working as a developer

Each year, a series of experts consult to develop the list of the 15 best jobs with the best salary projections, job availability and opportunity for career development.

 You can also dive in:

• the 10 highest paid jobs in canada in 2023
• the best IT and Tech jobs in canada in 2023.
• the most in-demand skills for It and Tech in 2023

This developer role is part of the Top 15 Best Jobs in Canada in 2023, ranking in 1st position.

Here's why.

why is this job in demand?

Developers have always been in demand for the past couple of years. But because of the post-COVID era, the demand for developers has skyrocketed. This is because the pandemic accelerated many digital projects for businesses, making the need to recruit tech talent far more pressing. Plus, developers work at various organizations, from small and medium-sized businesses to large corporations and governments.

what are the career prospects?

From today until 2028, a countrywide labour shortage for developers is expected, making it a good career choice for Canadians. Computer programmers and interactive media developers are likely to experience a total of 64,200 new job vacancies due to expansion and replacement demand. There will be over 11,600 job openings that will not be filled with the current talent scarcity. 

what can you expect in terms of salary?

For a full stack developer, entry-level positions can vary between 68k to 118K, whereas senior positions will go between 78 to 137k. For front-end developers, entry-level positions can vary between 64k to 84k and seniors between 90k to 155K. Where you will get the best salary: Greater Toronto Area.

what skills do you need to thrive on the job? 

Technology is vast, and so many tools, platforms, and languages are coming out in the market. Developers must be fluent in creating websites with robust internal architecture and delivering clients with an interactive and intuitive interface. The essential skills developers need are mathematical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of programming languages. Different developer roles require other languages, which can be a new skill set. 

what is the job of a developer?

A developer, also known as a programmer, coder, or software engineer, is an IT professional who uses programming languages to create computer software. Developers are skilled in a few in-demand coding languages such as Java, Python, C++, and Scala. They also have strong problem-solving and analytical skills. They can write, test, debug and maintain applications. But developer roles can vary depending on the type of organization.

what do developer careers entail?

As a developer, you design software and applications, write the code, debug and test them for errors, and maintain them after release. The type of software you develop can vary between businesses. Some organizations focus on applications for public use, while others develop software for in-house purposes. In all cases, a strong knowledge of coding languages is required for this role.

what is a typical work schedule for developers

Your day as a developer will likely begin with short team meetings to coordinate the project. You will be involved in coding and resolving any issues that arise. You might troubleshoot with team members, collaborating to find the best solutions. Later, you may have meetings to discuss your approach and why you selected specific fixes over others. Depending on the project, you might work an eight-hour day or longer if there are urgent deadlines.

what are the pros of developer jobs?

• High Demand: With an increase in the use of computer software across all industries, the demand for software developers is very high. Regardless of your interest or experience, if you have a strong knowledge of coding languages, you can easily work for any industry. In addition, experienced software developers can expect to receive a highly competitive average salary.
• No Age Limit: Some may think that software development is the domain of the young. The truth is that if you have a passion and knowledge for software development, you can enter this career at any age. So, if you are planning a career change and are interested in technology, then a software development job is a good choice.
• Flexible Work: Software development allows you to work for a range of industries, and you will be free to choose your work environment. Whether you work in an office or remotely, software development is mainly computer-based, allowing you to work anywhere. In addition, some software developers choose to go freelance, taking on contracts from clients rather than working for one company. In the end, the opportunities for a software development career are vast.

what are the cons of developer jobs?

• Long and Stressful Hours: While development allows for flexible working conditions, you may end up working longer hours for certain projects. For large projects or those with a tight deadline, you will likely experience long and exhausting hours at crunch time. If your client is in a different time zone, you may need to change your working schedule to accommodate them. As a result, it is critical to adapt to various working styles to be effective in software development.
• Evolving Technology: If you work in development, you will know how quickly things change. Development technology is always evolving, and if you don't keep up with the latest changes, you can easily fall behind. As a result, it's essential to be self-motivated and keep up with current advancements in development technologies.

what are common developer interview questions?

Each company will have their own set of interview questions. However, some common questions you might be asked include:

• Are you currently working on any projects? The interviewer wants to know that you are actively coding and what type of technologies and languages you use. List any projects you are working on and how you code them.
• Why should we hire you as a developer? Make sure you have researched the company you're applying to. Use your knowledge to identify shared goals that you can contribute to and help achieve.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? The interviewer wants to be sure that you will stick around and that your goals align with the company. State honestly what your long term goals are and link them with the job description.

developer resume and cover letter requirements

When writing your resume and cover letter for a developer position, follow these tips:

• Keep your resume and cover letter to one page each. Limit your work experience to just the jobs relevant to this position. Emphasize your most marketable qualifications.
• List your relevant coding and technology skills. Describe how you used these skills and your level of knowledge and experience for each language or technology.
• Show off your accomplishments with hard data to back them up. This helps the hiring manager get a clear picture of your capabilities.
• Target your resume and cover letter towards the company and industry you are applying for. Make sure to research the company and any specific requirements they have, and tailor your application accordingly.

what are the career prospects?

From today until 2028, a countrywide labour shortage for developers is expected, making it a good career choice for Canadians. Computer programmers and interactive media developers are likely to experience a total of 64,200 new job vacancies due to expansion and replacement demand. There will be over 11,600 job openings that will not be filled with the current talent scarcity.

what are the different types of developer jobs?

• Frontend Web Developer
• Backend Web Developer
• Full Stack Web Developer
• Cloud developer
• Java Developer
• Python Developer

what can you expect in terms of salary?

For a full stack developer, entry-level positions can vary between 68k to 118K, whereas senior positions will go between 78 to 137k. For front-end developers, entry-level positions can vary between 64k to 84k and seniors between 90k to 155K. Where you will get the best salary: Greater Toronto Area.

what skills and competencies do developers need?

• Passion and experience when it comes to working with computer systems and new technologies.
• The ability to adapt swiftly to new and changing technologies.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to explain complex procedures to team members and colleagues.
• An understanding of commercial and business needs.
• Attention to detail and a willingness to explore and research data.
• Excellent knowledge of at least one coding language.
• Impressive problem solving skills.

A developer needs the following educational qualifications:

• degree: as a developer, you need in-depth programming knowledge and the digital landscape. A degree in computer science or web design is a great way to join the field. 
• short courses: you don't need formal training to become a developer. You can acquire the skills for the role through short training sessions and boot camps. Take a short course to learn programming languages suitable for the position. Boot camps also improve your coding skills and give you certification in various programming languages.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about developer jobs.

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.