In 2018, Python was the number one programming language, and five years later, in 2023, it is still one of the top five programming languages. Netflix, Google, NASA, Spotify, Facebook, and many other big tech companies use Python to build their products. Chances are, you probably need a Python developer too.
Are you a new business starting to build your team from scratch, or are you an established business with some years in the game looking to add a Python developer to the team? Whichever group you fall into, your biggest struggle right now is to hire the right Python developer for you.
Too many businesses go into the hiring process looking for the most skilled applicant to be on their team, but hiring a Python developer goes beyond skill. It’s about finding someone who fits into your company’s culture seamlessly.
To do that, you need a guiding hand. Luckily for you, that’s us. We’ve curated a comprehensive checklist and guide for businesses trying to hire Python developers.
At the end of this article, you should be able to hire the right developer for your company.
Things To Know Before Starting The Hiring Process
You hire python developers to fit the product you’re building, not the other way around. So, before hiring, you need to know everything there is to know about your project. When you have this information ready, you can look for a developer who ticks the required boxes.
Table of Contents
Tech Stack
The tech stack of your project determines what tools and skill sets your potential developer should possess. If your project requires a Python developer with expertise in specific software, you should determine this early on before the hiring process. Also, consider what the features and complexity of the project mean for the required tools and skill set of the potential hire.
Budget, Scope, Design, and Complexity of Project
This information is particularly useful to new businesses hoping to get a developer to turn their ideas into actual products. Before putting out an ad, you need to know what it takes for your idea to become a product.
What is the budget, scope, and design of your product? What features are you hoping to have? What experience do you want potential customers to have when using your product? What kind of UI do you have in mind? When you’ve answered these questions, then you can fix your budget.
Your project budget is a function of the complexity of your project. More complex? More money.
Technical and Functional Features of the Project
Make a list of the technical and functional features of your product. What do they look like, and how long will it take to roll them out? This information lets you draw a roadmap and make realistic, scalable plans.
Current Project Stage
Your product development stage has a lot to do with who you hire. For starters, the skill set might be different. The strengths and expertise you’re looking for in a developer for the beginning stage of a project are likely not the same for a mid or late-stage developer. It affects everything, so keep in mind what stage your project is in and what type of developer you need.
Python Developer Roles and Responsibilities
Python development is a broad term that refers to developers with expertise in Python. There are multiple roles and specialisations in Python development.
When you’re looking to hire a developer, you need to know exactly what type of Python developer you want. The list is long, but if you know what you’re looking for, half the work is done.
Software Engineer
A software engineer’s primary responsibilities are to develop and maintain software, improve app functionality, enforce security, and integrate applications with third-party software.
Data Scientist
The Data Scientists’ responsibilities include developing statistical learning models, highlighting and offering solutions to the company’s problem, designing machine Learning predictive models, and working with tech teams.
Python Web Developer
The python web developer is the least complex role of a python developer. The responsibilities include usability tests and automation tests. You could join in building frameworks and libraries.
Data Analyst
The data analyst’s role requires the collection and interpretation of data. Some of what the analyst does includes modelling data to improve reporting conducting A/B treating, discussing results of data analysis, collecting data, etc.
Machine Learning Engineer
The machine Learning Engineer creates and runs machine learning apps, designs a machine learning system, transforms data science prototypes, and researches machine learning tools and techniques.
Automation Testing Engineer
An automation test engineer works with python frameworks, designs automation frameworks, carry out complicated system tests.
Essential Skills To Look Out For When Hiring A Python Developer
The role of a python developer requires precision and excellence. Hence, businesses need to hire applicants with the perfect blend of skills. It’s not just about being able to code in Python, the right candidate should have a mixture of technical and soft skills.
Technical Skills For Python Developers
- Expertise in Core Python;
- Deep understanding of frontend technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript;
- Knowledge of object-oriented concepts;
- Understanding of probability, differential calculus, algebra, and statistics;
- Expertise in advanced computer science concepts;
- Excellent debugging skills;
- Expertise with Python Frameworks like Django;
- Knowledge of Python Libraries;
- Experience in Multi-process architecture, lists, and strings;
- Knowledge of Machine Learning and AI.
Your priorities for other technical skill requirements will be based on the responsibilities attached to that role.
Soft Skills for Python Developers
- Ability to think critically about problems and projects;
- Prime communication skills that aid teamwork;
- Ability to liaise and work with multiple teams;
- Ability to work alone and take the initiative;
- Problem-solving skills that enable the developer to find solutions to the challenges they face;
- Emotional Intelligence to help them work better with other teammates;
- Adaptability;
- Ability to accept criticism, learn new things, and unlearn old things;
- Patience;
- Time management;
- Accountability.
The second set of skills is why some applicants with the best technical skill set may not be compatible with your company. The team is more important than a single developer. So, building a team with chemistry and shared values should be paramount when hiring a Python developer.
Step-By-Step Guide On Hiring Expert Python Developers
Now that you know the preliminaries, what do you have to do to hire an expert python developer?
Put Out A Job Ad
The first step to finding a python developer for your company is to put out a job ad. Every aspect of your job ad, from the job board to the job description, determines the quality of the developer you hire.
There are several things to take note of at this stage, and they are as follows:
Recruitment Platform
Where you put your job ad is important. You either start winning or losing from here. There are specialised platforms where you can hire expert python developers. They include Freelance Recruitment Platforms like LinkedIn, Total, Stack Overflow, and GitHub; Curated Developer Marketplace like Deazy; Job Boards for tech developers.
Write a Clear and Concise Job Description
Your job description is another essential part of the hiring process. It’s where you sell your company and the role you’re offering, so the best developers consider it worthwhile to apply.
What makes a job description good enough?
- You provide a short intro about your company;
- Be clear and detailed about the job description, role, and responsibilities;
- Provide a timeline for the job offer. Is it a contract position, full-time or part-time? Be clear;
- Outline the skills requirements in sections, highlighting necessary and optional skills;
- Include an attractive salary and benefits;
- Specify if the role is on-site, remote, or hybrid.
Above all, let your job description answer all potential developers’ questions about your company and the role you’re hiring for.
Evaluate and Choose Candidates
After applications close, it’s time to evaluate the applicants and pick a few of them to interview. This stage often poses a problem for many hiring teams, but it doesn’t have to be challenging for you. We’ve discovered that viewing the applicants wholesomely and having technical personnel help significantly.
Approach each applicant as a whole, checking for their expertise in the core skills and their experience using the development tools. Look out for steady personal growth and complexity of projects they’ve worked on. This thorough overview gives you an idea of the applicant’s ability to learn and expertise.
Hold an Interview
At this stage, you’ve shortlisted candidates for an interview. This first stage interview aims to confirm your candidate’s expertise through technical questions. You can also use this interview to get to know your candidate as well as gauge their soft skills as well in this interview. Some questions to ask in this interview stage include the following:
- What is a pass statement?
- What are the SOLID principles?
- How can you create a class in Python?
Give A Technical Assessment
Next up is a technical assessment. This test task is a way to confirm the candidate’s expertise and skills. Use technical assessments and coding tests to see how they approach problems. Also, ask them to walk you through their thought process when tackling other technical projects they might have worked on before.
Send Out An Offer Letter
You should have your final candidate at the end of the technical assessment. If you don’t yet, repeat the technical assessment or have a final interview session to help you make up your mind. When you have your final candidate, send an offer letter and welcome them into your company.
Conclusion
Hiring a python developer is challenging, but you can make the process easy if you follow our step-by-step guide above. Good luck with your hiring process.