What Should Your Business Look for When Hiring Software Developers

Startups and scaleup companies are on a relentless mission to work smarter to keep up with such a fast-paced tech environment. Whether it’s streamlining processes or driving the next wave of innovation, having a highly skilled software development team is essential to staying competitive. After all, the expertise of talented developers is key to driving success and growth in your market.

But how do you ensure your business has the talent it needs? As the drive to attract quality industry professionals surges, we’ve put together an insightful guide on attracting and hiring skilled and expert software developers for your team. 

What Soft Skills Do Your Software Developers Candidates Need? 

To be successful in these roles, developers need a diverse set of specialist skills tailored to the specific software services they offer. Yet, regardless of the area they specialise in, there are soft skills every software developer and team should possess. Let’s break them down:

• Problem-Solving Skills -  Developers often encounter tricky challenges that call for innovative solutions.

• Collaboration - Working together as a cohesive unit is crucial for software teams. Sharing ideas and contributing collectively is key to achieving shared goals.

• Communication - Strong communication is essential for teamwork. Developers not only need to understand the needs of their clients but must also convey technical details to stakeholders in an accessible manner.

• Attention to Detail - Even minor mistakes can lead to significant issues. Developers must consistently demonstrate meticulousness in their work.

• Time Management -  With deadlines looming, effective time management becomes indispensable for development teams.

• Personal Development - The world of software is always shifting. Developers should commit to ongoing learning to stay ahead of trends.

• Adaptability - As mentioned, change is constant in software development; being flexible and ready to manage those shifts is crucial for success.

Expertise in Programming Languages is Vital! 

Some of the most sought-after programming languages serve as a pillar of software development, playing a crucial role in building websites, applications, games, and embedded software. Yet, merely knowing these languages isn't enough; gauging developers' proficiency in them is equally essential. Here’s a look at the various types of programming languages businesses utilise:

• Imperative Languages - These languages use direct statements to alter a programme’s state. Think C, Java, and Python. 
• Object-Oriented Languages - Focused on the creation and manipulation of objects, this category includes Python, Kotlin, and Ruby.  
• Functional Languages - With a focus on mathematical functions, these languages maintain a constant state. Scala and Erlang are prime examples.
• Scripting Languages - Typically employed for automating tasks, Node.js and PHP stand out as a widely used scripting language.

When it’s time to bring in software developers, evaluating their expertise in popular programming languages is crucial. But how do you assess these skills in the application process? Here are some ideas: 

• Technical Interviews - Dive into real-world coding challenges during interviews, offering insight into candidates' problem-solving skills and their knack for writing clean code in their chosen language.

• Code Reviews - Scrutinising previous projects or code samples can shed light on candidates' coding styles, expertise, and adherence to best practices.

• Coding Assessments - Use platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to design tailored coding tests that mirror the challenges developers confront daily.

• Pair Programming - Engaging candidates in pair programming exercises reveals their collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills in real-time scenarios.  

They Need Expertise in Software Development Methodologies

In software development, methodologies are essential to guiding teams toward creating outstanding products. If you’re on the hunt for skilled software developers, knowing the ins and outs of these methodologies is non-negotiable. Here’s what you need to look out for:

• Agile Methodology - This incremental approach breaks projects into chunks called ‘sprints’. It is suitable for projects where requirements might change. 

• Waterfall Methodology - Phases must be completed before proceeding to the next step. It’s ideal for software development projects with fixed requirements and predictable outcomes. 

• DevOps Methodology - Automates testing and delivery processes. A fusion of development and operations to enhance collaboration and efficiency. 

• Rapid Application Development (RAD) - Focuses on speed and quality and involves testing prototypes with customers. It also promotes quick feedback cycles. 

• Lean Development - Inspired by lean manufacturing processes, lean development seeks to optimise efficiency and minimise waste. 

To assess candidates' understanding of these methodologies, businesses can adopt several strategies:

• Practical Assessments - Implement take-home assignments or coding challenges that require candidates to apply their knowledge of these methodologies in realistic scenarios.

• Technical Interviews - Conduct interviews where candidates are asked to explain the methodologies in detail, providing examples from their past experience.

• Behavioural Interviews - Ask candidates to share specific situations where they used these methodologies, focusing on their thought processes and decisions made during software development.

• Case Studies - Present candidates with hypothetical project scenarios and ask them to outline how they would apply a relevant methodology to tackle the project.

• Certifications and Training - Review candidates’ qualifications or training that emphasise their knowledge of these methodologies, such as Agile Certified Practitioner or Lean Six Sigma certification.

What are the Potential Issues When Hiring a Software Developer?  

A software development team can add immeasurable value to an organisation. However, there may be some obstacles you may encounter when hiring developers:

Limited Talent Pool

As we’ve highlighted earlier, the software development field encompasses a variety of roles, each demanding specific skill sets. It can be quite a struggle for companies to find candidates who perfectly match their precise needs (and budgets a lot of the time).

This issue is particularly pronounced with emerging technologies like augmented reality, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These areas are still developing, and there’s a notable shortage of software developers who possess the relevant expertise.

The solution? Use an expert recruitment agency (like us!) that has access to skilled candidates who are both passive and actively looking. So rather than go through the stress of what often looks like finding a needle in a haystack, we can support you!

Lack of Uniform Benchmarks 

A capable software developer doesn’t necessarily need a specific type of education. Whether it’s a degree, diploma, or certificate, it’s common for software development teams to comprise individuals with varying educational backgrounds.

The most effective way to gauge a developer’s skills often comes down to a coding test. After all, qualifications alone don’t always accurately reflect a developer’s capabilities. Leading tech companies like Meta, Google, and Apple have recognised this issue, partly due to the disparity in software development education standards.

To tackle the inconsistency in educational benchmarks, tech companies could introduce standardised coding assessments to evaluate skills uniformly. These assessments should centre on practical abilities rather than mere formal qualifications, ensuring a true reflection of a developer’s proficiency.

Demand for Higher Pay Packages

The market is buzzing with demand for talented and experienced software developers. Big tech firms are well-positioned to offer enticing salaries and a range of appealing benefits. Just look at Hubspot’s unlimited holidays for its software engineers!

That said, smaller companies like startups and scale-ups, can still capture the attention of software developers. While they might not match the salary levels at larger organisations, they can compete in meaningful ways. For instance, showcasing flexibility in work hours and remote options can be incredibly appealing to developers seeking a healthier work-life balance.

Startups often exude a strong mission and purpose, attracting talent eager to engage in impactful work. Moreover, the culture within smaller companies tends to develop close-knit teams, forging a sense of belonging and allowing employees to feel seen and appreciated for their contributions.

Additionally, opportunities for personal and professional growth are often more attainable in smaller firms, where developers can explore various roles and responsibilities, fast-tracking their career trajectories. Many developers choose to join smaller companies, even if they offer lower salaries, believing they will receive more appreciation and value, enriching their overall work experience.

Final Word on Hiring Software Developers 

Hiring the right software developers is essential to growing your business and staying competitive in your markets. From assessing technical expertise to evaluating soft skills and understanding development methodologies, a thorough hiring process helps secure candidates who can truly add value to your team. While challenges such as a limited talent pool, inconsistent benchmarks, and competitive salary demands exist, businesses that take a strategic approach to hiring will be best positioned to attract quality talent.

By focusing on more than just qualifications, looking at real-world problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and adaptability, you can build a development team that drives innovation and business success. Whether through structured technical assessments, cultural alignment, or offering an attractive work environment, securing the right talent will ensure your organisation thrives. 

Need Support Hiring Your Next Software Developer? 

As we’ve talked about, there are plenty of challenges that come with hiring skilled software developers. That’s where we come in! We come with a vast network of candidates with the right blend of soft and technical skills you need for your business's long-term success. 

Don’t get left behind! Contact us here and discover how we can support your business.