In the latest episode of the Atom CTO podcast, co-founders Bhairav Patel and Sam Noble share their experiences and insights on hiring the right tech teams. As CTOs who have built teams across the globe, they offer valuable advice on navigating the hiring process and finding the right fit for your company.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on accomplishments: When reviewing CVs, look for candidates who highlight their achievements and challenges overcome, rather than just listing technologies and acronyms.
- Passion projects matter: Candidates who showcase personal projects, like apps they’ve launched, demonstrate passion and practical skills that can translate well to your team.
- Interviews are a two-way street: While assessing candidates, remember that they’re also evaluating your company. Foster open communication and allow them to ask questions.
- Practical experience trumps theory: A candidate with six months of real-world experience can often bring more value than someone with a master’s degree but no practical knowledge.
- Invest in the right people: While cost is a consideration, focus on finding developers who fit your company’s vision and can deliver quality work. Paying a bit more for the right person can save you money in the long run.
- Embrace remote work: Many developers prefer remote work, and as long as they share your vision and deliver results, there’s no need to have them in the office every day.
Throughout the episode, Bhairav and Sam share amusing anecdotes from their own interviews, from candidates asking unrelated questions to someone attempting to cheat during a remote interview. These stories underscore the importance of a thorough, multi-stage hiring process that assesses both technical skills and cultural fit.
By following these tips and maintaining a balance between cost and quality, you can build a strong, cohesive tech team that drives your company’s success.