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Software programmer 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 programmer skills. We ranked the top skills for software programmers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.5% of software programmer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a software programmer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 software programmer 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 programmers use java:

Completed programming assignments to design, develop and enhance web applications and gaming software using Java and client/server environments.
Researched and developed a prototype for client user interface using Java programming language.

2. JavaScript

Here's how software programmers use javascript:

Incorporated JavaScript for front-end validation of the user information.
Performed validations by using JavaScript and Struts validation framework.

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 programmers use software development:

Designed and developed a web-based time-card application for collecting and reporting software development metrics using Oracle/Java/HTML implementation.
Gathered technical requirements within software development life cycle to full deployment.

4. HTML

Here's how software programmers use html:

Involved in development of UI Pages using the HTML, Master Pages & ASP.NET Controls and ASP classic controls.
Understand existing HTML and PHP layout of the application and come up with the JSP based layout.

5. 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 programmers use python:

Developed a host application to receive data and do the classification of the data in real time using python.
Learned Python and worked on building Geo-processing tool for analyzing GIS data.

6. SQL Server

Here's how software programmers use sql server:

Implemented Role based Security using SQL Server Authentication.
Implement enterprise-wide data warehouse solutions with SQL Server.

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7. CSS

Here's how software programmers use css:

Developed screens using data grid control with paging and implemented the custom style display using Templates and CSS files.
Developed UI using ASP.NET with Master pages, themes, CSS web server controls and User Controls.

8. Database Design

Here's how software programmers use database design:

Developed applications for employees, including interface and database design.
Conceptualized and implemented new method for improving database design process.

9. Web Forms

Here's how software programmers use web forms:

Validated the Web Forms using the client side validation controls as well as Server side validation controls.
Involved in designing Web forms using server controls, validation, user controls using C#.

10. 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 programmers use xml:

Authenticated signatures via XML Advance Electronic Digital Signature technique.
Design and develop web-based MHCC project for medical clinical center using ASP, ADO, XML, and Microsoft SQL 2000.

11. PL/SQL

Here's how software programmers use pl/sql:

Developed PL/SQL procedures and functions to implement business rules for monthly roll ups for Oracle based Churn Management and Billing System.
Devised extensive PL/SQL Stored Procedures and Triggers to populate the base tables on daily basis and implementing business rules and transformations.

12. MVC

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

Here's how software programmers use mvc:

Used J2EE design patterns like DTO, MVC, Session Facade, Business Delegate, DAO, and Service Locator.
Leveraged spring framework to perform communication between action classes and business methods in MVC framework type.

13. Html Css

Here's how software programmers 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. JQuery

Here's how software programmers use jquery:

Provided responsive browser validations using jQuery plugin.
Involved in developing web pages with rich UI, AJAX, and jQuery using ASP.NET.

15. C

Here's how software programmers use c:

Designed, coded and tested software for display of data from flat file using C language in a structured development environment.
Participate in the design and implementation of a MS-DOS based Hotel Management Software from ground up using C language.

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What skills help Software Programmers find jobs?

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

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

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

Java
JavaScript
Software Development
HTML
Python
SQL Server
CSS
Database Design
Web Forms
XML
PL/SQL
MVC
Html Css
JQuery
C
C++

ASP
Linux
Web Application
UI
User Interface
Scrum
Front End
Web Services
Debugging
API
Technical Support
Version Control
Object Oriented Programming
Unix
PHP
Windows NT

Jenkins
Microsoft Visual Studio
JSP
Management System
C Net
Server Side
Perl
Ajax
Test Cases
SVN
GUI
J2EE
Web Pages
Tomcat
SDLC
JSON

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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