Even if you don’t have an IT background, performing a technical interview isn’t some arcane task requiring a person with an advanced engineering degree. Thankfully, there are a few easy to follow steps to ensure that potential candidate gets a proper vetting.
Know the Position Requirements
Make sure you intimately understand the technical experience and other requirements necessary for this position. This new hire needs to be a close fit for both the short-term and long-term needs of your company.
If necessary, review any job posting with the technical managers of that position for additional insight and input before the posting goes public. It’s better to have everything in place before spending money on that advertisement.
Familiarize Yourself with the Programming Languages for the Position
It is probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with the programming languages for the position, especially if it involves newer technology. Your 25-year-old COBOL knowledge doesn’t really apply when giving a technical interview for a Python job!
Remember that software engineering jobs require technical skills beyond just programming languages and coding. Make sure you are able to intelligently talk and query about operating systems, databases, the QA role, source control, as well as business analysis. Don’t forget the latest concepts in Agile project management methodologies.
Be Proactive in Staying Current on the Latest Technologies
The level of technical know-how needed to properly interview a potential programming candidate requires staying abreast of the latest and greatest in software engineering and technology. If necessary, make sure you are up to speed with new NoSQL databases like MongoDB or HBase, with functional programming languages like F#, and with distributed processing frameworks like Hadoop.
Remember, a technical job interview is a two-way street, so you need to put your company’s best foot forward by being able to intelligently ask questions of the candidate; probing further as well.
If this all seems a bit overwhelming, or if you just don’t have the required time for the effort to come up to speed technically, remember your local technical recruiter can provide insight, as well as give you a list of already vetted resumes that meet your needs.
As the top technical recruiters in New Jersey, APN Consulting has the staffing experts on hand to help you find the perfect candidate, giving you the time to run your own business.