Toptal is a marketplace for top software developers and programmers. Top companies and startups can hire Toptal dedicated (full-time), hourly, or part-time software freelancers for their mission-critical software projects.
Gustavo is a software developer with around 15 years of experience, working mainly on the back end and occasionally on the front end. As a self-learner, he always thrives on using the latest technologies, frameworks, and software architectures. He has significant experience with Microsoft technologies, namely .NET, C#, SQL, and Angular. He has expertise with Azure DevOps. Gustavo enjoys working on multicultural teams from diverse locations and time zones, collaborating remotely and on-site.
Mike is a senior developer with three decades of experience building software for embedded systems and cloud platforms, including more than 15 years at Intel. He has substantial experience with Linux, C, C++, Python, and Java and has worked with media technologies, networking, eCommerce, and payments. Mike is an experienced technical lead.
Barbara is a full-stack developer specializing in front-end development with expertise in React frameworks. Her passion is bringing user experiences to life. She was a software architect (C/C++) for point-of-sale terminals. Barbara designed and developed Verifone's Vx Contactless Card Payment app, which performs contactless card-based transactions used worldwide. This background provides her with a strong foundation in software engineering, development tools, and teamwork.
Bogdan is a software developer with more than 14 years of experience working for large European corporations. He has full-stack development skills with a focus on ASP.NET and Xamarin/.NET MAUI. He holds a PhD in computer science and teaches software development as an associate professor at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. Bogdan founded Facem Soft in 2018 to have a more flexible working environment as a trainer and as a freelancer.
Benny is a performance-driven and motivated full-stack developer with 15+ years of extensive experience in all phases of software development. Benny is an expert in developing, supporting, and maintaining an organization's applications through requirement collection, analysis, design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and support.
Charos is a technically-astute professional with expertise in software development and the OutSystems platform. She has developed complex enterprise-level apps and high-quality software solutions using OutSystems, while successfully leading development teams and managing projects. Charos's technical acumen in building complex web and mobile apps and integrating them with various enterprise systems has been instrumental in driving the success of numerous projects.
Tao is a senior full-stack developer and architect who worked on over 14 million lines of code on large-scale, real-time acquisition software projects. He primarily focused on the back end for more than 11 years. Tao's expertise is mainly in C++, C#, Java, Python web development, performance optimization, and troubleshooting in Azure and AWS.
Shailendra has over 15 years of experience in software development, including scoping, design, development, testing, and documentation. He's proficient in big data technologies like HDFS, Spark, and Scala, in Cloud technologies, such as AWS and GCP, and back-end technologies, namely Java and Spring Boot. He has great communication and analytical skills with a proven ability to deliver and has worked with many multinational organizations like TD, RBC, Rogers, AT&T, U.S. Cellular, and Vodafone.
Nabil is a full-stack developer with 12 years of experience building robust apps for clients from different business domains. His area of expertise includes Agile software development and working with the Java programming language, and he has a solid background in developing eCommerce websites using the SAP Hybris platform. Consistently delivering high-quality working and maintainable solutions, Nabil is eager to take on new challenges.
Andrei has been involved in software development for more than 20 years. He started as a web developer and graduated as the chief architect in a large enterprise. Andrei has built a primary line of business applications throughout his career, where his master's degree in business information technology has been beneficial.
Matt is a passionate, talented software developer with 10 years of experience developing complex applications in the fields of cyber security, energy, automated tools, cloud applications, and back-end support systems. He is an expert in Windows applications, but is also proficient in creating cross-platform and web applications. Matt is an avid learner, a great communicator, and an excellent addition to teams of all sizes.
Software developers are needed across so many industries that the supply can’t keep up with the demand. But with such a broad field, how do you effectively find and retain talent? This guide offers a high-level overview of what you need to know when hiring software developers, including how to assess the skills, technologies, and level of expertise needed, as well as how to narrow down your search to find the most ideal candidates.
... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.
Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.
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Creating an app for the game
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Testimonials
Tripcents wouldn't exist without Toptal. Toptal Projects enabled us to rapidly develop our foundation with a product manager, lead developer, and senior designer. In just over 60 days we went from concept to Alpha. The speed, knowledge, expertise, and flexibility is second to none. The Toptal team were as part of tripcents as any in-house team member of tripcents. They contributed and took ownership of the development just like everyone else. We will continue to use Toptal. As a startup, they are our secret weapon.
Brantley Pace
CEO & Co-Founder
I am more than pleased with our experience with Toptal. The professional I got to work with was on the phone with me within a couple of hours. I knew after discussing my project with him that he was the candidate I wanted. I hired him immediately and he wasted no time in getting to my project, even going the extra mile by adding some great design elements that enhanced our overall look.
Paul Fenley
Director
The developers I was paired with were incredible -- smart, driven, and responsive. It used to be hard to find quality engineers and consultants. Now it isn't.
Ryan Rockefeller
CEO
Toptal understood our project needs immediately. We were matched with an exceptional freelancer from Argentina who, from Day 1, immersed himself in our industry, blended seamlessly with our team, understood our vision, and produced top-notch results. Toptal makes connecting with superior developers and programmers very easy.
Jason Kulik
Co-Founder
As a small company with limited resources we can't afford to make expensive mistakes. Toptal provided us with an experienced programmer who was able to hit the ground running and begin contributing immediately. It has been a great experience and one we'd repeat again in a heartbeat.
Stuart Pocknee
Principal
How to Hire Software Developers Through Toptal
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Talk to One of Our Industry Experts
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2
Work With Hand-Selected Talent
Within days, we'll introduce you to the right software developer for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3
The Right Fit, Guaranteed
Work with your new software developer for a trial period (pay only if satisfied), ensuring they're the right fit before starting the engagement.
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To hire the right software developer, it’s important to evaluate a candidate’s experience, technical skills, and communication skills. You’ll also want to consider the fit with your particular industry, company, and project. Toptal’s rigorous screening process ensures that every member of our network has excellent experience and skills, and our team will match you with the perfect software developers for your project.
How much does it cost to hire a software developer?
The cost associated with hiring a software developer depends on various factors, including company location, complexity and size of the project you’re hiring for, seniority, and more. In the US, for example, Glassdoor’s reported average total pay for software developers is $113,000 as of May, 2024.
With Toptal, you can speak with an expert talent matcher who will help you understand the cost of talent with the right skills and seniority level for your needs. Click here to schedule a call. It’s free and there’s no obligation to hire with us.
What exactly does a software developer do?
Software developers design, build, and maintain computer programs to meet business objectives and user needs. Above all else, software developers are master problem-solvers. They collaborate with other developers and stakeholders to define project requirements, troubleshoot issues, and iterate on software to enhance its functionality. Software developers harness various programming languages, frameworks, and third-party platforms and services to streamline and future-proof their solutions. Some developers may be expected to maintain and improve a single enterprise system, while others (such as agency developers) will routinely jump from one project to the next.
What qualities should I look for in a software developer?
When hiring a software developer, look for a solid track record of proficiency in the relevant programming languages and frameworks that your organization uses. Because software problems are often complex and open-ended, it’s crucial for a developer to be able to manage the stress and frustration that arises when struggling to find a solution; the best developers will thrive under these circumstances. Beyond technical skills, a strong candidate must have the soft skills of effective communication and collaboration. Last but not least, look for developers who are committed to continuous learning and staying up to date with industry trends.
How are Toptal software developers different?
At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our software developers to ensure we only match you with the highest caliber of talent. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut.
In addition to screening for industry-leading expertise, we also assess candidates’ language and interpersonal skills to ensure that you have a smooth working relationship.
When you hire a software developer with Toptal, you’ll always work with world-class, custom-matched software developers ready to help you achieve your goals.
Muhammad is a back-end developer specializing in C, C++, and Go. As a senior software engineer at ST Engineering and Afiniti, he built high-impact microservices serving millions of users. He currently leads R&D at Arçelik, where he works on embedded systems and IoT. Muhammad has won an NUCES ACM Programmer of the Year award.
Software Developer Demand Continues to Outpace Supply
The need for talented software developers shows no signs of slowing down: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this sector will grow by 25% between 2022 and 2032, exceeding the 3% average for all occupations by a wide margin. Developers are needed across nearly all industries and sectors of the economy—if it’s become cliché to state that all companies are technology companies now, then it’s a testament to how thoroughly software has reshaped the ways in which we do business and communicate.
Despite their outsize influence, software developers represent only about 1% of the US workforce. And when you consider how many different niches and specialties exist within this realm, it becomes clear that the talent pool of experienced software developers for any given project is actually quite small. So, how do you find qualified software developers for hire who meet the specific needs of your project or organization in a narrow pool of talent?
This guide describes sought-after traits and skills common to nearly all software developers and explains how to determine the best fit for your position. You’ll walk away with a strong understanding of what differentiates more- and less-experienced candidates across a variety of software developer specialties and how to assess both high- and low-level knowledge that those candidates may possess. We also cover where to begin with the hiring process as well as how to craft an effective job description and interview questions.
What attributes distinguish quality Software Developers from others?
Software development is a very broad field with many specialties that may have little or no overlap: One developer could spend a lifetime mastering a technology that is completely foreign to their peers. Nonetheless, there are many core competencies common to all software developers that they endeavor to refine across their entire careers.
Knowledge of Programming Concepts
Programming languages are almost as diverse as spoken languages, but the choice of which to use is more practical: Many programming languages are optimized for specific use cases, like web development (e.g., JavaScript and Ruby), data analysis (e.g., R and Stata), database management (e.g., SQL), or embedded systems (e.g., C and C++). Though they may differ dramatically in terms of syntax, the underlying patterns typically remain the same. This means that a developer who has mastered one programming language will find it that much simpler to learn a second—especially when applied to a domain they’re already familiar with. In fact, an experienced senior developer can potentially get up to speed on a new language in just one weekend.
Data structures and algorithms are often used to assess a developer’s knowledge of fundamental programming concepts. These topics are indispensable in certain specialties such as database management, AI and machine learning, and embedded systems, but they may not be applicable or relevant to all positions. For example, a front-end web developer who builds user interfaces has little need for optimization algorithms or dynamic programming strategies. When devising a hiring plan, it’s crucial to tailor your technical assessments to match the kind of work that the developer would be performing from day to day.
Problem-solving Skills
While programming languages vary widely, the skills required to harness them are largely the same. Writing and debugging code is often an exercise in managing frustrations: It’s inevitable that a developer will encounter unexpected problems that will derail their primary task, so it’s critical they know how to deal with the stress of changing course and adjusting projected timelines when the solution is uncertain. From this perspective, seniority is less about what a developer knows and more about how they will figure out what they don’t know. The best software developers thrive when presented with open-ended challenges that require them to acquire new skills or knowledge.
Leadership and Project Management Skills
Development is about much more than writing code—software development projects are complex and feature many moving parts that all need to be accounted for. As a developer grows in their career, the workload often becomes more about managing project requirements, communicating with stakeholders, and delegating tasks to other team members. The more senior the developer, the larger the scope they’ll be able to manage.
Software developers are generally presented with two tracks in their careers, which they may alternate between from job to job: individual contributor (IC) and manager. Both can be leaders in an organization, but an IC is primarily concerned with technical execution, while a manager handles project planning and coordination as well as acting as a liaison between engineers and nontechnical stakeholders. ICs can grow into subject matter experts (specialists) over time, while managers need to be familiar with lots of different pieces of the whole (generalists). Keep in mind that an engineering manager is no ordinary manager: They must possess technical know-how and a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle in order to function as both project managers and people managers.
Communication Skills
Software developers—especially those in leadership positions—should possess the soft skills necessary to be effective communicators and collaborators. The best developers can explain the most esoteric concepts to their colleagues in a way that makes them simple to understand. They know how to tailor their communications to be understood by both technical and nontechnical stakeholders, as well as how to center the needs of the team and the business when making decisions about how to implement any given technology.
It’s often said that software is only as good as its documentation, which means that a developer needs to be able to effectively document how to use what they create. It’s one thing to understand how code works; it’s another thing entirely to be able to explain how it works.
Complementary Technical Skills
Because software development is such a broad field, there are many different specializations that a developer may pursue in their career. The list below describes some of the most popular technologies, but it is by no means comprehensive, nor should you expect any given candidate to have experience with them all. When in doubt, consult with development team leaders to determine what’s needed and what’s merely nice to have.
JavaScript – JavaScript is the most popular programming language for full-stack web development. That said, it’s not common for web apps to be written in “vanilla” JavaScript anymore: Most teams prefer to use libraries and frameworks like React, Next.js, or Express.js to speed up the development process by minimizing the amount of boilerplate code that developers need to write and maintain. These frameworks all have their own nuances, but it’s not especially difficult for a proficient developer to jump from one adjacent framework to another: For example, an Angular developer can quickly learn React, and a Gatsby developer shouldn’t have much trouble transitioning to Next.js.
Java – As a staple of computer science curricula, Java is the most widely taught programming language in the world. Java is an object-oriented programming language that lends itself to modular software architecture, which is commonly favored by larger enterprise organizations. You can find Java across the full stack, both on the web and in desktop software.
R – R is a programming language that’s specifically tailored for statistical analysis and data visualization. It is commonly employed by data scientists and academics who need to perform complex computations like linear regressions and standard deviations. Data analysts coming from a mathematics or statistics background (rather than computer science) are likely to be more comfortable working in R than potential alternatives such as Python.
Python – Python could be considered one of the more open-ended programming languages, which is to say that it’s applicable to a wide range of use cases. It’s great for full-stack web development (like JavaScript), but it’s also useful for writing non-web applications (like Java) and performing data analysis (like R). Unlike some other languages, its syntax is optimized for maximum readability, meaning that developers who don’t know Python can often understand it nonetheless. These characteristics make it a favorite among data-focused tech startups employing full-stack developers because they can use a single language across the entire stack.
SQL – Structured query language (SQL) is the most common programming language used for database creation and manipulation. Similar to R, it’s optimized for a very specific use case: managing relational databases. Because SQL is a somewhat “incomplete” programming language on its own, most developers who are proficient with it are also skilled in one of the more open-ended languages like JavaScript, Java, or Python. That said, a SQL specialist can be a valuable asset for an enterprise organization operating at scale; there are situations in which performance optimizations measured in milliseconds can lead to millions of dollars in savings.
Databases – Databases are the repositories where data is stored. Broadly speaking, databases fall into two categories: SQL-based (relational) and NoSQL (nonrelational). Both approaches have their trade-offs, and an experienced developer will be able to determine which is more applicable to any given use case. In general, enterprise systems are more likely to use relational databases for their battle-tested stability, while more modern tech startups may opt for NoSQL to optimize for speed of development.
APIs – Application program interfaces (APIs) are the means by which applications communicate with one another. Regardless of their specialty, most software developers will regularly interact with APIs to retrieve data and integrate services from various sources. More-senior developers may have some experience with designing and building APIs, but this kind of experience isn’t necessary to be able to make productive use of API data.
Version control – Version control describes the practice of tracking changes made to software code. This is a critical component of the modern software development lifecycle, enabling developers to keep track of what changes have been made and by whom; to trace what consequences may have resulted from those changes; and to revert the codebase to an earlier version if serious problems arise. GitHub and GitLab (both based on Git) are among the most popular version control platforms, but some larger organizations prefer to maintain their own systems: For example, AWS has their own Git-based platform called CodeCommit.
How can you identify the ideal Software Developer for you?
When choosing from a pool of talent, how do you determine which candidates best suit your needs? It all begins with clearly defining the needs of the project, team, and organization. Do you need local talent for in-person work, or are you open to hiring remote developers? Is this a one-off project (in which case you might be able to hire a freelance software developer) or an ongoing commitment? Is it possible for a single skilled developer to complete the project at hand within the expected timeframe, or will it require a team of developers? Answer these questions clearly before beginning your search to ensure that the most relevant candidates will be able to self-select for application.
Do hiring managers need to prioritize candidates with knowledge of the specific tech stack currently used by their organization?
Yes—to find a software developer suited for your tech stack, consider the programming languages, frameworks, platforms, and other tools they’ll be expected to work with. It’s usually wise to seek out candidates who have knowledge of the specific tech stack that your team or organization already uses, but depending on the needs of the role, this is not necessarily a hard requirement. For example, it’s relatively simple for a skilled JavaScript developer to quickly learn a new front-end JS framework (e.g., moving from Angular to React), but it could take months for them to become proficient with a back-end framework that uses a different programming language (e.g., learning Django or Flask, which use Python).
What do open-source contributions say about a developer’s skills?
A solid track record of open-source software (OSS) contributions gives any developer a competitive edge. Developers who contribute to OSS demonstrate a commitment to programming that extends well beyond their nine-to-five roles. OSS developers are highly self-motivated to do good work and advance their skills, and this work is often imbued with a sense of pride in being a part of a developer community working toward a common goal. This is a strong signal that the developer is a great collaborator and communicator, and that they will proactively seek out ways to improve any codebase they work on—regardless of skill level.
Determining the Necessary Level of Expertise
To determine what level of developer you need to hire, think about the scope of the role or project at hand: Will this developer be delegated straightforward tasks to complete, or will they need to be able to design and implement end-to-end software solutions? Will they be an IC, or will they have direct reports to manage? What kinds of onboarding processes do you have in place to ensure that they’ll be able to properly integrate with your existing team? Once you’ve pinned down these requirements, you’ll have a better sense of the level of experience necessary for the role.
Junior software developers are in the process of becoming proficient with a programming language and general programming concepts. They should be able to complete well-defined tasks when provided with adequate guidance but may be prone to getting stuck when encountering unfamiliar situations. Regardless of the specific tech, they can generally be tasked with running tests, troubleshooting, solving minor bugs, and participating in the creation of documentation. However, junior developers will lack the practical experience necessary to make big decisions about software architecture and design. Employers who want to invest in junior talent over the long term should provide them with plenty of opportunities to take on bigger responsibilities and push their skills to the next level.
Mid-level software developers typically have about three to five years of experience, during which time they’ll have mastered their first programming language and potentially begun picking up another. They should be familiar with the libraries and frameworks available in their niche (such as Laravel for PHP developers or Spring Boot for Java developers) and some of the major trade-offs associated with them. A mid-level developer can operate more independently than a junior and take on projects that don’t necessarily have a clear solution. They may be trusted to make some decisions about software design but may not have enough years of experience under their belt to have witnessed the long-term repercussions of poor decisions at scale.
Senior software developers generally have five or more years of experience and should be highly skilled at their craft. They will be masters of multiple programming languages and have strong opinions about the relevant platforms, services, and tools at their disposal as a result of their direct experiences using them in production. They should be able to work independently and lead projects of significant complexity, delegating tasks to more-junior colleagues as well as coaching them to help advance their skills along the way. Once a developer has roughly seven to 10 years of experience and has grown their leadership and mentorship skills alongside their technical skills, they may become qualified for levels above senior such as staff, principal, vice president, and even CTO. The qualifications for such roles vary widely across organizations, but common characteristics include domain-specific technical expertise, strong leadership and project management skills, and a big-picture vision that aligns with the organization’s North Star metrics.
Common Use Cases for Software Developers
The following represents a broad overview of the kinds of services that various types of software developers might perform:
Web developers write software that runs on the Internet. Specializations in this realm include front-end and back-end development, though more-experienced developers will usually be comfortable operating across the full stack. Front-end developers construct user interfaces, while back-end developers focus on business logic.
Mobile developers create apps specifically for mobile devices. There’s a fair amount of overlap between web- and mobile-development skills, but mobile developers face unique challenges with regard to compatibility across the major platforms (iOS and Android).
Cloud developers maintain web infrastructure that runs on the cloud. They understand how to use cloud-based infrastructure to save on maintenance time and compute costs. Most will specialize in a particular platform such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) because each is so vast and offers so many different tools, but the skills and best practices are transferable across platforms.
Embedded systems engineers build software for electronic devices. They may specialize in consumer electronics, automotive systems, healthcare devices, or other industrial applications. Their work requires them to work closely with the respective hardware they program to optimize performance and long-term reliability.
AI engineers write software that can learn, adapt, and make decisions autonomously. Popular topics in this field include neural networks, large language models, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Data scientists write programs for analyzing large datasets. They apply their knowledge of statistics and machine learning algorithms to uncover patterns, derive insight, and create predictive models to help make better informed business decisions.
Security engineers specialize in optimizing the security of software systems. They run tests to expose gaps in coverage and potential avenues for cyberattacks, and monitor authorization and authentication protocols across the tech stack.
Keep in mind that there are numerous other specialties that fall under the software developer umbrella, including game developers, QA engineers, database administrators, DevOps engineers, and more. Your specific use case will determine what specialties to look for.
How to Write a Software Developer Job Description for Your Project
When writing a software developer job description, be clear about the programming languages and technologies used as well as the level of seniority and leadership that you’re looking for. Highlight the kinds of tasks and responsibilities the developer will perform. Be sure to explain why developers should want to work with you (company culture, growth potential) and be upfront about what they can expect in terms of salary, benefits, and other perks. Being upfront about these details will help qualified candidates to self-select based on how relevant the listing is to their experiences and interests.
There is a wide variety of software developer job titles out there, from quality assurance tester, to systems architect, to DevOps specialist, and beyond. If the role requires a generalist, then the title should reflect that (e.g., software developer, full-stack developer); otherwise, it’s best to choose a title that’s as specific as possible to source more high-quality leads (e.g., senior React developer).
What are the most important Software Developer interview questions?
When interviewing software developers it can be a challenge to get an accurate read on their skill level, especially if they don’t have a portfolio that’s directly applicable to the project at hand. In addition to behavioral interviews, most software developer hiring processes include at least one technical round in which the candidate may be expected to perform live coding or else complete a take-home challenge within a given timeframe. The following questions are generally applicable to a wide range of software developer roles, but you’ll also want to go much more in-depth with the specific tech stack and tools that the new hire would be working with.
How would you describe an API to someone who’s never written code before?
APIs are the bread and butter of software developer jobs: They’re ubiquitous across all programming languages, tech stacks, and industries. Most developers will be able to tell you that APIs are what apps use to communicate with one another, but what does that actually mean? An API call involves three steps: first, the client side of the app makes a request to the server; next, the server processes the request to ensure it’s valid and authorized; finally, the server sends a response back to the client side, where it can be communicated to the user. An example would be updating a user’s email address: First the user sends a request to update the email address in the database by submitting a form; then the server checks the request to make sure that the user has the appropriate permissions to change the email address; and finally the user interface displays a success message to let the user know that the request for the change in email address went through. Technical questions framed for a nontechnical stakeholder are great for helping to gauge both the depth of the developer’s knowledge as well as their ability to translate that knowledge for colleagues who don’t share their expertise.
Can you tell me about a time you solved a coding problem that was far outside your comfort zone? What do you do to get unstuck when you hit a wall with a programming task?
This line of questioning is intended to shed light on the developer’s problem-solving skills; asking about problems that stretch their existing skill set can also help you determine their level of experience. It’s especially useful when talking to junior candidates, who are most likely to get stuck the most often. Responses should include reading the documentation, searching Google and Stack Overflow, combing through GitHub issues, and reaching out to friends and colleagues who may be able to help. If they mention using ChatGPT or other generative AI tools, ask them how they vet the accuracy of the responses: It’s well established that these tools will sometimes “hallucinate” nonsensical code or introduce subtle bugs. Those who’ve experienced this firsthand should be able to name trusted sources they turn to for confirmation.
Can you tell me about a project you’ve worked on that’s comparable to ours? What were the biggest problems you faced?
One of the most straightforward questions you can ask to determine if a candidate is a good fit is “have you ever done anything like this before?” Of course, a yes or no response isn’t very useful here, so press them on specifics to find out how big their team was, what their specific responsibilities were, and how much they were involved in major project decisions. Invite them to describe what technologies they used and why they made those choices over the alternatives. Were there any big ideas or aspirations for the project that had to be compromised or abandoned along the way? A strong candidate should display a detailed understanding of the kinds of problems they’re likely to encounter when taking on the role you have in mind for them.
How do you set priorities when juggling multiple tasks on a software project?
When time is the biggest limiting factor for a software developer, it’s crucial to be able to effectively prioritize. Balancing the immediate needs of the users with the long-term vision of the stakeholders can often be quite complicated. How do you ensure that you’re delivering high-quality output at a steady cadence? These are all key project management skills that a developer should understand how to navigate. Developers from larger enterprises may discuss their experiences with Agile or Scrum methodologies; agency developers and freelancers will have more to say about keeping clients and managers happy with the timeline and scope of the project; and startup developers should be able to discuss priorities for launching a minimum viable product (MVP) and responding to the most-urgent bug reports from early adopters.
Take-home Assessments and Live Coding Challenges
If you need to screen candidates for the baseline proficiency required to perform general coding tasks, there are myriad challenges you could present them with: LeetCode is one of the most popular platforms that aggregates these kinds of challenges. They’re commonly used to vet recent computer science graduates and other early career developers, but there are worthwhile challenges like this for all levels. And because they’re applicable to almost all programming languages, you could think of them as akin to standardized test questions you’d encounter on college and graduate-school entrance exams.
Two quintessential challenges taught to most developers are FizzBuzz and the Fibonacci sequence. In the first, the developer is asked to write a function that sorts a list of integers based on their divisibility by 3 (in which case the app should print “Fizz” on the screen), 5 (which should print “Buzz”), or 3 and 5 (“FizzBuzz”). In the second, they’re asked to write a function that returns any nth number in the Fibonacci sequence, wherein each subsequent number is the sum of the previous two. In both cases, there are brute-force solutions as well as more elegant and optimized solutions; the choices the developer makes along the way will help you determine how well they understand best practices in addition to data structures and algorithms. Expert software developers should be able to breeze through these kinds of questions. These are some of the most common challenges for early career developers, but keep in mind that the best technical assessments are those that mirror the actual day-to-day work.
Why do companies hire Software Developers?
When Marc Andreessen of a16z proclaimed that “software is eating the world” in 2011, even he could not have anticipated just how dramatically the nascent technologies he was observing would disrupt the status quo. Apps now mediate almost every kind of transaction we engage in, from discovering a new musician or TV show, to checking our bank account balance, finding a date, booking a reservation, and hailing a ride to a restaurant. If these examples seem too obvious to even mention, then that’s only further proof of Andreessen’s point. More recently, advances in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence have shown us that the sky’s the limit when it comes to software innovations.
Hiring software developers is no simple feat given the wide range of technologies at one’s disposal. Those who are able to hire and retain developers most effectively do so by narrowing their search based on the specific needs of their organization and by providing those they bring on with interesting challenges, opportunities for career growth, and a company culture that aligns with their values. Give your software developers a space where they can thrive—you’ll be amazed by what they’ll be able to deliver for your business and your customers.