Are you passionate about software development, good at math, and possess keen analytical skills? If so, a great career in software development might be waiting for you. You can learn more about what software developers do and what their working day looks like on our blog.

The difference between a software developer and a software engineer

Software developers write a complete program, allowing them to come up with creative solutions. They work primarily in a solitary way using software tools. Software development is only one aspect of the whole software development process. Software developers primarily focus on creating functional software.

Software engineers work on components with other engineers to build a system. Software engineers apply the principles of software engineering for designing, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluating computer software. Their work covers a much larger scale than the work of developers. Software engineers design, develop and test entire computer systems and applications, and create the tools that software developers use. The work of a software engineer may require additional qualifications and years of experience.

Software development vs software engineering

Software development is the process of building an application that allows for creative solutions by using readymade tools. Software developers write the code and provide technical guidance.

Software engineering requires a more scientific approach and uses a variety of engineering principles. Software engineers systematically develop processes to provide specific functions. They analyze and connect client’s requirements and needs with applicable technology solutions.

What criteria we use to choose our software developers

Reading the advertised job description will provide you with more clarity, as the selection process will be based on requirements such as experience in using specific programming languages and other skill requirements needed to perform the job.

When we hire, the job description typically lists the software developer’s responsibilities. They will differ depending on whether we’re hiring a frontend, backend or full-stack developer, or a junior or a senior developer.

Core software developer responsibilities include:

• Writing and implementing clean code
• Integrating other software components and third party applications
• Verifying and deploying software
• Troubleshooting and debugging systems
• Maintaining and upgrading existing systems
• Identifying areas for modification and developing them
• Creating technical documentation for reporting and future reference
• Evaluating users’ feedback and coming up with innovative solutions
• Working closely with other developers, UX designers, business and systems analysts
• Creating and implementing quality assurance procedures
• Training users

We apply a variety of criteria to evaluate submitted job applications. The short-listed applicants’ skills will be validated during interviews, which entails a technical assessment, but a level of soft skills will also be considered.

The basic criteria to evaluate software developers typically are:

• Qualifications – You should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Any other achieved certificates will speak in your favor.
• Technical proficiency in a variety of programming languages
• Number years of experience working on various projects
• Debugging and problem-solving abilities
• A sample of a neat, structured and well-commented code
• Database (SQL) and SCM (Source Control Management) system knowledge
• Understanding testing procedures

Personality traits and soft skills matter as you will be interacting with the team and clients. Cohesiveness is valued in many businesses as it helps the team and the organization’s growth. How many of the desired soft skills listed below you can you match?

Communication – Everyone on a project needs to be on the same page about deadlines, requirements, expectations and any issues.

Patience – Developers frequently face frustration, and addressing any problems in a neutral emotional state will pay off. Remember that you don’t need to fix problems by yourself.

Healthy confidence– Confident developers are likely to grow professionally as no insecurities are holding them back.

Open-mindedness – Especially when using agile methodology, specifications of end users can change, requiring you to be creative and change the code. Not every idea can turn into a success, but if you don’t give it some thought, you will not know.

Time-management – An essential skill to keep up records and to deliver a quality product to customers on time. You will be required to use company project management and time tracking tools.

Teamwork – Even when working alone, you still will communicate with other developers, project manager and customers. Approachability and helpfulness will go a long way.

Accountability – You cannot improve without acknowledging when you make a mistake. Learn from it and move on. You can teach other colleagues how to not make the same mistake.

Adaptability – Embrace new technologies and tools and don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable.

English proficiency – English is the global language of software development. You need to be at least at B2 English level to meet the language requirements. Digital transformation does not know borders and clients can be based all over the world.

Can-do attitude – Dare to enter new territory. It is inevitable that problems occur. Explore ways to approach them from a different angle. Creativity comes with practice.

If you are thirsty for knowledge about software development, check out the book recommendations from our professionals.

Why work for Rare Crew?

We are a full-cycle software development company and work on many interesting projects for clients who are pivotal in their field, but we also develop our own software applications. We use the latest technologies to develop top-tier IT solutions and work from multiple time zones. International collaboration is made easy by a well-established work structure and by using efficient project management tools. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and offer hybrid working as well as flexible hours and other benefits. We value our employees and support their growth. We care about the environment and local communities. Fostering the team spirit and unique Rare Crew culture is important to us, and this is why many developers have been working for us since we started our successful business in 2011.

If we have piqued your interest in working for us, send us an email at jobs@rarecrew.com for more information.