“Software is eating the world.”
TechCrunch cited this quote from a 2011 essay written by Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Netscape and Andreessen Horowitz, stating that four years ago, it was clear that businesses would continue to become more “software-focused.” This prediction couldn’t have been more accurate, as organizations nowadays support a wealth of different applications and platforms with which employees have increased their productivity and improved their customer service.
The source noted that despite the ubiquitous use of software, nearly one out of 20 open jobs in the U.S. is for a software developer, engineer or similar position, as Python, JavaScript and SQL now rule enterprise IT. So while businesses are clearly dying for software and IT professionals that can design new and innovative applications, not many individuals are stepping up to meet the challenge.
Why? Finding a job as a software developer or engineer is a difficult process. Yes, even with many open positions available. You don’t believe us?
Here are four reasons why it’s hard to be a software developer.
1. Companies are posting jobs that no one wants
According to CIO, a recent survey conducted by HackerRank found that 76 percent of hiring managers plan to hire more IT roles this year than last, with 94 percent stating they’re looking for Java developers and 68 percent seeking UI/UX designers. Great news, right? Forty-one percent said they’re struggling to fill positions. Employers just don’t know how to look for the right people. Tejal Parekh, vice president of marketing at HackerRank, told the source that candidate pools are too small.
“There’s also an unconscious bias issue with customers who sometimes limit themselves by not looking outside the traditional IT talent pool,” HackerRank CEO and co-founder Vivek Ravisankar explained. “They’re only considering white, male talent from specific schools or specific geographic areas.”
2. It takes too long to go through the interview process
Software developers are not only looking for jobs in an industry that interests them, but they want to get a paycheck sooner rather than later.
A report from Glassdoor indicated that the average interview process takes 35 days for a software engineer and 28.3 days for a senior applications developer.
“The average interview process takes 35 days for a software engineer.”
Either businesses take their sweet time choosing a candidate, or they simply interview dozens of individuals looking for the right fit. Regardless of the scenario, these processes and their lengths are intimidating.
3. SaaS is taking away the reins
Cloud computing: savior of enterprise IT budgets or end of in-house development? In regard to software as a service, the answer is both.
According to ComputerWorld, in 2012, programmers accounted for 22 percent of IT staffs, and this year, that statistic is just under 20 percent. John Longwell, vice president of research at Computer Economics, told the source that the shift to SaaS is largely to blame, as corporations take the route with less software development.
4. Employers expect more than just programming skills
There used to be a time when programming skills were hard to find, but now businesses are so picky that software developers need to know more than just SQL. The Wall Street Journal reported that baby boomer IT workers are more likely to hire individuals with traits and talents they share rather than just programming expertise, as the corporate side of IT becomes increasingly important.
Don’t let this get you down, programmers. There is a job for you, and once you find it, the search ends!