Alternative ways to vet a software developer
The most common ways to vet a software developer are algorithm tests, interviews, and resumes.
But what about asking these questions.
(1) Ask them to describe one tech/language/framework/library they learned just for fun.
A good answer to this shows the person thinks about software development as learning and not just work.
And it shows they can learn something independently and don't need training.
This is a good way to find self-starters (needed in a remote setting).
(2) Ask them to talk about one new thing in tech that isn’t widely known but has potential
This shows they are updated with the latest trends in tech.
Tech gets outdated fast so a professional needs to keep tabs.
Hint - AR, VR, ML, AI are all bad answers (too common).
(3) Play dumb and ask them to explain a core concept they are expected to know (eg - API, HTTP, Testing, Service)
Notice how they explain. If they have wrong fundamentals, that’s a problem.
Also, notice how sure they are when they are wrong.
If they are 100% sure whilst being wrong, they may be hoping to fool you. Not a good sign.
Good answers to all 3 questions ensure you are getting a great software developer.
But this approach has many "false-negatives" so use it wisely.