Charles Esther
The software engineering job market has significantly changed in recent years.
Once ranked as one of the best jobs in America, the field is now facing challenges, including a significant decline in job openings since 2020.
The rise of AI tools and hiring freezes, such as the one announced by Salesforce, have added to the uncertainty. However, despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for aspiring software engineers.
We spoke with five industry experts to gather their top tips for standing out in today’s competitive software engineering job market.
1. Do the Right Thing, the Right Way, at the Right Time
Yehudit Nathan, Senior Director of Engineering at fintech company Octane, emphasizes the importance of doing “the right thing, the right way, at the right time.”
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to focus on solutions that address immediate needs rather than getting too caught up in long-term plans.
Nathan advises engineers to develop products that are needed now, as waiting too long could result in missed opportunities. Adapting to the industry’s rapid pace is key to success.
2. Find a Company That Aligns with Your Values
Sylvana Santos, a full-stack engineer at Maribel Health, stresses the importance of finding a company that matches your personal values and goals.
Many tech companies are mission-driven and seek employees who share their passion for building innovative products.
When applying for jobs, Santos suggests dedicating time to research potential employers and tailoring your cover letter to reflect your values.
This approach can help you stand out in a crowded job market and demonstrate a genuine fit for the company’s culture.
3. Avoid Coding in a Bubble: Embrace Pair Programming
Santos also recommends avoiding coding in isolation.
Early in your career, learning through collaboration is invaluable.
Pair programming, where two engineers work together on the same code, is an excellent way to learn.
Santos highlights how pairing with more experienced engineers allowed her to pick up technical knowledge, such as mastering VSCode shortcuts and debugging techniques. Collaborating with others accelerates learning and helps optimize workflow.
4. Seek Mentorship and Mentor Others
Mentorship is another crucial aspect of career development, according to Santos.
Aspiring software engineers should actively seek out mentors who can guide them through their learning journey.
Asking questions and seeking feedback is essential for growth.
Additionally, even if you are early in your career, sharing your knowledge with others can help you advance.
Santos encourages newbies to mentor others as they learn, which fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and can boost career prospects.
5. Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Adaptability is a key trait that employers look for in software engineers.
Santos believes that showing your willingness to step outside your comfort zone can make you stand out.
Being proactive about learning new technologies and embracing unfamiliar tasks will demonstrate to employers that you are adaptable, eager to grow, and not afraid of challenges.
6. Collaborate Whenever Possible
Jacqueline Garcia, a senior software engineer at CircleCI, emphasizes the value of collaboration.
Garcia advises new engineers to work closely with their team members, especially experienced engineers, as this provides opportunities for real-time guidance and feedback.
Collaboration helps speed up the learning process and fosters stronger relationships within the team.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Asking questions is an essential part of being a successful software engineer, Garcia says.
Beginners should not feel intimidated by the unknown.
In fact, staying curious and asking questions — even seemingly trivial ones — is one of the best ways to learn and improve.
Asking the right questions helps build problem-solving skills and boosts your confidence as you navigate new challenges.
8. Identify Unmet Needs and Address Them
Asif Savvas, cofounder and Chief Product Officer at Simeio, advises newcomers to focus on identifying unmet needs within their organization or the market.
By spotting these gaps, you can offer innovative solutions that make a real difference.
Savvas also encourages aspiring engineers to specialize in emerging languages or technologies, which can help you stand out and establish yourself as an expert in a niche area.
9. Take a Holistic Approach to Problem-Solving
Savvas also suggests that software engineers take a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Understanding the broader context of the challenges you are addressing can set you apart from your peers.
Savvas advises engineers to consider the people, processes, and tools involved when developing solutions, as this strategic mindset can help you become a valuable contributor to your team and position you for leadership roles.
10. Tread Lightly with Jargon
Samuel Malachowsky, a principal lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology, warns against overusing industry jargon, particularly in interviews or résumés.
Terms like “agile,” “scrum,” and “DevOps” are important but should be used thoughtfully.
Malachowsky advises candidates to focus on demonstrating practical experience rather than relying on buzzwords.
For example, instead of claiming “Scrum Certified,” he suggests explaining your experience with iterative models and direct customer interaction.
Clear, specific examples of your skills will make a stronger impression than overusing jargon.
Conclusion: Embrace Learning, Adaptability, and Collaboration
In today’s competitive software engineering job market, success depends on more than just technical skills. Aspiring engineers must demonstrate adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from others.
By aligning with companies that share your values, seeking mentorship, and focusing on practical experience, you can stand out from the crowd.
While the job market may be tougher than in previous years, following these expert tips will give you a better chance of thriving in the ever-evolving field of software engineering.
