25 Things I Look for in a Junior Developer to Hire
Being a developer is not something everyone can venture into and when hiring a developer, one has to get the right one. There are certain attributes that one has to portray in order to be excellent in the field. These attributes are the ones I look for when sourcing for a junior developer. I need to be sure that you will not only get the job done but get it done in the right way. Here are the 25 things I look for when hiring a junior developer.
1. You must portray a reasonable amount of enthusiasm for the job that has been assigned to you. Be open from the start and be willing to learn.
2. You must be honest right from the beginning. If you do not know something, come clear about it and be willing to learn. Programming has so much to learn and only an honest developer can get the job done right.
3. The developer should possess the relevant knowledge in the field. You should actually know how to code and develop applications effectively.
4. They should, also, be able to comment on their codes. This helps in knowing how every piece of the software or app works and makes it easy to identify where to add and remove some features.
5. You should have a keen eye for the minute details that others might not be able to easily see. This is very critical when solving problems. A keen developer can easily diagnose an app, see its functionality and identify and fix the bugs.
6. Creativity is not an option to debate about. Programming is an art and as a developer, you should be able to come up with new ways to handle the common problems that currently exists.
7. The junior developer should be willing to learn. What you know might not be that important in the work that will be handed to you. Be enthusiastic in learning new languages, attend conference talks, read books among other learning opportunities that will get to expand your mind.
8. Be a team player. Team work is what can get one achieve milestones in their careers. If you are not a team player, that means you cannot work well with other and do not give room for new ideas. Teamwork helps in working more efficiently.
9. You should have some creation or development that you have worked on personally. Give me a chance to explore and play around with it. If you have something you have developed, then I can trust you to develop something I want.
10. Be discipline. I would like to be sure that when I entrust you with a job, you will get it done in the right way and meet the deadline I have set.
11. A junior developer should portray great communication skills. Good communication skills gives room for the developer to know what I want and to share other ideas they might have.
12. Be willing and thirsty to contribute. You should always strive to add the most value that money and time will allow for. That is the only way I can gain confidence in a developer and come to them again when I have something I need to be done.
13. Have a positive attitude. I would like to work with someone I know will not quit along the way when things get a bit tough. Be positive and enthusiastic at all times.
14. You should have a high user end focus. You should be able to focus on how the software works and tailor it to my abilities as a client; not the other way round.
15. Be competitive. There are many developers in the world who could be able to handle the task at hand. Strive to prove that you are the right person for the job.
16. I prefer originality and not having the same old works done in a different way. One’s creativity and knowledge come to play here.
17. A realistic and practical developer is more attractive. Realistic in terms of the return of value and even the cost they charge.
18. Adaptability is another aspect I look for in a junior developer. Things change and you, as a developer, should be able adapt to the changing situations.
19. Be humble. Humility opens doors to effective communication and learning.
20. You, also, should be passionate about programming. Passion goes hand in hand with positive attitude. If you are passionate about the job, you will find ways to work around roadblocks rather than giving up.
21. Enjoy doing what you do. Love the job and the solutions that you provide regardless of how tough it might be.
22. A junior developer who is conversant with the latest trends in the market more attractive. I can be sure that they will tailor their solutions towards effective current and future use.
23. You should be able to do effective research to find answers. Be able to perform root analysis and look for solution in other systems effectively.
24. Have some spirit of entrepreneurship. Once you develop some sense of ownership that is when you will do your best to produce the best output.
25. Be mature, self-motivated and a visionary. I would love to work with someone who knows what he is doing and where he is going. A mature and self-motivated developer gives no room compromises at all.