How to hire a Kotlin developer

Kotlin is a preferred language for mobile app development. However, it’s not as widely known as some other coding languages, and there’s a high demand for developers with extensive Kotlin experience. 

You may struggle with a limited applicant pool when recruiting for a Kotlin developer. This is especially true if your project requires candidates with specialized experience in a specific technology stack. You’re also likely competing with other companies for the best talent, which can increase recruitment costs. 

In this article, we’ll cover best practices for recruiting Kotlin developers. This includes understanding your needs, attracting suitable applicants, and assessing their skills. 

What you need to know before hiring a Kotlin developer 

Building a mobile app is a big undertaking, and finding the right developer(s) is crucial. Take the time to do a little planning before you begin your search. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Project scope and details 

Before hiring a Kotlin developer, it’s crucial to have a clear picture of your needs. This means determining the complexity and objective of your app development project. 

List the required features for achieving your project goals and note where you are in your project timeline. Determine how many Kotlin developers are needed to support your vision. 

Short-term vs. long-term hire 

Consider whether you need a long-term hire or the temporary support of a contractor or freelancer. Some questions to ask yourself: 

• Do you need an in-house Kotlin developer? 

• Is this a contractor position? 

• Do you need a developer to work on a specific project or for ongoing support and maintenance?

Budget and compensation 

Determine your budget and how you’ll structure your compensation package. $50 is the median hourly rate in the United States, but salaries vary by state and city. Use a compensation calculator to find your region's average Kotlin developer salary.

Benefits are also an essential part of your offer. Look at what regional competitors have listed in their job descriptions. 

Desirable benefits typically include remote/flexible working hours and career development opportunities. Offering competitive compensation and benefits will help you attract and hire talented developers.

Skills and qualifications to look for in a Kotlin developer 

Kotlin developers are responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining Kotlin code. They work on mobile and web application development as well as backend systems. When trying to find an expert Kotlin developer, there are specific skills you’ll want to look for. 

Hard skills

Hard skills will vary in importance depending on project requirements. Ensure you assess candidates' hard skills based on the demands of your project and the role you're hiring for. 

For example, proficiency in Android development and knowledge of the Android ecosystem is crucial for developing an Android app. However, if you're working on a Kotlin backend project, database management and API integration skills could be more critical.

• Kotlin proficiency: Candidates will require a strong command of the Kotlin programming language. A skilled developer should be comfortable with the language's syntax, features, and best practices.

• Java knowledge: Kotlin is fully interoperable with Java. Candidates need a good understanding of Java to leverage its existing libraries and frameworks.

• Android development: If your project involves Android app development, you’ll need a candidate with experience with Android Studio and the Android SDK. Knowledge of the Android ecosystem, architecture, and Material Design guidelines is valuable.

• Understanding design patterns: Proficiency in software design patterns (e.g., Singleton, Factory, Observer) can help developers write more efficient and maintainable code. 

• Testing: A Kotlin developer should be skilled in writing unit, integration, and UI tests using testing frameworks like JUnit, Espresso, or Mockito.

Soft skills 

The right soft skills can make a candidate even more valuable to your team, enhancing collaboration and leading to greater success for both the developer and the organization. 

Here are some soft skills to consider. 

• Adaptability: Kotlin is an evolving language with constant updates and new features. Developers must be adaptable and continue learning to stay up to date. 

• Critical thinking: Developers need to be analytical and provide creative solutions to complex challenges like debugging tricky code. 

• Collaborative: App development requires collaboration, and Kotlin developers must work well with their teams. They may need to train and teach others and give and receive constructive feedback. 

• Communication: A Kotlin developer must report progress accurately, convey ideas clearly, ask questions, and listen actively. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps teams aligned.

Where to find skilled Kotlin developers 

Job boards like LinkedIn can have a broad reach and attract developers with diverse backgrounds. However, with Kotlin developers in high demand, you may need to be more creative with your recruitment approach to find the right candidate.

3 creative ways to find Kotlin candidates

Thinking outside the typical recruitment box can be helpful when looking for a Kotlin developer. Let’s go over a few creative ways to broaden your applicant pool. 

1. Use specialized job boards 

As Kotlin developers have distinct skill sets, using specialized or niche job boards can help to source talent. Here are some options:

• Dice is a website specifically for tech jobs. You can create a company profile, post your open job, and browse the database of tech professionals. 

• Crunchboard is another tech-specific job board where you can post your open job and browse professional profiles. 

2. Engage with the Kotlin community 

Attending tech conferences or hackathons can be a great way to meet potential candidates. You can also try online networking through Kotlin groups on sites like Meetup and Reddit or by joining the Kotlin community portal. 

3. Consider remote candidates 

Excluding remote candidates could mean missing out on top talent, as these candidates can be an additional source of skilled workers outside your local talent pool. Remote work is often desirable to developers, so it’s a good hiring and retention strategy.

How to select the best Kotlin developer candidates 

In addition to reviewing resumes and interviewing top candidates, there are other methods to help you determine who’s the best fit for your open position. 

Review portfolios 

A developer’s portfolio can help you better understand their skills and experience. A strong portfolio should demonstrate a range of projects and emphasize proficiency across various app development domains. Think about your project, and look for developers with similar experience. 

Measure their skills with pre-employment testing 

TestGorilla’s pre-employment assessments ensure your top candidates have the necessary skills for the role. You can gauge their technical abilities using the Kotlin (coding): entry-level algorithms and Kotlin (Coding): Working with Arrays tests. 

You can also assess soft skills like communication and problem-solving using TestGorilla’s cognitive ability and personality tests.

Skills tests can be customized to include situational and behavioral interview questions. You can ask candidates to record their answers to share with you remotely. 

Common mistakes when hiring a Kotlin developer

Hiring a Kotlin developer is a big decision and can significantly impact your project and business. Let’s review some common mistakes that could lead you to miss out on the best candidates or make a mis-hire.   

1. Not assessing code quality  

If you’re in a rush to hire, moving forward with a candidate who knows how to code is tempting. Testing the quality of their coding skills is essential before hiring them.  

TestGorilla’s Clean code test assesses whether candidates can write clean, well-structured code that’s easy to maintain. 

2. Discounting other types of coding experience 

Ignoring candidates with limited Kotlin experience could limit your talent pool. While Kotlin proficiency is important, you should also consider candidates with strong Java backgrounds who can easily transition to Kotlin. 

3. Not testing for both hard skills and soft skills 

It’s important to test a candidate’s technical skills before hiring them. Use pre-employment assessments to verify what’s on a resume. This can create more consistency in your evaluation process and help you feel more confident in hiring.

It’s essential to test for soft skills before hiring, as well. This can help you determine whether a candidate will fit in with your team and if they align with your company’s mission.

How to find the best Kotlin developer with TestGorilla 

Finding skilled Kotlin developers can be challenging. This is because it’s a relatively new language, and proficient developers are in high demand. 

You can overcome these difficulties by being clear on who you’re looking for and recruiting creatively. Using industry-specific job boards and Kotlin communities can help you find qualified candidates. 

When it’s time to evaluate your candidates, TestGorilla’s pre-employment testing tools can help you measure their technical abilities, personality traits, and soft skills. 

Take a product tour to learn how TestGorilla can help you hire the best Kotlin developer for your team, and sign up for your free TestGorilla plan.