How To Hire An Android Developer

Android development started with the formation of Android, Inc. in October 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. Their initial goal was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras. However, they soon recognized the potential of their project beyond just cameras. So their focus shifted to creating a comprehensive and open-source platform for mobile devices.

Android developers address compatibility problems, ensuring that apps work well on various Android devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware capabilities. Some Android developers specialize in creating user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) that are visually appealing and user-friendly. They focus on designing the look and feel of the app.

Android Developers: Why are they needed?

Android developers are needed to ensure that apps are compatible and optimized for these diverse devices. Their skills are in high demand across various industries and regions as mobile devices become increasingly integrated into everyday life.

They are essential for designing visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces, offering seamless user experiences. Online retail companies worldwide require Android developers to create and maintain mobile shopping apps, as e-commerce continues to grow.

Skills required

  • Java and Kotlin
  • Android Studio and SDK
  • User Interface Design
  • Debugging and Testing
  • Continuous Integration
  • MVC architectural patterns

Job titles

  • Mobile App Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Product Manager
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Android Application Architect
  • Android Researcher

How to Search for Android Developers

LinkedIn

With thousands of professionals and technical experts it’ll be easier to look for an Android developer that fits in your team.


While searching on Google, use Boolean operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to refine your search. For example,


site:linkedin.com "Android Developer" AND "Java"


will show results related to Android developers with Java as the preferred programming language.


To find Android developer with the right skillset, you can join one of the popular LinkedIn communities such as, Android Developer Group, Android Developer Job Opportunities, Android Developer Jobs, AnDevCon: The Android Developer Conference, and Android Architects.


Explore the LinkedIn company pages of tech companies or startups that specialize in Android. These pages often feature employees' profiles, which can be a source of potential candidates. And thus help you find Android developer with exceptional skills.

Online job boards

Post job openings on Indeed, LinkedIn, Naukri, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow Jobs. Craft a clear and detailed job description that outlines the specific skills, experience, and qualifications you're looking for in the Android developer. To attract the top talent, make sure your compensation package and benefits are competitive within the job market. Following this strategy, you can effectively leverage job posting platforms to find and hire Android developer who is right for your team.

Developer communities and forums

When looking to hire Android developer, explore platforms like GitHub and Stack Overflow. Evaluate potential candidates by examining their projects. Consider the quality of their code, how much they contribute, and their overall activity. Seek out individuals with Android developer skills that align with your project's needs. If your company has GitHub projects, showcase them to attract developers interested in your work.

Tech conferences and meetups

Attend developer events such as Droidcon to network with talented developers. By attending talks and discussions, you can gain insights into the interests and expertise of developers, helping you find candidates with exceptional Android developer skills. Search for the upcoming regional or global Android developer conferences online. Platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, and Eventful allow you to search for and filter events. These events can be beneficial to hire Android developer for your organization.

HackerEarth hiring challenges

Sponsor online coding challenges to find competitive developers. For instance, Kutumb collaborated with HackerEarth to run the Android Hiring Challenge in 2022, to hire Android Developers. These events can assist you in finding candidates with good Android developer skills.

Open source communities

Engaging with active contributors in Android development-related open-source projects is a strategic approach to identify and hire talented Android developers. By participating in discussions, reporting issues, or even collaborating on these projects, you can discover individuals with a strong commitment to the Android developer community. These contributors often maintain public repositories and share their portfolios, showcasing their skills and expertise.

Online learning platforms

Connect with Android development enthusiasts on online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Exploring the projects and assignments submitted by learners in these online courses can provide a glimpse into their practical skills and coding abilities. Android development enthusiasts often use these platforms to showcase their proficiency. You can also find links to their personal portfolios or GitHub repositories. Thus, it will be easier for you to discover talented individuals who are actively enhancing their Android developer skills.a

Local universities and coding boot camps

Collaborate with local academies and educational institutions to find aspiring Android developers. For instance, you can partner with coding bootcamps that offer Android courses. By engaging with instructors and students in these programs, you can identify promising talents who are eager to apply their newly acquired Android developer skills to real-world projects.

Social media channels

Use platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to share projects and job openings. Engage with Android Developer communities. Find local and regional Android Development groups to connect with the devs. Actively participating in discussions and direct outreach to individuals can help you hire Android Application developer with the right skillset. Crafting engaging posts about your company's initiatives and job opportunities can generate organic interest.

Referrals and employee networks

Promote employee referrals and leverage existing networks to gather recommendations in order to hire Android developer with the right skillset.

Lightbulb Pro-Tip

Reddit is a great place to look for various Android Development communities, including r/androiddev, r/Android, r/androidapps, r/RedditAndroidDev, etc. You can also join related communities on Discord and interact with thousands of members.

Android Developer Assessment

The most common assessment framework for Android Developers on HackerEarth includes

A combination of technical evaluations, coding exercises, and behavioral assessments. Here are some common components of the assessment framework:

Code completion tasks

Code completion tasks assess a candidate's understanding of syntax and their ability to write correct and well-formed code. It can help gauge their understanding of fundamental concepts. Incorporating code completion tasks into the Android developer hiring assessment process ensures a more accurate evaluation of a candidate's suitability for the role. It aids in making informed decisions when looking to hire Android Application developer with the right expertise and capabilities.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

A good way to assess a developer's technical knowledge of Android Development concepts, language features, and best practices is through MCQs. You can choose to include these questions in the Android developer hiring assessment. They can help in evaluating a developer's understanding of fundamentals.

Project-specific questions

You can also include project-specific questions to assess a candidate's knowledge. It can vary depending on your requirements. It will aid you in finding the right candidates with the Android developer skills that the project demands.

Language-specific questions

Android developers can be asked questions related to programming languages such as Java or Kotlin, Android Studio, UI designs, etc. Asking very basic and technical questions can also help assess the candidate’s knowledge and skill sets.

Our bias-free, objective platform has facilitated 1,00,000+ assessments

Steps to Create an Android Developer Assessment on HackerEarth

  1. Log in to Hackerearth assessments
  2. Add questions from our library and create a test
  3. Send invites to candidates
  4. Evaluate our AI-assisted report and shortlist candidates

Assess Android developers for free

Click here now

Sample Questions to Ask an Android Developer

  • Create an XML layout for a simple login screen with EditText fields for username and password.
  • Write Java code to set an OnClickListener for a Button in an Activity.
  • Write code to make an HTTP GET request using the Retrofit library.
  • Implement runtime permission requests for accessing the device's camera or location.
  • Write code to check if a specific permission is granted or denied by the user.

  • What is the primary programming language for Android app development?
    1. Swift
    2. Java
    3. Kotlin
    4. C++

  • Which Android component is responsible for managing the user interface and handling user interactions?
    1. Service
    2. BroadcastReceiver
    3. Activity
    4. ContentProvider

  • Which file format is commonly used for storing localized strings in Android applications?
    1. JSON
    2. XML
    3. CSV
    4. YAML

  • Explain the difference between Java SE, Java EE, and Java ME.
  • What is the difference between a class and an object in Java?
  • What is a constructor in Java, and how does it differ from a regular method?
  • What is an interface in Java, and how does it differ from a class?
  • What is multithreading in Java, and how can you create and manage multiple threads in a Java program?

  • What are the key principles of Material Design, and how can they be applied to create a visually appealing and user-friendly UI?
  • Describe the purpose and usage of XML layout files in Android UI design.
  • Discuss the importance of accessibility in Android app design and mention some accessibility best practices.
  • What are the primary UI components used to gather user input in Android, and how do you handle user interactions with them in your code?
  • Explain how to implement animations in Android UI to enhance user experience and engagement.

File Note

These sample questions provided here are for interviewing early-experience talents. For more customized assessments for candidates with higher experience, you can contact our team at contact@hackerearth.com or request a demo here.

Guidelines for Writing Job Description for Android Developers

Job title

Start the Android Developer job description with a succinct and descriptive job title that accurately represents the position, such as "Mobile App Developer," "Android Software Engineer," or "Android Product Manager". Including a clear title will filter out candidates beforehand. Hence, it can help you find Android developer whose skillset aligns with the role you are hiring for.

Job summary

Offer a concise summary of the role, outlining key responsibilities and objectives. Clearly define the primary focus of the position and its contribution to the company's objectives. Integrating a summary into the Android developer job description offers candidates a clear understanding of the role they are applying for.

Responsibilities

While preparing the Android developer job description, don't forget to specify the tasks and responsibilities that the Android developer is expected to handle. This may include:

  • Designing and developing Android applications.
  • Creating user interfaces that adhere to Material Design guidelines.
  • Writing unit tests and UI tests to ensure code quality and app reliability.
  • Implementing security best practices, such as encryption and secure data storage.
  • Staying updated with the latest Android developments, tools, and best practices.
  • Keeping apps up to date with platform changes, including Android OS updates.

It's an important part of the Android Application developer job description. These key points will help developers understand the job requirements.

Skills and qualifications

List the essential Android Developer skills and qualifications that candidates must possess, including, but not restricted to:

  • Proficiency in Java and/or Kotlin, with a strong understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts
  • Familiarity with the Android SDK (Software Development Kit) and Android architecture components
  • Experience with SQLite, Room Database, or other database management solutions for Android
  • Ability to optimize app performance, manage memory efficiently, and analyze CPU usage
  • Strong problem-solving skills to debug issues and find efficient solutions

Including the necessary Android developer skills in the job description aids candidates in comprehending the nature of the position they are applying for. This approach facilitates the identification and recruitment of an Android developer possessing the requisite skill set.

Preferred skills

Highlight any supplementary Android developer skills or qualifications that would be advantageous but are not obligatory for the role. Additionally, you may request experience with particular tools, libraries, or frameworks.

Education and experience

Clearly outline the educational background and professional experience necessary for the position, which may include a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, as well as several years of relevant experience. Incorporating these requirements into the Android developer job description serves as an effective filter to identify candidates who meet the specified qualifications. Thus aiding in the process of hiring an Android developer with the desired credentials.

Company culture and EVPs

Briefly highlight your company's culture, values, and any unique perks or benefits offered to employees that can help attract candidates who align with your company's ethos.

Application instructions

Provide instructions on how candidates can apply for the position. Include details such as where to send their resume, portfolio, or other required documents. Also, specify the deadline for applications, if applicable. It's another crucial point to be included in the Android developer job description.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Include a statement affirming that your company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Lightbulb Pro tip

You can incorporate gender-neutral pronouns like 'they/them' to promote an inclusive workplace. Additionally, it's beneficial to align your developer personas with your job profiles before advertising an open position. This approach ensures that your job descriptions resonate with a diverse range of candidates.

Download our guide for writing better developer personas

How to Conduct Android Developer Job Interview

Skill-first hiring requires that the developer interview process be designed to understand the candidate’s skill and experience in the given domain. You can consider the following guidelines when conducting a face-to-face interview with a Android developer:

Conduct a real-time technical assessment

Usually candidates are given a remote assessment before the interview. However, using the interview platform to assess skills in real time will tell you a lot about the candidate’s communication skills and thought process.

HackerEarth's technical interview platform, FaceCode, features an integrated question library designed for evaluating candidates' proficiency in crucial Android developer skills. The platform includes a built-in IDE environment, enabling the assessment of candidates' capabilities in crafting clean, efficient, and maintainable code. Additionally, the pair-programming method can be employed to observe their problem-solving approach, logical thinking, and attention to detail.

Learn how Facecode can make tech interviews easier

Understand the candidate’s project experience and review the portfolio

During the Android developer interview assessment, explore the candidate's past and present projects. Focus on their personal contributions and the skills they used. Ask them to discuss any relevant project, detailing their responsibilities, problem-solving, and collaboration. If available, review their portfolio or code samples for coding style, documentation, and project quality to make informed decisions on whether to hire them.

Understand if they are a good culture and team fit

In the assessment for hiring an Android developer, it's vital to ensure a harmonious alignment with your organization's values. While technical prowess is a fundamental aspect, the importance of cultural compatibility cannot be understated. The ideal candidate should not only exhibit precise coding abilities but also effective communication and collaboration skills, essential for thriving in agile and cooperative work environments. Assessing a candidate's capacity to function both independently and collaboratively within a team is pivotal. This evaluation yields valuable insights into their problem-solving capabilities, communication skills, and adaptability, aiding in determining their suitability for the role and compatibility with team dynamics, ultimately influencing the decision to hire them.

Additionally, this evaluation offers engineering managers a chance to exhibit their team culture and values, enabling them to find a candidate who aligns well with the team's ethos.

Want us to help you create an Android Developer Assessment?

Start free trial

30,000+ recruiters and hiring Managers across 1000+ businesses grow their tech teams with HackerEarth

Amazon
Barclay
Intuit
Paypal
Siemens
Walmart

FAQs

They should demonstrate expertise in programming languages such as Java and Kotlin. Proficiency in Android development tools like Android Studio, and a strong understanding of Android architecture and UI/UX design principles should be considered. Look for candidates with a good portfolio. Effective communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams are essential for success.

Consider relevant certifications but always prioritize candidates with relevant work experience, internships, or contributions to open-source Android projects. Because these indicate practical skills and commitment to the field.

Some Android developers may specialize in a particular framework like Retrofit for networking, others may have a broader skill set encompassing multiple frameworks. While recruiting, you can ask if they are familiar with the framework required in your project. If not, ask them if they are willing to put the time and effort to learn.

Always look for developers who are versatile and adaptable.

An Android developer should be proficient in programming languages such as Kotlin and Java. They should have expertise in Android Studio and the Android SDK, a deep understanding of Android architecture components and UI/UX design principles, and the ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces following Material Design guidelines.

Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and collaboration with cross-functional teams are crucial. Familiarity with testing methodologies (unit and UI testing), version control (Git), dependency injection (e.g., Dagger, Hilt), and performance optimization are also valuable. Adaptability to evolving Android technologies and a commitment to continuous learning round out the skill set of a successful Android developer.

You can start by reviewing their portfolio, paying attention to the variety and complexity of projects they've undertaken. Examine the user interfaces, features, and functionality they've implemented. Ask them to describe specific challenges they encountered during project development. Inquire about their decision-making processes in selecting appropriate architecture patterns, libraries, and frameworks for different projects.

To further gauge their problem-solving abilities, present a hypothetical real-world scenario related to Android development and ask how they would approach it. Lastly, request code samples or GitHub repositories to review their coding practices, code organization, and adherence to best practices in actual projects.

For a junior or entry-level Android developer, you should seek a strong foundation in programming languages like Kotlin or Java, basic knowledge of Android app development, and a willingness to learn and grow. Mid-level Android developers are expected to have more substantial experience in building apps, proficiency in architectural patterns (e.g., MVVM, MVP), and a deeper understanding of Android SDK components. Senior Android developers should demonstrate expertise in advanced topics like performance optimization, security, and architectural design, along with leadership skills for guiding junior developers. They might also be involved in high-level decisions regarding app architecture.

Roles such as Android UI/UX designers may prioritize skills related to creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. In contrast, Android QA testers focus on testing methodologies and identifying issues, while Android DevOps engineers handle app deployment, continuous integration, and automation.