How to Hire a Blockchain Developer: Required Skills & Pitfalls

So, you have decided to hire a blockchain developer. Where to start? Unlike the other types of programmers, there are few blockchain developers. It is partly because blockchain is a rather new technology. But it’s also worth mentioning that blockchain is hard to learn. Its complex nature makes blockchain a valuable skill. While it can be a complicated task to hire a suitable blockchain developer, this article will teach you how to find the best possible.

Why is blockchain on the rise?

Blockchain technology was developed in 1991. But it only came to the fore in 2009 with the launch of the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. Bitcoin remains somewhat mysterious because it was founded anonymously as open-source software. However, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin and blockchain, in general, makes it an interesting technology for a huge amount of people. In 2017, several million people used a wallet with cryptocurrencies, most bitcoins.

The demand for blockchain developers is increasing. This situation creates an unusual dilemma: too much demand for blockchain developers and insufficient supply. In 2016, there were only 5,000 developers in the world dedicated to writing cryptocurrency software. Many programmers are enthusiasts with a passion for the once unique technology. But the undeniable growth in demand for them has changed that. Now more and more people are learning to program blockchain because it is a promising technology with good prospects.

In early 2020, LinkedIn listed blockchain as one of its most in-demand skills for 2020. It was the first year that blockchain has been at the top of the list, let alone being on the list at all.

Reasons to hire a blockchain developer

Blockchain has tremendous potential. The World Economic Forum expects 10% of global GDP to be stored using this technology by 2027. Large corporations like Microsoft, IBM, and Facebook have started to implement blockchain. If the biggest corporations are investing in blockchain, it might be a good idea to follow suit. This can set your business up for the future.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has included developers in the list of the fastest-growing professions in 2019-2029. LinkedIn has stated that blockchain is the #1 crucial skill in 2020. The hired specialists called blockchain engineers the “dark horses” of 2019 and confirmed the increasing demand for them in the next few years.

How to find blockchain developers

There are several options to find blockchain developers. The most widespread are hiring websites and directories.

Hiring websites

When we browsed the websites to find dedicated programmers, we included the above requirements. We’ve also taken into account the latest industry reports.

Here are 10 of the best websites you should consider:

Toptal

Toptal is a global remote freelance platform where you can find a programmer. Its founders started this platform with a focus on tech talent and have since expanded. However, the tech sector remains his priority.

Stack Overflow Talent

Stack Overflow Talent is part of Stack Overflow, a renowned Q&A site for millions of technology professionals. Stack Overflow Talent is a bulletin board where you can find employees. Create a company profile and publish your work. AI-powered Stack Overflow Talent processes help the right programmers see your job posting.

People Per Hour

People Per Hour is a rather famous freelance marketplace. Create your company profile there and post your job. You will receive offers from freelancers, then you will need to create a shortlist and interview them.

Directories

Clutch

Clutch is a platform that collects unbiased customer reviews of every company that is listed on the website. They conduct in-depth interviews with users and buyers about the quality of their interactions with each registered Clutch company. Based on the collected data, the service forms a fair rating of all firms. Clutch categorizes companies by their geographic location, area of expertise, and focus on proven skills.

For outsourcers, Clutch.co solves two problems: it collects feedback about each company, saves time for company representatives, and shows visitors all customer reviews, both positive and negative. As a result, the visitors get the whole picture.

Goodfirms

GoodFirms is a complete research and review platform that helps software buyers and service seekers choose the best software or the best firm. At the same time, he helps IT companies and software vendors improve user acquisition statistics, market share, and brand awareness. GoodFirms, as the name suggests, is a dedicated community of “efficient” IT companies and software solutions. As such, GoodFirms is at the forefront of helping service buyers from around the world by providing categorized catalogs, customer reviews, and company content and resources to help them select the best firm/software product to meet their specific requirements. However, GoodFirms also serves as an unrivaled platform for successful IT and software companies to move forward.

Skills required for a blockchain developer

Simply put, each programmer should know the concept of blockchains, decentralized technologies, ledgers, the Ethereum network, data security, cryptography and cryptocurrencies, and various programming languages.

Below we mentioned with details the skills and tools a good programmer should have or know.

Basic programming concepts

Be sure that the applicant knows well JavaScript, Java, Node.JS, C and C++, Python, Solidity, and Go. Then choose someone who:

• Worked with OOPS (Object Oriented Programming Structure). This structure allows updating the program when it’s needed.
• Understands the syntax of languages. Experience with a particular language and a basic knowledge of one of them matter.
• The ability to implement multithreading in various types of apps.

Data structure

The data structure is the backbone of each app. So pick a programmer who knows and has worked with linked lists, hash tables, and acyclic graphs.

Encryption and security

Encryption and security are key requirements of programmers as each loss means data leakage for competitors. Thus, pay attention to:

• Knowledge of SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm). SHA has been created to provide a high level of protection against cyberattacks. Make sure the applicant knows the difference between SHA-1 and SHA-2 and can pick the suitable feature for the app.
• Encryption and decryption techniques and a deep understanding of private and public key concepts.

 Read the full article: https://code-care.com/blog/find-and-hire-a-blockchain-developer/