Use this Software Developer job description for a job-winning resume.

As a Software Developer, you're a master at writing code and developing software programs and applications. But when it comes to writing your resume, it can be a different story. The good news is, by referring to Software Developer job descriptions, you can find a solid starting point for your resume, making the process less daunting.

In this post, we offer up a Software Developer job description example and tips on how to use it for resume development.

What is a Software Developer?

As a Software Developer, you'll either work as part of a team or solo to analyze consumer and business software needs and develop solutions for those needs. As part of the software development life cycle, you'll apply your knowledge of programming languages to design software applications and programs for mobile devices, computers, and websites. 

You may also find yourself in the position to test software, apply quality control parameters, and issue software updates for end-users. Updates are based on various factors, such as improving data storage capacities, fixing issues or bugs, and increasing security measures. 

How much do Software Developers get paid?

Becoming a Software Developer is a lucrative and stable career choice. In May 2022, there were more than 5 million computer and mathematical jobs. Of that 5 million, 1.5 million of them were Software Developers, making software development the largest computer and mathematical occupation. 

Software Developers are generally paid over six figures and have a faster-than-average job growth rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a Software Developer was $ 138,110 in 2023, with a job growth rate of 25% projected through 2032. 

What industries hire Software Developers?

You can find Software Developer positions in a variety of industries, from internet technology to taxi and limousine service companies. According to the BLS, the following industries have the highest levels of Software Developer positions:

  • Computer Systems Design and Related Services

  • Software Publishers

  • Management of Companies and Enterprises

  • Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

Additional industries that have a relatively high concentration of Software Developers include:

  • Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services

  • Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing

  • Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers

Why review Software Developer job descriptions?

Your resume is one of the most important job marketing tools you possess. Therefore, it's essential that it represents you in the best possible light and leaves no question in the hiring manager's mind that you've got what it takes to succeed. 

Software Developer job descriptions provide valuable insights into what employers are looking for, providing you with the technical and soft skills, qualifications, credentials, and work experience to help focus and include in your resume. 

Another benefit of reviewing Software Developer job descriptions is the opportunity to assess where you might have skills gaps. If you begin to notice a theme in missing certain types of skills or experiences for your desired jobs, consider identifying ways to fill those gaps. Training, certification courses, shadowing, and volunteering are options to help fill in gaps and boost your resume. 

What are the key elements of a job description?

Regardless of the employer, you're likely to find similar types of information in Software Developer job descriptions. That said, the order of the information found can vary between employers. 

The categories of information you'll often see as you do your  job description research include the following:

  • The job title emphasizing the type of position

  • A job summary providing an overview of the role

  • A job responsibilities list highlighting the key responsibilities the employer foresees for the position

  • The qualification requirements outlining minimum and preferred credentials, education, and experience candidates must have to be considered for the position

  • A job or working conditions section focusing on the demands of the job, like lifting, schedule requirements, and travel

  • The call to action emphasizing how to apply for the job

  • A section about the company providing a brief introduction to the organization

  • The EEO, or equal employment opportunity, statement outlining the company's focus on fair hiring practices

Pay close attention to the information provided in the job summary, responsibilities, and qualifications requirements sections. These areas are where you'll find the most valuable information to reference for your resume. 

Software Developer job description example

Let's take a look at a Software Developer job description to inform the types of information you should incorporate into your resume. 

Software Developer Job Description 

The Software Developer is engaged in all phases of the software development lifecycle which include gathering and analyzing user/business system requirements, responding to outages, and creating application system models. 

Incumbent participates in design meetings and consult with clients to refine, test and debug programs to meet business needs. Interacts and sometimes directs third party partners in the achievement of business and technology initiatives.

Has knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A certain degree of creativity and latitude required. 

This position reports to the Project Leader.

Software Developer Responsibilities:

  • Develop, test, and implement new software programs

  • Clearly and regularly communicate with management and technical support colleagues

  • Design and update software database. This includes, but is not limited to, Software Applications, Web Sites, Data Communication Processes, and User Interfaces

  • Test, maintain, and recommend software improvements to ensure strong functionality and optimization

  • Independently install, customize, and integrate commercial software packages

  • Facilitate root cause analysis of system issues

  • Work with experienced team members to conduct root cause analysis of issues, review new and existing code, and/or perform unit testing

  • Identify ideas to improve system performance and impact availability

  • Resolve complex technical design issues

  • Development of technical specifications and plans

  • Analyze user requirements and convert requirements to design documents

  • Make good technical decisions that provide solutions to business challenges

  • Provide comprehensive support to internal customers and achieve resolution to outstanding problems or issues

  • Compile timely, comprehensive, and accurate documentation and/or reports as requested

  • Possess up-to-date knowledge of technological developments in the industry

  • Communicate effectively and professionally in all forms of communication with internal and external customers

  • Possess strong problem solving and decision making skills while using good judgment

  • Multi-task and change from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure

Software Developer Qualification Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field

  • 3 years experience working in software development

  • Master's degree in related field preferred

Software Developer top skills & proficiencies

You might or might not see a stand-alone list of Software Developer required skills and proficiencies in an employer's job description. Regardless, it's helpful to create a list of skills by referring to the job description and writing out all the technical skills and soft skills indicated.

As a Software Developer, you likely appreciate that technical skills are those learned through training and education. They're objective and measurable. 

On the other hand, soft skills, or people skills, are more subjective, making them difficult to measure. Still, they're vital for job success. We tend to acquire and improve our people skills through personal and professional experiences.

Here's a list of Software Developer skills to help you get started. You can use it for inspiration to help create your own list of skills to reference for your resume. 

  • Analytical

  • General Programming Skills

  • Software Design

  • Software Debugging

  • Software Documentation

  • Software Testing

  • Problem Solving

  • Teamwork

  • Software Development Fundamentals

  • Software Development Process

  • Software Requirements

  • Data Structures

  • Databases

  • Source Control

  • Communication

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Detail-oriented

  • Innovation

  • Creativity

  • Resilience

  • Networking

  • Works Well Under Stress

  • Leadership

  • Collaboration

Tips for using job descriptions for resume development 

As you review job descriptions, how can you best use them to create a job-winning resume? Here are some tips to guide you:

Make a list of your Software Development competencies

Take the time to make a list of all of your Software Development skills. Be sure to include both hard and soft skills.

Carefully read through the description

Next, read through the job description and highlight all of the required skills, qualifications, and experience that you possess. These are some of the keywords you'll want to include in your resume. Keywords help increase the relevance of your resume to get past an applicant tracking system, or ATS, while also making hiring managers take note. 

As you're reading the job description, also allow your mind to be open to recalling or remembering relevant experiences you might have forgotten about or not yet included on your resume. 

Incorporate keywords into your resume

Keywords are an excellent way to target your resume for each job application. Refer to your list of keywords from the job description. Then, sprinkle them throughout your resume where appropriate, including in your resume title, resume profile, and core competencies list, and under your work experience and education headings. Use the keywords naturally, and be careful not to keyword stuff. Keyword stuffing can decrease your chances of getting past an employer's applicant tracking system.  

Related reading: Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

Software Developer FAQs

What is the difference between a Software Engineer and a Software Developer?

Many use these terms interchangeably, and though Software Engineer and Software Developer roles are indeed similar in many ways, they do have their differences. As you might infer, software development is a category or subset of software engineering. 

Software Developers focus on developing software applications that we use in our daily lives and business. They use computer programming to conceptualize, develop, and build software programs and applications. 

Software Engineers work on a larger scale, focusing on entire computer systems and applications and applying engineering and computer science principles. They design, create, analyze, test, and offer system and application solutions for organizations. 

What is the difference between a Software Developer and a Web Developer?

Web development is a subset of software development. Where Software Developers focus on computer applications and programs for the internet, desktop, and mobile devices, Web Developers focus on internet browser-specific web applications and websites only. 

Due to their broader scope of focus, Software Developers typically make more than Web Developers. Since there is a fair amount of overlap between the two positions, a Web Developer can transition to a Software Developer relatively easily if they're willing to learn additional specialized skills. 

What do I need to learn to be a Software Developer?

You'll need to learn several skills to become a Software Developer, some of which include programming languages, data structures and algorithms, computer science, and workflows. You'll also need to be able to collaborate, work well in teams, and listen to end-user needs and issues. 

Most Software Developers need a Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field to land a job. There are also several certifications a Software Developer can acquire to enhance and expand their skill set, including Scrum, Oracle, CIW Web Development Professional, CompTIA Security+, and Project Management Institute certifications.

Develop your resume with ease!

Creating your resume doesn't need to be complicated. By reviewing Software Developer job descriptions like the one provided here and making note of the skills and experience you possess, you'll know what to include in your resume to grab the attention of employers and land your next Software Developer job.

Are you uncertain whether your resume represents your Software Developer skills in the best possible way? Consider submitting it for a free resume review. It could be the key to unlocking your dream job! 

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