How to hire a Java developer

If you need to find and hire Java developers for your organization, your hiring decision should be based on several factors, such as your Java applicants’ technical and soft skills, their experience, and their alignment with your values.

If it’s your first time hiring for this role, you probably have plenty of questions, such as:

• How can you assess candidates’ Java skills quickly and efficiently? 

• What other skills should you look for? 

• How can you evaluate applicants’ cultural alignment? 

• What’s the best way to structure your Java developer recruitment process? 

In this article, we’ll share the secrets of hiring excellent Java programmers and give you tips on using the right Java coding tests to assess applicants’ skills. We’ll also talk about what Java developers do, what skills you should look for, and what interview questions you can ask.

What is a Java developer?

Java developers are professionals who build, maintain, and troubleshoot programs using Java. 

Java is an object-oriented, general-purpose programming language that has a similar syntax to C and C++. Businesses use it for a wide range of applications, from building Android mobile apps to coding and maintaining complex enterprise systems.

Why is Java a vital programming language for businesses?

Java offers plenty of advantages for software development companies compared with other programming languages: It is easy to learn, versatile, and can be used to build web, desktop, and mobile applications.

Java’s application-programming interface, which is included with the Java Development Kit, enables developers to build apps more easily without having to understand the internal workings of every component.

Java has various open-source libraries with plenty of resources for facilitating development, which helps make the programming process quicker and more cost-effective.

If you decide to use Java for software development, you’ll need to hire Java developers who are proficient in it. Continue reading to find out which skills your hires should have.

Java developers’ hard skills to look for

For the success of your project, your candidates must have the right Java skills, such as:

Proficiency with Java

To be efficient, candidates need a strong understanding of Java and its key concepts like object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, collections, etc. 

They also need the right skills to interpret code, identify errors, and debug applications.

Web development skills

If your organization builds web applications, developers may also need to be fluent in CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. 

In addition, your applicants should be proficient in technologies like Java Server Pages and JavaBeans.

Frameworks knowledge

Developers need to use Java frameworks to make the most of Java and be more efficient in building applications. Frameworks are collections of libraries, functions, and code that enable programmers to code faster without “reinventing the wheel” each time. 

Look for candidates with sufficient knowledge of popular Java frameworks, such as Spring, Struts, Google Web Toolkit, Hibernate, and more. 

Database skills

Most applications, whether they are web, desktop, or mobile, use data, which is usually stored in databases. Programmers need to know not only how to access and manage data but also how to integrate databases with different systems. 

For this reason, your next Java developer should be proficient in SQL and familiar with popular relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MS SQL Server. 

Version control

Version control systems (VCS) enable developers to work together on the same projects simultaneously, managing and merging changes from different contributors. Tracking all changes also helps with identifying issues and debugging programs.

Look for applicants who can use version control systems like Git or Subversion (SVN) to manage codebases.

Essential soft skills for Java developers

Developers work in teams most of the time, meaning they must be excellent communicators, know how to resolve disagreements efficiently and be flexible and adaptable to changing requirements.

Communication

Look for Java developers who know how to: 

• Communicate well with team members using active listening and empathy

• Explain complex technical concepts to non-technical team members, managers, or clients

• Handle conflict constructively 

• Give and receive feedback gracefully

Effective communication ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings, disagreements, and costly mistakes.

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Software development is about solving problems and finding new approaches to complex issues. 

Critical thinking enables developers to look at the bigger picture, assess available information, and make decisions that align with the team’s objectives. 

Time management

To adhere to project timelines, Java developers must know how to manage their time well. For this, they should be able to: 

• Assess tasks based on their urgency and importance

• Make accurate estimates on how much time each task should take

• Plan their schedule effectively, for example, by using time blocks 

• Stick to their plan and be mindful of distractions or interruptions

• Ask for help whenever needed

How to test Java developers’ skills

Combining a skills-testing approach with interviews is the best way to hire Java developers with top programming skills. 

First, give your applicants skills tests and then invite those who perform best to an interview, where you can ask targeted questions to assess their Java coding skills.

This approach enables you to: 

• Simplify your Java developer hiring process

• Evaluate applicants’ skills accurately and objectively

• Reduce unconscious bias

• Predict future job performance

Here’s what you need to do to use a pre-employment assessment to comprehensively evaluate candidates’ skills: 

1. Define the skills you want to evaluate and build an assessment

Go to TestGorilla’s test library and select up to five skills tests, including Java coding tests, to make your assessment. Here are some skills tests you can use: 

• Debugging in Java: Evaluate applicants’ debugging skills with this 30-minute test, where they need to fix a partially working script.

• Data structures in Java: Check whether candidates know how to manipulate data structures in Java.

• Entry-level algorithms in Java: If you’re hiring junior developers, this test will give you an accurate idea of whether candidates have the skills necessary to build a simple algorithm in Java.

• Android development using Java: If your company is building Android applications, this test will help you find programmers with sufficient experience with Android development with Java.

• Critical thinking: Find developers who can analyze information and make logical decisions using their critical-thinking skills. 

• Communication: Working in a team requires excellent communication skills. Evaluate applicants with this test. 

• Time management: Check whether candidates know how to prioritize, plan, and handle tasks and projects. 

You can also use personality tests to better understand applicants’ behavior or even a Culture Add test to evaluate cultural alignment.

2. Beat your competitors to exceptional talent with assessment customization

Customize your assessments to hire exceptional talent before your competitors. Choose a color scheme and add your logo to the assessment to make it more memorable and improve the candidate experience.

3. Invite Java developers to take the assessment

Once you’ve built the assessment, invite Java developers to complete it.

You may find it easier to send them a link to the assessment, or you may prefer to invite applicants through the TestGorilla platform or your applicant tracking system. Whichever option suits you best, TestGorilla’s got you covered.

4. Select applicants when the results roll in

If your applicants’ results look promising, invite them to an interview. 

TestGorilla calculates test results automatically for your convenience, and you can easily compare applicants and see who has the skills you need.

How to interview Java developers: 5 tips to consider

Interviewing Java developers can be challenging, but here are five tips to make the process easier.

1. Give applicants a clear introduction to your organization

Ensure your applicants know enough about your organization before you begin the interview. Tell them about the projects you’re working on and explain your role in the company.

2. Learn about the candidates’ work experience

Do your candidates have suitable experience? Make it a priority to ask them about their career goals and recent experience using Java.

3. Ensure your list of questions matches the role you’re hiring for

You may overwhelm junior Java developers with expert-level interview questions, and you won’t be able to learn the full extent of experienced developers’ skills by asking them basic Java questions. 

Always ensure your list of questions is a good match for the role you’re hiring for. In the next section, you’ll find sample interview questions you can ask; plus, we’ve collected 100 common Java coding interview questions and 55 Java 8 interview questions to help you.

If the role requires knowledge of other tools, such as Docker or SQLite, make sure you ask about these too.

4. Hire Java developers by reviewing all of your applicants’ responses

Review your applicants’ answers with other members of your hiring team. You can also review the assessment results and note which applicants have top skills based on objective data.

5. Use the interview responses to create a training program

The skills of new hires may not always tick every box – they may lack some skills you need, so use their interview responses to find out which skills they want to develop. Then, work on a training program that addresses these skills.

Java developer interview questions

When you interview applicants for the Java developer role, make sure you adapt your questions to the skill and experience level you expect from them. 

Here are some sample interview questions for junior Java developers: 

1. What motivated you to learn Java? What do you like about this programming language?

2. What are Java annotations? Give an example.

3. How do you handle exceptions in Java?

4. Explain the difference between ArrayList and LinkedList.

5. How does Java handle memory management?

6. Explain the concept of object-oriented programming (OOP).

7. What are the four main OOP principles?

8. What are Java Lambda expressions and why are they useful?

9. How does Java achieve platform independence?

10. How do you create a thread in Java?

If you need to hire senior Java developers, here are some interview questions you can use to assess their skills:

1. What are the differences between fail-fast and fail-safe iterators?

2. How does Java's garbage collection work? Describe the different garbage collection algorithms.

3. How would you handle versioning in a RESTful API?

4. How would you ensure data integrity in a distributed system?

5. Explain how Java manages thread pooling.

6. What are the differences between microservices and monolithic architecture?

7. What are the potential issues with mutable Java objects?

8. Describe how you would handle database migrations in a Java application.

9. How do you handle backward compatibility in Java APIs?

10. Describe the best practices for Java exception handling.

You may need more ideas for questions you can ask applicants (and sample answers you should be looking for). If that’s the case, you can use our advanced questions for senior Java developers, tricky Java interview questions, and our technical Java interview questions to assess applicants’ skills. 

Where to find Java developers

You may want to hire a freelance Java programmer or a full-time developer for your business. Find out where to find them below: 

How can you find a skilled freelance Java programmer for your business?

If you’re searching for a freelance Java developer for your company, two excellent marketplaces to source freelance talent are Upwork and Fiverr.

With Upwork, you can search specifically for Java developers for hire. You won’t have to pay until you make a hire, and you can verify your applicants’ skills by evaluating their work samples.

Fiverr enables you to find and hire Java developers with proven programming experience by matching your business to the best freelancers for your role. You can also evaluate your Java developers’ work samples and check their reviews before hiring.

How can you find full-time Java developers for hire?

To hire Java developers for full-time positions, you may choose between various job boards and candidate-vetting platforms, including Hired and Stack Overflow.

Hired gives you access to a vetted pool of talent looking for Java developer roles like yours. You can look at potential candidates’ qualifications and hire Java developers based on their knowledge and skills.

With Stack Overflow, you can post job descriptions on the job board. Stack Overflow will display your ad, and you will receive applications for your open position. You can also use Stack Overflow’s candidate search tool to find the right Java developers for your company.  

How much does a Java developer cost?

The amount you can expect to pay to hire a Java developer depends on: 

• Their experience level

• Additional skills, such as proficiency in other programming languages

• Your company’s location and size

• Your industry

In the US, the average yearly salary of a Java developer is around $97,000, which includes base pay and bonuses.

The maximum salary you can expect to pay a Java developer with one to three years of experience is $131,000 per year.

Java developer sample job description

Position: Java developer for [type of project or industry]

Location: [City, state or "remote"]

We are a dynamic [small/midsize/large] company specializing in creating cutting-edge [type of application or technology]. We are seeking a skilled Java developer with expertise in [type of project, f.e. Android app development] to join our team and contribute to our next projects.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will: 

• Design, build, and debug applications and new features using Java and [additional technologies, coding languages, or frameworks]

• Monitor the deliverables' quality and ensure they integrate well with existing features

• Work with different teams to ensure our application is responsive, performant, user-friendly, and bug-free

• Identify and root out bottlenecks and bugs, and devise solutions to address and mitigate problems

• Help maintain code quality and documentation

• Evaluate and implement new technologies to maximize development efficiency

• Work closely with the UX/UI team to ensure our users are having an excellent experience with the app

Qualifications and skills

For this role, you need: 

• Proven experience with Java

• Knowledge of [other technologies, languages, and frameworks your team uses]

• Proficient understanding of code versioning systems such as Git

• Experience with third-party libraries and APIs

• Solid understanding of the full software development life cycle

• Experience working in DevOps and Agile teams

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills

Benefits

If you join us, you'll get the following benefits:

• Competitive salary ranging from [salary range]

• Excellent health and dental insurance

• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including participation in company-sponsored events and workshops

• [Describe other benefits you offer.]

Application process

[Explain your application process and mention skills tests if you'll use those to assess candidates' skills.]

Reduce stress and bias. Hire the best Java developers with skills tests 

Skills testing is one of the best approaches to evaluating applicants’ abilities and will help you reduce stress and bias during the Java developer hiring process. When you build your skills assessment, include a Java coding test. Then, start interviewing candidates to find the most suitable applicant.

Whether you’re looking for full-time or freelance Java developers, you’ll find that hiring is simple with skills testing.

Use TestGorilla to hire the best Java developers: Get started for free today and make better hiring decisions faster and bias-free.