Role guides
Software developer: a practical hiring brief
Define the work, evidence and assessment for a software developer vacancy without unnecessary requirements.
By Instant Hire Global · · 2 min read
AI-assisted educational guide. Examples are illustrative and should be adapted to your real experience. About our guides
Describe the work before the person
Use this as a starting brief for a software developer vacancy, then replace it with the organisation’s actual responsibilities. Specify the location, working arrangement, hours, reporting line and approved package. Do not imply that this sample establishes legal or professional eligibility.
- Describe the tasks involving problem decomposition.
- Describe the tasks involving code review.
- Describe the tasks involving testing.
Make requirements proportionate
For each task, identify what must be demonstrated on entry and what can be learned with support. A scenario such as a defect that appears only for an unusual input can help the team discuss the required judgement and escalation route.
Check any mandatory qualifications, safeguarding, safety or licensing conditions through the appropriate current local sources. They are not inferred from this general brief.
Use a relevant assessment
A small fictional exercise based on a small original application with documented test cases can provide evidence without asking candidates to produce usable unpaid client work. Give clear instructions, a reasonable scope and the criteria in advance.
- Score evidence against the same role requirements.
- Offer a route for applicants to ask about adjustments.
- Explain the next stage and a realistic response timeline.
Further reading
Practical guidance, not a guarantee of employment. Check current vacancy instructions and applicable local requirements.