The IT career field continues to grow worldwide and for those who enjoy and have ability in creating the code that is used to create the webpages and develop the software we make use of on our computers, tablets, and mobile screens, job opportunities continue to be in abundance.
What is computer coding?
Computer “codes” are the instructions computers use to function. Code looks like a series of random numbers and letters. This is actually a highly efficient language that computer programmers and other IT professionals use to create computer programs and systems.
Coding is a specialized skill used by computer programmers, software engineers and application developers. Because so many of the world’s population now have regular access to a computer or phone, nearly every industry requires someone with these skills. The ability to code is a valuable skill for anyone interested in the technology or computer science fields.
Many people with the right mindset and the perseverance to learn to code will eventually learn all of the technical behind-the-scenes coding needed to create websites and develop software.
Development firms like ClearSummit are used to seeing the following type of technical skills on a resume:
“Proficient in:
- Python, Ruby
- C++, PHP, Java
- Semantic markup
- Standards-compliant HTML
- CSS 2 + CSS 3
- JavaScript, JQuery
- XML, Ajax, CSS, HTML
- EC2 cloud computing, ELB
- S3 storage
- MySQL, MongoDB
- CassandraAPI centric systems
- Cloud Computing, Windows Server”.
But when you receive 100 applications for one position and each resume claims proficiency in much the same technical skills, how does the recruiter choose a shortlist of just five candidates to move on to a job interview?
Here are five soft skills useful in a computer coding career.
What are soft skills?
While hard skills are the technical skills needed to do a job, like a computer language; soft skills are the non-technical skills that relate to how you work. This can include how you work with others, how you go about solving problems, or how you manage your workload.
in LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report, 92% of recruiters reported soft skills being equally or more important than hard skills. 89% said that new hires that fail are because of a lack of critical soft skills.
These are important because today’s business landscape is about communication, relationships and presenting your organization in a positive way to clients. It is the soft skills that enable employees to use their technical skills and knowledge effectively and efficiently without being impeded by things like interpersonal issues, conflicts with colleagues, and poor communication with clients.
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Innovative Thinking
Many computer coders are self-taught and learn by making mistakes. Being able to develop creative solutions without help is extremely useful. Innovative thinking means finding an issue, developing a solution using your available resources, and evaluating the idea. An example would be finding the best language and method to create a product or service.
IT is an industry that is constantly evolving. Coders need to keep up with current trends in technology. While they need to follow instructions, they also need to show they can apply new advances to old code to improve efficiency, including faster loading times and new features.
2. Analytical Skills
This is being able to solve problems using logic and scientific methods. Finding the source of errors requires the ability to collect, analyze and interpret substantial amounts of unorganized data. Coders need to be able to understand and replicate sequences, patterns, and equations.
3. Attention to Detail
Any small error can disrupt an entire program, so coders need to be able to focus on every tiny detail over extended periods. Documenting the processes undertaken, including any errors found and fixed can help develop stronger attention to detail.
4. Patience
Coding requires a lot of trial and error. The coder must remain calm and focused throughout their work. It takes persistence to overcome new challenges and they often take time and effort to master. Having the patience to keep working on a problem until a solution is found is a critical skill.
5. Communication
Coders in every industry collaborate and negotiate with other coders and with clients on most projects. Being able to explain your process clearly and concisely can ensure high team productivity. Positive and productive personal interactions can improve the chances of successful projects.
Soft Skills in a Resume
To make sure recruiters can easily see you have these skills, have a heading for Computer Coding Skills, and follow that with a heading called Soft Skills or Additional Skills, then list them as bullet points.
Reinforce this in your work experience section by describing your work duties with an employer in a comparable way to these examples:
- Collaborated with a team of developers to troubleshoot errors
- Applied strong attention to detail to write thousands of lines of code
Many coders will have a range of soft skills but simply do not show them in their resumes.
