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The Ultimate Guide for Hiring Windows Developers
The future of your Windows app development hinges on the talent you hire today. How can you ensure you choose developers who can build high-performance applications that enhance business operations, increase efficiency, and support growth?
At BairesDev, we specialize in recruiting exceptional Windows developers. In fact, we carefully vet 2.2 million applicants every year to find and hire the top 1%.
That’s how we know great developers are more than just familiar with the platform. Highly skilled Windows developers come with expertise in tools like .NET, C#, and Azure. They also quickly solve complex problems, collaborate well with diverse teams, and communicate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders.
With so much riding on the success of your Windows app development projects, we both know hiring experienced devs is critical. This guide is here to help you find developers with the necessary skills to deliver robust Windows apps, smooth system integrations, and secure cloud-based services that align with your business objectives.
Before you start hiring
Experience in Your Preferred Methodology
Does your team follow Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall methodologies? It's important to hire a Windows developer who’s familiar with your preferred approach to software development. For example, if your team uses Agile for iterative Windows app releases, a developer experienced in Agile will better adapt to regular sprints and feedback loops. By screening for candidates who use your preferred methodology, you can hire Windows developers who don’t need extra onboarding time for process adjustments.
Modernization
Does your project involve updating legacy Windows applications or migrating them to the cloud? If so, you'll need a developer experienced in modernizing software. Look for developers who have transitioned older systems to newer frameworks, such as .NET Core or Azure. Hiring someone with this skill set can help you significantly reduce risk and downtime during the transition.
Portfolio and References
Ask candidates for examples of past projects that demonstrate their technical abilities. Maybe you want to see how they’ve built enterprise-grade applications. Or maybe you want to hear about how they’ve created cross-platform solutions using technologies like Xamarin. Regardless of what you’re looking for, relevant work samples and references from past projects shed light on their reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver top-notch work.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a crucial skill when projects shift focus or new technologies emerge. For instance, if your project requires transitioning to a newer framework like .NET 6 or adding integration with a third-party service, your developer may need to quickly learn and implement new tools. Put simply, their ability to pivot helps keep your Windows app development on track without delays or major roadblocks.
Location and Timezone
Make sure your Windows app developers can collaborate in real time. Real-time collaboration lets developers quickly address issues, which is crucial for troubleshooting tasks such as fixing PowerShell scripts or implementing system updates. Without quick communication, delays in critical processes can happen, which slows down overall development and pushes back project timelines.
14 Skills Every Windows Developer Should Have
Creating a Windows application, managing backend systems, or integrating cloud services? Windows development offers the flexibility to build reliable and scalable solutions that address various business needs. With technologies like .NET, Azure, and C#, organizations can turn innovative ideas into powerful, real-world applications.
But how do find the devs you need to build reliable, efficient, and scalable Windows apps? Hire experienced Windows developers with the following technical and soft skills. With their deep knowledge of the Windows ecosystem, they can keep you from common pitfalls, speed up development, and design and deliver high-quality solutions.
Technical Skills to Look For in Your Ideal Windows Developer
1. Proficiency in C# and .NET Framework
A strong foundation in C# and the .NET Framework is crucial for building Windows applications. That’s because they provide the primary language and framework for developing high-performance, scalable software solutions on the Windows platform. Hiring a developer with this expertise can handle most Windows-based application development tasks.
2. Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Windows Forms
Experience with WPF and Windows Forms allows developers to create rich, responsive desktop applications with intuitive user interfaces. A developer with these skills can build visually appealing and functional software.
3. UWP (Universal Windows Platform)
UWP is essential for creating applications that run smoothly across various Windows devices, such as desktops, tablets, and Xbox. Developers with UWP skills can help you reach a broader audience by enabling cross-device compatibility for your applications.
4. Win32 API and COM (Component Object Model)
Proficiency in Win32 API and COM is vital for developers working with low-level system operations or legacy applications. This skill enables a developer to manage system resources efficiently and maintain or extend older Windows software without compromising performance.
5. Azure Cloud Integration
With Azure playing a significant role in cloud computing for Windows environments, developers experienced with Azure can help you build cloud-integrated applications. This supports scalability, flexibility, and the ability to leverage cloud services for better performance and cost-efficiency.
6. Windows Services and Background Processes
A developer skilled in Windows services can build applications that run critical background processes, such as monitoring tasks or handling system-level functions. This allows these processes to run smoothly without disrupting the user experience.
7. SQL Server and Database Management
SQL Server is a staple in Windows environments for managing databases. A developer skilled in SQL Server can efficiently handle data storage, queries, and complex database operations so that applications are fast and reliable when interacting with data.
8. PowerShell Scripting
PowerShell expertise is highly valuable for automating tasks, managing configurations, and scripting deployments within a Windows environment. A developer with PowerShell skills can save time and reduce manual effort by automating routine administrative tasks.
9. Version Control (Git, Azure DevOps)
Familiarity with version control systems like Git and Azure DevOps is essential for collaborative development and maintaining code integrity. A developer proficient in these tools helps keep your codebase organized and promotes effective collaboration across teams.
10. Windows Security Protocols
Understanding Windows security protocols, such as Active Directory and Kerberos, is critical for developing secure applications. A developer with this knowledge can protect your applications from vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with security standards and safeguarding your data.
Soft Skills to Look For in Your Ideal Windows Developer
11. Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness is especially important when working with global teams or creating applications for diverse audiences. A developer targeting international markets must understand regional preferences. This includes tasks like language localization and adapting the UI for right-to-left languages in UWP apps.
12. Mentoring
Mentoring creates a collaborative learning environment where team members can grow together. By guiding junior developers through C# coding challenges or offering tips on .NET and UWP best practices, experienced Windows developers help sharpen the entire team's skills. This mentorship, in turn, improves project quality and results in faster, more efficient Windows app development.
13. Curiosity
Curiosity helps Windows app developers stay current with the ever-evolving technology landscape. This might mean exploring the latest advancements in .NET, C#, or Azure services or learning new methodologies for improving application performance. Whatever the case, a developer’s drive to explore new concepts leads to innovative solutions.
14. Reliability
Reliability ensures that Windows app developers consistently meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and are dependable team members. You can trust a reliable developer to handle complex tasks with minimal supervision, such as building a high-performance Windows desktop application using WPF.
9 Questions to Identify Top Windows Developers
When interviewing Windows developers, it's important to ask questions that first assess the candidates' technical skills and knowledge. Employers will also usually conduct a coding test to further assess specific on-the-job knowledge.
The following set of questions aims to uncover not only the developer's technical knowledge but also their problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability—all crucial traits for success in a collaborative environment.
Here are a few examples of technical interview questions:
1. What methods do you use to diagnose and fix issues with slow or unresponsive Windows applications?
When an app is slow or unresponsive, my first step is to check Task Manager to see if there’s a spike in memory or CPU usage. Then, I dive into Event Viewer and Performance Monitor to narrow down the issue. Sometimes it's something like an I/O bottleneck or too many threads running. I’ve used Visual Studio’s profiler to identify inefficient code—things like unoptimized loops or heavy processing in the UI thread. I also prioritize fixing anything that affects user experience. So they don’t have to wait or deal with crashes
2. Can you explain the process of creating a Windows service and how you ensure it runs efficiently without affecting system performance?
I’ve built Windows services in .NET, and the process usually starts with setting up the service framework. I make sure it’s lightweight and only uses resources when necessary. I configure the service to run automatically but ensure it sleeps or hibernates when it’s not needed, which conserves system resources.
For performance, I monitor CPU and memory usage during testing, and I always set proper logging and exception handling so the service doesn’t crash or create memory leaks. And of course, I test it under different loads to make sure it runs smoothly even when the system is under pressure.
3. How do you manage application updates in a Windows environment to ensure minimal downtime for users?
I usually implement updates using tools like ClickOnce or Windows Installer, depending on the app’s complexity. The goal is to ensure users experience minimal disruption, so I often schedule updates during off-peak hours or allow the user to defer them. I always test the update process in a staging environment before going live to avoid any surprises. If it’s a major update, I make sure there's a rollback plan in case things go wrong. For example, I might keep the previous version of the app installed, so users can easily revert if needed.
4. What is your approach to ensuring compatibility between your Windows applications and various versions of the Windows operating system?
I rely on compatibility testing tools, like the Windows App Certification Kit, to make sure my apps run smoothly across different Windows versions. I write adaptable code, which menas I check for specific features rather than the OS version. This way, if a feature is available in a newer version of Windows, the app can leverage it.
I also make use of virtualization for testing older versions of Windows and spend time ensuring the app doesn’t rely on deprecated APIs. Backward compatibility is important, so I test extensively to avoid issues, especially for users still on older versions of Windows.
5. How do you ensure that your Windows apps are optimized for performance across different hardware configurations?
I always start by considering the hardware variations early in the development process. I make sure my code is modular and flexible so that it runs well across different hardware setups. For testing, I use tools like Windows Performance Analyzer and run benchmarks on both high-end and lower-end systems. If I spot bottlenecks, I optimize memory and CPU usage, especially in areas like rendering or data processing.
It’s also about striking the right balance—getting performance improvements without making the code unnecessarily complex.
6. How do you manage your work and keep everything on track when juggling multiple priorities on a Windows project?
This question explores the candidate’s ability to handle competing demands, manage their time, and ensure smooth communication with the team. It reveals how they prioritize tasks while keeping the team aligned with deadlines.
7. Have you ever faced a technical disagreement in a project? How did you resolve it and keep things moving forward?
This question assesses conflict resolution and collaboration. It focuses on how the candidate manages technical disagreements within the team and how they facilitate a solution that keeps the project on course.
8. In the past, how have you worked with teams like designers or back-end developers to make sure the project runs smoothly?
This question highlights the candidate’s experience working across functions. It shows how they communicate with non-developer teams and make sure that the different parts of the project come together seamlessly.
9. Have you mentored a junior developer on a Windows project? How did you help support them without slowing things down?
This question looks at leadership and mentorship skills. It assesses how the candidate supports the growth of less-experienced team members while keeping the project moving forward.
FAQ
What are the key skills to look for in a Windows app developer?
When hiring a Windows app developer, focus on technical proficiency in programming languages like C#, knowledge of Microsoft Windows environments, and experience with app development for desktop apps, web apps, and (if relevant) mobile apps. They should be familiar with tools like .NET and Microsoft SQL Server. Great developers also demonstrate strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
What types of apps or other solutions can Windows developers build?
Windows developers can create a wide range of applications, including desktop apps, web apps, mobile apps, and some cross-platform solutions. They’ll need expertise in technologies like .NET, C#, ASP.NET, and Microsoft SQL Server for these types of projects projects.
In terms of solutions, Windows developers can design anything from inventory management systems to cloud-based services. These sophisticated solutions often integrate databases (like SQL Server) and web services to provide real-time data access, secure cloud storage, and efficient enterprise operations.
What additional skills should I look for in a remote Windows developer?
Besides the standard technical proficiency, remote Windows developers also need excellent time management, self-motivation, and clear communication skills to manage tasks independently and meet project deadlines.
They should be familiar with real-time collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. We also recommend you look for developers who have used project management tools such as Jira or Trello to track progress and prioritize tasks.
Git is another essential skill for remote developers. While Git is widely used in both remote and on-site development, it is especially important in remote collaboration. That’s because it allows multiple developers to work on the same project asynchronously, track changes, and ensure smooth code integration across distributed teams.
Lastly, remote developers need even stronger problem-solving skills and an ability to quickly adapt, as they often face unexpected technical challenges without immediate support.
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