Scala has been here for a while, conquering the hearts of developers with the simplicity of syntax and flexibility of coding approaches. Businesses have also started to feel the benefits of Scala realized in the impressive app performance and security. Thus, it is getting harder to find and recruit expert Scala developers worldwide with the rising demand for this programming language.
If you’re planning a new software project and want to use Scala for its development, here is a handy guide for talent recruitment. We cover the essential skills to look for in Scala coders, the platforms where Scala coders post their resumes, and the criteria for weeding out the mediocre programming workforce. Stay tuned to get the best Scala talent to your team.
Is Scala Worth It?
More and more coders opt for Scala programming as it offers a smoother, simpler, and quicker alternative to Java. This language is statically typed, shares many features with Python, and is fully compatible with Java code. Besides, it’s extensible and flexible, allowing experimentation and new construct addition.
Thus, Scala has a very optimistic future. It can become your new engine for software projects, saving you vital business costs without quality or feature richness compromises. Don’t underestimate it because of its young age; Scala has much to offer.
Scala Coder’s Skillset
Overall, the coder’s skill set is pretty universal, regardless of the programming language they specialize in. So, you need to look for the following skills in the candidates’ resumes:
- 1 to 3 years of practical experience in Scala and related programming languages (at a minimum)
- Experience with Python, Java, and C++ (recommended)
- Knowledge of Scala tools and libraries
- Experience in integrating pieces of Java and Scala code
- Ability to write code in Scala in compliance with the client’s requirements
- Proficiency in code audit, troubleshooting, and debugging
- Ability to improve and optimize the code of existing Scala software
- Teamwork and strong communication skills
If your candidates showcase a degree in Computer Science or Engineering, it is also a sizable plus to their competence and qualification. Besides, it’s vital to ask the candidates to perform practical tests, such as writing a piece of code, troubleshooting a wrong code part, or integrating the Scala and Java code pieces.
Where To Look For The Best Talent?
The simplest answer is to post a vacancy announcement on all popular platforms and wait. It seems to work well in many cases, but be ready to wait for a long time and spend hours weeding out mediocre or irrelevant applications. Besides, dealing with the volunteering applicants only leaves you with limited candidates; true experts rarely scan the job search websites as they have enough work not to look for it.
So, how to get an expert on the team?
You need to be proactive in the search approach. Don’t just post a vacancy on the platform; assign a professional recruiter to hunt for the best experts on LinkedIn, Upwork, Freelancer, and other platforms featuring developer resumes. If you are active in your search, the resume base will include only candidates fitting all your requirements, saving you the time for resume scanning and candidate interviewing.
Another effective method is to headhunt Scala coders in their natural habitats – conferences, hackathons, and coder communities. If you have time and resources for this hiring technique, you’re sure to kill two birds with one stone. First, you’ll get the best experts on board. Second, you will have a chance to watch your candidates in action.
Criteria For Choosing A New Coder
Once you’ve arrived at a set of candidates and need to make the final choice, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Look through the coders’ portfolios. It’s always highly informative in terms of project diversity and expertise of the candidate. If you see clone projects with no versatility, you cannot expect the coder to create brand-new software for your company.
- Test the coder in action. If the preliminary interview results were satisfactory, you could give the candidate a practical test. Ask them to write a piece of code or correct the bugs in the code you already have. The coder’s work on the task should come with verbal reasoning of their actions, showing that they can code in Scala, justifying their choices to the rest of the team.
- Dig deeper into the coder’s soft skills. Apart from being a skilled and talented coder, your candidate is also a human being. Many talented programmers lack basic soft skills, such as teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving. Thus, you need to check these points before hiring an expert to avoid in-team friction.
Don’t Take Recruitment Light-Heartedly
As you can see, Scala comes with many benefits and perks for developers and businesses alike. Don’t forget about precautions if you have decided to hire a remote Scala coder or firm. It’s hard to find a seasoned professional online, but your effort will be rewarded if you try hard.
The final tip is not to deal with dubious performers without portfolios; it’s pretty easy to fall prey to fraudsters and scams covering their criminal activities under the guise of low-cost Scala development firms. Always check the company’s credentials and never pay the entire sum upfront, dividing it into several installments tied to specific deliverables.
