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Software designer 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 software designer skills. We ranked the top skills for software designers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.2% of software designer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software designer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software designer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 software designers use python:

Developed trading models and strategies in Python and deployed in C#.
Developed entire backend modules using Python.

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 designers use java:

Created generic server approach to convert business-logic-heavy and DB-transaction-heavy programs into Web based, avoiding full JAVA rewrite.
Developed software in Java including a configuration framework used by developers implicated on the development of other processes of the HSS.

3. 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 software designers use software development:

Key member of the software development team to address major quality issues experienced by customers with a new hardware product line.
Led the underwriting software development initiative for a new business unit in Mexico City.

4. 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 software designers use linux:

Supported Windows and Linux environments.
Recognized to be the first (to my knowledge) person to get Linux running on the Power Mac Cube.

5. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how software designers use windows:

Developed original Windows based software for companies utilizing Visual Basic 3.0.
Designed and implemented the Windows 98/NT clients with two other developers using the Zinc GUI Library, OLE, and HTML.

6. Data Structures

Here's how software designers use data structures:

Programmed game functionality and integrated sprite and sound into completed game play including user interface, graphic layout and data structures.
Design and implementation of Active Query (AQ) framework to populate in-memory data structures from a real-time relational database.

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7. JavaScript

Here's how software designers use javascript:

Maintain desktop applications and Web pages using PHP, HTML/CSS and JavaScript, against MySQL and Progress databases.
Specialized in Flash, PhotoShop, DHTML, JavaScript, CSS and media conversion.

8. GIT

Here's how software designers use git:

Learned Ruby on Rails (RoR), Git and Subversion.
Maintain Configuration Management (CM) git repositories for internal/external developed software and resolve subsystem to subsystem daily merge/integration issues.

9. API

Here's how software designers use api:

Implemented the REST calls made by document fulfillment service against DocuSign API.
Developed Demo application to show all WS features and API documents.

10. CSS

Here's how software designers use css:

Implemented SASS on a large existing CSS set.
Helped to Brand SharePoint2010 Sites via CSS ASPX.

11. 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 software designers use user interface:

Developed major user interface using Swing for monitoring feed process status, addition and modification of static data.
Introduced worker threads into database client application to improve responsiveness of user interface.

12. Ruby

Ruby is a high-level programming language, versatile in its uses and tools. It might be used to design either programs and software which can be applied and used on a number of devices, other programs, and platforms. The fact that it is a high-level programming language means that it is easier to use than low-level languages, in that it automises parts of the program building process and uses natural language for some of its elements.

Here's how software designers use ruby:

Developed the user authentication module for customer facing application using the Cancan Ruby gem.
Developed several internal web applications using Agile methodology with Ruby on Rails and MySQL.

13. Html Css

Here's how software designers use html css:

Created several modules and forms using HTML CSS are performed styling for pages.
Created UI using HTML CSS and JavaScript's.

14. Front End

Here's how software designers use front end:

Redesigned and implemented data ingestion pipeline from mobile front end to visualization dashboards.
Created front end and database frameworks to accelerate development time and simplify deployments.

15. HTML

Here's how software designers use html:

Designed interactive software program by using HTML code to aid students in learning linguistics and phonetics of Spanish.
Specified, designed, implemented, tested, and documented customized HTML generation utilities.

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What skills help Software 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 designer skills to add to your resume

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

Python
Java
Software Development
Linux
Windows
Data Structures
JavaScript
GIT
API
CSS
User Interface
Ruby
Html Css
Front End
HTML
Software Design

Visualization
UI
JQuery
Unix
C
C++
Embedded Systems
Technical Support
Test Cases
Web Services
Perl
PL/SQL
SQL Server
MATLAB
PHP
Object Oriented Programming

Code Reviews
GUI
XML
Embedded C
Android
Management System
MVC
UML
TCP/IP
Junit
Maven
Jenkins
I/O
QA

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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