How Do I Find a Coder?

Isn’t it easy to find a coder? It seems like they’re everywhere!

Not so fast. While so-called “coders”—that is, people with coding skills—may seem abundant, quantity isn’t the same as quality. The real question should be, “How do I find an exceptional coder?”

The International Data Corporation (IDC) previously predicted a global shortage of four million developers by 2025. That could translate to approximately $8.5 trillion in lost annual revenue by 2030. The point is, it’s not as easy to find a coder, much less a qualified coder, as you might think. 

First, let’s consider that coders and developers (as well as programmers and engineers) have some distinctions, largely in terms of the scope and complexity of the role. Coders typically work on basic programs and systems. They may also be known as junior developers who focus on writing—you guessed it—code. They may be working on tasks delegated by a more senior programmer, developer, or engineer. They don’t oversee the software development lifecycle. Instead, they typically handle discrete coding tasks rather than putting together entire applications or programs.

That doesn’t make them any less important, though. They are crucial to the SDLC.

So, back to the original question: How can you find a coder?

Why Do We Need Coders?

The umbrella group of software professionals, including software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, is expected to grow 17% between 2023–2033, which is much faster than average for all occupations. In other words, demand is very high. 

We depend on coders, developers, and engineers to create the software programs and systems we use daily. 

Coders work on a range of projects, from simple websites to more complex chatbots. Depending on their skill level, they may also create mobile and web apps.

Simply put: Without coders, the modern age as we know it would not exist.

How to Find a Coder

Determine Your Project and Business Needs

Your project and business needs include basic and complex requirements, starting with your overarching goals. Consider how the solutions you want to create differ from others on the market, as well as factors such as:

• Your prospective and existing user base
• Your competitors
• Your tech stack
• Your existing team makeup

Also, ask yourself: 

• Do I need a freelancer for a specific project or a full-time, in-house developer?
• Am I building an MVP from the ground up or augmenting an existing product?

These factors help dictate the experience level you need in a coder. 

Look Globally

Skilled developers and coders hail from countries all over the world. While the US is most heavily represented at 18.9%, according to the Stack Overflow 2024 Developer Survey, there are many other nations with high populations of tech talent, including Canada, Poland, and Brazil.

By pulling from a global pool, you can increase diversity. That’s important because many groups are underrepresented in tech. For example, in 2022, 68.2% of programmers in the US were white, according to Data USA.

Hiring tech talent from around the world allows you to gain new and innovative perspectives. It also enables you to cast a wider net and fill niche roles.

Rethink Your Hiring Requirements

Sixty-six percent of developers have a BA/BS or MA/MS degree despite only 49% of developers learning to code at school, according to the Stack Overflow survey. While a CS or related degree used to be the main path toward landing a job in tech, that’s no longer the case.

Today, there are many paths to gaining coding skills. For example, boot camps have seen a surge in popularity, boasting around a 79% employment rate within 180 days after graduation, according to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting.

Don’t let a rigid commitment to traditional hiring requirements stand in the way of finding the best coder for the job. Explore alternatives and rethink minimum requirements that often don’t have a huge bearing on success on the job.

Experience, for example, can often suffice in place of a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Technical assessments allow you to evaluate coding skills and help you curb biases.

Use Reputable and Nontraditional Sources

Job boards and hiring sites are just one avenue. Use a combination of the tried and true and nontraditional sources to find a coder.

Communities and resources like GitHub and StackOverflow allow you to learn about the coder’s approach and see work samples. You can also post jobs and connect with others for referrals and recommendations.

Meanwhile, marketplaces like Terminal can match you with pre-vetted talent. You can still interview candidates directly, but Terminal will only provide you with talent that has strong technical and soft skills to meet your needs.

It can also be helpful to attend virtual or in-person events, hackathons, and conferences focused on different technologies, tech stacks, and more.

Look Beyond Technical Skills

Of course, technical skills such as programming languages are the foundation of a coder’s role. However, they’re not enough. Coders need to balance those hard skills with soft skills to succeed in a collaborative workplace.

Problem-solving

Coders must be able to develop solutions to complex challenges and issues. They will need to handle pressure and approach problems from various angles. Problem-solving is essential for a coder, as are critical thinking and analytical skills.

Curiosity

As problem-solvers, coders and other tech professionals should want to find interesting and out-of-the-box solutions. They should wonder how things work and be interested in how tech functions. This curiosity will allow them to develop creative and innovative software solutions.

Adaptability

With software development constantly evolving, tech professionals should be able to pivot and adapt to new technologies and skills. They must be flexible and able to accept change readily. Adaptability also means staying abreast of new trends in a changing field and having an eagerness to learn.

Collaboration

Coders don’t work in silos. They must collaborate with team members and be able to cooperate and contribute. Part of this is teamwork—these professionals need to work well with others and welcome other perspectives. 

Emotional Intelligence

Coders must also demonstrate empathy. This goes hand in hand with collaboration. They should be able and willing to understand others, build and nurture relationships, and navigate and resolve problems.

Organization

Time management is essential for practically every field, and it’s no different for coders. They must juggle multiple responsibilities, prioritize effectively, and manage time well to meet deadlines. 

Industry Experience

While it’s not mandatory for every project, it’s helpful to have industry experience to understand your challenges and needs. Knowledge of software solutions in your field will help you meet industry standards. For example, in healthcare, familiarity with HIPAA compliance can be useful.

Leadership

No matter how junior the professional, leadership is an essential quality. It facilitates a smoother exchange of knowledge and cultivates a better team dynamic. Tech professionals with leadership qualities can guide and mentor others on their team and mutually benefit from diverse perspectives. 

How to Find a Coder: The Bottom Line

To find a coder, look beyond traditional requirements that have long pervaded the tech industry. For example, a four-year degree in computer science isn’t necessarily a must-have in today’s environment. Don’t feel limited by geographic barriers, either. The best coder for your project and business needs may be in another country. A remote-first landscape makes it possible to work with tech talent around the world.

Remember that it’s not just about technical skills. When searching for a coder, consider qualities such as innovative perspectives, soft skills, and cultural fit. 

Keeping these factors in mind and expanding your search to encompass diverse perspectives will lead to smoother development cycles and better end products.

At Terminal, we pre-vet all tech talent to ensure strong technical and soft skills. We’ll take into account your requirements and business culture to find coders who will fit in with your in-house team. Get started for free by browsing developers instantly.