What to Look for in a Stellar Software Developer

It’s amazing how rapidly technology is evolving, and with this rapid expansion and change in technology, one thing you can absolutely count on is more and more startup ideas coming forth. On top of that, businesses- both big and small- are always working towards making some major changes so they can outdo the competition. Now, there are always a lot of questions for businesses about whether they should outsource tech-based work or allow it in-house. 

Another major question is specifically about software developers. Nowadays, at least for software developers, both large and small businesses are seeing the benefits of software developers being in-house. But with that said, how can you be sure you’re hiring a good one? Well, here’s exactly what you need to look for when it comes to hiring a software developer!

Technical Proficiency 

Alright, so this is the most obvious, but it honestly never hurts to add this since this is the foundation. They, hands-down, need to have a robust technical skill set. You’ll need to look for individuals with a strong background in programming languages relevant to your project, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, or others. 

A versatile developer should also have experience with relevant frameworks, databases, and tools. Since technology is constantly changing, they need to be able to keep up and quickly understand all of these new changes, and that even goes for the new programming languages that keep coming up, too. 

Problem-Solving Prowess

Software development is inherently about problem-solving. So, a top-notch developer is going to possess the ability to analyze any complex issues that are thrown their way, break them down into manageable components, and devise effective solutions. Ideally, during interviews, present real-world problems and assess their approach to problem-solving and critical thinking. 

How Helpful Will They Be?

Since you’re hiring a software developer, you probably won’t feel so much pressure to know software jargon; it’s up to them. But that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be helpful with this, though. They should be open to giving you information about a document Sdk guide; they should keep you up to date with changes in their industry, relay vocabulary, and so on. This shouldn’t be seen as just their domain where they don’t educate those they work with. 

Learning Agility

As it’s been already stated, technology tends to evolve at a fairly rapid pace, and a great software developer must be adaptable and eager to learn. So, why not inquire about their experience with new technologies, their ability to quickly grasp unfamiliar concepts, and their commitment to staying updated on industry trends? You need to know that going slow can damage your business, so everyone needs to be in the same boat. You just can’t simply take your time with this. 

Strong Communication

No matter what department, every single person needs to have strong communication skills and touch base with their team and external teams outside their department. In general, effective communication is paramount in a collaborative development environment. Honestly, there’s a lot of communication from the developer’s end, a whole bunch. 

So, a great developer can articulate complex technical concepts in a way that is easily understandable to non-technical stakeholders. Ideally, you’ll need to look for candidates who can explain their ideas clearly and work well in a team setting.

Attention to Detail

With coding languages, no tiny mistake has the power to corrupt everything; it’s amazing how precise it has to be. Since software development requires so much precision, there can’t be any room for errors in the slightest. So, a developer with a keen attention to detail is more likely to produce clean, efficient code that minimizes errors and bugs. So, you’ll need to discuss their approach to code reviews, testing procedures, and how they ensure the quality of their work. You absolutely need to get a feel before just hiring anybody.

Are They Passionate About Coding?

A genuine passion for coding often sets exceptional developers apart. When it comes to any role, really, it’s always going to be better to hire someone who’s passionate about the type of work they do. Don’t be afraid to ask about personal projects, open-source contributions, or any side projects they are working on. Think of it this way: a developer who is actually passionate about their craft is more likely to go the extra mile and continually strive for improvement.

Team Player

This goes hand in hand with being helpful and good communication, but you absolutely need them to be a team player. While sure, it’s absolutely true that software development is usually a solo endeavor -this doesn’t mean they should connect with their fellow coworkers. So, you’ll need to look for candidates who can work seamlessly within a team, share knowledge, and contribute positively to the collaborative process. In general, team players enhance the overall productivity and creativity of the development environment.

Effective Collaboration with Designers

Again, this is strongly connected to being a team player, but usually, when it comes to software developers, they’re either going to work closely with a whole other department, or it’s going to be one other individual who specializes in either design or UX, though usually design. A great developer understands the importance of aligning code with design elements. So, what’s their approach to incorporating design specifications and their appreciation for the synergy between coding and design? Synergy needs to be there!

Resilience in the Face of Failure

Everyone makes mistakes; even some of the best professionals out there still make mistakes when it comes to their job. But it’s about how they handle it. In general, software development is rife with challenges and setbacks. There are going to be constant mistakes; it’s just how things are. So, a resilient developer remains composed in the face of failure, learns from mistakes, and iterates on solutions.

Whenever you’re going to interviews, just try to discuss past projects where things didn’t go as planned and evaluate their approach to overcoming obstacles. When it comes to any professional, you just can’t have one that gets upset or shuts down if mistakes happen; it’s about finding a way to fix it ASAP.