10 Tips for Hiring Backend Developers

Back-end developers are integral to any organization, just like their front-end counterparts. They take care of the behind-the-scenes aspects of websites or applications, including tasks like database management and performance optimization. Working hand in hand with front-end developers, they collaborate closely to ensure seamless functionality. Whenever technical issues arise within an application, it is the responsibility of back-end developers to resolve them efficiently.

Hiring technical staff can be a daunting task for recruiting managers, especially those without a technical background. They often face challenges in determining the right questions to ask during backend developer interviews, conducting effective technical evaluations, and making informed hiring decisions. If you find yourself in this situation, rest assured that you are not alone. In fact, a staggering 52% of recruiters consider screening prospects from a large application pool to be the most challenging aspect of their job, as reported by empxtrack. 

However, there's no need to worry. In this article, we give you the hiring tips to successfully recruit a skilled backend developer for your company, even if you have limited or no technical experience.

Tips to Hire Back-end Developers

Gain a clear understanding of your company's needs

To effectively hire back-end developers, it is essential to recognize and articulate your company's specific requirements. The more detailed and comprehensive your understanding of these needs, the smoother the hiring process will be. 

For instance, if your company specializes in app development, prioritize candidates with expertise in backend programming languages such as PHP, Java, Ruby, Python, and others. 

Keep in mind that the chosen backend developer will play a critical role in tasks like database management, security implementation, and optimizing speed and efficiency.

Evaluate their portfolio

A crucial step in assessing the proficiency of a backend developer, regardless of their experience level, is reviewing their portfolio. 

Portfolios provide a valuable means of gauging a back-end developer's technical capabilities. By examining their portfolio, you can determine their proficiency in different programming languages and gauge their passion for their chosen field. 

Additionally, pay attention to how the candidate describes the context of each project, such as their interactions with other libraries or tools. Are there any unfinished projects? Reviewing a candidate's portfolio and examining source code from previous projects before the interview can serve as a foundation for discussions and help you formulate relevant questions during the recruitment process.

Evaluate their GitHub account

When it comes to recruiting both front-end and back-end developers, GitHub proves to be a valuable resource. It serves as an online community where developers collaborate on open-source projects and contribute to the collective efforts of others. 

As a recruiter, examining a developer's GitHub account can provide valuable insights. Here are a few key aspects to consider:

• The number of followers: This metric gives you an indication of the developer's influence and recognition within the GitHub community.
• Number of repositories: By assessing the number of repositories a candidate has, you can gain insights into the types of projects they have worked on in the past.
• Contributions: The number of submissions, such as pull requests, commits, and open issues, reflects a developer's level of public participation and engagement.

While GitHub shouldn't be considered a substitute for a traditional resume, it offers a unique opportunity to explore a backend software engineer's work examples, including mobile applications, games, and plugins. Additionally, it allows you to gauge the developer's familiarity with different programming languages.

Coding assessment for talent evaluation

Utilizing a coding assessment is an effective method to evaluate the skills of back-end developers. These assessments enable you to efficiently evaluate a large number of candidates and identify the top performers. 

By utilizing auto-evaluated tests, you can filter and narrow down the pool of prospects. The results of the coding exam provide valuable insights into a candidate's capabilities and help determine if they align with the specific needs of your company.

Coding interview

Once a candidate successfully clears the coding assessment, the next step is conducting an interview. If you lack a technical background, you might be unsure about the interview questions to ask a developer. Here are some key skills to assess when interviewing a back-end developer:

• Proficiency in backend programming languages: Evaluate the candidate's proficiency in relevant languages like Python, Angular, Java, and others, which are essential for back-end development.
• Time management skills: Assess the candidate's ability to effectively manage their time and meet project deadlines.
• Creativity: Look for signs of creativity, as it demonstrates the developer's ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
• Problem-solving skills: Evaluate the candidate's problem-solving abilities and approach to tackling complex technical challenges.
• Communication skills: Assess the candidate's communication skills, as effective communication is crucial for collaborating with other team members and stakeholders.
• Strong domain knowledge: Look for a deep understanding of their field of expertise, including best practices, industry trends, and emerging technologies.

Remember, it's not just technical skills that matter. Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, also play a significant role in identifying the best fit for your company.

Ensure that the back-end developer is compatible with your company's culture

Workplace environments can vary significantly, and it's essential to find a back-end developer who fits in seamlessly with your company's culture. A lack of compatibility can lead to wasted resources, negative impacts on your product, and overall dissatisfaction among team members, including the developer who may have misunderstood the work environment.

To avoid such issues, prioritize hiring back-end engineers who align with your company's values and working style. If your team operates remotely, seek candidates who excel in independent work. Conversely, if teamwork is vital to your firm, ensure the developer is adept at collaborating with others.

To assess cultural fit, thoroughly understand your company's culture and its unique working dynamics. During interviews, explore candidates' preferences for working settings to gauge whether they align with your company's environment. By finding a back-end developer who fits well with your culture, you can foster a harmonious and productive work atmosphere.

Meeting deadlines is of utmost importance

Imagine you are working on an iPhone app, and you discover a critical flaw that is resulting in negative reviews on the App Store. Your top developer assures you that they will address the issue promptly but ends up forgetting about it entirely. In the competitive world of mobile apps, ratings can make or break the success of your product. Failing to meet expectations can leave your app struggling to gain a substantial user base. That's why it is crucial to have team members who can consistently meet deadlines.

While you can't definitively know if a mobile developer or back-end software engineer will meet your deadlines until you work with them, you can gain insights into their reliability. During the hiring process, ask applicants specific questions about their experience with meeting deadlines. For example, inquire about how they handle falling behind schedule and how they would communicate the situation to their supervisor. It is inevitable to face challenges that may cause delays, but how a back-end developer effectively manages such situations can make a significant difference in meeting project deadlines.

The ability to mentor your back-end developer is crucial

Collaborating with a back-end developer who is resistant to feedback or constructive criticism can be incredibly challenging. When building your team, it is essential to seek individuals who share a common goal: delivering the best possible product. This may involve providing guidance to the back-end developer and coaching them to improve their work. 

A skilled back-end developer who is open to mentorship can become a valuable long-term asset for your company. Their willingness to accept and even seek out mentorship demonstrates their commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement.

Address candidates' key interests

When engaging with potential candidates, it's crucial to address the aspects that matter to tech professionals. Consider discussing how your engineering teams function, the technologies you utilize, and any networking opportunities available. Whether you are directly interacting with applicants or developing a comprehensive plan for your recruitment teams, ensure that you effectively communicate these important details.

In addition, having an attractive and informative careers website can greatly assist candidates in understanding the working dynamics of their teams. A strong online presence can provide valuable insights into your company culture and operations, helping prospects assess if they would be a good fit. 

Determining the cost of hiring a skilled developer

It's important to understand the cost associated with hiring a talented developer to avoid potential pitfalls. While you may think you're securing a great deal on a highly skilled developer, you could end up losing out if your offer isn't competitive. Therefore, it is crucial to gain insights into the average cost of hiring developers in your desired talent pool.

When considering freelance developers, they often have varying hourly rates, and it's essential to be mindful of the potential overpayment if they perceive you as inexperienced. To navigate this, calculate the average cost of the specific skills and expertise you require, taking into account factors such as experience level, project complexity, and industry standards.

Final Words

Hiring backend developers is a crucial process that requires careful consideration. The success of your projects relies on finding the right talent with the necessary skills, experience, and cultural fit. By following the above ten tips, you can streamline your hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding exceptional backend developers who will contribute to the success of your company. 

Remember to define your requirements, assess technical and soft skills, review portfolios, and offer competitive compensation. With a well-planned approach, you'll build a strong backend development team that propels your projects to new heights. You can hire backend developers from Guru Technolabs for your project. We allow businesses to quickly build a team of top back-end developers in a matter of days.