform statistical analysis on it.

Here's how senior programmers use sas:

Conducted and documented statistical analyses and generated reports using SAS for clinical study reports, conference presentation and manuscript submission.
Programmed code to generate statistical reports, extensively manipulated data, and edited data using SAS macros.

3. 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 senior programmers use database:

Provided analysis and implemented database conversions along with batch and on-line programming changes necessary for an expanded medical record number.
Delivered comprehensive expertise in new application design and problem solving involving operations management, database management and software configuration management.

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 senior programmers use c++:

Implemented C++ library to provide abstracted IBM 3270 terminal communications and allow rapid development of applications.
Developed object-oriented claim desktop application using C++.

5. Adam

ADAM software assists leading companies by rendering smart and convenient digital management solutions. This software has proved to be of great importance for retailers and Enterprises working on large scales. The ADAM software offers impeccable features to its users, such as designing and structuring media and delivering it among the team members and advanced systems to help users manage their group tasks very efficiently.

Here's how senior programmers use adam:

Developed programs such as standard CDISC SDTM & ADAM domain models according to specs using SAS/BASE, SAS/SQL and SAS/MACRO.
Developed SDTM domain specifications along with ADaM analysis specifications for standardized databases.

6. 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 senior programmers use java:

Designed the functional specifications and architecture of the web-based module using Java Technologies.
Prepared technical design documentation for custom Java development.

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7. Management System

A management system is a set of policies, processes, and procedures taken by an organization or a business to ensure it can fulfill its tasks and achieve its objectives. A management system makes sure that the company excels financially and improves the user experience. The management system also takes care of the worker's and employees' needs and manages their workload and oversees their performance. Apart from interior matters of the company, a management system also deals with exterior matters like legislations, tax matters, and law issues.

Here's how senior programmers use management system:

Designed and implemented a warehouse management system for consumable items using bar code technology to reduce input errors and processing time.
Developed and Supported systems pertinent to the daily business including a client server product distribution system and a contract management system.

8. SQL Server

Here's how senior programmers use sql server:

Developed applications for internal web sites utilizing proprietary software in conjunction with asp and SQL server databases.
Installed MS Project 2002 Server on Development environment, prepared test bed to integrate with existing SQL Server 2000 Production Database.

9. JavaScript

Here's how senior programmers use javascript:

Designed and programmed collaborative web application viewers using ArcGIS JavaScript API.
Implemented validation using validation controls and JavaScript for client side validation.

10. Web Application

Here's how senior programmers use web application:

Developed a diagnostics web application which tested key application functions and communications, then provided prescriptive actions for resolving detected issues.
Performed maintenance, bug fixes and implementation of additional functionality to existing web applications that allowed management for state DOT projects.

11. PL/SQL

Here's how senior programmers use pl/sql:

Monitored daily processes using PL/SQL Developer to ensure data integrity.
Provided support with Web Sphere for the connection of database for DB2 Server and used PL/SQL and SQL queries for parsing.

12. API

Here's how senior programmers use api:

Implemented business processes to develop email notification components using JMS API.
Implemented and integrated authentication API for receiving payments on subscription content.

13. 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 senior programmers use xml:

Created Service component to connect to OTMA XML services to create/retrieve/update/delete rewards manager information from Mainframe data bases.
Developed Recruitment report using XML Publisher.

14. 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 senior programmers use web services:

Participate in development and support of universal business solution allowing Excel communicate to Web Services.
Integrated with Amazon Web Services to reduce development time and improve application reliability.

15. HTML

Here's how senior programmers use html:

Designed screens (web pages, user controls and master pages) using ASP.NET, HTML and advanced AJAX control.
Led a technical team and designed a Web HTML base Time Card application for all non-exempt employees.

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What skills help Senior Programmers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on senior programmer 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 senior programmers 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 senior programmers?

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 senior programmer 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 senior programmers 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 senior programmer 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 senior programmer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a senior programmer resume and required skills for a senior programmer to have include:

Macro
SAS
Database
C++
Adam
Java
Management System
SQL Server
JavaScript
Web Application
PL/SQL
API
XML
Web Services
HTML
FDA

CSS
Source Code Management
Technical Support
Unix
MVC
Medical Writing
Linux
PHP
User Interface
Application Development
Version Control
JQuery
Perl
ASP
Front End
PC

ETL
Debugging
TFS
JSON
SDLC
C Net
Net Core
Ajax
QA
Windows NT
Code Reviews
Mainframe
DB2
VBA
Object Oriented Programming

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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