How To Hire A C++ Developer

C++ is renowned for its exceptional performance capabilities, making it a preferred choice for resource-intensive applications that demand efficient memory management and low-level control. Industries such as game development, embedded systems, scientific computing, and real-time systems rely heavily on C++ due to its ability to deliver optimal performance in these critical domains. Stroustrup started with the C programming language and added object-oriented programming features to enhance its capabilities, creating C++ in 1979. The language officially became known as C++ in 1983. Over the years, C++ has become widely used in various domains, including system programming, game development, and enterprise applications

C++ Developers: Why are they needed?

C++ developers are crucial in the software development landscape due to the language's versatility and efficiency. They are needed for their ability to develop high-performance applications, work on system-level programming tasks, maintain legacy codebases, and leverage the extensive ecosystem of libraries and frameworks available in C++. Their expertise is valued in industries such as finance, gaming, telecommunications, and automotive, where C++ is integral to building robust, high-performance software solutions. The ability of C++ developers to navigate the complexities of both low-level and high-level programming makes them essential contributors to projects.

Skills required

  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Boost, Qt, and Poco
  • Visual Studio, Eclipse, or CLion
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Standard Template Library
  • Memory Management
  • Debugging

Job titles

  • C++ Software Engineer
  • C++ Programmer
  • C++ Backend Developer
  • C++ Application Developer
  • Game Developer (C++)
  • Embedded C++ Developer
  • C++ Software Architect

C++ Developer Assessment

The most common assessment framework for C++ Developer 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

These coding exercises encompass a wide range of C++ programming aspects, such as recursion, string manipulation, algorithms, data structures, and file handling. They provide developers with an opportunity to practice and improve their problem-solving abilities and programming skills in the C++ language. It can help gauge their understanding of fundamental concepts. Incorporating code completion tasks into the C++ developer hiring assessment process ensures a more accurate evaluation of a candidate's suitability for the role. It can ultimately help you hire C++ developer with the right expertise and capabilities.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

MCQs provide an effective means of evaluating a developer's technical expertise in C++, and assessing their comprehension of concepts, language features, and best practices.

Framework-specific questions

In the C++ developer hiring assessment, you can include specific framework that C++ developers need to be familiar with. For example, Qt, Boost, or STL. You can include questions that test their knowledge of the framework's architecture, features, and common development tasks. It will aid you in finding the right candidates with the C++ developer skills that the project demands.

Language-specific questions

These questions encompass key aspects of the C++ programming language. They serve as a valuable tool to evaluate a candidate's proficiency and comprehension of its language features.

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Steps to Create a C++ 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

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Sample Questions to Ask a C++ Developer

  • Write a C++ program that performs matrix multiplication for two given matrices.
  • Write a C++ function that takes a string as input and determines whether it is a palindrome. The function should return a boolean value indicating the result.
  • Implement a C++ class for a singly linked list. The class should support operations like insertion, deletion, and searching for elements in the list.

  • What is the purpose of the 'virtual' keyword in C++?
    1. To indicate that a function cannot be overridden
    2. To indicate that a class cannot be inherited
    3. To enable dynamic binding and polymorphic behavior
    4. To specify the size of an object

  • What is the correct syntax to allocate dynamic memory in C++?
    1. new()
    2. new[]
    3. malloc()
    4. allocate()

  • Which of the following is an example of operator overloading in C++?
    1. int x = 5 + 3;
    2. int x = 5 - 3;
    3. int x = 5 * 3;
    4. int x = 5 / 3;

  • What is the signal-slot mechanism in Qt? How does it facilitate inter-object communication?
  • How does the model-view architecture work in Qt's Model/View framework?
  • Explain the concept of QWidgets and QLayouts in Qt and how they are used for creating user interfaces.
  • What are the differences between Qt's QGraphicsView and QOpenGLWidget for rendering graphics?

  • What is the difference between pass-by-value and pass-by-reference in C++? When would you choose one over the other?
  • Explain the concept of function overloading in C++. How does it work and what are its benefits?
  • What is the difference between a shallow copy and a deep copy in C++? When would you need to perform a deep copy?
  • What is the role of the virtual keyword in C++? How does it relate to inheritance and polymorphism?
  • Explain the concept of exception handling in C++. How can exceptions be thrown and caught in a program?

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 C++ Developers

Job title

Start the C++ developer job description with a succinct and descriptive job title that accurately represents the role, such as "C++ Developer," "C++ Systems Developer," "C++ Programmer," or "C++ Backend Developer". Including a clear title will filter out candidates beforehand. Hence, it can help you find C++ developer whose skillset aligns with the role you are hiring for.

Job summary

Provide a brief overview of the C++ developer role, delineating key responsibilities and objectives. Define the primary focus of the position and elucidate its contribution to the company's objectives. Incorporating a summary into the job description enhances candidates' comprehension of the applied-for role.

Responsibilities

In the C++ developer job description, outline the specific tasks and responsibilities that the C++ developer will be expected to handle. This may include:

  • Writing and maintaining efficient and reliable C++ code
  • Collaborating with the development team to design, implement, and test C++ solutions
  • Integrating C++ applications with external systems, frameworks, or libraries
  • Debugging and resolving software defects and issues
  • Conducting code reviews and ensuring adherence to coding standards
  • Participating in the entire software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and deployment

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

Skills and qualifications

List the essential C++ developer skills and qualifications that candidates must possess, including, but not restricted to:

  • Strong command over the C++ programming language and frameworks (e.g., STL (Standard Template Library), Boost, Qt)
  • Familiarity with OOP concepts
  • Knowledge of memory management in C++
  • Knowledge of testing frameworks and tools used for unit testing and debugging C++ code, such as Google Test, Catch2
  • Familiarity with the operating systems and their APIs such as Windows, Linux, or macOS
  • Knowledge of software development methodologies and best practices

Including the necessary C++ developer skills in the job description aids candidates in comprehending the nature of the position they are applying for.

Preferred skills

Mention any additional C++ developer skills or qualifications that would be beneficial but not mandatory for the role. You can also ask for experience with specific tools, libraries, or frameworks.

Education and experience

To find C++ programmer with the right credentials, it's crucial to clearly outline the educational background and professional experience necessary for the position. It 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 C++ developer job description serves as an effective filter to identify candidates who meet the specified qualifications.

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 C++ developer job description.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

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 C++ 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 C++ 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 premier technical interview platform, FaceCode, incorporates a comprehensive question library for evaluating candidates' proficiency in C++ concepts. The integrated IDE environment facilitates the assessment of their capacity to produce clean, efficient, and maintainable code. Additionally, employing the pair-programming method allows observation of their problem-solving approach, logical thinking, and attention to detail. Utilizing FaceCode aids in making informed decisions on whether to hire candidates based on their demonstrated skills.

Understand the candidate’s project experience and review the portfolio

In the C++ developer interview assessment, delve into the candidate's previous and ongoing projects, emphasizing their individual contributions and applied skills. Request a detailed discussion on a C++ project, outlining their responsibilities, problem-solving techniques, and collaborative efforts. If accessible, scrutinize their portfolio or code samples to evaluate coding style, documentation practices, and overall project quality. This comprehensive assessment aids in making informed decisions on whether to hire candidates based on their demonstrated expertise.

Understand if they are a good culture and team fit

In the assessment for hiring a C++ developer, it's vital to ensure a harmonious alignment with your organization's values. 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. Ultimately, aiding in determining their suitability for the role.

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FAQs

Look for candidates with a solid grasp of algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving skills. A deep understanding of C++ language features, memory management, and proficiency in writing efficient and maintainable code is non-negotiable. The ability to navigate and contribute to existing codebases, coupled with a knack for debugging and optimization, distinguishes the truly exceptional developers.

Moreover, interpersonal skills shouldn't be overlooked. A developer who can articulate their thoughts clearly, and work seamlessly within a team. Keep an eye out for candidates who demonstrate a passion for continuous learning.

Some useful resources for recruiters to use include online coding platforms like HackerEarth to effectively evaluate programming skills, and technical interview tools like FaceCode that offer real-time collaborative coding environments. Screen and shortlist C++ developers objectively and accurately.

Although not mandatory, having experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies can offer distinct advantages in a collaborative software development environment. Recruiters may value candidates who have demonstrated effective teamwork in Agile teams or exhibited a willingness to learn and adapt to Agile practices. The significance of Agile experience ultimately varies based on the organization's specific needs and culture.

A C++ developer's proficiency in debugging and troubleshooting skills requires a combination of practical exercises, code review, problem-solving discussions, error identification and analysis, logging and debugging statements, and the ability to effectively communicate their thought process.

Some certifications to look for include Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Oracle Certified Professional, and C++ Institute Certification Program. It’s important to remember to consider a combination of certifications, training programs, and practical experience when assessing a candidate's skills.