Hiring a talented software developer requires companies to take a discerning approach. Of course, their technology abilities and experience definitely matter, with soft skills, like communication, also important. Finding someone who thrives in a modern environment based on teamwork and collaboration is also critical. Gone are the days of the lone wolf programmer.
Your final hiring decision plays a vital role in the success of your current and future projects. Ultimately, a choice between equally qualified candidates remains something your company needs to get right! So let’s look more closely at the qualities separating the great developers from the merely average.
Experienced programmers with great attitudes take some effort to find within any candidate pool. These professionals have no problem working extra hard during crunch time to ensure a project’s successful completion. They regularly mentor their coworkers and display leadership potential without stepping on anyone’s toes.
The interview provides meaningful insights into a candidate’s personality and positive attitude. Also be sure to check their references for additional opinions on how they interact with coworkers and clients.
In a tech world where collaboration is paramount, you need developers with strong communication skills. The ability to explain complex topics in a simplified manner helps their interactions with clients and users. Written skills also facilitate the crafting of specifications, user manuals, and other project documentation. Pay attention to their speaking abilities during an interview, while vetting writing chops in their résumé and cover letter.
In any programming career, the learning only stops on a developer’s day of retirement. Your company needs software engineers able to quickly learn new technologies, including APIs, IDEs, or even programming languages. Look for someone with a strong interest in software development, even outside of work.Experience contributing to open source projects provides one example of this level of dedication.
Try to find programmers with broad experience spanning multiple platforms, including everything from mainframes to smartphones. These programmers typically boast the flexibility your organization needs to build project teams for various initiatives. A deep understanding of software development methodologies and best practices is also desirable. Use the interview to probe into each candidate’s broader experiences.
When your organization needs an influx of developer talent, reach out to the team at Developers.Net. As one of the top technical staffing agencies in the country, we provide the exceptional candidates your company wants. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience.