8 Tips to Help You Find Software Engineering Jobs

Starting a career as a software engineer may seem daunting with so many different projects and companies to choose from. Follow these tips to ease the transition into your next software engineering job!

Software engineering jobs can cover a wide range of fields and levels of expertise. The focus is typically on the product — designed, tested, and maintained by the software engineer — and on the needs of its users. A formal degree or certification is typically required in subjects of computer science, mathematics, or information technology, for instance. Most software engineers see full-time employment or contract work, and employers tend to look for a combination of skill, education, and professional experience.

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What is a software engineer?

Software engineering most commonly applies to the application of principles of engineering to the software development field. Software engineers typically work with individuals in the technology sector, often programmers, in order to create computer code used to develop an application.

The academic background of a software engineer is typically rooted in mathematics or computer science. For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient. For engineers more developed in their careers, advanced degrees might provide a career boost, including access to more specialized jobs, increased earning potential, and increased knowledge of a particular subject.

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A bachelor’s degree in computer science provides students with in-depth knowledge and analytic skills, as well as comprehensive understanding of design, development, testing, and documentation of a range of operating systems. University of the People’s computer science degree offers courses in database management and programming languages, providing essential knowledge to implement these skills in the practical workforce.

If you’re ready for a new opportunity, here are some tips on finding your first, or next, software engineering job!

1. Set priorities

First, you should decide where you want to work. Are you willing to relocate? What type of job or company would you be more willing to relocate for?

Second, think about the size of the company you want to work for. In small companies, you may see more influence within a project, whereas in larger companies it can become more difficult to feel heard. Though regardless of the size of the company, pay attention to the job responsibilities and benefits during your job search.

Is this the work you can see yourself doing every day? More than the pay itself, the benefits of the job and the work environment should create a space that fosters productivity, focus, and overall happy employees. And, most importantly, decide before each interview on which priorities you are more or less willing to compromise.

For those starting out in their careers, a general sense of flexibility might help open more doors going forward. However, if you are already a seasoned software engineer looking for a change or who recently completed an advance software engineer program, you might want to make a list of your criteria and carefully assess the importance of each.

2. Choose the industry

What areas of interest are you passionate about? Whether software, hardware, or research and development, be clear on which industry is interesting to you and why.

You can start by thinking about the applications that you use most frequently and what about them is attractive to you. Is it the user interface? The function of the application? Its design?

Once you narrow down your interest by the industry or the field, your job search will seem much less daunting!

3. Focus on your skills and interests

It is important to update your resume to include buzzwords relevant to the job for which you are applying. However, don’t let this distract from what makes you the most qualified engineer for the job.

Hiring managers want to know what excites you and where you believe you have skill. Make sure you adapt your resume to each application and company. Highlight the experience most relevant to that position but make sure you can back it up during the interview.

4. Maximize your job search channels

Some common job search websites include LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor, to name a few. Use Google to your advantage. Tap into your own network of friends, family, and colleagues and ask for a referral. And take advantage of various career fairs and networking events related to software engineering.

5. Skip the application

Use LinkedIn to find recruiters and hiring managers working on roles that are interesting to you. They will appreciate the initiative and you will create a much more targeted software engineering job search.

You can even cut out the need for HR in your own search by establishing this direct communication. Follow companies of interest on social media and search for local networking events.

6. Clean up your social media

Be aware of how you represent yourself on social media. Employers typically look for humility and professionalism, and your social media presence is your opportunity to represent yourself.

If you are not already on LinkedIn, create an account. This is one of the easiest ways to search for companies and contact employers directly. But make sure the profile is consistent with your others, as you will want to present an honest and consistent image.

7. Learn new skills

Employers want to see that you have existing knowledge prior to starting the job. Take online courses to become certified in coding languages or to better understand a particular type of software. Listing these specialties on your resume or LinkedIn might impress employers and open doors you may not have previously known about.

8. Follow up

After sending your application or completing a phone interview, be sure to send a thank you email to the individual who conducted the interview. Often, recruiters work on many roles at once and will appreciate a friendly nudge to move the process along.

Whatever the job opportunity, the hiring process is very personal, for both candidates and hiring managers. A display of appreciation will take you a long way in your current or future job search.

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When searching for your next software engineering job, remember to follow the news of your favorite companies, as new opportunities may develop with their evolving projects. Consider bringing a portfolio to the interview, including a brief bio page, examples of projects you’ve worked on, and testimonials from former employers and colleagues. Many engineers make this resource available online and even accessible from LinkedIn. This is your chance to translate your formal education into the job market and impress employers with your expertise!