Hire API developers pre-screened for technical and cultural fit

Application programming interface (API) development is critical to application development and software systems and is used to simplify processes and allow applications to exchange data through seamless integration. API development allows developers to easily organize and tidy up code, hiding complexities from developers and ensuring that code is readable and reusable. Hiring an API developer can help you organize complicated code, connect to various applications in your daily operations, and streamline application integration.

This article will explore API development, what an API developer does, how to create a compelling job description, and the importance of asking the right interview questions. It will also discuss how Revelo can help you hire top talent.

What Is API Development?

API is a collection of defined rules, definitions, and protocols that allow software components to communicate. Many third-party software and services use API to power certain components. For example, many payment processing protocols work through APIs to exchange information between an e-commerce site and a third-party payment system. PayPal is one example.

Users who purchase on an e-commerce website may be prompted to “Pay with PayPal.” Clicking on this button prompts an API to retrieve specific information, known as a request, which is processed from an application to a web server through the API’s uniform resource identifier (URI). The request often includes a verb, headers, and a body. The request is sent from the product’s webpage, and the API handles the third-party payment system, exchanging information between the two and aiding the user in making their purchase. Although data transfer can differ depending on the web service used, the requests and responses are all part of the API.

APIs occur on the back end and are invisible to the user; they are used in almost all types of software, mobile applications, websites, and even computer games.

What Does an API Developer Do?

API developers perform different tasks depending on the company and project. Common responsibilities include:

• Converting API aspirations into useful solutions
• Interpreting stakeholders’ API requirements to create products that meet their requests
• Implementing API-first designs to guarantee that APIs reflect the best experience and design
• Analyzing, designing, developing, and implementing services and APIs
• Involvement in the development lifecycle
• Performing definition and feasibility testing
• Troubleshooting issues and solving problems to improve specific areas

API Developer Salary

The cost to hire an API developer can vary based on education, experience, commission and bonuses, the state or country where the employee resides, and other internal and external factors. The Glassdoor average annual salary for a mid-level API developer with four to six years of experience in the U.S. is $88,277.

While developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, the lower cost of living means they usually earn 30% to 50% less than their U.S. counterparts, with salaries varying based on location and experience. Revelo provides a cost-effective solution while offering highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers.

How to Write a Job Description for API Developers

The first step is writing a persuasive and comprehensive job description if you’re looking to hire the best API developer for your project. This helps you attract the best developers for your team. Be sure to include basic information in your job description, including the job title, responsibilities, and expected work hours. Be as concise and clear as possible to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

You should also include more in-depth information, such as:

• Required qualifications and experience: Include educational background and relevant experience in API networks.
• Desired skills and traits: Include soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, written and verbal communication, and leadership skills. Include hard skills like API design, cross-platform development, and familiarity with multiple coding languages and frameworks.
• Job responsibilities: Mention working on programming projects, leading a team of developers, collaborating with different teams, and anything else your project requires. Be as thorough as you can.
• Benefits: The more attractive the benefits, the more people will flock to your job listing. Consider offering attractive work/life balance benefits, including the option to work remotely and have flexible hours.

Tailor your job description to the level of developer that your project requires. If your project is complex and requires a stronger skillset, include a master’s degree in computer science or a related field or 10+ years of experience. Alternatively, if your project requires fewer skills and is less complicated, include a bachelor’s in computer science and fewer years of experience.

Interview Questions for API  Developers

Ask various questions targeting a candidate’s educational background, work history and experience, and hard and soft skills. Below are a few examples of what you can ask and why.

What is API testing?

Ask this question to determine how well your candidate can turn fundamental concepts into practice. Your candidate should be able to provide you with a clear explanation as to what API testing is, how it’s done, and why it’s important. Bonus points if they provide you with examples.

What is SOAP?

This question can be used to test a candidate’s industry knowledge. Candidates should be able to explain what SOAP is (simple object access protocol), what it’s used for, and how it relates to APIs. Bonus points if they can explain the differences between SOAP and REST.

What is input injection?

Input injections are critical components of APIs, and your candidate should be familiar with the term, what it means, and how to conduct it. This question will weed out weaker candidates from stronger ones, as any API-experienced professional should be able to provide you with a clear and concise definition of what an input injection is. Bonus points if they keep the answer short and precise.  

While these questions are great starting points in testing your potential employee’s knowledge of APIs, you should also compile a list of more in-depth questions to help determine the best candidate for your project. Be sure to also ask your candidates about their backgrounds and experiences.

Hire API Developers With Revelo

Finding and hiring the perfect API developer can be a time-consuming process. Not only do you have to find candidates, but you also have to interview them, run background checks, and more. Luckily, you don’t have to tackle these tasks alone. Revelo can help.

Our talent marketplace has everything you need to find and hire the best talent for your next project. We’ll supply a list of pre-vetted, highly qualified talent from Latin America, and once you choose a candidate, you can leave the rest to us. We’ll take care of hiring your developers, payroll processing, benefit administration, and more so that your time is free to focus on managing your business.

Ready to get started? Reach out to us, and let us help you hire great developers to join your team.