Unlocking Leverage: 5 Evergreen and Hard-to-Hire Roles in Software Development
In this blog post, we will explore five unconventional roles that are currently in high demand.
INTRODUCTION
In the world of software development, certain roles are consistently difficult to fill. These positions require specialized skills that are not widely known or taught, giving those who possess them significant leverage during the hiring process. In the video (linked above), we have explored five unconventional roles that are currently in high demand. By acquiring these skills, you can go beyond traditional full-stack development and negotiate from a position of strength.
1. Designer Plus Front-End Developer:
One role that is highly sought after is that of a designer plus front-end developer. Rather than being solely a designer or a front-end developer, this role combines both skill sets. Companies often have separate design and development teams, but individuals who possess good design skills along with the ability to create front-end components are more sought after.
By using tools like Figma to create mockups and designs, and then converting them into React components, these individuals streamline the collaboration between designers and developers. This reduces context switching between the design team and the development team and saves time, making them a valuable asset to any fast-paced development environment.
2. Mobile App Developer with Versatility:
Another highly sought-after role is that of a mobile app developer who can handle a range of platforms. In addition to developing Android and iOS apps, proficiency in frameworks like Flutter and React Native is essential. By having experience in Swift, Java, Kotlin, React Native, and Flutter, along with deploying applications to both the App Store and the Play Store, these developers become versatile assets to any company.
With the increasing demand for mobile apps, this role ensures that you can take ownership of the entire mobile development stack.
3. Full-Stack Developer - The One-Person Army:
Being a one-person army in full-stack development is a valuable skill set. By mastering both front-end and back-end development, you become a highly sought-after candidate. Companies often face situations where there is a surplus of front-end work or a lull in back-end tasks. Having the ability to seamlessly transition between the two saves resources and makes you more appealing to employers.
Even if you primarily focus on either front-end or back-end, having a solid understanding of both areas allows you to take on tasks when needed, making you an invaluable team member.
4. DevOps Engineer with Code Awareness:
In the realm of DevOps, it is crucial to have code awareness. While many DevOps engineers focus solely on infrastructure and deployment, those who understand the application code become highly effective problem solvers. By having knowledge beyond DevOps and being able to grasp the intricacies of application code, these individuals can provide significant value during emergencies or critical situations.
Being the go-to person to fix bugs or address issues when others are unavailable makes them indispensable members of the team.
5. Dev Tooling
A role often overlooked but extremely valuable is that of a developer productivity and test advocate. These individuals focus on optimizing workflows, improving code quality, and making developers' lives easier. By reducing build times, implementing strict code checks, and introducing efficient development practices, they save time and resources for the entire team. Their expertise extends to optimizing infrastructure, making architectural decisions, and even transitioning codebases to more efficient technologies.
Their role is essential in maintaining code cleanliness, eliminating technical debt, and ensuring developer productivity.
Liked this but want to know about dev tooling in detail.
What about roles like Machine Learning Engineer/Data Scientist? Please reply guys If any of you have an idea about this, Thanks