How to Hire Kotlin Developers: Skills, Interview Questions & Best Practices

As businesses continue to build modern, scalable, and high-performing applications, Kotlin has become a preferred programming language, especially for Android and backend development. Its concise syntax, interoperability with Java, and strong community support make it a reliable choice for product companies. This is why many organizations are looking to hire Kotlin developers who can build efficient and future-ready applications.

However, hiring the right Kotlin talent requires more than just evaluating resumes. It involves understanding the key skills, asking the right questions, and following structured hiring practices.

Key Skills to Look for in Kotlin Developers

When you plan to hire Kotlin developers, identifying the right skill set is critical to ensure long-term success.

1. Strong Kotlin Fundamentals

Developers should have a solid understanding of Kotlin syntax, null safety, coroutines, and functional programming concepts. These are essential for writing clean and efficient code.

2. Android or Backend Expertise

Depending on your requirement, candidates should have experience in Android development or backend systems using frameworks like Ktor or Spring Boot.

3. Java Interoperability

Since Kotlin is fully interoperable with Java, developers must be comfortable working with existing Java codebases and migrating them when needed.

4. Understanding of Architecture Patterns

Familiarity with MVVM, MVC, or Clean Architecture is important for building scalable and maintainable applications.

5. API Integration and Database Knowledge

Kotlin developers should be skilled in working with REST APIs, third-party integrations, and databases such as PostgreSQL or Firebase.

Essential Soft Skills

Technical expertise alone is not enough. When businesses hire Kotlin developers, they should also evaluate soft skills that impact team performance.

• Problem-solving mindset
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Adaptability to new tools and technologies

These qualities ensure that developers can work effectively in dynamic product environments.

Interview Questions to Ask Kotlin Developers

A structured interview process helps identify candidates who can deliver real impact. Here are some key questions to consider when you hire Kotlin developers:

1. What are the key advantages of Kotlin over Java?

This helps assess their understanding of Kotlin’s value proposition.

2. How does null safety work in Kotlin?

A fundamental concept that directly impacts code reliability.

3. Can you explain coroutines and how they improve performance?

This evaluates their ability to handle asynchronous programming.

4. Describe a project where you used Kotlin to solve a complex problem.

This reveals practical experience and problem-solving skills.

5. How do you structure a scalable Kotlin application?

This helps assess their knowledge of architecture and best practices.

Best Practices for Hiring Kotlin Developers

To successfully hire Kotlin developers, companies need a well-defined and efficient hiring strategy.

1. Define Clear Requirements

Start by outlining the role, responsibilities, and expected outcomes. This ensures alignment between hiring teams and candidates.

2. Focus on Real-World Problem Solving

Instead of relying solely on theoretical questions, include practical assessments that simulate real development challenges.

3. Evaluate Code Quality

Review coding style, readability, and maintainability. Clean code is a strong indicator of long-term performance.

4. Prioritize Experience Over Buzzwords

Look for developers who have hands-on experience building and shipping applications, rather than just listing multiple technologies.

5. Use Structured Evaluation Criteria

Standardize your interview process to ensure fair and consistent candidate assessment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many companies make avoidable mistakes when hiring Kotlin developers. Being aware of these can improve your hiring outcomes.

• Focusing only on Android skills when backend expertise is also needed
• Ignoring system design and architecture knowledge
• Overlooking soft skills and cultural fit
• Rushing the hiring process without proper evaluation

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures that you bring in developers who can contribute effectively from day one.

Why Kotlin Developers Are in High Demand

Kotlin’s growing adoption across mobile and backend development has increased demand for skilled developers. Its ability to improve productivity, reduce code complexity, and enhance performance makes it a valuable asset for modern applications.

Businesses that hire Kotlin developers gain access to talent capable of building robust, scalable, and maintainable systems.

Conclusion

Hiring the right developers is a critical step in building successful applications. Kotlin offers the flexibility and efficiency needed for modern development, but the real value lies in choosing the right talent.

By focusing on essential skills, asking the right interview questions, and following structured hiring practices, businesses can make informed decisions. If you are looking to build high-quality applications, choosing to hire Kotlin developers is a strategic move that can drive long-term growth and innovation.