There are over 26.4 million software developers in the world, and this number is only expected to increase as more and more people are looking into hiring programmers to develop their websites, apps, and other computer systems.
With that many people in the industry, though, the demand for good programmers is growing, too.
So how can you find the best programmer for hire? And what do you look for when hiring a programmer?
Whether you’re launching a business, looking for tech support, or searching for options for your software and computer system needs, here is everything you need to know about hiring (the right) programmer.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Rush the Process
With such high demand for programmers, it might seem that the best solution is to work quickly to pick the best programmers before they’re ‘gone.’ This isn’t an effective strategy because you might end up picking someone who doesn’t specialize in an area you actually need.
When you’re rushing to find a fit, it’s also easier for non-programmers to find their way into the hiring process. If you’re moving quickly through candidates, you might not know what questions to ask. For example, a skilled programmer should know how to convert C# html to pdf and shouldn’t have to ask for clarification.
If you’re going through a hiring process quickly, you might not take enough time to research, ask pointed questions, or get the right interviewer for the job (think translator, too, if your candidates have a language barrier!).
As a result, you might end up with a person who isn’t specialized enough or in the right areas for your business.
2. Determine Whether They Really Have the Necessary Skills
When it comes to hiring a programmer, knowing what you need is the first and most essential step. If you know what you need (down to the specifics), you know what questions to ask and what to look for in resumes and interviews.
- Understand your CRM systems and their differences. Your company will have a specific CRM (customer relationship management) system. Someone that is an expert in one CRM software might not have the skills for another, so be sure to determine whether your candidate(s) can work with what you have.
- Look into SQL and what’s important to your company regarding it. SQL (Structured Query Language) is communication to the database. If your programmer will be building databases from scratch, does he/she need experience with more recent versions? Can he/she work alongside other database administrators in your company? These are questions to ask.
3. Assess His/Her Level of Coding
One of the most fundamentally important aspects of being a programmer is a his or her ability to code. You need to confirm that the skills listed on the resume match the person’s actual skills.
Whether you determine this through pointed questions, samples of code he/she has written, or a test/performance evaluation, be sure that the candidate you choose has the technical knowledge and expertise you’re looking for.
4. Determine His/Her Thinking and Attention to Detail
The right programmer will have a combination of higher-level thinking skills and attention to detail. Programming is based largely on logic, so a programmer’s thinking skills are important.
The attention to detail translates directly to a programmer’s performance and is something to look out for as well.
5. Find Out What Type of Communicator He/She Is
Being a programmer is about more than just their coding and technical skills. Be sure to look for candidates that are effective communicators, answer questions honestly and intelligently, and appear to be able to work well with others.
6. See Whether He/She Fits Your Office Environment
A big and often overlooked aspect in the hiring process is determining whether a candidate will be a good fit for your office culture. Beyond teamwork, your office may have a certain work style.
It’s important that the programmer you hire fits in terms of alignment and values.
7. Make Sure Your Potential Candidate Has Strong Soft Skills
Soft skills are skills that don’t directly translate to job performance, but they are necessary for working with others, keeping office culture, and helping processes to run smoothly.
Some soft skills to look out for are things like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. In an environment that’s often changing, a programmer’s ability to work to deadlines, specifics, and with others, is vital.
8. Ensure Your Job Posting Is Strong
Beyond assessing your potential programmer’s skills and expertise, make sure that you’re offering a position that is strong, too. You won’t be able to get strong candidates in this competitive industry if you’re not offering a strong salary or smart hiring process.
Not offering enough compensation or taking too long to get back to candidates can really lower your chances of finding the perfect fit.
Hiring a Programmer Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
When it comes to hiring a programmer, and in particular, hiring the right programmer, the process doesn’t have to be as complicated as it sounds.
Everything starts with asking the right questions and determining who, in a sea of candidates, matches the work requirements, skills, and goals of your team/company.
Whether you’re looking to hire a programmer for your business, are browsing your options, or are simply looking to learn more about the latest news in trades, feel free to look through our website and contact us for more information.
Leave a Reply