Java is among the most popular and sophisticated programming languages in the software world today. In fact, Java remains the #1 language for various technological advancements such as AI, DevOps, VR, mobile chatbots, and more. This goes to show the extent of Java’s popularity and why millions of users online use it.
If you’re looking to hire a Junior Java developer for your business, you might be wondering what factors to consider when hiring the right candidate for the job.
This guide will give you all the information you need on how to hire a Java Developer for a Junior role and, more importantly, what their role involves. This will help you make smarter hiring decisions.
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What is the Role of a Junior Java Developer? 
A Junior Java Developer is responsible for building, implementing, and maintaining Java-based components. They typically use applications with high performance and low latency and must create well-planned and testable code.
They must also ensure that the designs of the interfaces they create meet the required specifications while following the instructions of a client closely.
What to Consider When Hiring a Junior Java Developer
Given below are the five key requirements that a candidate must meet to be hired as a Junior Java Developer. These are skills that businesses must consider when hiring a candidate.
Consider Your Startup’s Goals and Specific Needs
The startup boom has taken over the world. Hiring a Junior Java Developer might seem like a no-brainer for a startup in the tech industry, but the very first step to consider is what your organization aims to achieve and what your product offering is going to be.
For instance, if you aim to set up an intuitive website to advertise your products or services, you’ll need to hire a developer with experience in creating websites.
On the other hand, if your product offering is going to be a mobile application, your choice of candidate will have to be made accordingly. However, always ensure that you think at least 5 years down the line so as to make sustainable hiring decisions and keep your hiring costs to a minimum.
Decide Whether You Want Someone On-Staff or a Freelancer
The very first aspect a business must decide on is whether they want a Junior Java Developer who works on-site and is on the company’s payroll or someone who works freelance. Both approaches have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, while a developer on staff might be able to help with quick problem-solving, be motivated by the company’s goals, and be available for meetings and training, they can also be costlier to hire and will have to be provided with technical equipment and other logistical requirements. On the other hand, a freelancer is cheaper to hire.
The Candidate Must Possess the Required Technical Skills 
When hiring a Junior Java Developer, a startup must consider whether or not they have the required technical expertise for the role’s specific demands. While most developers will consider it their top priority to be able to write clean code, it requires a lot more to stand out from the crowd.
For starters, the right candidate must be familiar with all the key terms, design patterns, data types, and data structures. They must have a clear understanding of the domain’s object-oriented analysis and be able to leverage this knowledge to create applications that meet the desired requirements.
Java has a wide range of applications and can be used to create apps, websites, desktop apps, cloud-based products, or even ERP or CRM systems. A candidate must have at least 0-2 years of experience that matches the organization’s goals.
They Must Be Experienced in Creating Different Java-Based Products
The third factor to consider is that a good Junior Java Developer will ideally have a fair bit of experience in working on different types of Java-based projects, be it mobile apps, desktop apps, or even websites.
They must have an understanding of JavaScript, Servlets, Jakarta EE, and/or other such applications based on the organization’s specific needs. They must also be aware of various network protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and so on.
Lastly, they must also be fairly skilled in web services like Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Representational State Transfer (REST).
They Must Be a Good Cultural Fit
Your business’ app or website serves as a reflection of what your brand stands for, and a front-end developer plays a key role in building this impression for your target audience. As a result, it’s of the utmost importance that you hire a developer who shares your business’ values and is aligned with your business goals, thereby incentivizing them to put their best foot forward.
Hard skills can always be taught; however, if an employee doesn’t share your values, it can be extremely hard for the two entities to function in harmony. This is where it becomes important to talk to candidates about more than just their technical skills.
You must ask them what sort of work environment they see themselves being a part of and strive to ensure one that offers a supportive atmosphere while respecting their work-life balance.
Summing Up
Hiring a Junior Java Developer can be tricky, especially given how saturated the market is globally. However, with the right approach, your business can hire the right candidate who meets the required criteria in terms of their technical skills and shared values. Here’s a summary of the five things to keep in mind when hiring a Junior Java Developer –
- Consider your startup’s goals and needs and match them with the candidate’s skills.
- Decide between hiring a freelancer and a full-time employee.
- Ensure that the candidate has the technical skills necessary with a long-term view of your business goals in mind.
- They must have wide experience in creating different Java-based platforms.
- They must share your business values and be aligned with its goals.
With these simple but effective tips in mind, you will be able to hire the right candidate for your startup and help build it during its most nascent and crucial stages.
