Android and iOS Mobile Developer Skills for Resumes

Mobile Developer Skills for Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews

Apps on mobile phone and tablet
Umberto Pantalone / iStock

Android and iOS mobile developers build, test, and deploy mobile apps. Given the popularity of smartphones and tablets, mobile developers are in high demand. These are among the highest paying tech jobs.

Due to the ever-changing mobile ecosystem, many app developers are self-taught. It's also common for developers to have taken courses in computer science, and some even have masters’ degrees or PhDs in the field. 

Technological skills are a must for Android and iOS mobile developers, but also, they need a mix of other hard skills and soft skills. The ability to communicate is important, as is having excellent analytical skills.

Below you'll find the most important mobile developer skills to include on your resume, cover letter, and job applications, as well as mentioning in interviewers. 

How to Use Skills Lists

You can use these skills lists throughout your job search process, from preparing application materials through to your interview. 

Firstly, you can use these skill words in your resume as keywords in the description of your work history. Review a sample Android developer resume for inspiration.  

Secondly, you can use these skills in the body of your cover letter, giving a specific example of a time when you demonstrated those skills at work.

Finally, you can use these skill words in an interview. Make sure you have at least one example of a time you demonstrated each of the top five skills listed here.

Of course, each role requires different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer. Also, review our other lists of skills listed by job and type of skill.

Top Five Android and iOS Mobile Developer Skills

Here are five skills you should have as a mobile developer:

  • Analytical Skills. Mobile developers have to understand user needs in order to create applications they want to use. The ability to analyze the way people use their mobile devices is critical for a successful mobile developer.
  • Communication. Mobile developers need to be able to communicate both orally and in writing. If hired to create a mobile app, they need to be able to ask the right question of the client to gain an understanding of what the client wants and needs. Developers also need to know how to give instructions to team members or employees, as well as explain an application to non-technical team members or clients. This requires the ability to explain technical concepts in clear, easy-to-understand language.
  • Creativity. As a mobile developer, you have to write clean code to create applications that are user-friendly. Developers think creatively about how users incorporate their mobile devices into their lives, and then build applications that help them complete various tasks. This job involves not only tech skills, but also an open mind.
  • Problem Solving. As a mobile developer, a big part of your job will be to troubleshoot issues with applications on Android or iOS platforms. You will have to be able to recognize various technical problems and understand how to resolve them.
  • Programming Languages. Knowledge of programming languages is necessary for a mobile developer. Apple iOS developers generally use Objective-C, and Android developers typically use Java. However, it is useful to know multiple programming languages. This will make you stand out from the other job applicants.

List of Android and iOS Mobile Developer Skills

Here's a list of Android and iOS mobile developer skills for resumes, cover letters, job applications, and interviews.

A - G

  • Actively seek new programming knowledge
  • Agile methodologies
  • Analytical skills
  • Android platforms
  • Android programming language and requirements
  • Android Software Development Kit (SDK)
  • App store functionality
  • Attention to detail
  • C/C++
  • C#
  • Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
  • Cocoa Touch frameworks
  • Command-line utilities 
  • Communication
  • Computer science
  • Core data
  • Create Android applications based on UI/UX requirements and mockups
  • Create iOS applications based on UI/UX requirements and mockups
  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking
  • Cross-platform development
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Detail oriented
  • Develop custom android applications from start to finish
  • Develop custom iOS applications from start to finish
  • Document building process for maintenance and upgrades
  • Estimate scope of project and cost
  • Git
  • Github
  • Google Play store
  • Grand Central Dispatch (GCD)
  • Graphical user interface design (UI)

H - S

  • HTML5
  • Independent worker
  • iOS platforms
  • iOS programming language and requirements
  • iOS Software Development Kit (SDK)
  • iTunes Connect
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • Networking
  • Node.js development
  • Objective-C
  • Oral communication
  • PHP
  • Presentation skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Programming languages
  • Python
  • Responsible web design
  • RESTful APIs 
  • Spatial reasoning
  • Strong understanding of mobile design paradigm
  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Swift

T - Z

  • Teamwork
  • Test and debug code
  • Thorough understanding of development lifecycle
  • Time management
  • Troubleshooting
  • UI / UX
  • Up-to-date on new technologies
  • User experience design (UX)
  • User interface design (UI)
  • Website design
  • Website development
  • Work well under pressure
  • Write and maintain applications
  • Written communication
  • Xcode development environment