In my experience as a software engineer, I've found that excelling in problem-solving demands skills beyond coding. Effective communication, initiative, and ownership are essential. In this article I share on what I seek when evaluating potential software engineers for our team, and the practical skills I think are needed for success. So what are these skills, and why I think they are so important for success?

Communication is fundamental for a good software engineer. Our work isn't just about technical skills; it's also about explaining our ideas and solutions clearly. If you can't explain your solution well, it might mean you don't fully understand what you're doing, or proposing.

In our hiring process, we keep our code challenges as simple and open-ended as possible. This allows the candidates to show their problem solving skills, and also is an opportunity for them to explore something new, whether it's a new technology or a concept they may be unfamiliar with.

Ownership also shows how well a candidate documents their work, and how much they care for it. Similarly, writing articles and sharing them publicly is a great way to demonstrate ownership. It can offer insights into their processes, the obstacles they tackled, and the lessons they learned. Being willing to document and share not only benefits the community but also shows a sense of pride in the work.

In conclusion, I think that being a good software engineer, goes beyond technical skills. Clear communication, initiative, and ownership are just as important. Communicating your ideas, taking the initiative of proposing innovative solutions and having ownership of your work, is what truly makes someone excel.

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