The hiring of technology talent is challenging, and it becomes even more so if you are looking for DevOps engineers. Experienced entrepreneurs and HR managers keep certain things in mind while recruiting DevOps engineers in Australia but these considerables are not open secrets.
In this blog, API Connects – trusted globally for DevOps engineers in NZ – will delve deeper into the factors to consider and essential hiring tips for businesses searching top-tier DevOps talent in Australia, and beyond.
Let’s get started!
Hiring DevOps engineers: Factors to Consider
Technical Expertise
Make sure that your shortlisted DevOps engineers have a top-end programming skillset and have good problem-solving skills to make things better. Diverse skill set spanning includes cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, etc), container orchestration (Kubernetes, etc.), infrastructure as code (Terraform, Ansible), CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools (Prometheus, ELK stack), and scripting languages (Python, etc). These specific technologies and tools are relevant for building game changing products. So, they must be brought to the table.
Soft Skills and Team Fit
Collaboration and communication are also critical to DevOps engineers. The hiring decision of a candidate is successful when it is ensured that he/ she has strong communication skills for a smooth and effective work culture with cross-functional teams including developers, QA engineers, and system administrators. On the other hand, problem- problem-solving abilities, quick adaptability, and a proactive mindset also play a vital role. Make sure they have the ability to troubleshoot complex issues across distributed systems.
Adaptability to Change
Tech landscape is continuously changing and evolving with new tools, major frameworks, and new methodologies emerging regularly. Ensure that the shortlisted DevOps engineer demonstrates a willingness and ability to adapt to these changes quickly, with continuous learning and upskilling to stay abreast of industry trends, frameworks, new tech stacks, and industry best practices.
Always look for candidates who are eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Experience with DevOps Practices
Experience matters a lot when it comes to DevOps! Engineers must possess a solid understanding of DevOps principles and practices, including continuous integration, continuous deployment, and infrastructure automation. They should be familiar with DevOps tools and techniques for monitoring and logging, enabling proactive system monitoring and troubleshooting to identify and address issues before they impact the business.
Certifications and Continuous Learning
Certifications play a valuable role by indicating a candidate’s proficiency in specific tools or technologies. Look for certifications such as AWS AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Kubernetes certifications as evidence for continuous learning and professional development. Recognizing practical experience and demonstrated skills plays equally important roles to check the candidate’s capabilities.
Location and Talent Availability
Both New Zealand and Australia are home to diverse DevOps talent and competitive market rates. Talented professionals in cities like Sydney, Auckland, Melbourne, and Brisbane bring in deep expertise. However, finding the same can be challenging. Explore local job portals and LinkedIn to connect with local DevOps engineers.
Cultural Alignment
A culture match is critical for long term collaboration with your hired DevOps engineer. Assess if the candidates align with your company’s culture and values. Will they be able to fit easily with the work environment at your organization or do you sense some friction emerging? An extensive interview with frank discussion of culture-fit can be helpful in this part of DevOps engineer hiring stage.
Outsource DevOps
While the tech scene in NZ and AUS is thriving, there is still very limited DevOps talent available in the region. That’s why it can sometimes be easier to outsource your DevOps requirements by engaging experienced engineers on an hourly rate. Companies like API Connects have made it affordable for startups and enterprises to access DevOps talent in New Zealand. Request a free consultation to discuss your goals.
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Bonus DevOps Hiring Tips
While above are some critical tips and strategies to hire best DevOps talent in New Zealand and Australia, here are some more ideas to connect with the right talent:
Craft a Compelling Job Description: Define the roles, responsibilities, and desired skills in the entire job description. To attract top DevOps talent, highlight exciting projects, technologies, and opportunities.
Utilize Multiple Channels for Job Posting: Rather than just updating a linkedin post, advertise on popular job portals (Indeed), professional networks (GitHub), and local DevOps communities. Don’t forget to engage on relevant online forums and attend industry events.
Implement a Structured Interview: Conduct a multi-stage interview process including technical assessments and behavioral interviews. Use coding exercises and problem-solving challenges to evaluate candidates’ skills and approach to code scenarios.
Offer Competitive Compensation: Research industry benchmarks for salary and benefits packages. Consider additional perks like flexible working arrangements, remote work options, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Provide a Positive Candidate Experience: Communicate promptly and provide transparent feedback throughout the hiring process. Respect candidates’ time and efforts during interviews, and ensure a smooth and respectful experience.
Continuous Learning and Growth Opportunities: Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and skill development. Offer mentorship programs, sponsor certifications, and provide access to training resources to help DevOps engineers stay ahead in their field.
Hire DevOps Talent in NZ
By considering these DevOps hiring factors and following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to hire skilled DevOps engineers who can contribute significantly to the success and scalability of your business in New Zealand, Australia, or anywhere in the world for that matter.
At API Connects, we help entrepreneurs and organizations access competitively priced DevOps talent for challenging projects. Check out our other popular services to learn more about our expertise:
Integration services in New Zealand
DevOps services in New Zealand