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Software developer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

One of the most important hard skills a software developer can possess is a vast knowledge of programming languages including Python, C++, Java, and CSS. The more in-depth your knowledge of these and other crucial web tools, the better. It's also important for software developers to have the hard skill of developing API systems.

When it comes to soft skills, software developers should have strong problem-solving skills above all else. Software developers need to ensure that clients understand their recommendations, so strong communication skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical software developer skills. We ranked the top skills for software developers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.0% of software developer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software developer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software 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 software developers use java:

Developed well structured, optimized and modular code in Java using NetBeans to meet operational requirements and standards.
Develop security interview tool for third-party contract using Java and Spring Framework.

2. 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 developers use python:

Conceptualized and implemented Order Life-cycle Management, a system to assign and regulate order-states to the order-items using Python.
Developed and executed various database queries from python using Python-MySQL connector and MySQL database package.

3. 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 software developers use c++:

Developed a voice-over-internet distributed call processing system using a prototype version of C++ in their experimental distributed objects laboratory.
Designed and implemented Windows GUI application software using Visual C++ 6.0 development environment for a network security system.

4. 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 developers use software development:

Performed requirements analysis, system design and specification, and led software development team to ensure resulting application met stated objectives.
Experienced in formal software testing procedures and systems while working in a highly skilled and specialized software development environment.

5. JavaScript

Here's how software developers use javascript:

Implemented various Validation Controls for form validation and implemented custom validation controls with JavaScript validation controls.
Implemented Server-side validation of data using built-in validation services, along with client-side JavaScript validations.

6. 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 software developers use database:

Assisted in writing the specification documentation, designed the database schema, defined business objects and security practices.
Indexed database for better performance, including analysis of various execution plans to identify eligible columns for indexing.

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7. Debugging

Here's how software developers use debugging:

Experienced in object-oriented programming; developing, testing and debugging code; designing interfaces and administering systems and networks.
Collaborated with business stakeholders in gathering software requirements as well as enhancing and debugging software implementation of enterprise-class systems.

8. GIT

Here's how software developers use git:

Worked with company software engineer in collaboration with Git source control management.
Created departmental Git repository and used Chef for deployments.

9. 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 developers use linux:

Used Linux systems to perform server configurations and maintenance including Apache server management in a multiple virtual host environment.
Developed and maintained Nitro3 system based on Linux distribution OpenWrt.

10. API

Here's how software developers use api:

Project included development on a prototype distributed network management package, API's and additional enhancements to network management software packages.
Designed and developed API for licensing and notifications.

11. 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 software developers use jenkins:

Incorporated the project into a Jenkins application for continuous building/testing and monitoring executions of externally run jobs.
Used Jenkins for Continuous Integration and provide security to various applications within Jenkins.

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 software developers use scrum:

Develop and maintain software development processes and development documentation templates including processes for Waterfall and SCRUM methodologies.
Followed Agile Scrum methodology that included iterative application development, weekly Sprints and stand up meetings.

13. CSS

Here's how software developers use css:

Worked on creating new CSS files and also modifying out of the box CSS using SharePoint Designer 2013 & SharePoint 2010.
Involved in writing Cascading style sheets (CSS) for styles on web page, and calling them in ColdFusion Pages.

14. Jira

Here's how software developers use jira:

Used a bug tracking system called JIRA which also involved writing Release Notes for projects, resolving and assigning tickets etc.
Implement the high critical tickets in JIRA Change tracking tool and aid in coordinating the team progress with the Team Lead.

15. Object Oriented Programming

Here's how software developers use object oriented programming:

Designed and implemented process optimization algorithms using Object Oriented Programming methodology and documented the same.
Accelerated program focused on teaching the foundation of object oriented programming and test driven development.

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What skills help Software Developers find jobs?

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

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

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

Java
Python
C++
Software Development
JavaScript
Database
Debugging
GIT
Linux
API
Jenkins
Scrum
CSS
Jira
Object Oriented Programming
HTML

Html Css
Web Services
Confluence
C Net
Bitbucket
UI
Version Control
PHP
Application Development
JQuery
Web Application
Unix
Front End
Perl
XML
Microservices

Azure
GitLab
Ruby
JSON
Cloud Computing
HTML5
Net Core
PL/SQL
Web Forms
Microsoft SQL Server
QA
SDLC
User Interface
Maven
Swagger

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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