< Unlocking the Secrets to Hiring Developers:HR Insights />
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Hiring a great developer can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but Amy Van Niekerk, our HR lead at Hooligan Development, has some fantastic insights to make this process a breeze. With years of experience in identifying stellar talent, Amy knows what it takes to find developers who fit our culture and possess the technical chops to drive successful projects.
Key Points to Consider When Hiring a Developer
Here are Amy's top four points to consider when you're on the hunt for a new developer:
1. Company Culture Fit
One of the first things Amy emphasises is the importance of cultural fit. You want someone who shares your company's values and beliefs, ensuring they integrate smoothly into the team. A poor cultural fit can disrupt team dynamics and productivity.
"Hiring a person who doesn't fit the culture could 'rock the boat' in terms of your current team, which you never want."
Research shows that employees who fit well with their organisation's culture are more satisfied, perform better, and are less likely to leave.
2. Guaranteed Technical Skills
Technical skills are non-negotiable. While some skills can be taught, having a new hire who can hit the ground running is ideal. Conducting a technical assessment is a great way to gauge a developer's strengths and areas needing improvement.
"You don't buy a car without test driving first. The same applies to developers."
According to a Stack Overflow survey, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and SQL are among the most popular programming languages, so familiarity with these can be beneficial. However, bear in mind the possible gaps in your tech stack.
3. Remote Work Ethic
In today's remote work environment, independence is key. You need developers who can manage their tasks and time effectively, regardless of their location. Remote work is more than a trend; it's the future. A survey by Buffer found that 97.6% of remote workers would like to continue working remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers.
4. Due Diligence
Never skip the reference check. It's essential to verify a candidate's skills and credibility. Speaking with previous employers can provide valuable insights into their work ethic and technical abilities.
"Stick to the process. It's there for a reason"
All too often, a prospective new hire knows precisely how and what to say in an interview. This allows the interviewer to relax, and due process is lost. Stick to the process and vet developers thoroughly. They are an expensive resource and no one can afford to get it wrong.
Outsourced Development Over Hiring New Talent
Amy also suggests looking into outsourced development as a viable option. Hooligan Development offers Devs-On-Demand, a service that provides battle-tested developers ready to jump in and support your projects. Outsourcing can save on internal costs like software, licensing, hardware, upskilling, and recruitment expenses.
"Devs-On-Demand don't get drawn into a company's internal drama or politics; they are there to get a job done. And they do."
Outsourcing can lead to significant cost savings but also boost output and turnaround times. Deloitte's Global Outsourcing Survey found that 59% of businesses use outsourcing to reduce costs.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right developer doesn't have to be daunting. By focusing on cultural fit, technical skills, independence, and references and considering the benefits of outsourcing, you can build a team that drives success. Remember, the right talent is out there – it's just a matter of knowing what to look for.
If you need help, contact Hooligan Development and let our pre-vetted Devs-On-Demand keep your projects on track.
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