How to Hire Experienced Python Developers in 2024

Are you in search of expert Python developers to give you a game-changing website or app for your business? Hiring the right Python developers/programmers for your next big idea can be a bit of a daunting task. The whole emphasis of bringing someone on board is someone who understands your business nuances and handles the project most effectively.

Mastering the Hunt – Strategies for Recruiting Exceptional Python Developers

Today, many startups feel like there’s a gap in the industry especially when it comes to hiring a professional Python developer to give them a solution that works best for their business.

Hiring a developer can also become more challenging, especially if you’re a tech startup and you’re not that familiar with the nuances of Python development. If you’re the kind of business owner who is not sure what soft skills to possess, then here’s a guide that’s going to help you.

We have put together this amazing guide just for you so you can become exceptionally well-trained in onboarding Python developers. Python developers are not only limited to creating websites, but they are also predominantly used in data engineering, data science, automated infrastructure, and DevOps.

So without further ado, let’s delve into the details of things.

A Tech Startup’s Guide to Hiring Success

Python has become one of the leading programming languages in the development community and its presence is no accident. Due to the simplicity of its code, and its powerful computing capabilities, Python has become the go-to choice for developers around the world.

Today, Python is massively used in different industries because of how it provides an edge to development teams to build scalable applications. Thanks to Python’s readable syntax and its comprehensive library, developers are now more well-equipped to handle the language’s capability across a wide range of domains.

Python is a powerful programming language and because of its increasingly reliable use in data-driven decision-making, Python has become the programming language of choice for tech startups.

What Makes a Good Python Developer, Good Enough? 

A professional Python developer stands out from the crowd because of his deep technical expertise and his capability to solve complex problems. If you’re a tech startup and planning to onboard Python developers, a few key things that you need to develop an understanding of Python’s core principles. And how well he can apply those principles in solving complex problems.

For Python-based projects to become truly successful, you (as a business owner) must onboard Python developers capable of understanding new development challenges and adapting to these challenges accordingly.

As a tech startup business owner or an entrepreneur, here are a few things you need to look out for in Python developers before onboarding them for your next digital project.

Do They Have Proficiency in Core Python Coding? 

Some developers may have Python experience or skills due to its wide use in the industry and syntax similarities; however, it is not guaranteed that all Rails developers will have deep proficiency in Python.

However, developers are often capable of learning and adapting to new languages and technologies, so it’s worth discussing specific requirements and expectations with potential candidates to determine their suitability for Python-related projects.

A Basic Understanding of Logic & Problem Solving Capabilities:

Logic development and exceptional problem-solving capabilities are the first few things that set the foundation of a programmer. If you’re looking for a Python developer, check if they are good at breaking down problems into logical steps and are good at writing effective Python code.

This can be achieved by simply calling in a Python consultant or hiring a freelance Python expert for consultancy and letting them evaluate your chosen candidate.

Check if They Are Familiar with Algorithms and Data Structures:

Next up, check if the Python developer whom you’re about to onboard is familiar with algorithms and follow step-by-step instructions to solve a problem. Data structures, although organized, can be complex and require a professional hand to manipulate data.

Many Python data structure sets utilize listings, dictionaries, and sets. An adept Python developer should be capable of playing around with algorithms and data sets effectively. 

Are They Comfortable Working with a Text Editor or IDE:

Although, Python developers are skilled in running command lines, proficiency is the key. Most programmers use a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) for writing complex codes and editing them in real-time.

A text editor such as Sublime Text or Notepad++ are tools which are sufficient enough for beginners, while IDEs such as PyCharm or Visual Studio Code offer much better features for syntax highlighting, code completion & debugging. Check if your Python developer is comfortable working on a text editor or IDE or not.

Have They Achieved Mastery in Python Framework & Libraries? 

Besides having core Python skills, it is also essential that Python developers are well aware of the frameworks and libraries. Having a thorough knowledge of both is what sets an exceptional developer apart from someone who is a beginner or an intermediate.

Once again, you will need to hire a professional consultant or someone who has prior in-depth knowledge of the different types of Python frameworks & libraries to better assess their capabilities. Frameworks such as Django and Flask are known for their extensive features, high-end security, and adherence to the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle. These frameworks help developers create complex web applications that go a long way.

Similarly, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn are popular frameworks abundantly used for deep learning. Frameworks such as NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and others are used for data analysis and manipulation, data visualization & numerical computing. 

Suppose a Python developer does not possess the skill to manipulate data and build robust machine learning models using the following frameworks. In that case, they might not be the perfect fit for your organization. 

Mastery of such frameworks & libraries allows teams to analyze large datasets & provide valuable insights in real time, driving innovation and building robust digital solutions for their businesses.

Is Your Python Developer a Good Team Player? 

While many Python developers are skilled in facilitating services, they often fall short in performing well when they are working with teams. You must ensure that the Python developer whom you’re about to onboard is a skilled team player or not.

You can start by facilitating introductions of the developer with some of the key team members and leaders. Give them a bit of insight into the tech culture by bringing them on the company’s communication channel, such as Slack or some other project management tool which you commonly use.

Here, the Python developer can have some level of communication with other professionals who can better explain their development workflows, development cycles, code review processes, and deployment procedures. They will also get a sense of company culture, understand organizational values, and understand business expectations.

If the Python developer you’re about to onboard is a good team player, he/she will eventually gel in with the whole process & get along.

Are They Aware Of Their Responsibilities as a Python Developer? 

Just like any other resource, a Python programmer also has a set of responsibilities besides creating clean and efficient codes. Some of these basic responsibilities and duties are: 

Developing the back-end components – A Python developer must have the basic knowledge and understanding of how to develop the server side of a website or application. For that, they should possess deep-end knowledge of server-side logic building so they create an app that doesn’t suffer downtime. 

Familiarization with tools to create faster web apps – There are many tools available in the Python developer’s arsenal that allow them to code and build web apps with low latency, fast loading speed & adequate security. When onboarding a Python developer, make sure they are well aware of using them. 

Can they test and debug – The testing phase is crucial to ensure the Python code is running smoothly. A professional Python engineer is capable of testing applications using tools such as PyUnit, Behave, Pytest, and others. They are also fully capable of debugging applications & fixing errors right before deployment. 

Effective collaboration with clients and team members – For a Python developer to be able to put a workable syntax, it’s essential that they should be able to effectively collaborate with everyone involved in making an application. It’s the only way they can make a user-friendly app that meets business goals. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Onboarding a Python Developer 

To ensure you only hire the best developers, it’s important to address a few common mistakes/pitfalls that you may often come across. In the case of a Python developer, here are a few for you to pay attention to. 

Don’t Settle for Passive Recruitment:

One common mistake that many tech firms make is running job advertisements across a multitude of platforms and waiting for candidates to send their resumes. While this method is effective for the short term, it eventually doesn’t work long-term as many individuals who apply aren’t even aware of the basics.

Therefore, instead of going for passive recruitment, take a more pronounced approach of active recruitment. Active recruitment constitutes monitoring the best programmers and the projects that they are working on. By tracking reviews and checking their ratings on previous platforms, it becomes easier to find someone who can effectively fit within your particular corporate culture. 

Not Assessing Developer’s Skillset:

Another pitfall that many befalls are not being able to employ a programmer who holds practical and theoretical knowledge. Many business owners make the common mistake of hiring candidates with little to no expertise in Python development.

They may possess the necessary skillset but their professional experience and corporate exposure are the bare minimum. When they don’t have enough knowledge, they may not turn out to be a good Python engineer. One way to overcome this problem is to onboard a tech lead who will conduct interviews and analyze them before hiring.

By doing so, your organization will have a more streamlined recruitment process for hiring developers. 

Keep in Mind, Soft Skills Matter:

Just like startup founders pay attention to creating the pitch-perfect product and forget about customer requirements, most employers pay attention to technical skills and often forget about soft skills before onboarding them.

Effective soft skills equip a Python developer with the ability to effectively communicate; it keeps the project owner well informed about the progress. In case, a developer is unable to communicate, it may lead to problems on the management level which will eventually lead to stagnation.

Besides, soft skills are not only essential for corporate environments, but it’s also significantly important for other parts of our lives making them interactive & friendly.  

Questions to Ask a Python Developer During Recruitment

An interview only becomes successful when you ask the right questions. A good Python developer is well-equipped to answer any of the questions that come their way.

The right questions will show how much experience the developer has in core concepts, data structures, object-oriented programming, error handling, and whether or not they have a solid foundation in evaluating expertise. 

Questions should also focus on practical experience aspects such as frameworks, libraries, and knowledge application in real-world scenarios.

It will also showcase their familiarity with different development tools, version control systems, and approaches to debugging and Python code optimization. 

It will help you better analyze their proficiency as well. 

Here is the complete list of questions that are most commonly asked by Python developers on various skill levels.

Core Python Skills (for all levels):

• Basics:

  • What is Python?
  • What are the key features of Python (interpreted, dynamically typed, etc.)?
  • What are the benefits of using Python?

• Syntax and Data Structures:

  • Explain the difference between lists and tuples.
  • How do you iterate over a list in Python?
  • What are functions and how do you define them?
  • Explain the concept of arguments and return values in functions.

• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP):

  • What are the pillars of OOP (encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism)?
  • How do you define a class in Python?
  • Explain the concept of inheritance with an example.

• Modules and Libraries:

  • What is the difference between a module and a library?
  • Name some commonly used built-in Python libraries (os, math, etc.).
  • How do you install external libraries using pip?

• Exception Handling:

  • How do you handle exceptions in Python using try-except blocks?
  • What are the different types of exceptions you might encounter?

• Testing:

  • Why is it important to write unit tests for your code?
  • Are you familiar with any Python testing frameworks (e.g., unittest, pytest)?

Intermediate/Advanced Skills:

• Decorators:

  • Explain what decorators are and how they are used.

• Generators and Iterators:

  • Differentiate between generators and iterators.

• Context Managers:

  • Explain the concept of context managers using the with statement.

• Asynchronous Programming:

  • How do you achieve asynchronous programming in Python (using async/await keywords)?

• Web Development with Python Frameworks: (if relevant to the position)

  • Have you worked with any Python web frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask)?
  • Explain the Model-View-Template (MVT) design pattern used in web frameworks.

• Data Science and Machine Learning Libraries: (if relevant)

  • Are you familiar with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn?
  • How do you use NumPy for numerical computations?

Beyond Technical Skills:

• Problem-Solving Skills:

  • Present a coding challenge relevant to the position and assess the candidate’s approach to solving it.

• Project Experience:

  • Discuss the candidate’s past projects using Python.
  • Ask them to explain the challenges they faced and how they tackled them.

• Version Control Systems (VCS):

  • Do you have experience using Git for version control?

• Learning Agility:

  • How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in Python?

What Are Some Good Places to Find a Python Developer? 

The best way to onboard a Python developer is to find them on a freelance basis. However, as a tech startup or a business, you need someone who can dedicate themselves to your particular project. 

To hire a Python developer as an in-house resource, there are several online resources where you can find talented Python developers, depending on your needs and budget.

Here are a few places that you need to look for a Python developer. 

Job Boards: 

• Python.org Jobs: This is a job board specifically for Python developers, so you’re sure to find qualified candidates.
• General Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn can also be a good source for Python developers, though you’ll need to filter the results more carefully.

Freelance Marketplaces:

• Upwork: A vast online marketplace with many skilled freelance Python developers. You can post your project details and have developers submit proposals.
• Toptal: Focuses on top-tier freelance talent, with a rigorous screening process for developers.

Other Resources:

• GitHub: You can search for developers based on their public repositories and contributions to open-source projects.
• Stack Overflow: This Q&A platform allows you to find Python experts by looking at their contributions and engaging with them in relevant threads.

Assign The Test Task

Once you have found the right Python developer, the next phase is to conduct the interview. But before you get into a room with the Python developer, it’s essential that you at least know that he/she possesses the required developer skills and experience. After all, you don’t want to engage with incompetent personnel and end up wasting your precious time and money. 

So first things first, assign the developer a test task and check if they have the knowledge & expertise to handle a Python project (a real-life use case scenario). If they are capable of handling the task with proficiency, then you can proceed forward to the next stage which is the interview. 

Agree on Deliverables, Sign a Business Contract

Last, but not least, ask them to finalize the hiring process by signing a contract. List all the deliverables that you want to include within the project, and agree on when and how they will be delivered. 

Once the terms and conditions are decided, decide on the payment method so you & the developer ensure the total cost you spend falls under budget. 

Sign a contract with the programmer, and voila! You can always go for a full-time agency such as Branex where we provide you with your very own dedicated Python developer to code the perfect app. 

Concluding Thoughts 

If you are a tech startup and looking to hire a developer for your digital product, Python is a versatile language making it the best choice for web developers, data scientists, and more. Look for developers with strong core Python skills, experience in relevant frameworks, and a knack for problem-solving.

Avoid passive recruitment and assess candidates thoroughly through technical interviews and test projects. Utilize job boards, freelance marketplaces, and developer communities to find top talent. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect Python developer to propel your startup’s success.