How to Screen Python Development Skills Remotely
Python’s rise to prominence is understandable. It’s easy to master, incredibly versatile, and constantly evolving. It has proven helpful for building not only web and mobile apps, but modern data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, all of which are in hot demand right now.
Since the language is very popular amongst coders, you can hire remote python developers at very affordable rates while onboarding high-quality global talent, too. But, making sense of resumes received online can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for someone trained in a popular language. Why so?
Because you’ll see way more applications sitting in your inbox than you expected. Going through them to make informed, rational decisions can get very complex very quickly. So, here are some tips to try when you’re trying to hire remote python developers.
How to Screen Online Remote Python Developers Effectively
Resume screening is by far the simplest, yet the most difficult part of any recruitment process as it has the highest number of candidates needing evaluation. Deep within, all hiring managers fear both rejecting great prospects, and allowing less than desirable people in. Both are valid concerns since everyone exaggerates to some degree on their resumes.
You can simply screen each resume and decide for yourself if it's worth further evaluation. But, an easy, yet effective way here is to build an online application form that lets you collect all the critical information needed for a job. This way, you won’t need to rely on resumes and cover letters alone and can direct the conversation with each applicant from the start.
Online forms today allow recruiters to get all the data they require without triggering fatigue in applicants. You do need to be mindful of your questions so, be concise. The fewer fields you can use to get a good picture of the applicant, the better.
Good application forms aren’t substitutes for resumes, though since the latter is where people can express themselves more freely. So, while a form can be used to gauge an applicant’s skills, cover letters and resumes are better for understanding their personality and demeanor.
Running Background Checks on Pre-Screened Individuals
By now, you should have a list of candidates who seem like a good fit for the position, at least on paper. The next order of business is to confirm whether what each said on their application and resume is true or not.
You can use a service like Xref to run comprehensive background checks verifying their employment history, ID, and qualifications. Similarly, CVcheck can help you out with police verification, drug use, credit, and financial checks. Of course, both can be performed manually as well.
Testing Pre-Screened Remote Developers
Since you’re trying to hire remote python developers, testing them will pose a challenge since there’s no way to oversee whether the applicant is not cheating or being helped in some way.
Well-thought-out coding challenges can be a real help here. A coding challenge is designed to test a remote developer’s coding skills, creativity, and aptitude in a real-world setting. These can be tailored to fit any requirements.
While singular challenges can be issued en-masse, it’s better to oversee each candidate as they’re writing the test, especially if they’re competing for a medium-tier or management position.
Pair-programming can be used to have an invigilator work with an applicant to solve a problem together. Doing so will not only test the remote python developer’s skills but how they work in a team, under pressure and the invigilator can also use the opportunity to interview the candidate.
Some good practices here are:
● Use the same challenge for all the developers to maintain objectivity.
● Come up with tests the candidate is less likely to find answers to online.
● If you’re using an online testing tool, keep in mind a testing challenge may have been used before, so, do tweak the templates.
Evaluating the challenge should be done individually. Simple yes and no answers won’t suffice here. Allow the developer to elaborate on their decisions, sometimes very creative solutions can come out of nowhere!
Finally, handle rejections gently. Remember that all who applied and bothered to take tests and background checks spent a lot of time trying to prove themselves. At the very least, send out an email thanking everyone for their participation. Candidates who are removed after being tested should be addressed personally.
Or, You Can Let Us Handle Everything
We at Muoro know firsthand how hard trying to hire remote python developers can be. But, many of the steps mentioned above can be safely (and accurately) automated, and advances in project management technology mean recruitment processes either need to take as long or cost as much.
Our proprietary Engineering-as-a-Service (EaaS) model uses the latest in AI and machine learning to find, test and onboard great quality developers both fast and affordably. We offer a free 2-week trial for our services, so go ahead and subscribe or give us a shout-out if you have any questions.
