What Skills to Look for When You Hire Salesforce Developer

Introduction

Salesforce is one of the most powerful CRM platforms, offering businesses unmatched customisation and automation capabilities. To fully leverage its potential, you need a skilled Salesforce developer. But what exactly should you look for when you hire Salesforce developer? This article explores the key technical and soft skills that make an exceptional Salesforce developer.

Why Hire Salesforce Developer?

A Salesforce developer is instrumental in tailoring the CRM platform to meet your business’s unique needs. They can:

• Create custom applications and workflows.
• Automate repetitive tasks to improve efficiency.
• Ensure seamless integration with third-party tools and systems.

Hiring the right Salesforce developer ensures you get the most out of your CRM investment.

Key Technical Skills of a Salesforce Developer

1. Proficiency in Apex Programming

Apex is Salesforce’s proprietary programming language used to build custom functionalities and automate business logic. A skilled developer must:

• Write efficient and scalable Apex code.
• Create triggers and batch jobs for complex workflows.
• Debug and optimise existing Apex code.

2. Experience with Visualforce and Lightning Framework

Salesforce developers should be familiar with both Visualforce (classic development) and Lightning (modern development) frameworks.

Why It’s Important:

• Lightning provides a modern UI experience, while Visualforce is still used in legacy systems.
• Developers must design user-friendly interfaces using these frameworks.

3. Understanding of Salesforce APIs and Integrations

Salesforce developers frequently integrate the platform with third-party tools. Familiarity with Salesforce APIs (REST, SOAP, Bulk) is critical for seamless connectivity.

Key Tasks:

• Building integrations with tools like HubSpot, QuickBooks, or custom ERP systems.
• Managing data flow between Salesforce and external platforms.

4. Familiarity with Data Management and Security

Salesforce is a data-driven platform, so developers must handle large datasets securely and efficiently.

Skills Include:

• Designing and managing complex data models.
• Implementing field-level security, role hierarchies, and sharing rules.
• Performing data migrations without compromising data integrity.

Essential Soft Skills of a Salesforce Developer

1. Problem-Solving Abilities

A Salesforce developer should be able to identify challenges and craft innovative solutions to meet business requirements.

2. Strong Communication and Team Collaboration

Developers often collaborate with admins, business analysts, and project managers. Clear communication ensures everyone is aligned on project goals.

3. Adaptability to Changing Requirements

CRM needs evolve over time. A great Salesforce developer remains flexible and adapts to new business demands or platform updates.

Certifications to Look for When Hiring a Salesforce Developer

Certifications validate a developer’s expertise in the Salesforce ecosystem. Key certifications include:

• Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I (essential for foundational skills).
• Salesforce Certified Platform Developer II (for advanced development).
• Salesforce Certified Integration Architect (for API integrations).

These certifications demonstrate a developer’s ability to work effectively within the Salesforce environment.

How to Evaluate a Salesforce Developer’s Skills

1. Reviewing Portfolios and Past Projects

Examine their portfolio for examples of custom applications, integrations, and workflows they’ve developed.

2. Conducting Technical Interviews

Ask questions that assess:

• Their understanding of Salesforce’s architecture.
• Problem-solving approaches using Apex or Lightning.
• Integration strategies with external tools.

3. Assessing Knowledge of Salesforce Ecosystem

Ensure the developer understands Salesforce’s broader ecosystem, including:

• Marketing Cloud.
• Service Cloud.
• Community Cloud.

This ensures they can create solutions that align with your business needs.

FAQ

Why is Apex important for a Salesforce developer?
Apex is the primary programming language for Salesforce, enabling developers to create custom business logic and workflows.

What certifications should a Salesforce developer have?
Certifications like Salesforce Certified Platform Developer I and II validate a developer’s skills and expertise.

How do I assess a Salesforce developer’s skills?
Evaluate their portfolio, conduct technical interviews, and ask about their experience with Salesforce APIs and Lightning.

How much does it cost to hire a Salesforce developer?
Costs vary depending on experience and location, ranging from $40/hour for junior developers to $150/hour for senior specialists.

Why are soft skills important for Salesforce developers?
Strong communication and adaptability ensure developers can collaborate effectively and respond to changing business needs.

Conclusion

When you hire Salesforce developer, you’re not just adding a technical expert to your team—you’re investing in the success of your CRM strategy. By focusing on both technical and soft skills, evaluating certifications, and reviewing past projects, you can ensure you hire a developer who will bring maximum value to your business.

Looking to hire Salesforce developer for your next project? Our experienced team is ready to help you customise Salesforce to fit your unique business needs. Contact us today to get started!