Tech Agnosticism: Why Problem Solvers Should Be the Priority for Hiring Managers 

Have you ever posted (or seen) a job that insists on years of experience with Python, despite a candidate’s strong background in C#, Java, Go, or Rust?

As a recruitment consultant, I witness this issue all too often, and I truly understand how frustrating it can be for many developers. Often, there are incredibly talented developers overlooked simply because they don’t tick the “Python box”, even though their problem-solving abilities and core development skills are a perfect fit.

The Cost of Tech-Exclusive Hiring

When teams and hiring managers insist on niche tech stacks, they also risk narrowing their hiring pool significantly. In fact, this approach could result in missing out on highly talented developers who are experts in other languages but could easily transition to Python (or any other language that’s required!). This tech-exclusive approach not only limits your options but also inadvertently reduces the diversity of skills and perspectives within your team.

The truth is, a good developer is tech agnostic. They excel because they understand the fundamentals, have the ability to learn new languages quickly, and are adept at solving problems with whatever tools are necessary. Yet, some teams still treat Python as an exclusive club. Unfortunately for businesses, this mindset can limit your hiring pool and potentially overlook talented developers who could easily make the switch.

How to Bridge the Gap as a Developer Candidate

The key here is to demonstrate that your skills go beyond a specific tech stack and that you have the mindset and versatility to learn new technologies as required. To do this, consider the following: 

• Build personal projects: Start by automating tasks, writing scripts, or creating small applications to showcase your programming skills and ability to learn quickly. 

• Get familiar with popular frameworks: Learn Python frameworks like Flask, Django, or FastAPI, and consider contributing to open-source projects to build credibility within the developer community. 

• Embrace the “Pythonic” way: Focus on understanding Python’s idiomatic style and syntax, even if you’re coming from a different tech background. 

• Use transferable skills: Once you recognise that core programming concepts can easily be transferred between languages, the better! Don’t forget to demonstrate your adaptability and ability to pick up new technologies.

Optimise Your Hiring Process as a Hiring Manager

For hiring managers, it’s important to ask yourself: Are you hiring a Python developer, or are you hiring a problem solver? The distinction may seem subtle, but it can make all the difference in finding the right candidate. Here’s how to get started: 

• Prioritise problem-solving: Focus on candidates’ ability to tackle challenges, not just their language skills. 

• Value transferable experience: Look for problem-solving ability and technical growth, even if the candidate has experience in a different language. 

• Provide learning opportunities: Make sure your business supports on-the-job learning with resources and mentorship to help new hires adapt to your tech stack. 

• Embrace continuous learning: Hire developers with a mindset of lifelong learning, eager to expand their skills and embrace new challenges. 

By expanding your criteria and being open to developers with diverse tech backgrounds, you not only broaden your hiring pool but also set the stage for building a more innovative, adaptable team.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, adopting a tech-agnostic approach is the way forward. By focusing on problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn, you can (easily!) access a wider talent pool and ensure you’re hiring developers who can actually grow with your business. 

At Corecom Consulting, our team works closely with your business to fully understand your requirements and source top talent from a variety of tech backgrounds that align with your needs. With our extensive network and experience, we ensure that you have access to the best candidates who can drive innovation and contribute to the long-term success of your business. 

Ready to broaden your existing tech talent pipeline with our incredible network of Senior Developers? Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn for a quick chat!

Author: Jack Mackenzie-Briggs