Technical recruitment poses a puzzle. Just posting a job won't cut it for skilled candidates. Fact is, we've got more jobs than qualified pros. That's why nabbing software developers is an uphill climb for tech recruiters. A whopping 9 in 10 HR professionals (86%) of HR pros say they find it challenging to find and hire tech talent.
It's a whole different skill universe. So, how to bag those software professionals?
Peek into this article to fine-tune your talent search and embrace the power of sourcing remote developers in niche skills.
Sign up to Index.dev platform now and start hiring proficiently assessed developers today→
1. Referral Programs
Want to know who’s in the loop about software developers? Yep, other software developers. Despite being one of the most effective strategies, most companies skip referral programs. But here’s the ace: your development crew can be your secret weapon for recommending top-notch candidates.
It’s a common practice to reward the referrer (up to $500) if their recommended candidate gets hired. Recognizing the punch of referrals, Index.dev harnessed their developer community and introduced incentives via the Refer-a-Dev program. Curious for more? See how Index.dev nailed it with an experienced Ruby developer via their Refer-a-Dev program.
2. Tech Communities
Here's another gem: plugging into software developer communities and forums. These tech hubs are like gold mines for remote job talent. Even if your job post might not reach a massive crowd, it's laser-focused traffic. First step? Scout the right community for your role. Say you're on the hunt for a Python pro, head over to PySlackers for a match made in coding heaven.
Other communities include Reddit, HashNode, CodeProject, and Dzone. When you drop your post in these spaces, spruce it up to attract all the right eyes. Other avenues to consider to source tech candidates include online developer communities such as Stack Overflow, Slack and GitHub.
The significant drawback of leveraging dev communities is that each community plays by its own rulebook. That means you need to roll up your sleeves, invest more time, and dive deep into engagement before you take on the recruiting journey (if they allow it). Sure, it might make the process a tad more intricate.
3. Social Media – LinkedIn, LinkedIn, and then maybe Facebook
Recruiters of today can't stop singing praises about their social media ace in the hole, and LinkedIn steals the spotlight. Believe it or not, over 90% of recruiters are on a LinkedIn hunt for the perfect candidates to fill their job vacancies.
Why? You're diving into a sea of passive candidates who might just hold the exact skills your organization craves. Once you've spotted your targets, don't hesitate to make a move with a tailored, personalized introduction. You can also enter LinkedIn Recruiter, a tool that's like your recruitment sidekick, or fire up the LinkedIn Boolean Search for a laser-focused hunt.
However, don't throw all your chips into one pot. While LinkedIn is a top pick, remember that 79% of job seekers play the field across all social media platforms during their job quest. So, don't shy away from expanding your horizons to Facebook.
4. Developer Freelance Marketplaces
A speedy solution for teaming up with freelance developers is to go through developer freelancing marketplaces. There are plenty of options, with big names like Toptal, Upwork, and Fiverr in the spotlight. However, let's not ignore the bumps on the road. While these platforms have a wide user base and substantial web traffic, they're not without their flaws. Many clients find the bidding process frustrating, encounter vetting concerns, and face hefty pricing. But here's the silver lining: if you're after robust technical talent and you're on a tight schedule, this route is a winner. It's the express lane to getting top-notch skills on board in no time.
Sign up to Index.dev platform now and start hiring proficiently assessed developers today→
5. Tech events
Tech events are the new playground, with a mix of in-person and virtual gatherings. They're your golden ticket to meeting folks who are all about the tech stack you're scouting for.
Cruise through Meetup and Eventbrite, your treasure troves for events that align with your candidate's interests. A sneaky tip: on Meetup, you can sneak a peek at participants' profiles. Many even link up their Facebook or LinkedIn profiles, a perfect launchpad for reaching out.
Hold tight, though. This strategy takes time and leans on the tech landscape in your proximity. But hey, when you're on the hunt for scarce but outstanding tech talent, this could be your secret weapon.
6. Coding bootcamps
Our scouting reveals that coding bootcamps churn out strong contenders, especially if they've clocked in experience from other industries. These immersive coding programs last from 1 to 6 months, tackling the demand head-on. Bootcamps like Ironhack and Le Wagon take the spotlight, but remember, options vary by region.
Yet, here's the lowdown: candidates from bootcamps might need a tad more guidance from the team in the beginning. It's an investment that can pay off big-time.
7. Medium & Other Dev Publications
Many developers have a knack for sharing their wisdom through platforms like Medium. It's a goldmine of insights waiting to be tapped. On Medium, you can narrow your hunt for potential developers by their area of expertise or preferred tech stack. The beauty is, Medium's posts run the gamut of software development topics, ensuring you'll stumble upon someone who's profiecient with your tech stack.
Moreover, writers who contribute to renowned publications like HackerNoon or freeCodeCamp are also worth your attention.
But here's the twist. While a developer's writing prowess is cool, it's not the whole puzzle. Dive into their broader portfolio to gauge their development chops beyond the prose.
8. Quora
Quora serves as a hotspot for brilliant developers who generously share their wisdom. It's a virtual arena of tech expertise waiting to be explored. Here's your game plan: zone in on topics that align with your interest. This could range from developers on the lookout for gigs to specific tech stacks. And if you're feeling adventurous, dip into Quora Spaces. It's your gateway to connecting with developers in your niche.
But here's the twist: a word of caution. Quora's got a pool of talent, but many of these answer-wizards are already wrapped up in major leagues like Facebook, Twitter, or Microsoft. So, finding a match might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Simplify Developer Hiring with Index.dev
Tired of the hiring hustle? Say goodbye to endless searches, fruitless follow-ups, and generic job postings. Welcome to Index.dev, your shortcut to vetted developers and scheduled interviews without the headache.
Index.dev is your ticket to connecting with top-tier European and LatAm software developers, linking them to tech companies in the US and UK. With a whopping 10,000+ developers spanning the globe, finding your perfect match is faster and smoother than ever.
Brace yourself:
✨ Receive tailored candidate matches within 48 hours, no endless scrolling needed.
✨ Meet pre-screened, handpicked talents without sifting through mountains of applications.
✨ Slash your hiring timeline by a whopping 7 times with these vetted, interview-ready aces.