Skilled software engineers are responsible for creating the mobile apps and computer programs we’ve all come to rely on. From Microsoft Word and Excel to WhatsApp and Snapchat, we’re surrounded by the work of great developers.
They use engineering principles to design, develop, test, and maintain software that performs a useful task. Almost every industry requires software engineers, so if you have the technical skills required, a rewarding career in programming awaits.
Software engineering jobs are well-paid and experienced programmers are highly sought-after. Big tech firms understand the value of a talented engineering team and offer additional perks to attract and retain top talent. That’s great news for anyone who’s looking for a rewarding career with high income potential
If you’re on the lookout for a software engineering job, we're going to help you learn the must-have skills, narrow down your job search and get hired. We’ll go through some popular online resources you can use to find that perfect gig. We’ll also help you prepare for the interview by listing the most common questions so you know exactly what to expect.
We succeed when you succeed
We're dedicated to setting you up for career success. Check out our industry-first look at promotions, raises, and job growth a year and beyond Thinkful graduation.
Tips to Land a Software Engineering Job
In today’s competitive job market, you need to carefully plan your future and set yourself apart from the crowd. Here are some practical steps you can take to kickstart your software engineering career.
- Master Coding Skills: No surprise here: learning to code is a basic requirement for any software engineering job. Popular languages include C++, Java, and Python. You should master at least one programming language and be familiar with several others. It may seem daunting but you’ll quickly discover additional languages are easier to pick up once you learn the fundamentals.
- Gain Experience: Prospective employers prefer candidates with real-life experience in the field. No matter how small, it all counts towards impressing recruiters. You can work on personal projects in your spare time or even consider short-term freelance work. Build a website and list your achievements. This will act as your online portfolio and should help you secure a software engineering job.
- Perfect Your Resume: Don’t just create one generic resume and repeatedly use it. You should tailor each application to the position you’re applying for. Read the job description and try to identify the key skills and tools they want. Include these on your resume and cover letter. Before submitting your application let a friend check it over for spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Always be honest and don’t exaggerate your abilities. Software engineering jobs often require well-defined skills that you can’t fake.
- Build Your Network: You can join online communities and forums, or attend local meetups and conferences. Meeting like-minded professionals gives you the opportunity to share ideas and expand your coding knowledge. Some contacts may even help you find a software engineering job.
- Complete an Internship: An intern position will give you insight into a software engineering job. You’ll get the opportunity to work with some established software engineers. Working in teams on real-life projects will provide you with invaluable experience for your future career. It’ll also look great on your resume.
Where to Find Software Engineering Jobs
Whether it’s online, at a meetup, or through a friend, there are various ways to find new software engineering job opportunities. Most professionals start with a Google search until they end up on a job platform, but we can save you some time. Here are some top sites to find software engineering jobs:
- Dice.com: Dice is one of the most popular job boards for aspiring software engineers. Many big companies look here to find suitable candidates.
- Upwork: This site is perfect for freelancers looking for flexible work. Jobs are posted by a range of companies in all kinds of different fields. The site has a powerful filter that you can use to narrow down your job search depending on your specific needs.
- Hired.com: With the promise of salary details upfront, Hired lists many software engineering jobs from across the country. You can create a free public profile to help recruiters find you.
- Glassdoor: Although it’s not a tech-specific website, Glassdoor is still one of the top resources to find software engineering jobs. You can also find company descriptions, interview reports, work environment details, and company package offers.
- Angel.co: Entrepreneurs and tech startups use Angel to network and find talent. The site includes tech-related listings and lists plenty of software engineering job opportunities.
- Kaggle: After creating a free account you can search through plenty of software engineering job openings. Kaggle also connects you to people from your field. Make the best use of the Kaggle community to find exciting projects and competitions that can refine your skills.
- The Ladders: This site focuses on $100k+ jobs and is exclusively for top tier professionals. It might not be suitable for new software engineers starting out but can at least provide some inspiration on what’s possible after gaining more experience.
- Indeed: This is one of the most popular and useful online platforms when it comes to job searches. Indeed has a whole section just for software engineers. You can find opportunities from around the globe and the filter tools make searching easy.
- Stack Overflow: This site is definitely worth a visit if you’re an aspiring software engineer. Along with job listings, it also provides a platform for the developer community to share their knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.
- Mashable Jobs: Another popular site among the software developer community, Mashable Jobs allows you to upload your resume for companies to assess. You can modify your search according to keywords. It also has a job alert feature that instantly notifies you whenever a new software engineering job becomes available.
- ZipRecruiter: Operating in the U.K. and the U.S. since 2010, ZipRecruiter provides an easy way to find tech-related jobs. You can subscribe to their newsletter and get notified about the latest job openings that match your skills.
Kickstart Your Software Engineering Career Today
To stand out from the crowd and fast-track your way into a coding position, join our full-stack developer bootcamp. This intensive online course is designed by leading developers to teach you everything you need to land a well-paid job in tech. You’ll receive one-on-one mentoring throughout the program and benefit from our full support. Contact our admissions team to learn more.
To secure your dream software engineering job, you’ll need a stand-out cover letter. Learn how to grab their attention by reading our guide on writing the perfect software engineering cover letter.
Learn to Code with Thinkful
Take the proven path to a high-income career with professional mentorship and support, flexible ways to pay, and real-world, project-based learning.