Hire a software developer: Expectations Vs. Reality

If you are looking to hire skilled software developers for your company, the chances are that you've already encountered an overwhelming number of hiring platforms that can help you do so. The truth is that your expectations versus the reality of what it's like to hire a programmer might make it a bumpy ride for you.

Here are some things to consider if you're looking to hire a software engineer to help you ground your expectations by being prepared for the reality of it.

To deep dive into the requirements to hire a developer in Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador, read our Guide.

In this blog:

Finding Candidates

Writing a Job Description

Hiring Platforms

Expectation: Finding engineers is Easy

There are thousands of software engineers out there looking to find a job to further advance their professional careers as developers. There is truth to that. However, not all software engineers are the best match for your company.

A candidate's developer skills are usually the main reason you would pick him for your company's workforce. However, there are other things to consider when searching to hire a software developer.

Reality: Finding the right engineers for your company takes experience, and time

During the recruiting process, it is essential that you evaluate more than just your candidate's skills in engineering. Candidates with a vetted seniority level, soft skills and communication skills are the ones you should look out for. 

Outstanding candidates usually stand out from the crowd; they put extra effort in building their resumes, and research your company before being interviewed. However, those who don't need a bit of coaching, but it doesn't mean they are not ideal.

Outstanding candidates usually stand out from the crowd; they put extra effort into how their CVs look and do their research during their interviews.

Expectation: A job description with the skills you're looking for is enough

Not all programmers possess the same talent or skills, so it would be best for you to identify the level of experience and knowledge needed for your business, as well as desired qualifications as opposed to the "must-have ones

Job descriptions are good starting points, but don't rely completely on the skill set. This is the common mistake companies trusting solely on platform filters make. A human component, either intuition or technical eye is often underestimated.

Reality: Not every developer uses their skills for the same purpose

Knowing what you want your software developer to build for you is only half of the job; the other is figuring out what type of developer you need to do so. Whether it's a Back-End or Front-End developer, you need to find out what specialization and other knowledge the programmer needs for the job.

When writing your job description, run it through with an experienced developer to determine if you need one candidate or multiple with different skill sets.

Knowing what you want your software developer to build for you is only half of the job; the other is figuring out what type of developer you need to do so.

Expectation: All hiring platforms are great for finding engineers

There are millions of people looking to find a job online; it has become a valuable tool to connect with job opportunities worldwide. Hiring platforms are great for finding candidates with all types of professional backgrounds.

There are multiple options out there that can help you find software candidates if you need to hire them for your company.

Reality: Hiring platforms focuses on quantity, rather than quality

Hiring platforms are a great way to connect with candidates when looking to hire a software developer. However, using platforms that throw too many candidates your way might make it a bumpy ride. The more submissions you have to review, the harder it will be to make your choice.

Hiring platforms specializing in vetting developers have better filters, but still hitting a filter doesn't mean the candidate is the right one. Cultural and communication aspects plays a significant role in the screening process–the step that comes after seeing your search results and yelling Eureka too early. Yup, the screening part could be daunting when quantity is the main focus.

Using platforms that throw too many candidates your way might make it a bumpy ride. The more submissions you have to review, the harder it will be to make your choice.

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