Java, one of the most preferred programming languages in the world, has changed the world of software development. It operates virtually everywhere in the digital sphere. This revolutionary programming language has excelled in every way and remained in the list of ‘Top 3 most in-demand languages’ for many years, enabling more job opportunities for engineers.
Heavily influenced by C++, Java is continuously evolving, allowing businesses to reap its benefits. The most used development platform is suitable for all mission-critical software projects.
Java is used by top companies and startups to create efficient applications such as web-based apps, mobile apps, desktop GUI apps, games, cloud-based apps, distributed apps, IoT apps, etc. And Java development experts play vital roles in the entire software development process.
To take digital projects to the next level using Java, companies need the best Java programmers with a strong technical background. Today, I am going to reveal everything about finding, identifying, and hiring the best Java professionals.
Certainly, scrutinizing various Java applications from fresher or experienced candidates can make your hiring process a bit challenging. That is why it is important to consider every aspect related to recruitment to bring the perfect fit on board. So, let us get started with the step-by-step process to hire Java developers.
Step 1: Define the Scope of Your Java Application and Identify Hiring Needs
Prior to hiring Java developers, you must specify the scope of your Java application project along with hiring needs. That must include minute details of your project mentioned hereunder:
1.1 Project Description
It is important for you to map out app development requirements, such as objectives of the app, user requirements, features, functionality, long-term vision, operating models, engagement models, monetization strategies, budgetary concerns, time frames, etc.
So, first of all, write down the detailed description of your project, including deliverables of each stage. This helps developers to understand your expectations.
1.2 Project Categories
Every Java project is unique with different technical requirements. Make sure to finalize the categories of your project that include custom Java app development, Java web development, Java game development, Java app maintenance, Java app update and migration, and Java product development.
Project categorization in Java plays a vital role in the technical hiring process, as they need different skill sets, knowledge, and experience. i.e.
- For distributed systems, you can have a developer having deep domain knowledge of sockets like RMI, RPC, and other protocols like IP, FTP, HTTP, etc.
- To develop a Java-based gaming app, you need to hire a senior Java developer with proficiency in graphics programming
- For web development, you need to hire full-stack Java web developers having expertise in service-oriented architecture or web services like REST or GraphQL and proficiency in web technologies like jQuery, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSP/Servlets, markup languages like Struts and Spring.
The same goes for other Java project categories as well. Make sure in which category your project falls and then move ahead further to hire dedicated Java developers.
1.3 Operating Models
Every business has its own way of hiring candidates, collaborating with recruitment agencies, or hiring partners. Based on your project requirements, location, and budget limitations, you need to finalize a suitable operating model. There are three main models that cover the most popular case scenarios, as mentioned below:
- Managed Service Model, also known as the dedicated development team model allows your in-house team to join forces with other remote developers.
- Team Extension Model, allows you to hire one or more developers with a specific skill set to complete your project.
- Managed Product Development Model allows you to develop and launch fully functional products on scheduled time with the help of an outsourcing product development partner.
1.4 Hiring Needs
It is important to figure out the gaps in your existing team to complete your next Java project at the scheduled time. Recognize whether you want a developer for a specific programming-related task or the entire development lifecycle. You have to be really specific to your hiring requirements before starting the hiring process.
Now that you know what you are looking for, let us see how a typical Java developer’s profile looks like.
Step 2: Prepare A Clear Job Description of Java Developers
Mostly, Java developers are responsible for many tasks throughout the entire software development lifecycle. They are a specialized programmer who develops robust code with the help of other software developers so as to integrate Java into apps, software, or websites. From designing, developing, testing, launching to managing Java-based applications, they serve many duties.
Your aim is to fill the necessary skill gap to complete your project on time by involving Java experts on a specific programming task or a full-scale development life cycle. You need to identify how your new Java-based role or multiple roles are aligned with your project goals. You can have,
- A Java development expert with mastery in all tools, technologies to complete your developmental task or,
- A single IT team of in-house Java developers
- A remote Java developer
- Multiple smaller teams of developers working at different locations, or
- Any other way you wish to hire dedicated developers.
Clearly, the roles and responsibilities of Java developers greatly vary depending on your company, project specification, and operating model.
That’s why, instead of writing all the frameworks and tools related to Java, you can write compelling job descriptions based on your project needs or also create profile-based job descriptions (Junior/senior/lead Java developers). Some common responsibilities include the following:
- Design, develop, implement, and maintain high-quality Java applications
- Manage Java and JEE app development
- Write efficient and clear code
- Transform project requirements into stipulations
- Conduct software testing, analysis, and debugging
- Finding issues related to production and non-production apps
- Contribute and support to all phases of the life cycle
Step 3: Find the Right Java Developers
Now, it’s time to turn your attention to finding the right talent. Based on your operating model, you can start looking for an ideal fit for your Java project requirements. You have a wide range of hiring options available, such as,
- Opt for online job portals like Indeed
- Use your network, internal source, or ask for referrals
- Attend tech events, developer conferences, or meet-ups
- Use online platforms like LinkedIn
- Leverage expertise of Java development companies
- Check freelancing platforms
Ideally, you can go for a cost-effective IT team augmentation model and team up with reliable IT outsourcing services providers to keep Java development experts onboard faster. They offer a wider scope of selection while minimizing the efforts.
They have a distinct approach to hiring the most qualified and experienced Java developers based on each clients’ needs. They have the necessary infrastructure, latest technology stacks, experienced Java resources, and provide end-to-end customer support throughout the project lifecycle. So, at this stage, you need to choose the right hiring option that helps you speed up your hiring process while minimizing the cost.
Step 4: Review Applications and Closely Interview Developers
This step includes reviewing applications of Java developers and evaluating their expertise via conducting interviews and online tests. You have to go through candidates’ resumes, check their qualifications, work experience, Java skill sets, open-source projects, etc. so that you can identify their core Java strengths.
You also need to check their Java certificates, such as Spring Certificates or Oracle Certified Master in a particular domain. Such certification helps you assess in-depth knowledge of the subject and hands-on experience working with specific tech stacks.
Evaluating Java mastery takes more time, as you have to evaluate many elements. When you hire a Java developer for your project, there are a few things you need to take into account and follow, as mentioned below:
4.1 Evaluate Must-Have Technical Skills
It is important for a Java developer to master the essential Java development tools and technologies and must be able to use the modern Java architecture, libraries, and components to build applications using Java and JEE. Hence, each Java developer must have knowledge and familiarity with the key fundamentals listed below:
Basic Understanding of Core Concepts like Core Java and J2EE
A developer must have a good understanding of the basic Java programming languages Core Java and J2EE that includes Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Syntax, Design Patterns, Abstract Classes, Interface, Serialization, Data Structures, and Algorithms.
Familiarity with Java DevOps and Build Tools
To automate source code applications and perform tasks related to integration and deployment, developers must be familiar with DevOps and build tools such as Maven, Gradle, Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, and Chef.
Better Grip on Web Technologies
For dynamic website applications, Java developers must be able to understand the techniques of communicating between multiple online systems via markup languages such as HTML, CSS, JQuery, Angular, React, JSP, and JSTL.
Knowledge of Java Testing Tools
Java developers have to test their code through a separate database, for which they must be knowledgeable enough to utilize testing tools like JUnit, Selenium, and TestNG.
Java EE Components
A good understanding of composing server-side apps using Java EE (Enterprise Edition) components is a must skill for any Java developer. Other components include Java Server Pages, Servlets, and Java Beans.
Java Application Containers
Java programmers have to perform various tasks such as authentication, logging, establishing database connections, etc., which is possible through application containers. Therefore, Java developers must be acquainted with app containers like JBoss and Jetty.
Ability to work with Java Frameworks
To develop feature-rich mobile applications, a Java developer must be familiar with Java web frameworks such as Spring MVC and Play. Also, a developer must be able to work with at least one framework such as Spring, Struts, and other ORM frameworks such as JPA2 and Hibernate.
Must-Know SOLID Principles
A skilled Java developer must be able to follow the principles of SOLID to improve the quality as well as maintenance process of applications. SOLID stands for,
- S: Single responsibility states that a class should be responsible for one item only to avoid interconnected issues in the program
- O: Open – closed entails that classes, functions, and modules must be extendable
- L: Liskov substitution suggests subclass should be able to replace functions of their superclasses
- I: Interface segregation advises creating custom UIs for each client
- D: Dependency Inversion states that high-level modules do not depend on low-level modules
Other essential technical skills include,
- Working experience in any Java IDE tool such as Eclipse, Intellij IDE
- Must know concepts of multi-threading and dependency injection
- Sound knowledge of relational and/or non-relational databases such as MySQL, MongoDB, etc.
- Familiarity with version control tools like Git repositories – GitLab
4.2 Check Essential Non-technical Skills
Java developers have to work with cross-functional team members as well as clients, which requires important non-technical skills such as the ability to work with multiple team members, communication skills, interpersonal skills, time management, and being ready to learn new things and keep up to date with latest advancements and Java updates.
4.3 Assessing Technical Skills via Conducting Online Tests or Coding Challenges
To employ the right candidate for your project, you can take advantage of various Java programming skill tests, which help you assess the basic as well as advanced concepts, coding techniques, and tech expertise of candidates. It helps you to simplify the talent assessment process. Here’s the list of tests:
Java Full Stack Developer Skill Test
To analyze skills such as data mapping, models, strings, regular expressions, and more.
Online Aptitude Test for Core Java
To evaluate core Java concepts like Java OOPs, Java 8 Lambda Function, string data approach, and other functional interfaces.
Advanced Java Online test
To check high complexity levels for coding to hire senior Java developers.
Java MCQ Online Test
To determine Java architect roles like auto wiring, annotation, aggregate functions, etc.
Spring Boot Online Test
To evaluate skills like Spring Boot Lines, annotations, Dependencies, Security, Configurations, and others.
There are various other online tests you can use to assess the technical expertise with specific libraries, frameworks, or tools related to your project requirements such as Core Java developers test or Oracle SQL or JDBC knowledge-based test, etc. You can also give algorithm-based challenges or application development challenges for assessment. Depending on your project needs, you can have the best approach for effective assessment.
4.4 Testing Java Developers’ Skills by Asking Relevant Questions
To have great talent on board, you must closely interview each Java app developer to ensure their competency per your project requirements. You can prepare a list of questions of MCQs based on the profile of Java developers before conducting interviews.
Asking questions related to fundamentals or more advanced concepts of Java, algorithm or data structure issues, the programming language particularities, app design, architecture, etc., can help you understand the proficiency of Java developers.
Step 5: Hire the Perfect Fit and Get Started with your Onboarding Process
It’s time to make a hiring decision. Hire the best Java developers or a team of Java developers to manage your project using the best suitable hiring model. Have clear communication related to project roles, payment/salary, project requirements, tech stacks to be used in the entire project lifecycle, quality standards, communication channel, frequency, working hours, etc.
Completing a well-defined onboarding process helps new developers or teams to completely immerse themselves in your organizational culture, and collect all the essential information to start work. Make sure the selected developers know your exact project requirements. As they should be able to deliver app requirements on time while maintaining high quality.
To Conclude
Building a team of highly skilled Java developers is a challenging task, but following a step-by-step process is the best, easy, and faster way to get the right talent on board. It is important to have a necessary plan for hiring because, as a business owner, you have to consider multiple core competencies of a Java developer and many other elements in the hiring process. I hope, using the above-discussed steps, you will be able to find and hire Java developers suitable to the needs of your project. You can also take the help of our Java development experts, who have a proven track record of helping companies build successful Java-based applications. Because partnering with a reliable Java software development company with great digital capabilities and skilled developers can help you make the hiring process bespoke in every project. Get in touch with us for any professional assistance related to Java development.
Author's Bio:
Pritam Barhate, with an experience of 14+ years in technology, heads Technology Innovation at Mobisoft Infotech. He has a rich experience in design and development. He has been a consultant for a variety of industries and startups. At Mobisoft Infotech, he primarily focuses on technology resources and develops the most advanced solutions.
