Do you want to know how to get a job as a software engineer? If so, Coding Temple has all of the information you need.
Software engineering is a fast-growing industry that can allow one to build wealth. However, many people have a hard time determining what exactly they should do to become a software engineer.
Here at Coding Temple, we help students of all backgrounds start their careers in tech, regardless of their experience. In this guide, we will outline everything you need to know about getting a software engineering job, so you can start preparing today.
Invest in Education
Before you can embark on a career as a software engineer, the first step is to invest in the right education. A strong educational foundation will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the field.
There are two primary paths to becoming a software engineer: obtaining a formal degree or attending coding bootcamps and online courses. Each option has its advantages, depending on your career goals, financial situation, and learning preferences.
Computer Science Degrees
A traditional route to becoming a software engineer is pursuing a computer science degree. This pathway provides a comprehensive understanding of programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development principles. Many large tech companies still prefer hiring candidates with formal degrees, as they demonstrate a deep theoretical background.
However, a degree program also requires completing general education coursework unrelated to software engineering, and it typically takes four years to complete. This may not be ideal for those looking to enter the field quickly.
Bootcamps and Courses
Bootcamps and online courses offer a faster and more focused approach to learning software engineering. Coding bootcamps teach practical, job-ready skills in a short time, typically lasting three to nine months. These programs emphasize hands-on experience and often include career support to help graduates land jobs.
Many employers recognize the value of bootcamp graduates because they possess real-world coding experience. In fact, some companies value relevant portfolios and technical skills over formal degrees. If you’re looking for a faster and cost-effective way to break into the industry, this path may be a great fit.
Improve Your Skills
Once you’ve gained foundational knowledge through education, the next crucial step is to refine and improve your skills. Becoming a strong candidate in the job market requires continuous learning and real-world practice. Here’s how you can sharpen your technical abilities:
Master Key Programming Languages
Employers look for software engineers who are proficient in multiple programming languages. While specialization is beneficial, having a broad technical toolkit will increase your job opportunities. Some essential languages to learn and excel at include:
- Python – Popular for web development, data science, and machine learning.
- JavaScript – Essential for front-end and full-stack development.
- SQL – Crucial for database management and backend development.
- Java – Widely used in enterprise applications and mobile development.
- C++ – Common in systems programming and game development.
Understanding the differences between these languages and when to use them can set you apart from other candidates.
Build Real Projects
Whether through coursework, internships, or personal projects, developing functional applications is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your expertise. Consider creating a portfolio that includes:
- A web application using JavaScript and React
- A Python-based data analysis project
- A database-driven application with SQL
- Open-source contributions that showcase collaboration skills
Employers typically look for candidates who can apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Seek Internships
While you can learn many things on your own, finding an internship is an effective way to improve your skills alongside professionals.
Keep in mind that many internships are unpaid, but you can find some that do pay. However, it may be harder to get an offer for a paid one unless you are pursuing a degree.
Get Comfortable with Version Control
Many jobs require proficiency in Git and GitHub, as version control plays an important role in collaborative software development. Understanding how to use branches, pull requests, and repositories is a must-have skill.
Soft Skills
Aside from improving your technical skills as a software engineer, you must also improve your soft skills.
Soft skills are skills that can be applied to any profession and include communication, adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and more. In software engineering, these are necessary because you will face a variety of issues that will require working with others. You will also need to create unique applications, which will test your creativity.
You can improve these over time by collaborating and being open to feedback, which can be done in an internship or a bootcamp setting.
Network With Others
Networking is one of the most effective ways to advance in your software engineering career. Whether attending events, joining online communities, or connecting with industry professionals, expanding your professional network can open doors to new job opportunities.
Join Industry Events and Meetups
Local and virtual coding meetups are excellent opportunities to connect with developers and potential employers. Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite list tech events that you can attend to learn about industry trends and meet like-minded individuals.
Engage in Online Coding Communities
If you prefer networking from home, consider participating in online communities such as:
- GitHub – Contribute to open-source projects.
- Stack Overflow – Ask and answer coding questions.
- Discord & Slack Channels – Join programming groups for job leads and collaboration opportunities.
- LinkedIn – Connect with recruiters and software engineers in your desired field.
Consistently engaging in these communities can help you build meaningful relationships and get insider job referrals.
Establish Yourself Professionally
Another thing that will help you network with others is establishing yourself professionally. To do this, consider building a website that outlines what you do. It should also include your contact information, so consider creating a separate email and investing in another phone number.
You can also make business cards to hand out to others when attending events. This is often easier than trying to exchange contact information with someone, and you can spread your information to more people.
Create a Killer Resume
Your resume is your first impression with potential employers, so it’s crucial to make it count. A well-organized and compelling resume increases your chances of landing technical interviews.
Highlight Relevant Experience
Only include experience that aligns with software engineering roles. If you don’t have formal job experience, mention related coursework, bootcamp projects, open-source contributions, or internship roles.
Showcase Hands-on Projects
Include a portfolio link with real-world coding projects. Hiring managers want proof of your ability to solve problems effectively. If you’ve built applications, worked on APIs, or contributed to GitHub repositories, list them prominently.
Keep It Concise
Your resume should be no longer than one page if you’re applying for an entry-level position. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a minimalistic layout for readability.
Start the Job Search
The last thing to do to become a software engineer is to start a job search.
This process can seem daunting, but it is as simple as searching for companies online and preparing for interviews. Due to your dedication to the field, you should not have an issue finding an entry-level software engineer position that you can grow in.
Look for Various Companies
To find companies that are hiring software engineers, search for “software engineer jobs” on Google. You will see a variety of companies’ websites, so visit a few to learn more about them.
Keep in mind that it will be harder to get a job at a company like Microsoft, so focus on searching for smaller companies. After getting experience in an entry-level position, you can search for a position in a larger company.
Prepare for Interviews
To ensure you leave a great first impression on an employer, you should not only create a good resume, but you should also prepare for interviews.
Review this list of common questions and think about how you will respond to them. An interviewer may ask for something that does not appear on the list, but rehearsing your other answers will make it easier to respond to anything.
Now You Know How to Get a Job as a Software Engineer
As you can see, learning how to get a job as a software engineer is simple. While entering the field requires going through various steps, Coding Temple can ensure you develop all of the skills you need to get a great job.
With our coding bootcamp, you can learn at your own pace and explore various career paths in computer science. You can also take advantage of various payment options, including the option to pay only after getting a software engineering job.
Are you ready to become a software engineer?
Apply to our coding bootcamp now to start your journey in software engineering!
