Working tips on how to find a good software developer

Recruiting programmers can be a major source of frustration for recruiters. The difficulty is not only finding the most skilled candidates but also ensuring they possess the right personal qualities.

It’s not uncommon for a programmer who performed well during the interview to struggle with communicating effectively with the team or spend an excessive amount of time on basic tasks. To prevent such unpleasant scenarios, consider the qualities of a good software developer and implement a few straightforward tips.

11 qualities of a good software developer

1. One common mistake made by human resources personnel is to focus solely on a checklist of technical requirements when hiring. Rather than limiting the search to candidates with specific amounts of experience in particular programming languages, it is often better to consider a candidate’s overall skill set. For example, a programmer who recently learned the required language but has extensive experience in other programming languages may be the ideal candidate due to their diverse background.
2. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, a programmer’s current skills and knowledge may become outdated in just a few years. Therefore, it’s essential to seek out programmers who demonstrate a willingness to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and continually educate themselves.
3. Debugging is a crucial aspect of a programmer’s work, as Gearheart mentions. In addition to writing code, they must also possess the ability to swiftly and effectively identify and resolve issues when the software fails to function as intended. Rather than aimlessly making alterations to the code, seek out programmers who possess strong problem-solving skills and will thoroughly examine the code to pinpoint the root cause of any issues.
4. Programmers have varying work style preferences, with some requiring a quiet environment to focus while others thrive amidst chaos and noise. As an employee’s working environment significantly impacts their performance, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your office’s atmosphere to avoid potential issues following the hiring of a new team member.
5. Programming is often likened to solving an intricate mathematical problem, particularly for those who have never attempted to develop an application from scratch. However, a skilled programmer will consistently strive to find innovative solutions to any challenges that arise, no matter the complexity of the task at hand.
6. Having a genuine passion for their work is a valuable trait sought after by recruiters in potential hires. While some developers may only view their job as a typical nine-to-five position, recruiters typically seek individuals who have the desire to spend extended periods working on engaging tasks that require innovative solutions. By inquiring about candidates’ hobbies and interests during the interview process, recruiters may identify individuals who have a true passion for programming. Although not the sole indicator of a great programmer, this passion is often a distinguishing factor in the most exceptional hires.
7. Programming is often a highly demanding and stressful profession. When facing tight deadlines or complex coding challenges, it’s not uncommon for individuals to become overwhelmed and struggle to remain focused. A top-notch programmer, however, possesses strong stress tolerance and can navigate even the most challenging circumstances without losing composure. Additionally, they can maintain productivity, even in high-stress environments.
8. While programmers generally spend the majority of their day in front of a computer and communicate online, they frequently interact with managers, colleagues, and clients. As a result, the ability to effectively communicate with others is a valuable skill. This is particularly important when programmers are required to participate in meetings with customers and explain how the system operates. While communicating with customers isn’t typically a requirement for programmers, they must be capable of effectively communicating with non-technical individuals in various situations.
9. According to Larry Wall, the creator of the Perl Programming Language, a good programmer possesses three key attributes: laziness, impatience, and pride. While laziness may seem like an undesirable trait for any employee, IT managers suggest that it can be a valuable quality when seeking to identify the most efficient way to perform a task. A lazy employee is more likely to develop streamlined and automated processes that can save both time and money for the company. Therefore, the ability to identify shortcuts and create more efficient workflows is a crucial attribute for a skilled programmer.
10. A programmer who is solely focused on creating software runs the risk of losing sight of the broader business objectives. Therefore, an ideal programmer should have an understanding of how businesses operate and be able to think beyond the task of creating applications. By having a business-oriented mindset, a programmer can develop new ideas for applications that can enhance business operations in the long run.
11. An important skill for a programmer is the ability to plan. Rather than simply diving into tasks one after another, a programmer should take the time to fully understand the scope and requirements of the final product. Through proper analysis, a programmer can then design the program structure before even beginning to write the first line of code. This approach can result in more efficient and effective programming.

How do you evaluate a programmer’s knowledge and experience?

Talking about qualities of a good software developer, it is reasonable to mention that only a competent professional can assess the logic and technical skills of another developer. This profession requires a unique type of mind that can formulate tasks and seek solutions. It’s unlikely that someone from another field can evaluate these skills properly.

For instance, if you’re interviewing a C++ programmer but have little knowledge about the language, it’s essential to have an experienced programmer present to conduct the interview.

A qualified professional can ask the right questions, and evaluate the candidate’s ability to write code and solve complex problems. If the candidate isn’t assessed by a skilled programmer, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll need to resume your search for a competent programmer.

Conclusion

It can be challenging to find a good programmer who will fully enjoy the work, especially if your programming knowledge is limited. In such cases, it can be beneficial to involve someone from your team who has expertise in the field to participate in the interview. This person can assist in formulating questions that you may not be familiar with and help evaluate the candidate’s technical skills more effectively. Also, rely on Gearheart to get the help of an expert team.