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What do employers look for in hiring software engineers?
I'm a rising third-year college student majoring in computer science and consider a possible career in software development. But I also heard that this pathway is very competitive, and thousands of applicants compete for limited amount of positions. I wonder in this case, what employers would look for and how they distinguish between so many applicants. I know that technical projects on resumes, OAs, interviews are all important, but wonder which part an applicant should focus the most on? How important are cover letters? What makes one applicant hired and another not hired? I guess this question applies to both internship and full-time jobs. Thanks! :)
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7 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Yi !
It is wonderful that you are seeking advice for future applications and interviews in the corporate Business sector working as a Software Engineer ! Although no one can tell you exactly what to do or say to be hired (because that is a choice only an employer makes) I would be happy to share some insight or advice as something to think about.
You've asked what is the most important aspect to focus on most and the answer to that is all of it. Everything will be important when you start applying for career jobs, from accurately knowing that you're qualified to apply, your cover letter and resume and any portfolio or collection of your work you can submit as well. I believe the clincher is the interview, whether it's done remotely or in person, that is the real impression that an employer will have of you and the impact you'd have on the employer considering you for the position. Not only will the employer be looking for knowledge level and innovative skills, they will be sensing the rapport/chemistry and what the person can bring to their company. Sharp communication skills, a positive and cordial personality and knowledge will be very important during the interview process.
Cover Letters are a courtesy and expected and should be a brief introduction of your experience and enthusiasm for wanting to work for their company. Any employment notice you will read will say what you should send to them to apply. Most do want cover letters. Start reading some software engineer job notices at Indeed to get an idea of what most employers are asking for from applicants. See if they are requiring Bachelors Degrees or Masters Degrees. You can do this research now to get an idea of what employers are seeking in applicants. All employers are different, so there is no one answer to what you have asked. If you are qualified, your OA should go fine.
Don't let the idea of a career that is competitive steer you away. You live in a major city in which there should be lots of opportunity. Networking is part of the deal, too. Start attending conferences, expos, job fairs in the community and join some groups on campus in your Junior and Senior year. The more interaction you do, the more you will learn about what employers are seeking. Also explore any Certifications that apply to your field of work to get extra qualifiers for your career.
Make stronger connections with your professors and staff at your major department and work on as many projects as you can. The process is a step by step journey and there is no need to rush things or project ideas about the future. Practice employment interviewing. I have left some website links for you below for sites that offer parctice interviewing. Try to find some employment services that offer on site, in person interview practice as that will be important also. Perhaps your on campus Career Center offers that.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
INTERVIEW BIT PRACTICE INTERVIEWS https://www.interviewbit.com/peer-mock-interview/
PRACTICE INTERVIEW WEBSITES https://interviewcracker.com/blog/free-mock-interview-practice-websites/
INTERVIEW BUDDY https://interviewbuddy.net/
It is wonderful that you are seeking advice for future applications and interviews in the corporate Business sector working as a Software Engineer ! Although no one can tell you exactly what to do or say to be hired (because that is a choice only an employer makes) I would be happy to share some insight or advice as something to think about.
You've asked what is the most important aspect to focus on most and the answer to that is all of it. Everything will be important when you start applying for career jobs, from accurately knowing that you're qualified to apply, your cover letter and resume and any portfolio or collection of your work you can submit as well. I believe the clincher is the interview, whether it's done remotely or in person, that is the real impression that an employer will have of you and the impact you'd have on the employer considering you for the position. Not only will the employer be looking for knowledge level and innovative skills, they will be sensing the rapport/chemistry and what the person can bring to their company. Sharp communication skills, a positive and cordial personality and knowledge will be very important during the interview process.
Cover Letters are a courtesy and expected and should be a brief introduction of your experience and enthusiasm for wanting to work for their company. Any employment notice you will read will say what you should send to them to apply. Most do want cover letters. Start reading some software engineer job notices at Indeed to get an idea of what most employers are asking for from applicants. See if they are requiring Bachelors Degrees or Masters Degrees. You can do this research now to get an idea of what employers are seeking in applicants. All employers are different, so there is no one answer to what you have asked. If you are qualified, your OA should go fine.
Don't let the idea of a career that is competitive steer you away. You live in a major city in which there should be lots of opportunity. Networking is part of the deal, too. Start attending conferences, expos, job fairs in the community and join some groups on campus in your Junior and Senior year. The more interaction you do, the more you will learn about what employers are seeking. Also explore any Certifications that apply to your field of work to get extra qualifiers for your career.
Make stronger connections with your professors and staff at your major department and work on as many projects as you can. The process is a step by step journey and there is no need to rush things or project ideas about the future. Practice employment interviewing. I have left some website links for you below for sites that offer parctice interviewing. Try to find some employment services that offer on site, in person interview practice as that will be important also. Perhaps your on campus Career Center offers that.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you soo much for this detailed response, Michelle! This is so helpful! :)
Yi
You're very welcome, Yi !
Michelle M.
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Employers in software engineering seek candidates with a strong combination of technical and soft skills. You can stand out by learning the basics of web development, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, practicing data structures and algorithms, and building at least three real-world projects that demonstrate your abilities. These projects showcase your problem-solving and technical strengths. Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub and creating a personal portfolio website will further highlight your work. To sharpen your coding skills, use platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and GeeksforGeeks.
To build technical experience and industry insight, explore virtual internships on Forage and take advantage of online learning platforms such as freeCodeCamp, CS50, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. For interview preparation, try mock interviews through Pramp or Interviewing.io. Get involved in online communities like LinkedIn, Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Dev.to to exchange advice and network with peers and professionals. Participating in hackathons through Major League Hacking (MLH), Devpost, or local events, and competing in contests like Google Code Jam, Meta Hacker Cup, and ICPC, can sharpen your skills and expand your network. University coding clubs and student chapters of ACM or IEEE also offer great opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
Apply early for internships, including unpaid or volunteer positions, as they often fill quickly. Rejections are normal and can happen for many reasons beyond your control, such as automated resume filters or high applicant volume. The key is to stay positive and persistent. With consistent practice, curiosity, and involvement, a successful career in software engineering is absolutely within reach. If you need more guidance, feel free to ask, you're on the right path, and you’ve got this!
To build technical experience and industry insight, explore virtual internships on Forage and take advantage of online learning platforms such as freeCodeCamp, CS50, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. For interview preparation, try mock interviews through Pramp or Interviewing.io. Get involved in online communities like LinkedIn, Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Dev.to to exchange advice and network with peers and professionals. Participating in hackathons through Major League Hacking (MLH), Devpost, or local events, and competing in contests like Google Code Jam, Meta Hacker Cup, and ICPC, can sharpen your skills and expand your network. University coding clubs and student chapters of ACM or IEEE also offer great opportunities for leadership and collaboration.
Apply early for internships, including unpaid or volunteer positions, as they often fill quickly. Rejections are normal and can happen for many reasons beyond your control, such as automated resume filters or high applicant volume. The key is to stay positive and persistent. With consistent practice, curiosity, and involvement, a successful career in software engineering is absolutely within reach. If you need more guidance, feel free to ask, you're on the right path, and you’ve got this!
Thank you so much Teklemuz Ayenew! :)
Yi
Updated
David’s Answer
When hiring software engineers, employers primarily look for strong technical proficiency. This includes solid command of programming languages relevant to the job (such as Python, Java, or JavaScript), as well as a deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles. Depending on the role, experience with specific frameworks, cloud platforms, and DevOps tools may also be important. Employers want to see engineers who can not only write clean, efficient code but also understand how their work fits into larger systems.
Beyond coding skills, problem-solving ability and communication are critical. Employers look for engineers who can analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable components, and design effective solutions. The ability to articulate technical ideas clearly, collaborate with team members, and write maintainable code is just as important as technical knowledge. These skills are often assessed through coding interviews, system design questions, and behavioral assessments during the hiring process.
Lastly, cultural fit and adaptability play a big role. Employers value engineers who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and comfortable working in team-based or agile environments. A positive attitude, willingness to take ownership, and the ability to thrive in changing conditions can often outweigh experience gaps. Demonstrating a track record of learning new tools, contributing to projects (open source or professional), and understanding the company’s mission can make a candidate stand out.
Remember to have a good attitude during interviews. Companies can teach you or train you any material but they cannot change your attitude.
Beyond coding skills, problem-solving ability and communication are critical. Employers look for engineers who can analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable components, and design effective solutions. The ability to articulate technical ideas clearly, collaborate with team members, and write maintainable code is just as important as technical knowledge. These skills are often assessed through coding interviews, system design questions, and behavioral assessments during the hiring process.
Lastly, cultural fit and adaptability play a big role. Employers value engineers who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and comfortable working in team-based or agile environments. A positive attitude, willingness to take ownership, and the ability to thrive in changing conditions can often outweigh experience gaps. Demonstrating a track record of learning new tools, contributing to projects (open source or professional), and understanding the company’s mission can make a candidate stand out.
Remember to have a good attitude during interviews. Companies can teach you or train you any material but they cannot change your attitude.
Thank you so much, David!
Yi
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi, Yi.
I’ll keep this clear and concise. As a software engineer, your primary role is to solve problems. Logical problem-solving skills, along with the ability to clearly articulate both what you’re solving and how you’re solving it, are essential. I look for individuals who have a logical mindset and are willing to grow within a team environment. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—you need to be someone who listens to different perspectives, considers various approaches, and addresses concerns collaboratively.
It’s important to understand why one solution might be more efficient than another (consider learning about Big-O notation) and to know how to enhance existing software without causing issues (review the SOLID principles). Practicing these fundamentals makes for an engineer who can grow and thrive on any team.
I’ll keep this clear and concise. As a software engineer, your primary role is to solve problems. Logical problem-solving skills, along with the ability to clearly articulate both what you’re solving and how you’re solving it, are essential. I look for individuals who have a logical mindset and are willing to grow within a team environment. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—you need to be someone who listens to different perspectives, considers various approaches, and addresses concerns collaboratively.
It’s important to understand why one solution might be more efficient than another (consider learning about Big-O notation) and to know how to enhance existing software without causing issues (review the SOLID principles). Practicing these fundamentals makes for an engineer who can grow and thrive on any team.
Updated
Jags’s Answer
Great question!
To specifically improve your chances of having your application stand out, make sure your resume clearly highlights the measurable impact of each project you've worked on. Quantify your contributions wherever possible. Additionally, tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for by emphasizing the skills and qualifications listed in the job description.
Good luck!
To specifically improve your chances of having your application stand out, make sure your resume clearly highlights the measurable impact of each project you've worked on. Quantify your contributions wherever possible. Additionally, tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for by emphasizing the skills and qualifications listed in the job description.
Good luck!
Thank you Jags for this helpful advice!
Yi
Updated
Lorrie’s Answer
I'll focus more on the personal side than the technical one.
Remember, not every job will be the perfect match for you. If you don't get a job, don't take it personally. Most of the time, unless something serious happened in the interview process, the decision isn't about you. Companies often have specific things they're looking for, there are timing issues, every interviewer has a different personality/preference.
When one door closes, it's just guiding you to something better. Don't lose heart.
Try to keep stress out of your interviews. Go in with a positive attitude. Don't be intimidated by group interviews. Group interviews can make the interview less awkward as each participant can contribute to keeping the conversational flow.
When I interview someone, I do care about skills matching the job, but many candidates will have the right skills. What really matters is how well we can connect on a personal level. Can you share interesting ideas? Will you contribute your thoughts and listen to others? Are you open to learning?
Soft skills are just as important, if not more so, than technical knowledge.
In your cover letter and resume, keep it short and to the point with bullet points. It's easier to read than long paragraphs.
Remember, not every job will be the perfect match for you. If you don't get a job, don't take it personally. Most of the time, unless something serious happened in the interview process, the decision isn't about you. Companies often have specific things they're looking for, there are timing issues, every interviewer has a different personality/preference.
When one door closes, it's just guiding you to something better. Don't lose heart.
Try to keep stress out of your interviews. Go in with a positive attitude. Don't be intimidated by group interviews. Group interviews can make the interview less awkward as each participant can contribute to keeping the conversational flow.
When I interview someone, I do care about skills matching the job, but many candidates will have the right skills. What really matters is how well we can connect on a personal level. Can you share interesting ideas? Will you contribute your thoughts and listen to others? Are you open to learning?
Soft skills are just as important, if not more so, than technical knowledge.
In your cover letter and resume, keep it short and to the point with bullet points. It's easier to read than long paragraphs.
Updated
David’s Answer
When hiring software engineers, employers primarily look for strong technical proficiency. This includes solid command of programming languages relevant to the job (such as Python, Java, or JavaScript), as well as a deep understanding of data structures, algorithms, and system design principles. Depending on the role, experience with specific frameworks, cloud platforms, and DevOps tools may also be important. Employers want to see engineers who can not only write clean, efficient code but also understand how their work fits into larger systems.
Beyond coding skills, problem-solving ability and communication are critical. Employers look for engineers who can analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable components, and design effective solutions. The ability to articulate technical ideas clearly, collaborate with team members, and write maintainable code is just as important as technical knowledge. These skills are often assessed through coding interviews, system design questions, and behavioral assessments during the hiring process.
Lastly, cultural fit and adaptability play a big role. Employers value engineers who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and comfortable working in team-based or agile environments. A positive attitude, willingness to take ownership, and the ability to thrive in changing conditions can often outweigh experience gaps. Demonstrating a track record of learning new tools, contributing to projects (open source or professional), and understanding the company’s mission can make a candidate stand out.
Beyond coding skills, problem-solving ability and communication are critical. Employers look for engineers who can analyze complex issues, break them down into manageable components, and design effective solutions. The ability to articulate technical ideas clearly, collaborate with team members, and write maintainable code is just as important as technical knowledge. These skills are often assessed through coding interviews, system design questions, and behavioral assessments during the hiring process.
Lastly, cultural fit and adaptability play a big role. Employers value engineers who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and comfortable working in team-based or agile environments. A positive attitude, willingness to take ownership, and the ability to thrive in changing conditions can often outweigh experience gaps. Demonstrating a track record of learning new tools, contributing to projects (open source or professional), and understanding the company’s mission can make a candidate stand out.