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Software applications designer 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 software applications designer skills. We ranked the top skills for software applications designers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 21.2% of software applications designer resumes contained functional specifications as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software applications designer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software applications designer skills for your resume and career

1. Functional Specifications

Here's how software applications designers use functional specifications:

Created functional specifications documents by interacting with the clients and understanding their business requirements.
Gathered requirement, interacted with Clients for designing, writing functional specifications.

2. 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 software applications designers use java:

Used Top link for Java for object relational mapping of the ORH Java classes with SQL server data tables.
Used HTML, DHTML for client side forms design & Java Script for Client Side Validation.

3. DB2

The DB2, known as the Relational Database Management System, is a type of procedure developed by IBM to run and operate software applications such as Windows, Unix, and the Linux System. This type of system is designed mainly for IBM but was innovated to run in various operating systems. The main feature of the DB2 is to handle and manage a big chunk of data while allowing the users to enter the database engine without any problem.

Here's how software applications designers use db2:

Used JDBC, JPA, and Hibernate framework and worked on SQL queries to interact with DB2 database.
Project: Field Expansion Type: Enhancement Platform: Mainframe Software: COBOL, VSAM, JCL, DB2 and File-Aid

4. SQL Server

Here's how software applications designers use sql server:

Performed testing on two different software configurations for PPSS Hybrid and SQL Server; compared and created presentation for the same.
Developed Cloud ERP Systems for a wide variety of Global Enterprises, through Microsoft SQL Server.

5. HTML

Here's how software applications designers use html:

Implemented HTML, CSS, & JavaScript languages in a dynamic user interface.
Maintain assay data display in proprietary systems using SQL and HTML.

6. Eclipse

Here's how software applications designers use eclipse:

Developed Eclipse plugin for COBOL-IT compiler, run-time and project build and revision management.
Test development and verification and validation utilizing Eclipse OSEE for Apache Longbow Block 3.

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7. J2EE

Here's how software applications designers use j2ee:

Designed, developed, and integrated security infrastructure for J2EE DoD enterprise systems using Spring Security Framework.
Researched and implemented high performance and highly portable solutions to develop a highly usable and extensible J2EE application.

8. 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 software applications designers use xml:

Created XML schema for different message format in compliance with ACORD xml (insurance industry standard) and WSDL.
Researched benefits of a compressed XML DOM implementation for an embedded device; Developed personal information manager features for prototype educational device

9. Test Cases

Here's how software applications designers use test cases:

Prepared Test cases, logs, user manual for the PeopleSoft -Aspen (Third party system) Interfaces.
Write Extensive and detailed test cases and test scripts including all the scenarios as per business rules.

10. CSS

Here's how software applications designers 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.

11. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how software applications designers use unix:

Lead the porting and expansion of a statistical analysis applicaion from UNIX to Windows.
Assigned Project Management responsibilities of several UNIX system upgrades and Oracle database projects including disaster recovery documentation and security planning.

12. Junit

JUnit is a component testing framework for Java programming language. JUnit has been important in the advancement of test-driven development. It is part of a family of unit testing structures which is collectively known as xUnit that originated with SUnit.

Here's how software applications designers use junit:

Involved in System Testing, Integration Testing and Unit Testing using JUnit.
Created JUnit test cases with data mocking for unit testing application classes.

13. Tomcat

Here's how software applications designers use tomcat:

Deployed application on Tomcat Application server.
Used the Eclipse as IDE, configured and deployed the application on Tomcat server.

14. CAD

Here's how software applications designers use cad:

Defined custom CAD software needs and approved software enhancements.
Developed robotic system integration with virtual welding simulation systems from a solid modeling CAD environment to a production welding cell.

15. MVC

Model-View-Controller (MVC) refers to the method of software development for creating user interfaces.

Here's how software applications designers use mvc:

Develop complex MVC Controller, ViewModels and Helper methods.
Designed and developed entire application implementing MVC Architecture.

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What skills help Software Applications Designers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on software applications designer 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 software applications designers 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 software applications designers?

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 software applications designer 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 software applications designers 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 software applications designer 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 software applications designer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a software applications designer resume and required skills for a software applications designer to have include:

Functional Specifications
Java
DB2
SQL Server
HTML
Eclipse
J2EE
XML
Test Cases
CSS
Unix
Junit
Tomcat
CAD

MVC
Windows XP
Oracle Sql
ANT
User Interface
JSP
API
Mainframe
HR
JDBC
PeopleSoft
C Net
Payroll
VB

Peoplecode
SQR
SVN
Management System
UAT
Technical Specifications
Troubleshoot
Code Reviews
C++
Gl
Version Control
Linux
EJB

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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