Java developers are still in high demand on the market since it’s a general-purpose language with plenty of project options to work on. Java programming language is an essential part of our daily online habits. So, it’s not even surprising companies still hire Java developers to work on enterprise-level projects.
While many of them apply directly to job openings, you can extend your search and hire java developer online through freelance platforms, LinkedIn, or other community services.
Depending on what you exactly need, you can check on their background as Java programmers. Do they have enough experience to handle your job? How competitive is your salary? How to recognize a suitable candidate among them all?
Here are some tips on how to hire a great java developer, with an addition of a few essential questions to ask during an interview:
1. Their Basic Knowledge of Java
Candidates who understand the language syntax and ecosystem can fit well in any Java developer role. Usually, they need to know what object-oriented programming is, the most common data types, and fundamental knowledge in classes.
If you are looking for a junior Java developer position, you can be more flexible and even hire entry-level developers. During working hours, they will get more familiar with projects and your requirements.
Things are different if you’re hiring seniors. They must know basic things but also be able to write clean and efficient code, manage errors, debug, write SQL queries, and manage the process perfectly.
So, determine the level of expertise you need, and act accordingly when contacting the candidates.
2. Their Problem-Solving Skills
Developers are problem-solvers, and they offer solutions while managing the code. So, when hiring, you can’t really hold onto their freelance scores, endorsements, and CVs. We suggest testing their approach while determining which skills are relevant to the job position.
Sometimes, no matter their rich CV, developers fail to offer exceptional problem-solving skills. That can be a key factor in not getting a particular job.
Every Java programmer should offer a set of skills that make them competent for the position. Technical skills are a must, but the logical approach is what the employer may need.
Sometimes, it’s easy to learn the syntax and the way every language works. But logical problem-solving skills distinguish between a below-average programmer and a great Java developer.
3. Do They Fit Your Company’s Working Culture?
Every company has a working culture, no matter its niche. When hiring online, the lack of human contact can trick you into thinking someone is an excellent fit until they start working for you.
Some companies manage these things successfully, especially when they work with international teams. Others insist on meeting the person at least once before signing a contract.
Indeed, this is more of an HR job, but sometimes, CEOs and managers need to check it.
Sometimes candidates are perfect in their CVs and have well-developed LinkedIn profiles, but something still feels off while talking to them. You mustn’t ignore this feeling since sometimes our guts tell us more than any other technical test.
We suggest searching for a person that’s not only an exceptional Java developer but also respects the company’s culture and can impact the team in a good way.
4. Make a List of All the Relevant Interview Questions
When the candidate passes the first recruitment round, they need to provide enough technical knowledge to get hired.
So, we decided to list a few crucial questions for Java developers. You can use them or adjust them as needed. Maybe you will get inspired by more questions to easily determine if the person fits the job position.
Here are some of them:
- Can you explain the differences between Java and C++?
- What makes Java programming language useful?
- What are the main features of Java?
- What does static mean in Java?
- What are classpath variables, and how are they different from path variables?
- What is a method in Java, and why the main() method is important?
- What are JDK, JRE, and JVM? How are they used?
- Is Java a 100% object-oriented programming language?
- What are constructors and wrappers in Java?
- Memory allocation types in Java
- What is a copy constructor, and why it’s used?
- Is object cloning available in Java?
- Can you define the Java string pool?
- Do you know what JIT is?
- What is the final keyword in Java?
- Is an array in Java the same as a vector?
These questions cover different levels of Java development expertise. They can help you determine if the candidate is entry-level and/or junior or eligible to work in higher positions.
Surely, you can get deeper with more specific questions, primarily if you work on enterprise-level projects and need to provide exceptional service to your clients.
Feel free to skip some of these questions or add others you think are relevant for hiring a new Java developer in your team.
5. Pay Attention to Soft Skills too
Soft skills are important when hiring anyone, no matter the position. First, you need to recognize if the person is professional and knows how to communicate with HR recruiters and eventual employers. You can easily estimate their communication skills at the first interview.
Candidates with excellent soft skills will also show if they are ready to work in a team or if they can accept criticism adequately. And finally, you can easily see if they can organize their time correctly or need more micromanagement as they work.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a Java developer is a long and challenging process. There are a few phases, and sometimes there can be more than one perfect candidate for the position. In similar situations, many companies hire two people to see who fits better when working on real problems and projects.
Next time you need to hire a Java programmer online, try to focus on their background and experience, but pay more attention to soft skills and technical knowledge. That’s how you find the perfect candidate who fits the company’s culture while being respectful of coworkers and other employees.
