As per the report from Grand View Research, the global market of blockchain technology has reached a worth of $10.02 billion in 2022. However, in the near future, this number will grow as experts believe a projected CAGR of almost 88% between 2022 and 2030.
This definitely gives the sense that a lot of companies are racing to tap into the potential of blockchain technology. Whether it is developing Smart contracts that allow for secure transfer of assets or building blockchain apps for decentralized systems,
The market has an increased demand for transparent yet secured business processes that are letting the growing investments in blockchain as a service (BaaS) by tech enthusiasts.
And the one who is investing in this technology definitely wants someone who is efficient enough to deal with the technicalities of blockchain.
But if you have the same question – how to hire blockchain developers; this blog is for you.
By the end of this, you will understand how to identify potential candidates- ie. Blockchain developers, what skills you should look for in them, and much more.
Let's begin!
What is Blockchain Technology?
Firstly, let's have a brief knowledge of blockchain technology – what it is, why it is?
Blockchain is a digital ledger used to record transactions securely and permanently across multiple computers so that the records can't be changed. Mostly these records are termed as blocks.
Moreover, these blocks are linked to one another using a cryptographic signature known as a hash. Each block contains the hash of the previous block, hence creating a chain of blocks linked together, hence the name Blockchain.
Furthermore, this technology was first used and described in the implementation of the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. However, it is not limited to just currency. Other potential uses of the blockchain include any kind of transaction that involves value, such as –
- Identity verifications
- Property deeds
- Medical records
- Voting systems, and much more.
Now let's get back to how to find the best candidate.
Key Skills of a Blockchain Developer
There are some skills in blockchain developers that separate them from other software developers. Excellent blockchain developers comprise
- Understanding of Blockchain Architecture:
A blockchain developer needs a solid grasp of blockchain concepts, consensus methods, and cryptography. Mastering Distributed Ledger is crucial. Besides, they should know the three different types of blockchain architecture:
- Public (like Bitcoin)
- Private (for select groups)
- Consortium (controlled by multiple organizations).
- Should Know Cryptography:
Blockchain technology uses cryptographic algorithms. What's that? Well, Cryptography refers to a method of protecting information and communications through the use of codes so that only those for whom the information is intended can read and process it.
It is a fundamental component of blockchain technology. A good understanding of cryptography, such as hash functions and public-private key pairs, is therefore essential for a blockchain developer.
- Knowledge of Smart Contract Development:
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between the buyer and the seller directly written into lines of code. Knowledge of smart contract development is crucial for blockchain developers, particularly for those working on the Ethereum platform.
- Know Different Blockchain Platforms:
A good blockchain developer needs to have experience in one or more blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda, Ripple, etc.
- Programming Skills:
Blockchain development requires knowledge of programming languages such as C++, Python, JavaScript, Solidity, and more. Proficiency in these languages allows developers to create blockchain protocols and build decentralized applications.
- Data Structures:
An understanding of data structures is key for blockchain developers as blockchain itself is a form of data structure. Developers need to understand how to manipulate data structures effectively to implement blockchain protocols and applications.
- Knowledge of Web Development:
Since most blockchain applications are accessed via web interfaces, knowledge of web development including front-end and back-end development, as well as HTML, CSS, etc.
How To Hire Blockchain Developers?- Quick Tips
Of Course, you can't count on any developer to handle your blockchain project. Blockchain is a complex technology that requires a strong knowledge base and ample experience. Here are quick tips to help you hire the best blockchain developers:
#Tip 1: Look Different Platform To Find Qualified Candidates
In order to hire qualified blockchain developers, it's crucial to know where to look. Job boards and platforms such as Upwork, Indeed, and LinkedIn are good starting points. Tech-focused job boards like GitHub and Stack Overflow may also provide better exposure to qualified blockchain developers. Moreover, networking in tech or blockchain-focused events can also yield potential candidates.
#Tip 2: Test Out the Developer’s Tech Knowledge
Either you can conduct a written test or verbal test to evaluate how they take up a challenge. The question you set should be based on your project needs and things related to blockchain technology. For example, you can ask –
- Can you list a few types of consensus algorithms used in blockchain technology and how they work?
- What type of blockchain-based projects you have worked on?
- How would you handle a 51% attack on a blockchain?
Moreover, with tests, you can easily figure out their problem-solving skills. This will help you to evaluate whether they have the right skill set for your project or not.
#Tip 3: Hire remote blockchain developers
While hiring full-time blockchain developers, you might have to consider geographical constraints, the availability of a skilled workforce, and other local issues. However, you can get rid of all these problems if you hire remote blockchain developers.
In light of the fact that sixty-six percent of software developers now prefer to work from home, it's not hard to find blockchain developers who fit your project best from around the world.
With remote work, you can have the most talented individuals in your team irrespective of their location. Also, you can take advantage of different time zones which allows work to be done almost 24/7. However, when hiring remotely, ensure to check their reliability, work ethics, and communication skills.
#Tip 4: Check their Portfolio
A developer's past work experience and projects can reveal a lot about their capabilities and working style. Therefore, always check their portfolio before making a decision. This includes any work they’ve done with other clients or any personal projects.
Go through their projects in detail and evaluate the success and performance of those projects. Don't forget to look at their GitHub repositories or any other platforms where they’ve posted their code. It will give you a clear idea about their programming skills, quality of code, and problem-solving ability.
Final Thoughts
Blockchain technology offers tremendous opportunities, and the demand for blockchain developers is steadily increasing. The recruitment of one, however, is difficult until you have the necessary knowledge
Thus, we have tried to include all the necessary information to help you hire the right blockchain developer. Follow this guide and sort out your hiring process easily.
