How to Get a Job as a Computer Programmer in 2020
Even though it feels like technology is already interwoven into nearly every facet of our lives, tech will continue to become more and more ubiquitous with every action we do. The increased presence of tech in our daily lives will require more people to create, maintain, and fix it. Those people are computer programmers – the architects of the digital world. If you’re looking for a dynamic career that blends logic and creativity, consider becoming a computer programmer! To succeed as a computer programmer, you have to have robust math skills and high attention to detail. Download JobFlare today and prove to employers that you’ve got the skills it takes to succeed!
Computer programmers, at their most basic level, write computer software. These days, there are so many different types of software and so many different applications for the software that you can work in a variety of capacities. Programmers develop mobile apps, video games, computer programs (like Microsoft Office), websites, and company-specific software (either for sale or for internal use).
You also have a lot of options for the work environment you want to be in. You can go for dependable and steadfast work at a major corporation, or head to the other end of the spectrum and work at a budding start up where creativity and endurance are paramount. If you’re worried about the work becoming repetitive or stale, you can work as a freelance developer, hopping from project to project and being in control of your own schedule.
Computer Programmer
US Median Salary
$82,240/year or $39.54/hour
Education Requirements
– Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
– While not necessary, getting certified in specific programming languages is a strong signal that you know your stuff!
You'd be great for this position if...
- You’re a problem solver
- You’re always learning, even from failure
- You work well on a team
- You value efficiency
- You’re patient
- You’re passionate about programming
You'd be great for this position if...
- You’re a problem solver
- You’re always learning, even from failure
- You work well on a team
- You value efficiency
- You’re patient
- You’re passionate about programming
Resume Tips for Computer Programmers
To have a successful career as a computer programmer, there are certain skills that hiring managers know to look for. Take inventory of these important qualities and emphasize them in your resume:
- Logical thinking skills
- Great time management and planning skills
- Debugging and troubleshooting skills
- High attention to detail
- Out-of-the-box thinking and creativity
- Strong math skills
- Persistence (aka stick-to-it-iveness)
- Decent communication skills
If you don’t have much on-the-job experience, include things like…
- A list of the programming languages you know and your level of fluency with each
- Pet projects or thesis work that showcase your talents as a programmer
- Any internships, programs, or hackathons you took part in
- Any additional strengths, like being fluent in multiple languages, volunteering activities, or any other relevant technical skills
If you’re still feeling stuck on what skills to list in your resume, check the job description! Hiring managers list the key qualities they’re looking for, so you can score serious points for including them.
Interview Pointers for Computer Programmers
Prior to your interview, be sure to think of examples of personal experience applicable to the role:
- Discuss the programming languages that you are fluent in with your interviewer. Which is your favorite to work with and why?
- Talk about your process for organizing a project. What are the first steps you take to ensure your success?
- Describe the most difficult project you ever worked on. What made it so challenging?
- Explain a time when you were able to navigate conflict with a coworker or friend.
- Be prepared to show what you know! It’s not uncommon for hiring managers to quiz you by asking questions on the basic tenants of programming or to have you write some code on the fly for a mock programming problem.
Be prepared to answer questions like:
- How do you keep up with new advances in the field? What up and coming trends are you most excited about?
- What is your favorite part of programming?
- What makes you a valuable asset to our team?
Trouble finding Computer Programmer jobs to apply for? Try searching for these jobs as well!
Software Engineer • Coder • Developer
Famous Former Computer Programmers
Bill Gates
Co-Founder of Microsoft
