Hiring Ruby developers aren’t always the easiest thing to do, since there’s such a shortage of skilled people in the field. The good news is that you can increase your chances of hiring the perfect Ruby developer by following these ten steps. With these tips in hand, you’ll be able to find the ideal candidate and move forward on your project with as little hassle as possible!
1) Write Down What You Want
Before you look for a developer, you should know what kind of person—and skill set—you’re looking for. Narrowing down your requirements and writing them down will help you find developers faster (and eliminate those who don’t meet your standards). Some things you might want to consider: What software does he or she need to know? How much experience does he or she need? Are there specific certification requirements?
2) Target a Specific Skill Set
The bottom line when hiring any developer is to find someone who can do a great job on your project. When hiring, look for specific skill sets that are directly related to what you need; by focusing on these, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate candidates who aren’t qualified for the position. For example, if you are looking for a Ruby on Rails developer (as opposed to another language), mention that as one of your requirements in job listings and during initial interviews.
3) Look in Places Where Talent Grows
It might be tempting to post a job listing on a huge site like Monster or Dice, but it’s probably not your best bet. There are plenty of developers who won’t see it or won’t apply for those jobs (they just don’t seem appealing). Look in places where development talent grows, such as local meetup groups and forums. Developers that hang out there are more likely to be interested in what you have to offer.
4) Make Job Descriptions Attractive
When hiring a developer, what is it that you’re actually looking for? In addition to language skills and experience, consider that employers are looking for developers who are proficient in more than just coding. Here are 10 ways to increase your chances of hiring such a developer 1) Don’t advertise for a Ruby on Rails developer. Although most developers know what Rails is, many are proficient with multiple frameworks and languages—and might be less likely to apply if they think their knowledge isn’t relevant.
5) Outline Clear Responsibilities
When hiring a ruby developer, it’s important to outline very clear responsibilities. You and your new developer need to be on board with what is expected from him or her. If you hire too fast, then you might find that you’re throwing your money away if you end up firing that person after a month or two because they weren’t what you were looking for in terms of qualifications. However, if you hire slowly, things can become stagnant at your company.
6) Ask for an Interview
If you’re hiring a developer, ask to see their previous work. You can also ask for a portfolio so that you can hire ruby on rails developers based on what they’ve done before. Also, ask potential candidates if they have any questions during an interview; if they do, it shows them that you are personable and not a robot.
7) Listen During the Interview
Listen carefully as your candidates talk. The answers they give will tell you a lot about their communication skills, their interest in your company, and their overall intelligence. Good developers should ask pertinent questions about your business and be generally interested in what you do and why. If candidates aren’t asking questions, that’s a bad sign. If they sound like they could care less, that’s even worse.
8) Refer Other Companies and Recruiters
In order to make sure you’re finding a candidate that is truly interested in your job, it’s important that you give them every opportunity possible. By referring them to other companies and recruiters that are hiring, you are giving him/her an opportunity he/she may not have had before; also, by giving him/her another option for working for your company, it helps increase his/her chances with you.
9) Follow Up After an Interview
You can’t possibly gauge someone’s talent and fit with your organization in one hour, but you should follow up after an interview anyway. Thank candidates for their time, reiterate how much you enjoyed meeting them, offer to answer any questions they might have about your company or team, and ask if they have any specific questions for you before their final decision.
10) Offer Incentives
The best way to increase your chances is by offering incentives for people to fill out applications and take online tests. For example, you can offer a free report in exchange for filling out an application or putting in their resume on your site. This makes it easier for you because applicants have already expressed interest, and now you have more applicants to go through which will lead you closer to finding a great candidate.
