Hiring + recruiting | Blog Post
How To Hire a Python Developer
Wes Mitchell-Lewis
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Notable companies like Google, Netflix, Spotify, JP Morgan, Pixar, and many more utilize the power of Python to establish and expand their services, mobile applications and server software. Python is a highly trusted programming language and very popular with companies, all seeking professional python programmers to help their projects excel. If you are currently looking to hire a python developer or are not sure what type of help you need, we have the information you need to get you started.
What is Python?
The primary function of Python is to build websites and software, automate tasks, and optimize data analysis. It is a computer programming language that can be used for a wide range of things so is not necessarily considered specialized. A python programmer could look forward to working as a python programmer, a data scientist, or work in artificial intelligence.
What Is The Role Of a Python Programmer?
A typical day in the life of a python developer is one that is varied and unique. Oftentimes, the python developer will spend the day juggling many tasks. Depending on the role you are recruiting for, you may have more specific tasks from one project to the next. However, generally, python programmer finds themselves working on the following:
- Writes reliable and testable Python code
- Performs maintenance and debugging on existing projects on the back end
- Creatively designs applications and user-friendly websites
- Work on the integrative system and data storage
What Are The Key Skills Required For a Python Dev?
The right candidate will be able to impress you with their range of technical and non-technical skills. As python coders are primarily technical, let’s begin with those skills:
- A secure understanding of Python programming, Python syntax, nuances, semantics, data types, etc
- Be a full stack python-dev, meaning they will be well versed in the numerous Python libraries and feel confident using them
- Ability to use other frameworks that will help with the outcome of the project
- The ability to debug and fix any errors
- A solid grasp of other front-end programming languages such as Java
In terms of non-technical skills, you want to look for the following:
- The ability to see the bigger picture and ability to understand the goals of the project
- Great interpersonal and communication skills
- A positive attitude with the ability to self-start
- A curious mind with an interest in continued learning and bettering themselves
- Ability to work amongst a team, and also autonomously
- Strong problem solver
Interview Process for Hiring a Python Developer
When recruiting a python developer, it is important to have an interview that includes a technical quiz section and a standard, conversationalist interview. This will help you get a grasp of the candidate’s personality and skills.
You will want to tailor your questions specifically to the project, however, you can consider using these general questions:
- Explain why functions are called first-class objects in Python.
- Can you highlight the key features of Python?
- Expand on what python modules are and when you would use them
- What are the key differences between .py and .pyc files?
- Do you have any favorite technical books or learning resources?
- Do you contribute to any open-source software projects? Do you enjoy that type of work?
- How would you convert a string?
- What are the various data types in Python?
- Consider your previous work. Which project are you most proud of?
- Can you explain what pep 8 is?
- What exactly is an Interpreted language?
On the less technical side, you can ask your candidate these types of questions to get a better understanding of their working habits, such as:
- Talk me through how you would handle a disagreement within your team.
- What motivates you?
- Do you work better independently or on a team?
- How would a previous colleague describe you?
- What do you look for in a manager or project lead?
Find the Right Python Dev For Your Team
The recruitment process can be stressful and time-consuming. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months or longer to find a candidate that truly fits the requirements that you are looking for.
This is where Terminal can step in. As leading industry professionals, we can help your company, regardless of size and project, discover leading python devs and python coders to execute your goals and fit seamlessly into your team! Our secret? We don’t limit our candidate pool to one zip code. Instead, we see the world as our oyster, allowing us to find candidates that stand out for all of the right reasons. We work with impressive, professional python developers from Canada, Europe and Latin America.
Wrapping Up How to Hire a Python Developer
When recruiting for a new python developer, you want to consider someone who has it all! Someone who offers impressive technical knowledge that is perfectly paired with a great can-do attitude and creative approach. Contact us to learn how we can help you find your company’s perfect python match!
Continue to explore the rest of Terminal’s content offerings. If you are interested in learning more about how Terminal can support your organization and accomplish your development goals, please get in touch with our team