Beyond Code: The Art of Hiring Exceptional Developer Relations Talent

Building a successful Developer Relations (DevRel) team is crucial for tech companies, but finding the right talent can be challenging. Many organizations make the mistake of focusing solely on technical skills, overlooking the unique blend of abilities that make a great developer advocate. Here's how to hire exceptional DevRel talent that can truly drive your program forward.

Look Beyond Technical Prowess

One of the most common pitfalls in DevRel hiring is assuming that strong coders automatically make great evangelists. My experience has shown this isn't always the case. While technical knowledge is important, it's not the be-all and end-all of DevRel.Instead, look for passionate individuals who are generalists with a broad understanding of technology. The ideal candidates should possess:

1. Passion and Enthusiasm: Seek people who are genuinely excited about technology and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. This enthusiasm is contagious and can inspire developers to engage with your platform.

2. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities are essential. DevRel professionals need to explain complex concepts clearly, write engaging content, and deliver compelling presentations.

3. Versatility: The best DevRel team members can comfortably switch between different tasks, from writing technical content to giving presentations and managing community interactions.

4. Empathy: The ability to understand and relate to developers' needs and challenges is crucial for building authentic relationships. Look for candidates who can put themselves in a developer's shoes.

5. Basic Technical Knowledge: While deep coding expertise isn't necessary, a solid foundation in relevant technologies is important for credibility. They should be able to understand and discuss your product at a technical level.

6. Willingness to Learn: The tech landscape is always evolving, so look for individuals who are eager to continuously learn and adapt.

Prioritize Soft Skills

Remember, you can always provide technical training, but passion, communication skills, and the ability to connect with developers are harder to teach. Prioritize these soft skills in your hiring process.

Assess Cultural Fit

DevRel professionals often serve as the face of your company in the developer community. It's crucial that they align with your company's values and can represent your brand effectively.

Define Clear Objectives Before Hiring

It's crucial to establish clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your DevRel program before you start hiring. Too often, companies hire evangelists without clear objectives in place, expecting the new hires to define these themselves. This approach can lead to misalignment and ineffective programs.By establishing clear objectives and KPIs upfront, you set your DevRel team up for success from day one. You'll also be able to hire candidates whose skills and experiences align with your specific goals.

Conclusion

Hiring the right talent for your DevRel team goes beyond evaluating coding skills. Look for passionate, versatile individuals with strong communication abilities and a genuine interest in helping developers succeed. By focusing on these qualities and setting clear objectives, you'll build a DevRel team that can effectively engage your developer community, drive adoption of your platform, and create lasting value for your organization.Remember, the most successful DevRel professionals are those who can bridge the gap between your product and the developer community, fostering relationships that drive innovation and growth. Take the time to find these rare gems – your DevRel program will thank you for it.