Guess what? You don’t need to know how to code to spot a great developer - and yet, so many non-technical founders feel lost the moment tech interviews come up.
The trick isn’t to fake technical knowledge - it’s to shift your focus toward mindset, process, and communication. Here's how to run a developer interview that actually tells you what you need to know.
1. Start with the outcome, not the code:
Instead of jumping straight into tech stacks or frameworks, talk about the product and business goals. A good developer will engage, ask thoughtful questions, and maybe even propose ideas you hadn’t considered. That’s what you want.
2. Watch how they handle uncertainty:
Startup life is messy. Requirements shift, specs are half-written, and you need someone who doesn’t freeze. Ask things like:
- "What do you do when you don't get a full brief?"
- "How do you move forward when the direction isn’t 100% clear?"
3. Ask how they communicate with non-technical teammates:
You’ll be working together closely - and if you can’t understand each other, everything slows down. Ask:
- "Have you worked directly with founders or marketers before?"
- "How do you explain technical ideas to non-tech people?"
4. Give a mini, real-world test project:
Skip the leetcode-style puzzles. Instead, offer a small paid task tied to your product (even something like building a working form or a simple dashboard). You're evaluating:
- Do they ask clarifying questions?
- Is the solution clear, simple, and on time?
5. Bring in a technical ally if needed:
Don’t go solo if you don’t have to. A technical friend, advisor, or freelancer can help review the code or architecture. You focus on clarity, ownership, and collaboration.
6. Ask about past product involvement:
Try to figure out if the dev sees themselves as a builder, not just a coder. Ask:
- "Have you ever worked on a product from MVP to launch?"
- "What’s a decision you made that improved the product (not just the code)?"
In the end, great developers aren’t just good with code, they think like product people, communicate like partners, and adapt like founders.
Focus your interview on that. And good luck!
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