After 2022, the IT market in the field of information security faced a key problem: the departure of a large number of foreign vendors and the need to create their own solutions to replace outdated products. This has led to a sharp increase in demand for qualified specialists who are able to develop new data protection technologies and adapt existing systems to new realities.
According to our observations, Python developers are among the most popular specialists in the current IT market. Over the past year, we've recorded a 25% increase in search queries for Python developers. Attracting strong specialists, especially in the field of information security, is becoming a difficult and very competitive task. Nevertheless, our IT recruitment agency is successfully coping with this challenge. In this case study, we would like to share our experience of closing the position of a Senior Python developer for a company specializing in the development of information security solutions in 24 days.
Customer request
A large Russian technology company developing advanced information security solutions contacted us with a request to select an experienced Python developer. The company has been actively developing and working with top companies in the banking sector, providing solutions for data protection and countering cyber attacks.
Due to the rapid growth of its business and the increase in the number of large customers, the company needed a very strong candidate with high technical expertise and a willingness to cope with a large number of complex tasks. The main responsibilities included participating in the development of high-load systems, optimizing existing services and introducing new features to support the growth and scalability of the platform.
Expectations from the candidate:
- Experience working with high-load Python systems;
- Senior+ specialist level;
- CI/CD knowledge and experience with databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB);
- Experience working with microservice architecture;
- Understanding the principles of information security and data protection;
- Excellent knowledge of working in Linux (setting up the environment, working with system services, managing resources);
- Deep knowledge of DevOps (process automation, working with Docker/Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible);
- Readiness to solve complex tasks under high load conditions.
Difficulties encountered
In the course of our work, we faced the following challenges:
- High competition for experienced Python developers in the field of information security.
Python developers are in a high price range and the competition for them is extremely intense. It is especially difficult to find specialists who have experience working with high-load systems and microservice architecture in the field of information security. - A lengthy hiring process.
The company required a multi-stage interview, including three technical sections with life coding and oral tasks on Linux, Python and Devops, as well as two final meetings with the company's CTO and CEO, which could discourage some specialists. - Specific requirements for knowledge in the field of information security.
The platform developed by the company included sophisticated data protection mechanisms, so candidates with an understanding of security architecture, encryption, and cyber defense methods were needed. - High expectations for the candidate.
The client expected to find a developer who not only has strong technical knowledge but is also ready to work intensively, solving several complex problems simultaneously.
Recruitment process
We have developed an integrated search approach that takes into account the client's high requirements and the market situation:
- Expanding recruitment sources.
In addition to standard platforms (hh.ru, Habr, LinkedIn), we turned to professional communities and forums specializing in information security and Python development. This allowed us to find candidates with rare skills and an interest in this field. - Personalized approach to candidates.
We focused on the uniqueness of the project and its significance for the information security market, which attracted specialists interested in working on innovative solutions. - Optimizing the interview process.
Together with the client, we revised the selection stages, reducing their number to two technical sections and a joint final interview with CEO and STO without compromising the quality of the assessment, which made it possible to speed up the hiring process and increase the attractiveness of the offer for applicants.
The result of our work
Over the course of three weeks, we interviewed 8 qualified Python developers, each of whom met the client's requirements. Two of the candidates successfully passed all stages of selection, and one of them received an offer, which he accepted.
The candidate found turned out to be an experienced developer with deep knowledge of microservice architecture, DevOps approaches, and working in a Linux environment. He quickly adapted to the team and, in his first weeks, began offering solutions that improve the efficiency of the data protection platform.
It took 24 days to close the position, despite the complexity of the requirements and the high level of competition. Thanks to a proactive approach and close interaction with the client, we were able to quickly find a strong Python developer who fully met the company's expectations.
We are proud that our experience and professionalism allow us to effectively solve even the most difficult tasks in recruiting specialists in the field of information security.
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