I talk quite a bit about improving as a developer. Most of the time, I focus on how you can learn new technical skills, such as becoming more proficient in a programming language or framework.
However, if you limit your knowledge to technical talent, you will be decreasing your chances for success in the marketplace. In this guide, I’m going to walk through five key developer soft skills that you can utilize to become a well-rounded coder.
This list is by no means comprehensive. Instead, it represents the skills that I’ve personally used and had success with. From being the IT Director of a national energy company in my late 20s to the CTO of a coding bootcamp with locations around the world, I’ve seen these skills help me at every level of my career. And as you’ll notice, they have very little to do with actual technical ability.
Note: These skills should complement your engineering talent, not overshadow skills such as practicing clean coding habits or focusing on improving as a developer.
First on the list is the ability to write. In the book ReWork, the authors, who are also the founders of Basecamp and the Ruby on Rails framework, wrote that one of the skills they look for in job candidates is their ability to write—even for developers and system administrators.
A developer must be skilled as a coder. However, the book explains that if a developer can write, it is a sign that they are a good communicator. Writing skill doesn’t mean that each memo has to sound like a riveting novel. Instead, it means that:
📌 A Guide to Becoming a Better Writer: 20 Practical Tips
Next on the list is the ability to converse well with others.
If you’re like me, this is by far the most challenging skill. If I had my way, I’d stay behind my desk building applications all day and never interact with another human. However, conversational skills are an absolute requirement when it comes to advancing in your career.
Whether you are a freelance developer looking for new clients or a software engineer looking to get promoted, you’ll discover that the top prerequisite to your success is not technical skill, it’s likability. If someone likes you, they are going to want to give you a chance to succeed.
Here are some tips to improve at this skill:
The next soft skill is management.
Even if you are an entry-level developer, management doesn’t have to mean managing people or projects. Instead, it refers to how you approach each task you’re given.
For example, if you are handed a new feature to build, do you jump right in and start coding, or do you take a structured approach?
Clients and managers will feel more confident giving you responsibility if they see that you take a systematic approach to your tasks.
📌 Consider reading project management books or taking an online course on the topic.
Scott Adams (the creator of Dilbert) wrote in How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big that knowing the basic fundamentals of design should be required knowledge for all engineers.
Many developers say, “design really isn’t my thing.” But understanding the basics of good design takes very little effort, and it can make a huge difference in your career.
📌 The Design of Everyday Things
Finally, we have public speaking. This may seem like a useless skill for a software developer, but let’s consider two scenarios:
A brilliant developer with poor public speaking skills presents a well-built project in a monotone voice and gives a dull demo.
Another talented developer has worked on their public speaking skills. They give a well-organized demo, speak with clarity and confidence, and make the project engaging with anecdotes and analogies.
💡 Which project would seem more appealing? The second developer will win every time.
Now that you know the list, how important are developer soft skills?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen an inferior developer get promoted simply based on their ability to speak well in meetings or converse with co-workers.
The key to these soft skills is that they help people feel comfortable around you and confident that you can get the job done. Likability and confidence are two key factors you’ll need to gain an edge in the marketplace.