A Beginner’s Handbook to Hire Golang Developers for Businesses of All Sizes

What Are the Qualifications Required for a Golang Software Developer?

Golang software developers are experts in charge of writing concise and clean code using Go. They participate in all activities in the software development process, from design, development, and testing to debugging and deploying applications or systems to ensure meeting client requirements.

Just like in other programming languages such as JavaScript and Python, there are many factors that make an experienced Golang developer qualified for the business. It could be technical skills, educational background, or even soft skills. Check out this checklist to better shortlist candidates.

Educational Background

Educational background is one of the most basic conditions when recruiting for any position in a company. When discussing the educational background of Go development, we refer to professional qualifications.

Many companies prefer to hire expert Golang developers with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering. Although qualifications sometimes do not say everything, they play an important role in providing developers with a strong foundation in coding concepts and problem-solving skills, which are essential for excelling in Golang development. Employers rely on these relevant qualifications to evaluate the depth of their technical skills and theoretical understanding, thus determining the level of compatibility with project requirements.

Technical Skills

Obviously, businesses cannot recruit top Golang developers without requiring their technical expertise. As a complex language, Go includes many different aspects, creating a comprehensive ecosystem. It is the level of professional skills of developers that determines the success of innovative software solutions. Hiring a senior software engineer with the wrong skills can cost a company more than disengagement or leaving the position unfilled.

Depending on the job, the exact set of technical skills that Go developers may need can change from position to position. Below are some common hard skills required:

• Go Core Concepts: Strong knowledge of the Golang, like its paradigms, constructs, idioms, and library, and core features like functions, pointers, structs, and interfaces.
• Web Frameworks: Familiarity with popular web development frameworks used in Golang, such as Gin, Echo, or Beego, for building efficient websites or web applications.
• Database Systems: Proficiency in integrating and working with database systems commonly used with Go, such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or other NoSQL databases.
• Cloud Technologies: Ability to leverage cloud platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure, for deploying, scaling, and managing Go applications.
• DevOps Practices: Understanding of DevOps principles and experience with tools like Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and orchestration of web applications.
• Testing and Debugging: Proficiency in writing unit tests and conducting effective debugging to ensure the reliability and performance of Go-based applications.
• Version Control Systems: Experience using version control systems like Git or Mercurial for collaborative development and code management.

Professional Experience

The typical requirement for software development experience ranges from 2 to 5+ years, depending on the specific job posting and the varying expectations. It is important to note that greater years of experience typically lead to higher salaries. Instead of choosing a senior Golang developer with many years in the profession, make a flexible decision based on the complexity of the role, project requirements, the expectations of the employer, and the level of responsibility associated with the position, which ensures Ensuring that needs are met while saving the budget.

Usually, there will be three main levels for the Golang developer position:

• Entry-level Positions (0-2 Years): Junior positions are designed for recent graduates or individuals transitioning into software development from related fields. Recruitment requirements for this position often include candidates with strong academic backgrounds, internships, or practical projects but limited professional experience.
• Mid-level Positions (2-5 Years): As a higher level, mid-level software development roles often involve more complex responsibilities such as leading Golang projects, mentoring junior developers, making architectural decisions, and a more solid understanding of industry best practices, programming languages, and relevant technologies.
• Senior-level and Leadership Positions (5+ Years): Senior-level and leadership positions not only have extensive responsibilities such as driving technical vision, leading large-scale projects, and making high-stakes decisions, but also individuals possess a deep understanding of software architecture, development methodologies, and the ability to solve complex technical challenges.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are the final criteria contributing to the checklist for evaluating a Golang full-stack developer. Don’t underestimate the necessary soft skills, as they have a profound impact on the quality of the working environment and project results. While technical proficiency is undoubtedly essential, soft skills play a pivotal role in ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and overall team dynamics. The absence of soft skills can affect the efficiency and quality of deliverables, potentially leading to missed deadlines, suboptimal solutions, and dissatisfaction among stakeholders.

Here are some soft skills that employers typically look for when hiring Golang developers:

• Communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Leadership potential
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Time management
• Analytical skills
• Adaptability

Where to Find the Best Golang Developers for Software Development

The rapid growth of Golang has led to an increase in the number of developers operating in this tech niche. You can find Go software engineers everywhere, from job boards to freelancer platforms. However, they are not all. Check out some more destinations below to locate Golang developers.

• Companies Specializing in Software Development: Without the hassle of hiring, outsourcing companies like Orient Software help companies quickly access a large talent pool with high expertise in diverse fields, optimizing the software product development process.
• Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork offer access to freelance Golang developers, allowing you to hire talent that matches your specific project needs.
• Ratings and Reviews Platforms: Some platforms like Clutch provide transparent and authenticated client reviews and ratings of leading service providers, helping businesses compare and choose the best partners for their specific needs.
• Professional Networking Sites: Not only providing opportunities for talented Golang developers to network with each other, professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, also support job posting features for employers and job searches for candidates.
• Coding Communities: Coding communities such as GitHub, Stack Overflow, or even Golang communities are places where countless developers in the tech market gather. By connecting, discussing, and sharing a wealth of resources, businesses expand collaboration opportunities related to the Go programming language.
• Tech Meetups and Conferences: Participating in a number of technology events, such as GopherCon Europe 2024 in Greece, the GoSF meetup group, and the Go Global Summit, can be an effective way to connect with Golang developers and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
• Local Universities and Coding Bootcamps: Educational institutions often offer courses, bootcamps, or programs related to the Go programming language, which are good opportunities to help businesses identify and engage early with young talent.