Back to Catalog

Software Developer Job Guide: Resume & Interview Preparation

Premium
BeginnerCourse

Get interview-ready for your next software development job application and create an eye-catching resume and portfolio that will stand out to employers!

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Cloud Development

Skills You Will Learn

  • Software Development, Coding Challenges, Resume Writing, Portfolio Development, Job Market Research, Interview Preparation

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 10 hours

Platform

  • SkillsNetwork

Last Update

  • July 7, 2025
About this Course

Ready to apply for your next software development job? Great! Now it’s time to power up your resume and fine-tune your interview skills. 

This Software Developer Job Guide: Resume & Interview Preparation course gives you expert help and guidance on how to identify the best vacancies for you, draft a resume that will catch the eye of an employer, apply for your dream jobs, and prepare for interviews.   
 
You will learn: 
  • The job roles and career opportunities you can pursue as a software developer and how to pursue them with confidence.  
  • How to create an eye-catching resume, cover letter, portfolio, and elevator pitch, with hands-on activities to help you fine-tune yours as you learn.  
  • How the job interview process works, what different types of interviews to expect, and how to prepare for them.  
  • How to excel in interviews, with invaluable tips and guidance from experts on preparing for questions and professional presentations. 
 
Course Overview 
 
The demand for software developers is constantly growing and there is no shortage of vacancies on the job market. However… when you’re just starting out as a software developer, you need a resume and interview skills that stand out above the rest to catch the eye of an employer. 

During this course, you’ll fine-tune your understanding of the role of a software developer and review the various career opportunities open to you. You’ll get expert guidance on how to find the job vacancies that match your skills and interests, including how to research job listings, create a standout resume, and present a portfolio you can talk about in interviews.   

Additionally, you’ll learn about the job interview cycle and consider different interview formats and preparation strategies. Plus, you’ll explore useful techniques for excelling in an interview, and get top tips on how to answer questions with confidence and present yourself professionally.  

With a blend of expert guidance, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, this course comprehensively prepares you for applying for your next job as a software developer.  

If you’re looking to catch the eye of an employer with an exceptional resume and excel in interviews, enroll today. Your next job is just around the corner! 


Course Syllabus 
Module 0: Welcome 
  • Video: Course Introduction 
  • Reading: General Information 
  • Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus 
  • Reading: Grading Scheme 
Module 1: Building a Foundation 
  • Reading: Module 1 Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Reading: Job Role Titles  
  • Reading: IBM Certificates for Software Engineering Skills 
  • Video: Understanding the Role of a Software Engineer 
  • Video: Introduction to Full Stack Software Development PC 
  • Video: Introduction to DevOps and Software Engineering PC 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Paths to Software Engineering 
  • Video: Opportunities in Software Development 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Software Engineering Roles and Required Skills 
  • Video: Build your portfolio  
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Optimal Portfolios 
  • Video: Learner Testimonials 
  • Video: Draft your resume  
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Attention-Getting Resumes 
  • Lab: Draft your Resume 
  • Reading: Gathering References 
  • Reading: Drafting an Elevator Pitch 
  • Lab: Draft your Basic Cover Letter 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoints: What Sets Apart a Great Software Engineering Candidate 
  • Practice Quiz: Module 1: Building a Foundation 
  • Graded Quiz: Module 1: Building a Foundation 
Module 2: Applying and Preparing to Interview  
  • Reading: Module 2 Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Video: Company and Industry Research 
  • Video: Networking Online and Off 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Building Your Network 
  • Video: Assessing job listings  
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: A Closer Look at Job Listings 
  • Lab: Apply for a Job  
  • Video: Technical Review Fundamentals 
  • Video: Refreshing Essential Software Development Skills  
  • Video: Interview rehearsal 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Job Interview Prep 
  • Lab: Prepare for an Interview 
  • Practice Quiz: Module 2: Applying and Preparing to Interview  
  • Graded Quiz: Module 2: Applying and Preparing to Interview  
Module 3: Interviewing  
  • Reading: Module 3 Introduction and Learning Objectives 
  • Video: Overview of the Interview Process  
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: A Typical Interview Cycle 
  • Reading: Unethical Questions and Behaviors 
  • Video: Mock Interview of a Software Engineer: Part 1 
  • Video: Mock Interview of a Software Engineer: Part 2 
  • Video: Mock Interview of a Software Engineer: Part 3 
  • Video: Interview Analysis  
  • Video: Best Practices: Getting an Interview  
  • Video: Best Practices: Interview Preparation 
  • Video: Coding Challenges in Software Engineering 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Case Study Insights 
  • Reading: Second-round Screening 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Tech Screen Expectations 
  • Video: Final interviewing 
  • Video: Interviewing: Discussing a Project  
  • Lab: Coding Challenge Level 1 
  • Lab: Coding Challenge Level 1 Solution 
  • Lab: Coding Challenge Level 2 
  • Lab: Coding Challenge Level 2 Solution 
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Interviewing 
  • Reading: After the interview  
  • Video: Expert Viewpoint: Negotiating an Offer 
  • Reading: Check list 
  • Practice Quiz: Module 3: Interviewing  
  • Graded Quiz: Module 3: Interviewing  
Module: Course Wrap-up 
Reading: Congrats and Next Steps 
Reading: Thanks from the Course Team 
Reading: Copyrights and Trademarks 

Prerequisites 

This course does not have any prerequisites. 

To build the skills you need to be a successful software developer, we recommend that you enroll in the full Professional Certificate program and complete the courses in sequence. In just a few months, you’ll the full set of job-ready skills and practical experience you need to ensure your resume stands out to potential employers! 

Instructors

IBM Skills Network

IBM Skills Network Team

At IBM Skills Network, we know how crucial it is for businesses, professionals, and students to build hands-on, job-ready skills quickly to stay competitive. Our courses are designed by experts who work at the forefront of technological innovation. With years of experience in fields like AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, our instructors bring real-world insights and practical, hands-on learning to every module. Whether you're upskilling yourself or your team, we will equip you with the practical experience and future focused technical and business knowledge you need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving world.

Read more