How to Get a Software Engineering Job in 7 Steps

Software engineering is an in-demand field with plenty of growth potential. In fact, the software development industry is projected to add roles at a 15% clip through 2034. Getting 1 of those roles can be competitive, but it’s achievable with the right roadmap. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to get a job as a software engineer in 7 steps—from building skills to acing the interview. And if you’re already ready to apply for roles, check out software engineering jobs at Intuit today. 

Key Points 

• Start with the technical fundamentals. You’ll need proficiency in at least 1 programming language. Python is a popular option, with 58% of developers reporting they use it according to Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey. 
• A formal degree isn’t a hard requirement. Nearly 19% of professional developers have no formal degree, per Stack Overflow. Bootcamp grads and self-taught engineers regularly land jobs. 
• Hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications for open roles. CareerPlug data found that only 3% of applicants reach the interview stage. A tailored resume and portfolio with relevant projects can help you stand out. 
• Be selective about where you apply. Roles and companies you’re genuinely interested in tend to produce better applications and interviews. 
• Networking changes your odds. Referrals convert to hires at far higher rates than cold applications, so building relationships early pays off. 

Step 1: Build (or Strengthen) Your Technical Foundation 

Getting a software engineering job with no experience starts with the fundamentals.  

You’ll need a solid base in at least 1 programming language. Python is a common entry point because the syntax is readable, and the job market demand for it is strong. According to Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey, more than half of developers (58%) report adopting it.  

It also helps to get comfortable with core computer science concepts like data structures and version control (e.g., Git). 

A formal degree isn’t necessarily required. Hiring managers often care more about what you can do than where you studied, which means bootcamp grads and self-taught developers land jobs regularly. According to Stack Overflow, nearly 19% of professional developers don’t have a formal degree.  

Choose a Programming Language and Commit to It   

As we touched on above, becoming a software engineer often starts with mastering a programming language. Aside from Python, which ranks No. 4 on Stack Overflow’s list of most popular languages, JavaScript (1), HTML/CSS (2), and SQL (3) are among the most popular. That said, there are hundreds to choose from. 

So, how do you narrow the list? Pick a programming language based on the type of engineering role you want. A few common pairings: 

• Python: Back-end web development, machine learning (ML), data structures, and algorithms 
• JavaScript: Back- and front-end web development, interactive web app development 
• Java: App development (enterprise-level, web, and mobile) 
• C++: System programming, performance-critical applications, game development 

Start with 1 and really dig into it. Most working engineers are proficient in several languages, but trying to learn them all at once is a reliable way to master none of them. 

Master the Fundamentals  

You’ll also need a solid understanding of core computer science concepts like: 

• Data structures and algorithms: These are the building blocks of efficient code. The most common data structures include arrays, hash maps, stacks, trees, graphs, and skip lists. You’ll also need familiarity with algorithms to build responsive software and solve complex problems in the development process. 
• Big O notation: This is key to measuring the efficiency of an algorithm. It helps engineers make informed decisions about algorithms and data structures. 
• Version control systems: Git, in particular, is a must for working on any team. It tracks changes, lets multiple people work on the same codebase without collisions, and makes it easy to roll back mistakes as needed. 

Step 2: Build a Portfolio That Demonstrates Real Skills 

With or without job experience, tackling real projects is how you get a job as a software engineer. Here are the types of projects to include in your portfolio, with tips on showing them off the right way. 

What to Build  

A strong portfolio answers 3 questions for employers: what you’ve built, how you think, and how you approach real problems. Projects don’t have to be paid work. 

Good options to consider: 

• Full-stack web apps, like a data analytics app 
• Open-source contributions, such as through Google or Linux 
• API integrations, like a finance tracking app or a weather forecast app 
• Automation tools development (web or mobile) 

Above all, the goal is to show employers what you’re capable of and how you’d apply your skills on the job. And be sure your projects reflect the type of engineering role you’re pursuing. If you’re targeting back-end roles, for instance, you might prioritize projects that demonstrate server-side logic or API architecture over anything visual. 

How to Present It  

GitHub is the standard place to host a portfolio. Keep your profile clean, and prioritize depth over volume. A couple of well-executed projects tend to land better than a bunch left half-finished.  

Make sure every project meets a basic bar: clean code, live deployment, and clear documentation. The README file is where most of that documentation lives. Generally, it should include the project’s: 

• Title 
• Purpose 
• Overview or description 
• Setup and installation instructions 
• In-practice usage with command-line commands or code 
• Contributors 
• Software license 

This GeeksforGeeks reference offers guidance and inspiration if you haven’t written 1 before. 

Don’t be shy about sharing your portfolio. In addition to GitHub, create a personal website dedicated to your software engineering background. You can also include your portfolio link in your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Step 3: Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile 

Most managers—71%, according to 1 survey—use applicant tracking software (ATS) to screen applications. Roughly half (49%) still manually review resumes but use the ATS to rank, flag, and organize them. 

A clean, readable resume is the starting point for getting past the ATS. That means hitting the mark in 3 areas: 

• Formatting: A simple, text-based PDF or Word document is often the safest choice. Minor design elements are generally OK, but keep the formatting consistent throughout.  
• Relevance: Make sure your resume includes the skills relevant to the job and that your work history is clear and complete. Make sure it’s scannable, too, and avoid generic or AI-heavy content. 
• Clear and organized: Stick to the basics, opting for clarity over creativity. Highlight the most important information first: your skills, related experience, and anything that ties directly to the role. 

Resume Essentials for Software Engineers  

Tailor every resume to the specific job and company. Beyond that, a few sections are standard: 

• Skills section: Include technical skills like programming, algorithms, and version control tools. Non-technical skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving, are also helpful. 
• Education: If you have formal education, include that. If not, include related bootcamps, certifications, or courses you’ve taken. 
• Work experience: Put your most recent experience first. No direct experience yet? Volunteer work and software engineering internships count. 
• Your projects with outcomes: Include only your most relevant projects. Stick to 2 or 3 that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. 
• Portfolio link: Your GitHub URL should be easy to find, either at the top of the resume or in the header. 

Optimizing Your LinkedIn  

Your LinkedIn profile should mirror your resume, if not word for word. Keep the experience, skills, and projects consistent between the 2. Recruiters search LinkedIn the way ATS tools scan resumes.  

Here are the specifics: 

• Tailor your profile to software engineering roles for your level of experience. 
• Use a professional photo for your headshot. 
• Write a headline that includes your target job title (like “Junior Software Engineer” or “Entry-Level Back-end Engineer”). 
• Include relevant projects, education, and experience. 
• Include current skills (and remove anything outdated). 
• Turn on “Open to Work.” 

As with your resume, include keywords that recruiters might use to search for candidates. Examples include: 

• Software engineering 
• Sprint planning 
• Developer tooling 
• Authentication flows 
• Internal dashboards 
• Integrated third-party APIs 
• Coding/programming 
• Scalable systems design 

Use keywords that reflect your actual experience. Don’t stuff in terms you can’t speak to in an interview. 

Step 4: Network Online and In Person 

Experience and education will only get you so far. Networking can help take you the rest of the way. Many software engineering roles are filled through referrals. Even a connection that doesn’t lead directly to a job could yield an internship or other opportunity down the road. 

Build Your Online Presence

Start by getting involved with engineering communities online. LinkedIn, GitHub, Discord, X, Reddit, and other relevant forums all have active tech communities worth engaging with. 

While online, comment on industry discussions. Share your experience, expertise, and projects. Be willing to help out, and others will be more likely to remember you when you need support. Above all, be genuine when communicating with others. That’s how you build trust. 

Reach Out Directly  

When people know who you are and what you can do, they’re more likely to think of you when an opportunity comes up. But breaking the ice isn’t always easy, especially when you’re brand new to the field. 

Try not to overthink it. For that first connection, take a few minutes to craft a concise, genuine connection request. Include something you have in common with the other person. This could be a mutual interest in software engineering. Or it could be that their company’s making great strides in the industry and you simply want to connect to stay on top of what’s coming. 

An even more proactive approach is to pursue informational interviews. These are short, informal conversations (typically 20 to 30 minutes) where you ask someone about their role or company rather than pitching yourself for a job.  

Here’s how to go about requesting 1: 

• Research the company first so you know what you’re talking about. 
• Write an intriguing subject line. 
• Be clear about why you’re reaching out, such as to meet up for an informal interview/chat. 
• Keep the initial message brief. 
• Suggest times and dates when you’d be available. 
• Prepare questions in advance. 
• Follow up with a thank-you message after the interview. 

In-person events are worth the effort, too. Local meetups, hackathons, and conferences like Devoxx put you in the room with engineers and hiring managers. Hackathons, in particular, are useful. They give you something concrete to talk about and a chance to demonstrate how you work with others. 

Step 5: Apply Strategically, Not at Volume 

Only 3% of applicants make it to an interview, and just 1 in 180 gets hired, according to CareerPlug data. Improving your odds of getting a software engineer job doesn’t mean applying to every open position you see. Targeted applications sent to roles you’re qualified for is the way to go. 

How to Find the Right Roles 

Start by researching companies you genuinely want to work for. Go to their careers page and explore their open roles. Even if they don’t have any openings matching your expertise or interests, you can still follow them on LinkedIn. 

You can also use job boards to find software engineering roles. Options include: 

• LinkedIn 
• Indeed 
• Glassdoor 
• Wellfound (particularly good for startups) 

Filter by tech stack and role level as you research. It saves time and keeps the list manageable. 

Tailoring Your Application 

Hiring managers receive a ton of applications, and many are generic. Target your application to the job and company to avoid landing in the discard pile. 

In your resume and cover letter, mirror keywords from the job description. Take the time to write a unique cover letter for every application, too. Present your experience and projects in a way that aligns with the role’s requirements. 

Step 6: Prepare Rigorously for Technical Interviews 

Technical interviews are often the biggest hurdle for software engineers. But don’t worry. You can knock your interview out of the park with some preparation. 

Here’s what to expect across common interview formats. 

Coding Challenges

Technical interviews often include some form of coding assessment. You’ll typically be given an algorithm problem and asked to solve it in an online coding interface or on a whiteboard. 

You could prepare by practicing 30 to 60 minutes daily. Sties like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars are standard resources. For entry-level career roles, focus on medium-difficulty problems so you’re well-prepared for the real deal. 

Some companies also use take-home assignments, which are larger, self-contained projects that give you more room to demonstrate how you build. For example, you might be asked to develop a simple mobile app game.  

System Design Interviews

System design interviews assess your ability to develop real-world systems. They’re often scalable and have multiple components. During interviews, you should be able to clearly explain: 

• Project scope 
• Functional requirements 
• Platforms 
• Optimizations 
• Impact 
• Scalability 
• Trade-offs 

Examples of the systems you might be asked to design might include URL shorteners or file-sharing systems. These interviews are mostly geared toward mid- to senior-level roles, but understanding the format early is worthwhile. ByteByteGo or Grokking the System Design Interview are solid preparation resources. 

Behavioral Interviews 

Behavioral interviews focus on how you’ve handled real situations: a conflict, a failure, a project that required cross-team collaboration. The goal is to structure your answers clearly using the STAR method. STAR stands for situation, task, action, result. 

Here’s what that looks like in practice: 

• Provide details about a story involving teamwork, conflict resolution, or handling failure. (Situation) 
• Explain what was needed to achieve or solve the problem. Emphasize scope and severity. Be specific. (Task) 
• Share what you did and the decisions you made. (Action) 
• Explain the precise outcome. (Result) 

Whichever format you’re preparing for, consistent daily practice beats cramming. Start before you have interviews scheduled. 

Related reading: For a concrete sense of what interviewers actually ask, Intuit’s guide to 60 engineering interview questions, including 12 you should ask them, is worth a read before your next interview. 

Step 7: Evaluate Offers and Negotiate Confidently 

You got the offer. Now make sure it’s the right one. 

How to Evaluate an Offer  

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software development professionals earn a median annual wage of $133,080. The lowest 10% make less than $79,850, and the highest 10% clear more than $211,450, as compensation varies significantly by location and experience. 

Don’t accept the first number you see without understanding what you’re being offered. A few things worth examining before you sign: 

• Base pay vs. total compensation. Base salary is the starting point, but what else are you being offered? Factor in equity, healthcare, 401(k) match, and any other benefits before comparing offers. Total compensation calculators, along with benchmarking tools like Glassdoor and Levels.fyi, give you a clearer picture of whether the number is competitive. 
• Growth trajectory. Even in a junior role, it’s worth asking how far the path goes. Is there a clear progression? What does the typical timeline to the next level look like? 
• Learning opportunities. Does the role come with other opportunities, like industry conferences or networking events? 
• Role scope. Are the responsibilities reasonable for the pay? Is remote or hybrid work on the table? 
• Team culture and turnover. A role can look good on paper and still be a poor fit. Ask about team tenure and turnover rates for the role and similar positions. The answers tell you a lot. 

How to Negotiate  

Don’t be afraid to negotiate that initial offer. It’s often expected, so don’t worry too much about the perception. Here are some tips: 

• Know your worth (and the national and regional average salary for the role). 
• Express enthusiasm about working for the company, but also be prepared to explain why you believe you deserve a higher salary. 
• State your target compensation based on market research. 
• Give a range you’re willing to accept. 
• Be confident when giving your counteroffer. 
• Be open to other types of compensation. 

Before any negotiation, make sure you go in knowing your minimum acceptable offer. That number tells you what to accept and when to walk away. 

FAQs 

How can I gain practical experience in software engineering? 

Pursuing a software engineering internship is 1 option. You can also contribute to open-source projects with other aspiring engineers. Working on mock projects or volunteering can also help you gain some experience.  

What are common challenges faced by aspiring software engineers? 

One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with rapid technological advancements. As a software engineer, you’ll need more than a mastery of programming languages, frameworks, and the like. You’ll also need to adapt quickly to emerging trends. Other challenges you may face include changing software requirements, software security and scalability issues, and limited time or resources. 

How important is networking in securing a software engineering position? 

Very. Only 3% of applicants make it to an interview from a cold application. That’s roughly 1 hire per 180 candidates. A referral can help you get past that filter. Networking won’t substitute for strong fundamentals, but it meaningfully changes where you start in the process. 

What are effective ways to enhance coding skills for software engineering? 

A computer science degree is 1 path, but there are others. Bootcamps and certification programs offer structured alternatives for building foundational skills. Beyond that, consistent practice on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank sharpens the problem-solving skills that technical interviews specifically test. Hackathons are worth pursuing, too. They put your skills to work on real problems alongside other developers.