How To Write a Software Developer Job Description [examples, templates & tips]

Joanne Derecho
Latest posts by Joanne Derecho (see all)

“Software Developer” is one of the most sought-after professions in the tech realm. If you want to write a software developer job description, read on.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in this post:

  • What is a software developer? [plus the different types]
  • 1 Software developer job description example [from Charles Schwab]
  • 1 Software developer job description template [plus links to a few more!]
  • 4 “Nice to Knows” for writing your own job description of a software developer

Let’s get started!

 

What is a software developer?

First, let’s discuss what software developers are. Software developers create computer programs (like apps), networks, and systems that power other programs and monitor software programs. There are generally two types of software developers:

  • Application software developers (they develop programs)
  • System software developers (they create networks)

Software developers are usually expected to know these programming languages:

  • Python
  • Java
  • C#
  • SQL
  • HTML
  • & other languages they need in their specific field

They usually work with other developers to produce the software. They have different day-to-day responsibilities like creating efficient algorithms, integrating third-party programs into systems, and writing efficient algorithms, to name a few. 

 

Classification of software developers

Software developers are categorized into their tech stack (what kind of work they do) and level of seniority. In terms of the tech stack, they are classified as:

  • Front-end developer. They code the user interface of the software program.
  • Back-end developer. They code the infrastructure the user interface is put on top.
  • Full stack developers. They do front-end and/or back-end development.
  • Mobile app developers. They specialize in mobile app development. 

They’re also classified further by seniority:

  • Lead (or Head)
  • Senior
  • Mid-level
  • Junior

 

Software developer salary and compensation

In 2020, the median salary for software developers was $110,140, and it’s been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s the latest average from Indeed:

“The average salary for a software engineer is $127,567 per year in the United States and $5,000 cash bonus per year.36.4k salaries reported, updated at August 4, 2022.”

Note: Salary and compensation are essential to include in your software developer job descriptions, even if it’s just a range. This will make your JDs stand out from other companies offering similar roles.

 

Software developer job description example — Charles Schwab

To inspire you to get started writing your own software developer description, here is a sample from Charles Schwab.

This is an excellent example because it includes a salary range (so applicants know what to expect), it uses “you” language (to make it conversational), and it has a DEI statement at the end (to help attract diverse talent).

job description of a software developer charles schwab

 

Software developer job description template

Templates are great, especially if you write hundreds of JDs a month. Here’s a template from Toptal you can copy/paste and then edit for your own needs:

Company Introduction

{{Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about the company’s culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote working possibilities, and everything else that you think makes your company interesting.}}

Job Description

We are looking for a software engineer/developer to join our cutting-edge development team as it grows. We want someone who is comfortable asking “why?” The ideal candidate is a divergent thinker who understands industry best practices and has experience with multiple coding languages. They are a team player possessing strong analytical as well as technical skills, and are able to communicate the logic behind technical decisions to non-tech stakeholders. They must be comfortable working in an agile environment and have the ability to “take the wheel” when necessary.

Responsibilities

  • Create innovative, scalable, fault-tolerant software solutions for our clients and customer base
  • Work closely with project managers, UX designers, other developers, systems analysts, graphic artists, and sales and marketing professionals
  • Write and test code to ensure compatibility and stability: refine and rewrite as necessary
  • Create clear technical specifications
  • Expand existing software to meet the changing needs of our key demographicsAnalyze user requirements
  • {{ Add any other relevant responsibilities here }}

Skills and Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering or Information Technology
  • 7+ years’ software development or programming experience
  • A thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
  • Extensive experience with Java, Python, C++, and other programming languages
  • {{ If web development is required at all: }} An in-depth understanding of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
  • Experience working with {{ Linux/Unix, Perl }} and/or shell scripts
  • Experience working with {{ Windows, PowerShell, HyperV }}
  • The ability to analyze complex technical information
  • Comfortability designing and implementing database structures to solve real-world problems effectively
  • An awareness of current issues affecting the industry and its technologies
  • Familiarity with UI toolkits and frameworks
  • A meticulous and organized approach to work
  • A logical, analytical, and creative approach to problem-solving
  • A thorough, detail-oriented work style
  • {{ Make sure to mention any other frameworks, libraries, or other technologies relevant to your project }}
  • {{ List any education level or certification you may require }}

 

How to make this developer description template even better

This template has helpful information about skills, responsibilities, and qualifications. But, Ongig recommends putting the “About Us” at the end of the JD and focusing on the candidates first.

Also, add a salary range (some states like New York and California require it) at the start of your JD, followed by a list of perks or benefits, and your company’s diversity statement at the end to show your support of DEI.

And here are a few other software developer description templates might find helpful:

 

Bonus! 4 tips for writing a software engineer job description

Here are some things to consider when writing your own software developer job description:

1. Be sure it’s bias-free

To ensure your JDs reach as many talented software developers as possible, ensure it’s inclusive. You may want to use software like Ongig’s Text Analyzer to check your JDs for racial bias, gender bias, or other biases so you’re not excluding people from underrepresented groups.

 

2. Use catchy, conversational language

When you write a JD, make sure to write it in a way that appeals to candidates. For example, if you’re looking for a Senior Linux Developer, you can write something like: Our progressive and friendly team is looking for a Linux Developer to support our mission to change the world. This type of wording is more enticing to job seekers than X Company is looking for a Linux Developer.

 

3. Be conscious of the length of your JD

Research shows the ideal title length of a job description is between 500-600 words. Try to keep your sentences short and remove any complex language (e.g., in accordance with, in order to, etc.).

 

4. Use specific, short job titles

You want job seekers to find your JDs when they search online, and the best way to do that is to be specific in your job titles. If you’re looking for a software developer, be clear on what kind. And, try not to add too much “fluff” to your title. “Back-end Software Developer” will perform better than “Software Development Engineer, Onboarding and Account Management.”

Note: The Top 50 Software Job Titles [Ranked by What Candidates Search For] ranks “Software Developer” as the #3 most-searched developer job title.

 

Why I wrote this:

Ongig is on a mission to help you create effective and inclusive job descriptions for all types of roles. The tips and examples above will help you get started writing your own software developer description, so you attract the best (and most diverse) tech talent for your team.

 

Shout-outs:

  1. 15 Science-backed Tips for Writing Job Descriptions (by The Undercover Recruiter)
  2. Software Developers- the 21st century most in-demand profession (by John Adam)
  3. 10 Tips for Crafting Highly Effective Software Developer Job Descriptions (by  Anna Dziuba)
  4. Feature Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
  5. Software Engineer salary in United States (by Indeed)

by in Job Descriptions