The Eye-Opening Experience of Hiring a Dev Consultancy

A few weeks ago, I was given a task at work that felt both exciting and daunting—I had to find and hire a development consultancy. It wasn’t just about passing names to HR; I was responsible for sourcing candidates, vetting them, and even preparing interview questions. This was new territory for me, but I was ready for the challenge.

I started with what felt like the most natural approach—I reached out to my circles. Friends, former colleagues, and even my current workmates pitched in with referrals. Soon enough, I had a handful of CVs. I reviewed them, forwarded them to HR, and got ready for the interviews.

The Big Day

Interview day arrived, and with it came a few surprises.

The first candidate, someone I had personally referred, arrived early. They were composed, well-prepared, and confident. The interview went smoothly, and within a short time, it was clear they were the right fit.

Then came the second candidate. Setting up took longer than expected, which immediately raised concerns. In tech, efficiency is key—if you're struggling with something as basic as getting started, what does that say about your ability to handle the job?

The third candidate, however, was the real shocker. They showed up late. No call. No text. No apology. Just an awkward late arrival that left a bad impression even before the interview started. I couldn’t help but wonder—did they even want this job?

Lessons Learned

This experience was an eye-opener, not just about hiring, but about how people present themselves. Here’s what I took away:

1. Communication is key – Life happens. If you’re running late, just say something. Silence leaves room for assumptions, and trust me, none of them will work in your favor.

2. First impressions matter—A LOT – You have the first two minutes to grab attention. Confidence, clarity, and a little bit of personality can set the tone for the entire interview.

3. Know your audience – Every interview is different. Understand what the company values and align your answers accordingly.

4. Being a referral isn’t a free pass – If someone vouches for you, don’t let them down. Your actions reflect on them, so show up prepared.

Having been both an interviewer and an interviewee, I now see the game from both sides. At the end of the day, you have to be your own boss. Own your process, show up with confidence, and leave no room for doubt. The job market is competitive, and small details like punctuality and professionalism can make or break an opportunity.

This experience changed how I look at interviews—what about you? Have you ever been on the hiring side? Let’s talk in the comments! 🚀