Hiring web developers

Depending on the candidate’s level of seniority, the number and the types of languages they should know will increase. At the same time, an ideal candidate does not have to be an expert in every language — especially if a given program is not relevant to the day-to-day work of the role. They can and probably will learn more on the job.

First and foremost, this question screens for technical experience. But it also helps you assess the candidate’s ability to communicate. Not only will web developers have to work with other team members (designers, sales personnel, account managers), but they may have to guide clients through processes as well. Being able to do this effectively is a sign of a qualified candidate.

From this question, you’ll be able to glean the candidate’s awareness of the industry, as well as their appreciation for the nuances of good websites and development. Top web developers are always thinking like a developer when they look at other sites, so they should have no problem pointing to one they consider top-notch.

At some point or another, web developers will run into walls. Whether it’s a piece of broken code or a bug in the system, obstacles are an inherent part of the job. This question will help you understand how the candidate solves problems. Do they work through until it’s fixed? Do they step away from the computer to gather their thoughts? Do they ask for help?

Even candidates who adore their jobs will love some aspects of the work more than others. This question can provide a glimpse into the kind of websites they like to create and how passionate they are about the field. It also allows you to assess the candidate’s development process and working style.

Not every website that a web developer creates will be universally loved. Your new hire will at times receive criticism from team members, clients, and even website users, and they must be comfortable with that. An ideal candidate not only faces these scenarios with patience and professionalism, but sees them as opportunities to improve.

Web development is one of the fastest-changing fields in technology. Many concepts from as little as five years ago have become obsolete, and many of today’s skills will become outdated in the next few years, so a commitment to continuous learning is a must-have skill for web developers. This question can help you test for that.

A candidate is likely to mention a skill that they themselves possess, so this question will give you insight into their aptitude and how they view themselves. But perhaps more importantly, it shows their values and whether they’re thoughtful and reflective in their approach to their chosen career.

This question helps you test for teamwork. Some web developers like working in groups. Others like to sit down and do their work alone. Both preferences are valid, but even if a developer is more independent, you’ll want to see what they’re like in a collaborative scenario, especially if that’s a common ask at your company.