WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A DEVELOPER?

• Coding and programming: Although most developers know several programming languages, they usually only specialise in one. To enhance your coding and programming skills, you can use free online courses or attend Coding Bootcamps.
• Testing and maintaining: Developers are responsible for debugging to ensure the computer hardware or software that they have created works properly.
• Problem-solving: Developers are great problem solvers, as they frequently solve user problems with code.
• Soft skills: Hiring managers are increasingly looking for developers with strong soft skills. Having great soft skills can be the decision-maker to whether you get offered the job. Some of the soft skills that your future employer may look for is whether you are a good team player, your communication skills, and your ability to work within an agile environment.

DEVELOPER JOB ROLES

When you are looking to become a developer, it is important to identify which developer you want to be as there are many different job roles on offer.

• Full Stack Developer: A Full Stack Developer works on both frontend and backend web development. They work on a range of different areas within software development.
• Frontend Developer: A Frontend Developer is responsible for building the website by converting data to a graphical interface for the user to view and interact with. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Backend Developer: A Backend Developer builds the functionality and interactivity of a website. This includes elements that allow the user to carry out certain actions such as logging in, creating an account, liking posts and much more. To become a Backend developer, you would learn languages such as Java, Python, Ruby and PHP.
• Mobile Developer: A Mobile Developer, builds apps for mobile devices. This includes both iOS and Android. If you would like to become a Mobile Developer, you would use Java, Swift and Objective-C.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES TO LEARN?

Here is a list of some of the best programming languages that you can learn to become a Software Developer.

• Python: Python is the fastest-growing programming language. It is mainly used in scientific computing, data mining and machine learning.
• JavaScript: JavaScript is one of the most used programming languages used by developers. It is a scripting language that is used to create and control dynamic website content. For example, anything that automatically refreshes on your screen like your Facebook timeline uses JavaScript.
• Java: Java is used by millions of developers worldwide. It is the official language of Android development and it produces software for multiple platforms.

BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO

To show your skills to potential employers, you should create a portfolio. If you have worked on any projects, make sure you have uploaded them to GitHub so future hiring managers or recruiters can see your work. Building a great portfolio is vital when you want to become a
developer as it is important for an employer to see evidence of the projects that you have worked on.

WRITE A COMPELLING CV

Before you start your job search, make sure you have written a compelling CV. In your personal statement, make sure that you show your passion for development. Be specific about your skillset and make sure that the skills that you have listed are relevant to the job that you are applying for. Give examples of the projects that you have worked on and add a link to your GitHub profile. When you are writing your CV, make it short as possible but also as informative as possible. If you would like any help writing a compelling CV, get in touch with us. We would be more than happy to help.

USE RECRUITERS

If you are looking for a job as a developer, recruiters can help you land your dream job. We know what hiring managers look for in a CV and we can give you useful advice on how to ace your job interview. Here, at Stafford-Sharp Associates we specialise in the Digital, IT and Ecommerce industries. We have plenty of opportunities for developers in a range of different locations. Take a look at some of our latest opportunities today. When you are searching for a new job, you should also put your CV on job boards such as TotalJobs, Reed and Indeed. Make sure your CV is visible as recruiters and future employers use job boards daily to find suitable candidates. By using job boards, the perfect job opportunity may find you!

WHAT ARE SOME TYPICAL DEVELOPER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS?

Look at some of the interview questions that you may be asked listed below:

• What’s your favourite coding language and why?
• Describe a situation in which you came across a major obstacle to complete a project. How did you deal with it?
• Tell me about a project that you have worked on that you are the proudest of. What did you do that worked out particularly well?
• What did you like about your previous work environment and what didn’t you like about it?
• What projects are you currently working on?
• What side projects are you currently working on?

Finally, good luck with your job search! Take a look at our latest job opportunities and find your dream job today.