What is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app developer jobs can vary depending on the needs of the app itself. However, in broad terms, developing a mobile app involves designing and coding software which is compatible with the the coding languages major mobile operating systems use. Most importantly, app developers are responsible for refining an app’s interface to create the optimum user experience (UX).

Good UX is a crucial factor in user retention, as well as encouraging higher numbers of downloads. If an app is poorly-designed and difficult to use, it is unlikely that those who have downloaded it will make regular use of it. Similarly, app development requires a considered response to the concerns and recommendations made by your customer base. Problem solving skills are essential in order to code and design the features your users want to see within your app.

Salary Information and Career Progression

Opportunities For Mobile App Developers

Mobile phones have become the most important devices in our daily lives. We use them for everything – to communicate, socialise, remember things for us, monitor our health. With smartphone owners making use of numerous apps each day, careers in mobile app development have never been more important.

As consumers get more demanding, they expect mobile apps and the developers behind them to anticipate their needs more quickly. Consequently the sky’s the limit for anyone seeking a career in mobile app development, particularly for those with a forward-thinking mindset.

• Popular Industries for Mobile Jobs

  In recent years, many brands are developing their own mobile apps to augment or even replace their existing websites. Despite this, it may come as a surprise to learn that the three industries which hire the greatest number of mobile specialists are the finance, hospitality and healthcare sectors. These are followed by the information technology and computer software industries. Since mobile has become increasingly important for service or product usage, more and more industries are starting to hire specialist mobile app developers in these fields.

• Recent Changes in the Mobile App Industry

  Technology has been changing extremely quickly. Consequently, jobs which depend on technology are fast-changing as well. In the case of mobile jobs, one of the biggest transformation concerns the development field. While in the past, iPhone and Android development jobs were highly demanded, cross platform (also known as PhoneGap) development is currently at the forefront of demand.

• Future Prospects

  With the industry set to grow exponentially over the coming decades, the future prospects for mobile app development specialists are extremely promising. A career in this field will not only guarantee a high salary but will also be very secure, with digital powerhouses Apple and Google always on the lookout for new talent from the smaller, forward-thinking agencies which instinctively incubate talented app developers.

• Salt’s advice for getting a new mobile developer job

  Employers’ Requirements

  Considering current job sector trends, one must-have skill in order to land a mobile job is Java, particularly for professionals who work on applications for Android operating systems. Mobile developers should also be experienced in testing and quality assurance processes. Since not many people have the expertise to test coding on mobile devices, this qualification greatly increases an applicant’s chances of landing a job.

  CV Requirements

  There are four key points which recruiters want to see on mobile app developers’ CVs. The first is the ability to improve UX by creating intuitive user interfaces, as there is nothing more frustrating than developing an excellent application which users do not know how to use. Secondly, recruiters are looking for employees who are familiar with the most important programming languages, such as Java, HTML5 and C++.

  As far as employees’ computing abilities are concerned, future employers place particular value on database security and management. Analytical skills are also highly sought after with the need for applications to be designed in a way that responds to user’s needs meaning there is often collaboration with UI & UX teams.

  Interview Preparation

  It is very common for mobile job recruiters to ask applicants to solve a coding challenge in the programming language which is required for the job. As well as a practical exercise, employers often ask some questions related to a candidate’s experience or process, which may include some of the following:

  1) Please give me examples of mobile applications you have developed.
  2) What special features have you developed so far?
  3) What would be your testing process for the developed applications?
  4) Please describe your development process, giving as much detail as possible.
  5) Which clients have you worked for?

  Educational Requirements

  There are no strict educational requirements in order to work as a mobile specialist. However, qualifications in computer science or software development would be beneficial to land a job. Post-secondary education and self-motivated training might also impress employers. Another great way to stand out is to show your practical know-how by writing your own mobile application.