I’m feeling frustrated after interviewing many backend developer candidates lately. We’ve talked to about 1200 people but can’t seem to find the right fit.
Here’s the issue: most candidates struggle with explaining simple programming concepts like for loops and while loops. I’m not talking about complex algorithms here just the basics of control flow.
What’s even more surprising is that some of these folks have years of experience and impressive resumes. But when we dig deeper it seems like their knowledge is superficial.
We’re offering a good salary for someone with 1-2 years of experience. But we can’t find anyone who truly understands fundamental programming ideas.
Am I being too picky? Or has the skill level in our field really dropped this much? I’d love to hear if others are facing similar challenges when hiring developers.
Does anyone have tips for finding candidates who actually know their stuff? This whole process has been really discouraging.
As someone who’s been on both sides of the interviewing table, I can relate to your frustration. The disconnect between resumes and actual skills is a growing concern in our industry. It’s not just you - many companies are struggling to find developers with solid fundamentals.
One possible explanation is the rise of bootcamps and self-taught programmers. While these paths can produce great developers, they sometimes skip over core concepts in favor of practical skills. Additionally, some developers get too comfortable with high-level frameworks and lose touch with the underlying principles.
To improve your hiring process, consider implementing coding exercises that focus on fundamentals. Pair programming sessions or take-home projects can reveal a lot about a candidate’s thought process and understanding. You might also want to adjust your interview questions to dig deeper into how candidates approach problem-solving, rather than just asking about specific technologies.
Ultimately, finding the right fit takes time and patience. Don’t compromise on the basics - they’re essential for long-term success.
hey there, i’m kinda curious - have u tried looking beyond traditional resumes? maybe check out some open-source projects or coding competitions? Those could give u a better idea of ppl’s real skills. also, whats ur interview process like? any chance to tweak it to focus more on practical problem-solving?
bruh, i feel ya. hiring’s a mess these days. maybe try givin em some hands-on coding challenges? like, make em build somethin simple from scratch. that way u can see if they really get the basics or just talk a good game. good luck findin someone who knows their stuff!