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Software development specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical software development specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for software development specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.8% of software development specialist resumes contained software development as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software development specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software development specialist skills for your resume and career

1. 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 development specialists use software development:

Planned and wrote training materials for delivery to internal development teams and premier software development customers worldwide.
Contributed in both commercial and military software development projects as a project leader and an individual contributor.

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 development specialists use java:

Improved code re-usability and maintainability by replacing code written in a proprietary in-house programming language with 8800+ lines of Java code.
Created and modified RTF form templates and update Java classes and JSP pages to support such changes.

3. 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 development specialists use windows:

Maintained firm's Windows server and deployment of services, databases, backups; DNS, firewall.
Worked with SQL 2012 database in windows application MVDA to store answers.

4. SQL Server

Here's how software development specialists use sql server:

Designed and optimized relational database systems by utilizing SQL Server and related tools.
Performed database administration tasks in SQL Server environment.

5. Application Development

Here's how software development specialists use application development:

Worked directly with end-users to elicit solution requirements for application development.
Facilitated customization of systems by encouraging software developer's team to adopt emerging standards for software application development architecture and tools.

6. C

Here's how software development specialists use c:

Modified existing software to enhance their functionality with C, C++ programming languages.
Developed Bell 429 AFCS Software in C and conducted software peer reviews.

7. 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 development specialists use c++:

Developed many individual component application objects including generating system data and the data retrieval software using C++ and XML.
Developed, refined, and documented automated C++ unit and thread verification tests for embedded medical device customer.

8. JavaScript

Here's how software development specialists use javascript:

Updated widgets on the internal order management website utilizing javascript and METAL macros.
Designed web interface using jquery javascript libraries to access automation.

9. 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 software development specialists use web services:

Content Manager is one of the many of their new web services and has been fully designed and implemented by me.
Document Transmission takes the responsibility of transmitting mail and fax to the customers using RightFax web services.

10. 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 development specialists use python:

Involved in running Selenium automation scripts and updating the scripts according to enhanced requirements using selenium WebDriver and Python.
Developed automated data analysis scripts in Python, increasing accuracy of results and reducing individual engineer analysis time.

11. Development Environment

Here's how software development specialists use development environment:

Build, release and configuration management of production systems in regulated development environment.
Worked in the TFS development environment.

12. 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 software development specialists use code reviews:

Code reviews, customization and maintenance of code across applications.
Participated in code review with the application front-end team.

13. PL/SQL

Here's how software development specialists use pl/sql:

Tune PL/SQL code and other SQL for efficient processing.
Developed stored procedures and triggers using PL/SQL and SQL Plus.Used SQL Plus to match medical codes to billing codes.

14. GUI

Here's how software development specialists use gui:

Developed a tool using Perl GUI modules to perform automated monitoring of critical application (3M ChartLinc) on a server.
Maintained an array of access databases and VB GUI's for the Management planning department.

15. Database Design

Here's how software development specialists use database design:

Assisted in system and database design for application using.
Developed applications for employees, including interface and database design.

What skills help Software Development Specialists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on software development specialist 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 development specialists 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 development specialists?

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 development specialist 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 development specialists 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 development specialist 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 development specialist skills to add to your resume

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

Software Development
Java
Windows
SQL Server
Application Development
C
C++
JavaScript
Web Services
Python
Development Environment
Code Reviews
PL/SQL
GUI
Database Design

CSS
XML
JQuery
HTML
Linux
MVC
Debugging
TFS
C Net
Data Analysis
Web Application
JSON
Software Solutions
ETL
QA

Technical Support
WCF
Business Processes
PHP
Bootstrap
UI
Technical Specifications
Unix
LINQ
Database Objects
Application Code
ASP
System Design

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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