Are you dreaming of landing your ideal iOS mobile developer job?
While having technical skills is crucial, it takes more than that to stand out in today's competitive market. With a potential annual salary ranging from $115,000 to $170,000, it's no wonder that so many people are vying for these coveted positions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, it's essential to know how to navigate the job search process effectively. In this blog post, we'll share six tips to help you set yourself apart from the crowd and land your dream iOS developer role.
Tip #1 Master the fundamentals (Swift/SwiftUI)
Learning the fundamentals of Swift and SwiftUI is an invaluable skill for anyone in the software development field. Imbuing yourself with a sound knowledge base in these languages will help to ensure proficiency when creating stunning applications and writing tidy code, as well as provide increased job security and flexibility. A comprehensive understanding of key programming can also open pathways to specialised areas such as web development or app creation. By mastering the fundamentals, one opens a variety of routes from which to select their career journey.
If you’re a bit hazy on the fundamentals, take some introduction courses to strengthen that base.
Tip #2 Practice by building your personal projects
When you’re looking to enter the world of programming, practice by building your own personal projects as much as possible. This will not only allow you to develop key coding skills that you can use for practical applications and job interviews, but it will also give you projects you can proudly demonstrate in an interview. It's also a great way to get creative with your work and explore different technologies. Just remember that if you're already working for a company, they might have privacy policies in place which restrict the sharing of their internally developed code - so always keep that in mind when deciding how open and public your side projects should be.
Your resume doesn't need to be like Pam’s, just create and add some personal projects!
Tip #3 Build industry networks and join the iOS Community
If you're passionate about developing iOS apps, your best bet is to build industry networks and become a part of the thriving iOS community. By attending meetups and conferences, you can stay up to date on all of the most recent developments in this exciting field. Plus, take advantage of opportunities to chat with leading iOS developers and learn from their experiences. Additionally, following experts on Twitter or Medium can give you unique insights into what’s currently happening in macOS or watchOS development as well as provide valuable learning resources. CocoaHeads at our office is a great way to network - so why not come along and join our collaborative and vibrant community today?
Joining a network of iOS developers can be a great way to benefit from the collective knowledge and experience.
Tip #4 Expand your soft skills
Having strong soft skills is a key way to set yourself apart in the professional world. From communication and problem-solving to collaboration and time management, being able to work effectively with others can open up new paths of growth for both yourself and your organisation. While it is important to hone the technical skills needed for any role, developing one's soft skills is just as crucial for success. Becoming aware of soft skills, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and directly applying those lessons in everyday interactions are all excellent ways to expand your own capabilities and lay the foundation for future successes.
iOS developers need to have great problem-solving skills to deal with the ever-evolving market.
Tip #5 Build an iOS portfolio
As an iOS developer, building a strong portfolio can be one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers. Fortunately, there are many options available for showcasing your work. If you have a finished product, upload it to the App Store to showcase your ability to create user-friendly applications. GitHub is another great platform to consider. It is a free code hosting and sharing platform that allows you to share your code with other developers. By creating and maintaining a neat portfolio, you can display your ability to create real-world applications, show off your coding skills, and prove your ability to solve complex problems. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your portfolio today!
Having a dynamic portfolio can be a huge confidence boost in job interviews!
Tip #6 Create a LinkedIn profile
Creating a LinkedIn profile is one of the best ways to get your name out there and make yourself visible to recruiters. Making the most of the skills section will amplify its effectiveness as this is a great way for recruiters to narrow their searches. Adding relevant keywords to your skills list ensures that you show up in the search results when prospective employers are looking for someone with your qualifications. Keep in mind to list any industry-specific certifications, specialised training or key skills that set you apart from other applicants and make you an attractive candidate.
Some skills you can add include: iOS Development, iOS, Swift (Programming Language), SwiftUI, Objective-C, Cocoa Touch, Model-view-view Model (MVVM), App Store, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD).
Scroll down your profile to find the skills section (Source: Freepik).
Take the time to proofread your summary and description for each skill to ensure accuracy, including any specialties or unique facets of your skill set that could help you stand out. Ultimately, using this feature correctly can give you an edge when applying for jobs, so make sure it's accurate, neat and up-to-date.
POV: You notice a rise in profile views after you optimised your LinkedIn profile.
Building a successful career in iOS development requires more than just mastering the fundamentals. If you want to stand out from the crowd, practice by building your own personal projects and expanding your soft skills. Creating an online portfolio is also a great way to showcase your skills and work experiences. And finally, don't forget to create a strong LinkedIn profile that highlights your iOS development skills.
Ready to start your journey towards becoming an iOS developer? Bilue is always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Visit our careers page and apply today!
