You’ve come to right place if you are looking for the skills required to work in software companies. Some may even surprise you.
It is worth investing your time in a career in one of the many software companies. You will enjoy many benefits and a high salary as well as numerous opportunities to advance and develop professionally by landing a job at Google or Microsoft.
However, it is possible that entry-level job applicants may not have the required skills, the right degree in computer science, or the experience necessary to land a job at Google, or any other top software company. However, earning an IT certification will make it easier to apply for tech jobs and land a good-paying job. With a little bit of experience and hard work, any professional can reach any tech company they desire.
It is important to understand that the IT industry is not only the fastest growing but also the highest-paying. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow by 12% over the next decade. The average annual wage for tech jobs in 2018 was $86,320 while the average wage for all other occupations was only $38,640.
Another important statistic is that certified professionals earn 13.7% more than non-certified colleagues, regardless of their tech job, experience, company, or geographic location. IT certifications can also increase your confidence and self-worth.
This is why we have compiled a list of the skills you need to be able to work in software companies.
Technical Skills
Software companies require technical skills. There are many top candidates for hard skills. The most important thing about the tech industry, however, is the huge skill gap. There is no IT sector that isn’t experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, given the pace of technological advancement and digital transformation at most companies.
According the Daily Infographic there are 17% more job opportunities than available workers. The Daily Infographic estimates that approximately 5 million jobs could be vacant by 2020. 60% of employers are still looking for candidates who have been available for at least three months. However, the most in-demand technical skills include cyber security and networking. Even though specialized technical skills are more in demand, tech support and help desk services are still needed by most software companies. These entry-level positions can be used as a launch pad for other IT career paths.
It is also advantageous to be skilled in multiple specializations. Information security certifications will be a huge benefit to job applicants who are qualified for software engineering jobs. There is a great need for qualified workers on the market so knowing how to do multiple things will make the job search much easier.
Soft Skills
Although IT jobs require technical skills, job applicants should not neglect their soft skills. A strong set of skills, that aren’t tech-related, will help you get a job in technology. Hybrid jobs are gaining popularity in many areas. These jobs require a mix of hard and soft skills. They allow workers to adapt to the current working environment.
A ManpowerGroup survey of 2000 employers found that over half stated that communication, problem-solving and collaboration are the top skills they seek in job applicants. Some employers even say that soft skills such as adaptability and culture fit and growth potential are just as important in selecting employees than their technical skills. This includes programming languages, code writing, debugging, cloud computing and machine learning.
Companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft all recognize curiosity and open-mindedness to be key indicators of a person’s potential for success in their careers. Your technical skills will be more valuable and employable if you have strong communication skills, good teamwork, problem solving, decision making, empathy, critical thinking, empathy and time management.
Career Development and Advancement Skills
You will also need to have the ability to develop and advance your career. These skills are essential for any job search in tech. This category includes many things, but interview preparation is the most important. It is one thing to have the technical skills and soft skills, but it is quite another to get an interview at the company you want and land the software engineering job that you desire.
To make this happen, you must start with your online presence. Know that 70% of recruiters check social profiles before hiring. It is used to verify your qualifications and to assess whether you are a good fit for their team. Make sure to pay attention to your LinkedIn profile as over 85% of social media screening recruiters focus on this platform. Another option is to create your personal brand online. This will highlight and support your skills and value.
The second is to learn how to create a resume and how to dress for an interview . These are important steps to make a good first impression. If necessary, do several mock interviews so that you are more comfortable in the real thing. Networking is an important tool. Anybody who has applied for jobs knows that a good connection can make a great asset. Did you know that 88% of job placements are the result of professional connections. You can begin networking in the field even before you graduate from high school .