As a startup in the tech space you’ll want to find the best computer programmers you can. Here’s the guide you need to hire a programmer who will rock your world.
Congratulations! You have a startup business. It’s all up from here! The world is your oyster!
Or maybe not. You’re almost there, but not quite yet. If you want any sort of online presence, you’re going to want someone on your payroll who can speak in 1’s and 0’s.
The trouble with hiring a programmer is, how did you find the right employee for a position that you know little to nothing about? Keep reading to find out how!
Consult an Expert
If you have a startup company that isn’t an app, chances are you don’t know much about coding or computer languages. Not a problem. Except how are you supposed to know what questions to ask in an interview, or even what the right answers are?
See if you can find any friends or past coworkers who are programmers, and pick their brains.
Which systems work best for your business needs? What are the newest versions of popular computer languages? How quickly should a programmer be able to finish certain projects?
Try to find people who have management or leadership roles at technology companies, and find out which questions to ask during an interview. If you don’t already know any skilled programmers, find one online who can offer a consultation.
Common Interview Questions
“Tell us a little about yourself.“
While not technically a question, this is an essential step in any job interview. Ask them about their programming journey and why they started programming in the first place. Their answer to this question is usually a good indicator of whether or not they’re good for your team.
“How would you solve these problems?“
Give them a few examples of problems your company has had in the past. It’s a good sign if the answers they give are as good or better than the actual solutions you used. If their answers are completely different, they might not be a good fit for your company.
“How would you manage a team?“
Always assume that your startup business is going to grow. As the first and therefore senior programmer for your company, your candidate might one day have to manage a team of other programmers. What steps would they take to retain their team’s efficiency, and how would they handle larger team problems?
“How would you finish multiple projects on time?“
Programmers are constantly creating new programs and software for businesses. On top of that, they are also constantly debugging and updating old software. When finding a computer programmer, it’s paramount that they be able to handle multiple projects at once and complete each one on time.
“Do you currently have any other time commitments?“
Part of running a business and functioning online is that technical problems are always popping up. If they aren’t fixed right away, the business uses credibility and money. Find out if there is any reason your candidate wouldn’t be able to give their full attention to their position.
Give Them a Coding Test
So! You’ve sought out your advisor, you have all of your interview questions, and you have candidates lining up! You’re on a roll!
Only, a single interview won’t be enough. If you hire someone who can’t live up to the skills on their resume, you’re dead in the water. Before anyone signs on the dotted line, make sure all of your candidates pass a skills test.
Click Here to access the world’s firsts and leading service for testing programming skills.
Another popular coding test is called the FizzBuzz test. This test requires them to write out the numbers 1-100, all while showing “Fizz” for multiples of three, “Buzz” for multiples of five and “FizzBuzz” for multiples of both.
If that test sounds daunting to you, don’t worry. That’s why you aren’t the programmer.
Can They Learn New Skills
If a candidate has an impressive portfolio and seems likable, but isn’t experienced in the newest versions of computer languages, don’t assume that they aren’t right for your company. Computer languages are constantly being updated, and a good programmer is always evolving.
They should be more than willing to quickly learn a newer version of a language or software in order to succeed in your business.
Are They Right For Your Business?
It’s important to have your IT manager present during the interview to ask their own question. After all, they’ll be the person in charge of the candidate.
However, their computer skills aren’t the only thing you should consider. Some programmers have very singular mindsets, and it’s important to find a candidate that can work well with the rest of your team.
Have a list of questions to ask them about the systems your company uses. For instance:
- Can you explain Javascript?
- What was the last project you completed using Javascript?
- What are some alternatives to Javascript?
If the candidate can answer these types of questions patiently, in lamens terms, chances are they work well with others and will easily find a place on your team.
Work Preferences
Obviously, a good candidate has to be able to adhere to whatever hours you require. Most technology companies follow the 9-5 tradition, but some smaller businesses allow for more flexible hours or even allow their programmers to work from home.
Make sure you are clear during the interview about your company’s work hours. If you handle customer complaints at odd hours or make updates over the weekend, make sure your candidates agree beforehand to these requirements.
Make the Offer Worth It
As any new business, if you aren’t online, you aren’t in business. For this reason, talented programmers are in high demand. The companies who offer the most tempting salary, benefits, and amenities often have their pick of the very best.
If you want to snag an effective programmer, you have to be prepared to pay them what they’re worth. The average programmer in America makes around $70,000 a year.
Hiring a Programmer
Conclusion? When you’re hiring a programmer for your startup company, there’s a lot to consider. You should always make sure that they are highly skilled and are a good fit for your work environment.
Let At Your Business help you with any you need for new employees, and don’t hesitate to with any other questions you might have about starting your new business.
