Hiring software developers

It’s a given that software developers are familiar with several programming languages; the key is knowing which ones they are strongest in. Depending on the company or project, they may be asked to quickly pick up new languages in order to build out an application. Therefore, it’s important that they are familiar with several, and are willing to learn more if needed.

A great way to assess a candidate’s organizational fit is to learn more about the methodologies that they’re familiar with. Whether it’s agile or waterfall, software developers must know how to provide clear rationale behind why they choose a specific approach, and how it’s most effective for development

Quality assurance (QA) contains many steps, including conducting manual testing and identifying and mitigating defects. This question gives the candidate the opportunity to talk through the key aspects of QA — and its positive impact on product quality.

Defects are a normal part of software development; for example, they might occur due to logic errors, conflicts in programming conditions, or when project requirements are unclear or have been miscommunicated. It’s important for developers to know how to quickly identify, address, and solve them as they occur. Here, your candidate can explain their approach.

A good software developer can provide a detailed, well-rounded summary of their last assignment — one that will demonstrate their knowledge and skill, while shedding some light on their approach to challenges. Great candidates will also reflect on areas of improvement, showing initiative and the willingness to learn and grow.

Software developers make honest mistakes. It may be they’re overwhelmed with tasks, so a deadline has gone by unnoticed. It’s crucial that they take steps to correct future issues, whether that might involve creating a checklist, asking fellow team members for help, better managing their time, or another solution.

While not required per se, software testing prior to a major launch is generally crucial to ensure quality and meet user expectations. Although a company may have QA (quality assurance) teams on hand to run formalized testing, software developers must still take part in the process, such as further iterating on products and apps until they are free of defects.

In order to cover all bases of a product during development, software developers will have to provide important updates or information to other departments or stakeholders. Because not everyone may be familiar with technical concepts, developers must know how to explain their thinking in a way that’s understandable, inclusive, and productive.

To stay organized in the face of multiple projects, it’s important for software developers to rely on available tools and resources. By using project management tools, they are actively demonstrating the ability to prioritize and keep deadlines — and when an app or website is urgently due for an important project or client, this skill is invaluable.