As one of the fastest-evolving industries in the world, software engineering is full of opportunity, but also full of questions. Whether you're a candidate navigating a job move or a company looking to attract top software talent, getting clarity on key topics is essential.
At Platform Recruitment, our consultants speak to software developers and hiring managers daily. We've rounded up the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) to give both sides of the hiring process more confidence and direction in 2025’s competitive tech job market.
If you're looking to find a job in the software industry or seeking top talent, get in touch with us today!
FAQs from Software Engineering Candidates
1. What programming languages are most in demand right now?
A: In the UK market, we continue to see high demand for:
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Python (data, AI, automation)
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JavaScript/TypeScript (especially with React and Node.js)
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Java (especially in enterprise applications)
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C#/.NET (used widely across fintech and SaaS)
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C++ (still key for high-performance and embedded systems)
2. How much experience do I need for mid-level or senior roles?
A: Generally:
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Mid-level = 2–5 years of hands-on coding and project experience
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Senior = 5+ years, with some involvement in architecture, mentoring, or leadership
What matters most is your impact - clear project outcomes, code quality and how you collaborate with teams.
3. What is the average salary for a software engineer in the UK?
A: Salaries can vary based on location, industry and skillset, but here’s a guide:
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Junior Developer: £30,000–£40,000
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Mid-Level Developer: £45,000–£60,000
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Senior Developer: £60,000–£80,000+
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Tech Lead/Architect: £85,000–£110,000+
Tip: Niche tech stacks like Rust, Go, or DevOps tooling can command higher pay brackets.
4. Is remote work still common in software engineering roles?
A: Yes - hybrid and fully remote positions remain prevalent, especially for developers with proven autonomy and good communication skills. However, some companies are trending toward hybrid models with 1 - 3 days in the office.
5. What should I include on my software engineering CV?
A: Focus on:
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Languages, frameworks, and tools used
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Projects with measurable outcomes (e.g. “reduced load time by 40%”)
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Contributions to code reviews, testing, or process improvements
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GitHub or portfolio links (if available)
6. Do companies still value degrees, or is experience more important?
A: A computer science degree is a plus, but experience and portfolio now often matter more. Many companies welcome bootcamp graduates or self-taught developers who show initiative and strong project experience.
FAQs from Hiring Managers and Tech Leads
1. Why is it so hard to find good developers right now?
A: The tech skills gap is real. While there’s a large pool of developers, there’s a shortage of candidates with both the technical skills and soft skills (like communication, collaboration, and autonomy) that many companies need.
Working with a recruiter who understands your niche can dramatically shorten the hiring process.
2. How can we attract more qualified candidates?
A: Offer:
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Competitive salaries
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Flexible/hybrid work
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Clear career progression
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A strong engineering culture
Also: Avoid long interview processes! Candidates drop out if your hiring timeline is too slow.
3. How long should our hiring process be?
A: Ideally, 2–3 stages:
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Technical screen or task
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Behavioural or values-based interview
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Final culture/CTO chat (optional)
Beyond the 3 stages, dropout rates spike.
4. Should we use take-home tasks or live coding interviews?
A: Candidates generally prefer short, relevant take-home tasks (2 hours max) over lengthy whiteboard sessions or high-pressure live coding. Make sure your task reflects actual job work.
5. How do we assess soft skills in technical interviews?
A: Ask:
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“Tell us about a time you handled a disagreement in code reviews.”
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“How do you plan and communicate your work?”
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“What’s the last thing you taught or learned from a teammate?”
Soft skills often set great engineers apart, so don’t ignore them.
Bonus FAQ: What’s the outlook for software jobs in 2025?
The future is bright, especially for developers skilled in:
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AI/ML integrations
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Cybersecurity
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Cloud-native architecture
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DevOps/CI-CD tooling
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Frontend performance optimisation
With digital transformation still a priority, software roles will continue to evolve, but there’s strong demand for adaptable engineers who keep learning.
Whether you're looking to take your next step in tech or hire standout developers, knowledge is power. By understanding the questions and concerns most relevant to today’s market, you can approach the hiring process with clarity and confidence.
At Platform Recruitment, our consultants speak with software professionals and hiring teams every day and we’re here to support you. Whether it’s reviewing a CV, understanding salary expectations, or structuring a better interview process, we help bridge the gap.
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Explore our current software engineering roles or speak to our specialist team for tailored advice.
