How to Become an Android Developer and Land Your First Job

Android is an operating system used on mobile phones, televisions, and tablets. It is the most popular mobile operating system worldwide, boasting 2.5 billion active users in over 190 countries.

Companies that manufacture smartphones, TVs, and tablets like Samsung or Motorola use Android to run their devices. The apps used on these devices are the product of Android developers who work tirelessly to ensure that users have a smooth and bug-free experience.

As of 2021, roughly 75% of all smartphones use the Android OS. And it’s precisely this popularity that continues to make android development an attractive career opportunity for 2022 and beyond.

If you want to know how to become an Android developer and don’t know where to start, this article is for you. We’ll cover the basics of the job, what skills you need to succeed, and how you can land your first job with some help from Rocket Resume.

Understand Your Responsibilities

Android developers use their skills to create applications (apps) compatible with the Android operating system. Whether you are working for a company or solo, your job is to ensure that the applications you develop work seamlessly across devices and are compatible with the system. Some of the most common responsibilities of Android developers include:

• Developing applications for use within the Android ecosystem
• Writing and maintaining clean and well-structured code
• Interpreting wireframes and designs from team members into efficient code
• Collaborating with colleagues to innovate new design and functionality application features
• Being able to identify and fix errors
• Unit testing and making adjustments for a better user experience
• Ensuring that apps are compatible and responsive across all devices

Keep in mind that you may have different or additional responsibilities depending on your seniority, project size and app complexity.

Consider Getting a College Degree Before Starting

You do not need a college degree to become an Android developer, but it’s a solid asset for career growth. More companies nowadays prioritize experience and tangible results over a degree, but some require that you have one.

Some of the best choices for a degree are a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Development. These give you a head start in your career and teach you the ins and outs of coding. If you have a master’s degree, you can take on more senior positions and earn a higher salary.

So if you’re looking to grow career-wise and land a lucrative position, having a degree helps get you noticed by Hiring Managers and places you in a better job.

Get Certified as an Android Developer

Building on your existing coding knowledge and seeking certification is an excellent step to strengthen your resume. It’s a step to invest in because getting certified keeps you updated on existing and emerging trends and keeps you current, which is an invaluable asset when you’re looking for a job. You’ll need to complete several tasks to receive your certificate and learn hard skills to propel your career forward.

One of the best certifications for Android developers is Google’s Associate Android Developer Certification. Once you take and pass the exam, you’ll have a solid addition to add to your resume.

Build the Right Technical Skills

To become a strong Android developer, you need a set of hard skills necessary to help you start coding and building applications. These include:

• Knowledge of Java or Kotlin (or both)
• HTML5 and CSS
• User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) knowledge
• Designing layouts using XML
• Android Software Development Kit (Android SDK)
• Android Studio
• Knowledge of APIs
• Backend programming skills using languages like Python or Node.js

As with your responsibilities, the technical skills will vary depending on the job requirements. If you want to work in a specific company, understand what they’re looking for before applying and add the skills you don’t have to your “to-learn” list.

Don’t Forget to Work on Your Soft Skills

Any job that involves collaboration with others requires soft skills that highlight your value as a person, not just a candidate, and increase the likelihood of a promotion. Below are a few examples:

• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with others
• Research and analysis
• Possessing the people skills needed to work with teams of creatives and clients
• Enthusiasm and passion for your work
• Solid problem-solving abilities
• Perseverance and a positive attitude

Although much of your time involves working on a PC or laptop, you’ll have to be a team player to collaborate with others to set yourself apart and work in tandem with the team.

Determine Whether You Want to be a Freelancer or an Employee

One of the benefits of seeking a career in Android development is that you don’t have to tie yourself to a particular work situation.

You can work as a freelancer using the many online platforms that allow clients to hire you. Moreover, you can charge by the hour or per project or work within a limited time frame. Although you enjoy more flexibility as a freelancer, you need to hustle and put yourself out there to land good gigs.

If you choose to work as an employee, you’ll enjoy the benefits and peace of mind of having a stable position. However, keep in mind that you may need to sign agreements that limit you from working on your own, so always read the terms of your contract thoroughly before starting.

Know the Salary Range for Android Developers Before Accepting an Offer

According to Salary.com, the average Android developer in the United States makes $99,262 per year. The typical salary range is between $84,538 to $112,633 annually.

PayScale.com also has a similar salary average estimate of $89,720 in the United States. The lowest earners make roughly $60,000 per year, while the highest-earning Android developers make $136,000 per year.

How to Find an Android Development Job

Now that you know how to become an Android developer, the next step is to find a job. This process differs based on whether you want to be a freelancer or an employee at a tech company or corporation.

Freelancing

If you want to take the freelancing route, you can use several online platforms that allow you to connect with potential clients. You can also use job boards to search for companies hiring on a per-project basis.

Consider advertising your services on multiple platforms to reach the highest number of people. Pay attention to your ratings and strive to go above and beyond for clients when you’re starting. This approach allows you to build a reputation and lets your profile gain traction.

Steady Employment

If you want stable employment, you must use an online job board to browse openings for Android developers. Some companies have an ongoing need to hire Android developers and will have open positions on their website’s “Careers” page.

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are great tools to find open positions and career opportunities.

Start Your Customized Android Developer Resume Template

Whether you want to be a freelancer or a full-time employee, you must have a solid resume to present to clients or hiring managers. A customized Android developer resume highlighting your certifications and skills gives you the highest chance of success.

Rocket Resume helps you land the perfect Android developer job with customizable and easy-to-use templates. Every resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems with ease, ensuring that yours doesn’t get jumbled in the system.

Our intuitive resume builder helps you start building your CV in minutes through a hassle-free process by answering a few questions.

Are you ready to craft a stellar android developer resume?

Get started with Rocket Resume today.