Did you know that the hiring of software developers is expected to increase by 22 percent in the next ten years? With such a fast-growing field, your company will likely find itself in need of those services at some point. You have the option to either contract with a software development company, bring on a freelancer, or hire a full-time employee for your in-house team. What you choose to do is up to you and may depend on how many developers you need. So, how can you come up with questions that allow you to choose the right developer for you? Luckily, we’re here to help out! Keep reading for six of the best interview questions to ask a software developer.

What’s Your Specialty?

If you’re looking for something specific, then having a software developer who specializes in that area will give you the best outcome. Some developers can adapt quickly to any project they’re given, and it can be helpful to consider that when you’re considering hiring someone new. However, the development process is complex, and many developers will typically give you programming languages that they specialize in. Some developers will have specific designs or machine types they specialize in as well. Ask your candidates what similar projects they have worked on in the past. It’s essential to know the specific tools your company will need for a potential partner to excel.
What Technology Do You Use?

The tech industry is incredibly vast, and many software engineers have preferences. You will want to make sure that the software developer you hire is familiar with your tech stack. If your company works on Mac and with Apple products, you’re probably not going to hire someone who works solely with PC. Likewise, if you need someone who specializes in PC, you’re not going to hire someone whose niche is Apple. Asking this question is not only going to help determine whether or not someone can work within your company’s processes, but it’s also going to let you know what a software development partner needs for their setup once they’ve been hired.
Do You Prefer Working Alone or With a Team?

Determining a candidate’s preferred work style is a critical question during the interview process. While the answer to this question isn’t necessarily going to affect a person’s ability or quality of work, it can affect your own company’s workflow and work environment. Some developers prefer to work alone, and some may like to work on a development team. What you decide to take from this answer will depend on your company’s structure and needs, but it’s essential to consider your company culture. If you have an already established software development team that works well together, it’s necessary to hire a software developer that will be a good fit and valuable asset.
Do You Have a Portfolio?

Any software engineer you’re hiring should be able to show you an example of a software development project they have worked on. You may want to ask for their portfolio or links to their previous work. Seeing a software developer’s portfolio will help you make an informed decision and ensure they’re capable of doing the work you’re seeking. If they have a proper portfolio, you’ll also be able to get a feel for what their style is. Everyone has a different skill set, and it’s wise to identify your candidate’s skills before hiring them.
How Do You Measure Success?

This question will help you determine the standards to which someone holds themselves and what they might expect from you and others throughout the software development process. To some people, success might look like effective communication and a successful launch. To others, it may look like getting work done and moving on quickly. Neither is a particularly wrong answer, but it’s important to determine what aligns most with your company goals. If you have a fast-paced office, then you might want someone with the ability to get the work done quickly, but you also want to make sure it’s up to your standards before things move forward. You might focus on quality over quantity in your work, and you might not care as much about how long it takes to get the job done — especially when you’re looking for something specific. Determine what you’re looking for before you go into the interview to know what’s going to fit your company values and what might not.
BONUS: What Are Your Expectations?

Before hiring anyone, it’s essential to make sure you understand their expectations in a new job. Some important aspects to consider may be:
What is your expected compensation?
How do you like to communicate?
What do you need from us to be successful?
What are your expectations when it comes to feedback and revisions?
Ready to Hire Your Software Developer?

Now that we’ve gone over a few questions you can ask when hiring a software developer, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re hiring a freelancer or a full-time employee, it’s crucial to start with creating a quality job listing. Be transparent about your expectations, and don’t be afraid to include a pay range that your company can afford, as many applicants don’t take time to apply for jobs without pay ranges listed. Software developers are in extremely high demand, but we can help streamline the process for you. Number8 brings you pre-screened candidates that will quickly and seamlessly integrate into your software development team. If you’re ready to start the hiring process, contact us today.