In today’s evolving technology industry, having the right development skills can be a real competitive advantage. When you know what programming languages, frameworks, and tools a company’s development team uses to build and maintain software, you can use that knowledge of these “tech stacks” to tailor your skills and emphasize the value you bring.
In this article, we’ll look at these tech stacks, why they matter in your job search, and how to match the stack you use to what is in demand in the tech job market.
What is a Tech Stack?
Most modern applications require more than one technology to function, and a “stack” is all the tools that work together to create a complete application. This can include programming languages, libraries, databases, and other tools.
A web development tech stack, for example, typically has three parts:
- The front-end or client-side: This is the part of the application that users interact with directly in a web browser. Front-end technologies often include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- The back-end or server-side: This is the behind-the-scenes part of the application that handles data storage, processing, and retrieval. Back-end technologies may include programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or PHP, as well as databases like MySQL or MongoDB.
- The middleware or integration layer: This is the layer that connects the front-end and back-end components of a web app. Middleware technologies may include Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and messaging systems.
It’s worth noting that there are different types of tech stacks, depending on the needs of the company and the type of application being developed. For example, a company may use a LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) for a web application or a MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js) for a full-stack JavaScript application.
Why Tech Stacks are Important in Your Job Search
Tech stacks are important for job seekers in the tech industry for many reasons. First and foremost, job postings and applications may require candidates to have experience with specific technologies or programming languages that make up a company’s tech stack. Knowing the tech stack in advance can help you determine whether you’re a good fit for the job and save you time and effort in applying for positions that aren’t a good match.
Additionally, tech stacks can give you a better understanding of the role you’ll be playing on a development team. Different tech stacks may require different skill sets and responsibilities, so knowing the stack beforehand can help you prepare for the job and tailor your experience to the specific requirements of the position.
Tech stacks can tell you something about a company’s tech culture and development practices as well. A company that uses modern, cutting-edge technologies may have a more innovative and forward-thinking culture, while a company that relies on older technologies could have a more traditional approach to development. Knowing this can help determine whether a company is a good fit for you and aligns with your career goals and interests.
Understanding tech stacks and their differences is important to your career growth and advancement. As you gain more experience with different stacks, you’ll become more versatile and adaptable as a developer and a more valuable asset to potential employers. Knowing the latest and most in-demand technologies can also give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your salary.
How to Research Tech Stacks for Job Opportunities
When you’re searching for a new job, researching each company’s stacks will help you guarantee you find a good fit. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Look at job postings: These will customarily list the required and preferred technologies that job candidates should have.
- Check the company’s website: Look for information about the technologies they use or any projects they’ve completed. If the company has an engineering blog, you can also use it to learn more about its stack and development practices.
- Use online resources: Sites like StackShare and TechStacks can help you research tech stacks by allowing you to search for companies by the technologies they use.
- Talk to other web developers: Ask developers who work or have worked at the company you’re interested in to learn more about their tech stack and development practices.
Your research will take some work and time, but it will be worth it when you find the perfect job.
How to Highlight Your Tech Stack
Highlighting your tech stack in your job search will help you stand out to possible employers. Here are ways you can do that:
- Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, and emphasize the technologies and skills that best fit the position.
- Create a portfolio: Include examples of projects you’ve worked on that demonstrate your proficiency with the tech stack required by the job you want.
- Develop a personal brand: Use social media and online platforms to showcase your expertise and share your thoughts on industry trends and best practices.
- Attend industry events: Consider presenting at a conference or participating in a hackathon to demonstrate your proficiency with a particular tech stack.
- Be prepared for technical interviews: Make sure you’re ready to demonstrate your skills with the tech stack used by the company you’re applying to by using coding challenges and studying best practices and industry trends.
Ensure Your Skills Match Tech Stacks Used in the Job Market
Knowing technology stacks is important to your career development After all, they are tools you use to get your work done, and employers want to know that new developers can be productive on the job.
You can demonstrate your knowledge of a tech stack by tailoring your resume to each job, adding projects to your portfolio that shows its use, and studying for technical interviews and make both you and your new employer happy when you land the job.
An experienced web development company might be able to offer mentorship or provide additional resources and training to developer candidates. Some agencies offer on-the-job training for recent graduates, so always be on the lookout for career opportunities!