Hiring a software developer is not as simple as hiring any other tech talent. If you want to hire a software developer to be a pivotal member of your team, and for them to be the brains behind every project, responsible for coming up with innovative ideas and writing code that does its job efficiently and effectively. Then it is important that you tweak your hiring process into one that will fetch you the best and most technically fit software developers.
Finding and keeping good talent is becoming increasingly difficult. But this doesn’t have to be a roadblock for your business or team.
Depending on the type of business you have and the scale of your operation, you may need a few different developers to tackle various projects. However, hiring an expert isn’t always as expensive as it seems, especially if you know where to look and how to do it right. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about hiring a software developer.
- Be clear on your requirements
You need to know what exactly you need from a software developer that you want in your team or business. Start by taking a hard look at your current needs and your business goals. What kind of technology do you use? Do you need an additional front-end developer? Or a DevOps developer that can provide a fresh eye on your project. What kind of systems do you need to build? These are some of the foundational questions you need to ask before you start looking for the right fit for your team.
Once you have an idea, it’s easier to find the right person for the job. Next, you need to be clear on what you don’t need. A developer who can write any code will be way less effective than one who writes code that is specifically designed for your business. If you don’t have a clear idea of what you’re trying to build, it’s easier to settle for less expensive solutions.
- Use job boards and forums
There are a number of job boards and software developer forums you can use to find talented individuals. A key thing to remember is that there is no such thing as a “free” developer. You’re always going to pay some kind of fee for the services of an individual. The key is finding individuals who offer their services for less than their full price. You can use freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Stackoverflow, oDesk and even Twitter to find a skilled developer for your team if you’re searching for developers who can work on a short-term basis. You can also create a job board listing that is only available to a selected group of clients.
- Hire Through Referrals
A great way to find a skilled software developer is to hire through referrals. If a programmer you’ve worked with in the past knows someone who can do the job, you can always ask them for help. Ask your current programmer to introduce you to their previous clients and explain to them that you have new projects that need to be done. If they know someone who can help, they can vouch for your skills and professionalism.
- Hire based on previous workplaces
This might be an unpopular opinion but one of the best ways to find a skilled software developer is to hire from your previous workplaces. It will be easier for you to identify good developers from your previous workplaces.
- Lay Out a Well-Written Job Description
This might seem insignificant, but a well-written job description is a smart way to attract the right kind of software developers. A job description helps you get a better idea of what you’re getting into before you start hiring. You should include details such as the technology you use, the systems you have in place, and the kinds of challenges you’ve faced in the past. You can also list any special requirements and limitations you have, such as the size of the team you can manage.
When hiring, make sure you stick to the fundamentals of excellent communication. This includes clear and concise job descriptions, providing salary expectations, and following up on projects. If you don’t follow these rules, you’ll spend more time troubleshooting issues with your team, and end up hiring less expensive developers.
- Be ready to Pay Good Money for Quality Talent
While hiring a skilled software developer, it is important to understand that you are hiring a person and not a job. As such, you need to be ready to negotiate salary and benefits. It is also a better idea to negotiate salary and benefits at the initial stage because you need to evaluate the candidate’s fit with your company and culture. If the candidate is willing to negotiate salary and benefits, then it is a good sign. You also need to be willing to pay good money for quality talent. If your budget is too low, chances are that you might not be able to attract a skilled developer.
- Prepare a coding challenge
The coding challenge is a very effective method for determining the technical fit for your team. Preparing a coding challenge as part of your recruitment process provides a faster means to help you narrow down the right fit for your team. When software developers take the test, they can choose to move forward and focus on those who pass the test. Also, ensure that the test is created around the exact needs of your team or business.
- Hire for personality fit
Checking the personality fit of a software developer for your team is often left out. Finding a developer with a personality fit is just as important as finding the right skills. Although you can write code, you can’t control if all the other team members are comfortable working with your developer. It is good to ensure that they are a team player and excellent communicator amongst other things. If he or she is rude or abrasive, nobody will want to work with them.
In conclusion, finding a skilled developer doesn’t have to be a stressful process. You can use job boards and forums as a research tool, as well as hiring groups and freelancing platforms. You can also vouch for your skills and professionalism by hiring through referrals. Keep in mind that a developer with a personality fit is just as important as one with the right skills. Create a job description. Be clear on what you’re looking for, be clear on what you don’t want, and follow the fundamentals of excellent communication. With a little effort, you can find a skilled developer at a reasonable price.
