Last Updated on 2024-10-11
The number of programming jobs in the Philippines continues to rise. Know what companies are looking for from a programmer. And check out great career opportunities that await you!
Despite the effects of the pandemic on businesses, forecasts show the country’s IT industry to be growing. The continued growth of the BPO and IT industry resulted in many work opportunities opening up in the country. Hence, there are many available job opportunities for IT graduates and professionals.
As companies shift to digitalization, they look for professionals who can design, develop, and manage their software systems. And, the best people to do these are programmers or software engineers.
However, companies are only meeting 55% of the talent demand even with the high need for programmers. That’s why companies are offering attractive compensations and benefits to attract the best talent.
One of these companies offering programming jobs in the Philippines is Full Scale. As one of the fastest-growing software development companies in the country, we are recruiting programmers of all levels and experience.
Are you interested in leveling up your programming career? Read on to learn more about programming jobs in the Philippines.
What is a Programmer?
Software programmers are professionals who write code to build software applications. Generally, programmers have comprehensive coding and programming backgrounds.
They are proficient in different languages and platforms. These include SQL, XML, HTML, PHP, C++, Java, and more.
On the other hand, some programmers take a more specialized course. They may focus on specific fields, such as databases, security, or development. That is why software programmers are very integral in the development of software and applications.
Programmer: Roles and Responsibilities
With their wide range of expertise, programmers hold a variety of responsibilities. Depending on the company, they will be taking charge of the following:
- Planning, designing, and testing computer systems and structures
- Writing, implementing, and debugging code
- Managing database systems
- Maintaining and managing operating systems
- Developing and writing systems instructions and programs
- Analyzing, profiling, and managing algorithms
- Giving technical supports
- Troubleshooting technical errors
- Implementing and managing build systems
- Editing and writing source-code
Programmer: Skills and Experience
Programmers need both technical and soft skills to be able to fulfill their job assignments.
Technical Skills
Programmers deal with a wide range of expertise. Hence, they need to have:
- Experienced in programming languages (C++, Java, PHP, XML, HTML, etc.)
- Proficient in managing different operating systems
- Skilled at finding and fixing errors in software, programs, and systems
- Expertise in Information Technology
- Advance knowledge in designing and writing programs
- Strong aptitude for Math concepts
- Experienced in the end-user concept of development
Soft Skills
Aside from having technical skills, companies are looking for programmers that have the following soft skills:
1. Communication Skills
Software engineers spend most of their hours working on a variety of tasks. With the nature of their tasks, they will need to coordinate with other developers, managers, and other stakeholders.
Thus, they have to employ their excellent communication skills to deliver and receive instructions to their colleagues.
With the current remote work arrangements, the need for smooth and clear communication is higher. Thus, programmers should be able to clearly communicate both orally and in writing. By avoiding miscommunications, they can expedite fixing bugs and dividing tasks.
2. Collaborative
For programmers, there is no way to avoid working in a team. Whether they specialize in the frontend, backend, or full-stack, they have to work with a team or with stakeholders. Hence, being collaborative and a team player is essential for programmers.
Teamwork is the foundation of a good team. While differing suggestions exist, it pushes programmers and their teams to find better solutions. The key is for everyone in the team to find the balance to complete a project.
3. Time Management
The life of software programmers is full of pressure and deadlines. Furthermore, a project is always not smooth sailing. It can encounter disruptions and delays.
Plus, programmers often handle more than one assignment. Thus, the best programmer knows how to organize and manage their time well.
Being able to set priorities and allocate resources are skills that companies look for from programmers. These soft skills will help their software development teams work more efficiently to save both time and resources.ย
4. Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
Technical skills and experience are fundamental to good problem-solving skills. Programmers also need to be creative to come up with better solutions to unexpected problems.
No matter how well-planned a project is, there are still some chances of disruption. During these instances, they must remain positive and creative in finding ways to solve the existing problems.
5. Detail-Oriented
When writing code, the smallest mistakes can lead to errors and other significant effects on the outcome.
That is why they must pay close attention to details. Being attentive to details and constantly double-checking code are hallmarks of top programmers.
These are the top technical and soft skills that companies want from a programmer. So, you must develop these skills and make them a habit through constant practice.
Technical Test and Interview for Programming Jobs
Possessing the technical and soft skills stated above will make you a strong job candidate. However, most job applicants may also have these skills. So, you need to stand out when handling job interviews.
Below are the most common technical tests and interview questions you will likely encounter during the hiring process.
Technical Tests for Programmers
- Designing and Programming Applications
- Programming Language Proficiency Tests
- QA and Debugging Exercises
- Scenario Tests
- Technical Documentation Exams
After undergoing the technical exams, the company will interview you. Depending on the company, there can be three or more interview sessions.
Sometimes it will be a one-on-one interview. But most of the time, a panel of experts will be present during the sessions.
Here are the top interview questions for programming jobs:
1. Create a small and simple coding for us and walk us through your process.
Interviewers will check your practical coding skills. It is crucial that you show your actual skills as a candidate and not just talk about it. Also, quickly creating a comprehensive code will show that you can think on your feet.
By walking the interviewers through your coding process, they can assess your coding strengths and weaknesses. So, make sure to state your method clearly.
2. Which programming languages do you prefer and most confident of?
Companies would look for candidates that use programming languages that they are currently using.
However, it does not mean that they will not welcome a programmer introducing new programming languages and tech stacks to their organization.
This is why you need to learn more about the company you are applying for. Get to know which languages and tech stacks they are looking for.
Additionally, emphasize that you can quickly adjust and use the languages and technologies that they are using.
3. During an evaluation of server software and hardware infrastructure, what should be your priorities?
Hiring interviewers would like to check about your knowledge of computer structures and systems.
This is an essential question because a programmer should not only know about software but also about hardware.
Answer this question with confidence. Make sure that you show your understanding of both the software and hardware side. Lastly, give reasons to why you set your priorities in such order.
4. Which software development process do you consider the best? Why?
It is not surprising for companies to prefer hiring programmers familiar with their development processes and standards. Hence, do your research and know which processes that company you are applying for uses.
However, if you use a different development process, show them that you can quickly learn and follow processes. Your answer should highlight your flexibility and determination as a programmer.
5. How do you keep your programming knowledge and skills up-to-date?
The best software programmers have common traits: the thirst for constant learning and the drive to improve. Hence, interviewers will be on the lookout for candidates who show these programming traits.
Therefore, the best way to answer these types of questions is to highlight your willingness to learn. In addition, you should also inform the interviewers that you know how to research and perform self-evaluations.
You may face more complex technical exams and interviews during your application process. However, by preparing yourself through practice, you should be able to express your skills and qualifications clearly. Being confident is an excellent way to stand out against your competition.
Programming Jobs in the Philippines
Now you have an idea of what companies look for when hiring programmers. Do you have the qualifications to be one?
If you are confident with your programmer skills, join us at Full Scale. It does not matter where you are currently based. At Full Scale, we offer work-from-home arrangements for our programmers.
Whether you are in Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan, or anywhere else in the country, you are welcome to apply.
Be part of the fastest-growing offshore software development company in the country. Not only do we provide competitive salary packages and amazing benefits, we always prioritize helping our programmers become the best.
Be a top programmer! Join us now!
Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.