7 simple rules for hiring great developers [Video]

Here’s how to hire real talent, even if you’re competing with top shops

Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock

The war for developer talent is hotter than ever. Whether you’re trying to build mobile apps, redesign the user experience on your public website, or keep business-critical applications on the cutting edge, everyone needs code.

“Engineers are king right now,” notes Sam Schillace, senior vice president of engineering at cloud storage and collaboration company Box. “Coders are superimportant to everyone.”

With an unemployment rate roughly half the national average, software engineers can write their tickets and demand generous salaries and legendary perks — and big tech companies are more than happy to provide them.

“At last count, there are nearly five job openings for every developer,” says Bethany Marzewski, segment marketing manager for developer job site Stack Overflow Careers 2.0. “When developers have their pick of four other job offers, savvy companies have recognized that recruiting a quality candidate means doing more than posting on job …