Hire API Development specialists pre-screened for technical and cultural fit

Application programming interface (API) is a type of software that offers services to other software, allowing two or more programs to communicate. An API development specialist writes code, arranges programs, and develops applications across various databases, devices, and servers. Hiring an API development specialist enables you to integrate data flows with existing partner and customer systems and convert stakeholder and company visions into practical solutions.

Finding the right API development specialist for your team can be difficult. You’ll compete with other companies in a highly competitive market to secure top talent.

This article discusses API development and what specialists do, provides information to write a compelling job description and compile thoughtful interview questions to assess candidate knowledge and skills,  and explains how Revelo can help you hire top talent.

What Is API Development?

API development involves a series of instructions and requirements specifying what features and services a piece of software or mobile application can use from other applications, platforms, and devices. There are several types of APIs, including:

• Class-based
• Hardware
• JSON
• Library-based
• Object remoting
• RESTful
• SOAP
• Web service
• WebSocket

These APIs fall into four common categories: public, private, partner, and composite. APIs are used to integrate new and existing applications. API features vary based on the type and category, but there are a few must-haves:

• JSON/REST Support: RESTful APIs are the most common type. If your API is not entirely RESTful, consider making it support JSON/REST. REST and JSON APIs are lightweight and stateless, providing a retry feature if your mobile app process fails. JSON’s syntax is similar to most programming languages, contributing to an easy learning curve.
• Modification timestamps and search by criteria: Combing through changes and finding what you’re looking for can be challenging without a proper search feature. APIs should allow users to search through timestamps, dates, and other updates.
• OAuth authorization: You want to ensure your API is protected and secure. While there are several ways to do this, OAuth offers the most efficient experience, as it requires just a click of a button for authorization.

API development is useful in many situations, including creating software-as-a-service. It’s also proficient in posting and retrieving data.

What Does an API Development Specialist Do?

API specialists are generally in charge of creating APIs based on stakeholder and customer criteria. But there are a few other responsibilities that most have:

• Adding to technical designs and new solutions
• Adhering to architecture guidelines and frameworks to implement APIs
• Creating object-oriented, concise, and easily managed code
• Documenting and integrating various software platforms using the REST API framework
• Evaluating, planning, developing, and executing APIs and RESTful services
• Modifying existing programs to meet specified standards
• Performing feasibility and definition analysis
• Staying up to date with and applying the latest software design trends and techniques
• Taking the lead in delivering quality results
• Testing, identifying, and troubleshooting areas that need improving
• Working throughout the entire development life cycle

API Development Specialist Salary

According to Glassdoor, API development specialists with four to six years of experience in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $68,775. Salaries can vary depending on the industry, location, and the specialist’s educational background and work history.

While API development specialists 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 Development Specialists

If you’re looking to attract the best API development specialists, putting together a well-crafted job description is a must. Job descriptions should outline all expectations a business has for their future hire while also including basic information, such as the job title, expected working hours, and a blurb about the company’s mission and values. Other categories should include:

• Required qualifications and experience: This could be a bachelor’s in computer science, business, or a similar field or relevant industry experience. These qualifications help determine whether a candidate has the experience needed for the role.
• Desired skills and traits: API specialists should have a background in computer science and various programming languages. They should also have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Soft skills are vital to ensure a candidate is a good teammate.
• Job responsibilities: Be thorough in your outline of job responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure the successful candidate can perform all of the tasks you expect of them. Include duties such as creating and testing code.
• Benefits: Some benefits are provided to comply with legal requirements, such as health insurance. Others, such as flexible working hours, can be a way to attract more talent. 

Tailor this information to the level of specialist you need. For example, if your company needs a senior-level specialist who can take on a leadership role, include more extensive qualifications and experiences.

Interview Questions for API Development Specialists

Asking the right interview questions allows you to assess an individual’s background, work ethic, and overall competence. Ask questions that target your candidate’s education, work experience, skillset, and how they handle specific problems. Below are some examples.

What are the differences between APIs and web services?

This is a softball question that anyone with a background in APIs should be able to answer, helping you to assess a candidate’s experience. Candidates should be able to explain the differences between these two items and how all web services are APIs, but not all are web services.  

What problem have you faced in a past working environment, and how did you overcome it?

This question assesses a candidate’s problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Candidates should take responsibility for their mistakes while confidently explaining how they resolved the challenges they faced.

When creating Web APIs, what are some architectural styles you can use?

Since web APIs are a common type of API, it’s crucial that your candidates understand how to create them, which includes using architectural styles. This question can help you determine if a candidate is a right fit for your organization, especially if you intend on creating web API services. Candidates should be able to explain various styles, including HTTP, XML/JASON, stateless, and more, and give examples of when, how, and why they are used.

Hire API Development Specialists With Revelo

If you want to hire an API development specialist for your next project,  look no further than Revelo.

Our experienced and dedicated team understands how challenging and time-consuming it can be to find a qualified fit for your company. Working with Revelo gives you access to our talent marketplace, consisting of highly skilled, rigorously vetted tech professionals. Our system simplifies the hiring process; we provide a shortlist of qualified candidates and handle the rest of the hiring and onboarding process once you choose your ideal match. We support you every step of the way, ensuring your new developer eases seamlessly into your team.

Contact us today to learn more about how Revelo can help and to start building your team.

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