9 Important Skills For Application Architects (With Tips)

Updated 30 September 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Application architecture involves the techniques and patterns in designing and building a software application. The architecture provides the architect with a roadmap and best practices to observe when developing an application, ensuring that the architect delivers a well-structured application. Understanding skills for application architects can help you determine the competencies that are essential for application architects when performing their responsibilities. In this article, we discuss the essential skills of application architects, highlight tips for improving them and explore how to highlight them during a job search process.

Important skills for application architects

Here are nine of the important skills for application architects:

1. Software development

Application architects require excellent knowledge of software development to discharge their responsibilities. They leverage their proficiency in software development to develop applications with exciting and engaging features and user interfaces. Application architects also require competency in system architecture, relevant development tools and specific applications and an in-depth comprehension of object-oriented design. Some relevant software skills include AJAX, C#/C++ and LAMP. Familiarity with designing, developing and deploying enterprise-level N-tier architecture in a Java enterprise edition platform or Microsoft .NET framework is also essential. You can develop these skills through a degree in computer science.

2. Expertise in test automation tools

Test automation tools enable application architects to automate their software testing responsibilities. This reduces human intervention, resulting in better speed, reliability and efficiency. Application architects can learn scripting languages like C#, Javascript, or VBScript, as they can assist with their automation needs. You can build expertise in these tools by consistently learning and employing new tools. Likewise, several online resources also offer excellent teaching.

3. Proficiency in programming languages

Programming languages are tools that enable professionals to interact with computers. They allow computers to efficiently and promptly process complex and significant amounts of information. For example, application architects commonly employ SQL to manipulate and instruct large datasets. Application architects also require Javascript knowledge to develop Java-based applications and can also employ Ruby for simulations, 3D modelling and tracking and managing information. Developing your programming skills may require attending different online and offline courses. Make sure you identify the languages relevant to your responsibilities and practise them consistently.

4. Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are useful for determining a problem's source and finding an effective solution. Application architects require problem-solving skills, as their responsibilities include detecting and resolving software design bugs, especially when improving a previous design. For example, they may require identifying why a particular feature is crashing or why a specific functionality is unresponsive. Constantly reading and improving your technical skills can help you develop problem-solving skills, as it enhances your expertise in the field. Asking questions is also helpful for developing this skill, as answers can offer you a unique and relevant perspective regarding a challenge.

5. Analytical skills

Analytical skills are essential because they are useful for constructing logical and step-by-step approaches to addressing challenges. It involves collecting and evaluating information to make rational decisions. Application architects require these skills to assess strategies and develop approaches to resolving complex issues. Application architects can leverage their analytical skills to create functional designs by logically evaluating different pieces of information. Through logic puzzles and games like chess or draughts, you can build analytical abilities. Mathematics is another way to develop analytical skills because of its intrinsic step-by-step problem-solving attributes.

6. Communication skills

Communication skills involve collecting and transferring information to other persons either in writing, orally or through body language. These skills are essential for application architects because they depend on them while performing some of their responsibilities. For example, application architects typically lead IT departments, and this requires the ability to give instructions and receive feedback properly.

Their leadership positions also give them training responsibilities requiring practical communication skills to transfer their knowledge effectively. Communication skills also help explain complex topics and concepts to staff members in other fields in understandable terms. You can develop your communication skills by practising rhetoric, speaking to yourself in a mirror or reading public speaking books.

7. Organisational skills

Organisational skills help you engage your resources efficiently, as it helps you stay focused on different simultaneous tasks. Application architects often use this skill set to assess various designs or applications and submit the resulting assessments before a deadline. This skill is also helpful in coordinating the IT department, as the lead architect attends to different responsibilities from various sub-groups in the department. Organisational skills are useful for efficiently planning tasks and knowing how much time to allocate to the tasks for efficiency. You can develop your organisational skills through effective delegation of responsibilities.

8. Leadership skills

Application architects typically work as leaders in teams with professionals of different experience and skill levels. It is important for them to have excellent leadership skills to coordinate their team members and ensure they function optimally. Good leadership entails the ability to train new developers and effectively delegate responsibilities. You can build leadership skills by taking on minor roles like heading a minor project or team meetings. You can also study various leadership styles to help you develop a personal style that suits your team.

9. Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Application architects typically work closely with their team members. Having strong interpersonal skills helps them collaborate with others. For example, you may work on a project that requires coding input from different developers. In such a situation, it is essential to know how to understand others, see issues from their perspective, and adjust your approach to ensure the team functions effectively. You can build interpersonal skills by actively finding opportunities to build relationships, displaying empathy and being flexible.

Tips for improving your application architect skills

Here are some tips that can help you improve your skills as an application architect:

Volunteering to assist on projects: You can improve your skills by assisting on various work projects. These projects can help you learn new skills in the industry, such as new programming languages.
Practise software development as a hobby: Coding in your spare time is an excellent way to improve your programming skills. You can create an application or build a website to help you improve your skills and get comfortable using various programming languages.
Take on additional call centre shifts: Working in the call centre allows you to help clients troubleshoot application errors in their programmes. Additional call centre shifts may help you develop your problem-solving and communication skills in the workplace.
Working towards certification: Although you may decide not to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, it is advisable to earn extra certification. Certification programmes help you develop your skills and give you the opportunity to practise these skills.
Requesting feedback: It is advisable to request feedback from your clients and colleagues because it allows you to evaluate your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses and learn from corrections. You can also use the information to create an improvement plan to develop your skills further.

Demonstrating application architect skills during job search

You can demonstrate your application architect skills in the following stages of the job search process:

Demonstrating your application architect skills on your CV

When applying for a position, it is helpful to highlight your skills on your resume to ensure the hiring manager sees your value. When including a skill on your resume, you can add a brief description of how you leveraged it in your previous employment. For example, you can include how you developed a tool that helped you gather relevant data from the internet. This makes your skills more compelling on your resume, improving your chances of securing the job. You can include a link to your portfolio to show the hiring manager various results of your coding skills.

Demonstrating your application architect skills on your cover letter

Your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression, show the hiring manager why you want the job and highlight your qualifications. You can use this opportunity to discuss previous experiences that helped you develop the necessary skills for the job. You can highlight and discuss other certifications and experiences that distinguish you from other candidates and makes you the best fit for the role.

Demonstrating your application architect skills during an interview

The employer wants you to learn more about your skills, knowledge, personality and suitability for the role in the interview stage. It also allows them to assess your interpersonal and communication skills. It is advisable to prepare for the interview by reviewing common interview questions for application architects. You can also list relevant skills you want to discuss during the interview and practise integrating them into your answers.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.