Let’s be honest — the hiring process can be challenging at times. And when it comes to technical roles like Java developer, things get even more complicated.
No, it’s not about scarcity. In fact, Java is everywhere. It’s still one of the most popular coding languages in the world. As per the JetBrains State of Developer Ecosystem Report 2024, almost 30% of developers use Java regularly.
So, there are a lot of people who know how to code in Java. But the hardest part is finding a reliable person who fits in with your team.
In this blog, we will explain how to find and hire the right Java developer for your project.
What is Java Development?
Java development is the process of making software, apps, and systems with the Java programming language.
Sun Microsystems made Java in the 1990s, and Oracle now keeps it up to date. One of its best features is that you can “write once, run anywhere.”
When Should You Hire Java Developers for Your Project?
Not every project needs someone who knows Java. But a lot of them do. Here are some common situations in which hiring one makes sense:
- Enterprise Applications: As Java is known for its reliability and scalability, many companies use it to build large-scale backend systems.
- Android App Development: Java is still one of the main languages that Google supports for building native Android apps.
- API-Driven Backends: Java’s strong frameworks, such as Spring Boot, are great for making APIs that are safe and can grow.
- IoT and Embedded Systems: Java can also run on edge devices because of platforms like Java ME.
How to Hire the Right Java Developer
Let’s get it straight. You don’t need someone who knows everything. All you need is the right developer who knows what you need. Let’s check out how to hire Java developers effectively:
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Figure Out What The Project Needs
Be clear at the beginning by answering these questions:
- What are you actually making? Is it an Android app, REST API, backend service, or something else?
- Is it for a short time or a long time?
- Will they work alone or with a group?
- Do you need a full-time professional or a freelancer?
These requirements form the structure of your hiring process. For instance, if you need to hire Java developers full-time, you might want to use a trusted IT staffing agency like Ciel Tech. Such an agency can help you quickly access pre-vetted professionals who are matched to your specific project needs.
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Good Database Skills
Most Java applications interact with databases.
A good Java developer should know how to use:
- SQL
- JDBC
- Relational databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL
- NoSQL tools like MongoDB
During development, they should also know how to optimise queries and handle schema changes in the best way possible.
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Look for Experience That Matters
All experiences are not the same. If you’re building an e-commerce backend, look for experience with Spring Boot, REST APIs, and payment integration. And for Android apps, prefer someone who’s already built apps using Java (and maybe Kotlin).
You must always ask for the portfolio of candidates. A few good code samples are worth more than a resume.
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The Right Hiring Process
Use a hiring funnel that includes both technical screening and human evaluation:
- Begin by quickly looking over the resume.
- Do a test or a take-home assignment after that.
- Have a technical interview or a live coding session.
- Finish with a talk about soft skills and culture fit.
This structure helps eliminate candidates who are only good on the surface and find real problem-solvers.
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Have a Technical Interview
This is where you go deeper to test the candidate’s:
- Understanding of core Java concepts like data types, OOPs, interfaces, and collections.
- Multithreading and concurrency
- Practical skills to manage complex situations. You can ask them questions like: “How would you optimise a slow API call?”
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Think About Outsourcing
If your project is only going to last a short time, you don’t need to hire dedicated Java developer. You can outsource it to a trusted company to save on the cost and time of hiring. This way, you can utilize people who have already been vetted without having to do it full-time.
On top of that, it lets you hire people from all over the world and change the size of your team as needed.
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Effective Memory Management
A good Java developer should know:
- How JVM memory models work
- How Garbage Collection (GC) works
- How to fix OutOfMemoryErrors when they happen.
This skill sets experienced professionals apart from those who are just starting out.
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Solid Proficiency in Java
It may seem obvious, but don’t forget this. Make sure that the candidate is okay with:
- Java 8 and later have features like Streams, Lambdas, and Functional Interfaces.
- Handling exceptions
- Thread safety and making sure things happen at the same time
- Patterns for design, such as Singleton and Factory
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Knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Remember, Java is based on OOP principles. That’s what makes code easy to test and keep up with over time.
The right Java developer needs to know how to use Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism, and Abstraction in a useful way. They should also know how to use SOLID principles and modular architecture to plan systems.
Conclusion
Mere resume scanning is no longer enough to fill a crucial position like Java Developer. You need to find someone who knows the language and the problem your business is trying to solve. And the right hire can help you reach your goals faster.
That’s exactly what we’ll help you with at CIEL Tech! We will connect you with professional Java Developers who are aligned with your tech stack and timeline. Let’s make your hiring simpler!