How to get hired as an Android Developer
Advice from an Android developer at Nord VPN
If you are someone who is looking for a Job switch or maybe you have just started and want to get hired as an Android Developer. Whoever you are, in this blog I will give you some tips that will get you hired in this market.
Recently, I spoke with an Android developer at NordVPN who shared some valuable tips for getting hired as an Android developer.
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Shortlist Your Target Companies
Before filling out the applications, take a moment to strategize. Identify the companies you’d love to work for. The criteria for shortlisting can include:
- Technology stack: Are they using modern tools like Jetpack Compose, Kotlin, or Coroutines?
- Connections: Do you know anyone working there who can help with a referral?
- Design and culture: Are they known for building beautiful apps or fostering innovation?
Once you have your list, you’ll have a clear direction for tailoring your applications.
Step 2: Curate Your Resume
A generic resume won’t cut it. Your resume must highlight the skills and experiences relevant to the job description of your target company.
Here’s how:
- Highlight required skills: If the company emphasizes XML layouts, Jetpack Compose, or MVVM architecture, make those prominent in your resume.
- Showcase your projects: Include personal or professional projects, especially those demonstrating the technologies or practices mentioned in the job description.
- Keep it concise: One page is ideal — don’t list every tech you’ve ever used; focus on the ones that matter for this role.
Shortlisting and tailoring applications take time, but balance is key. Follow this formula:
- Spend 50% of your time learning new skills.
- Spend the remaining 50% applying for jobs.
Step 3: Research Interview Patterns
Once you apply, prepare yourself for the company’s interview process. Start by:
- Searching YouTube, Reddit, or LinkedIn for past interview experiences shared by other candidates.
- Making notes of common patterns in the interview process, such as technical questions, coding challenges, or behavioural rounds.
At this stage, focus on brushing over the topics you’ve encountered during research. Avoid going deep into the topics, your interview preparation should be part of your day-to-day schedule. It should not start when you get shortlisted.
Step 4: Ask Questions to the HR
If you’ve landed a call with HR, congratulations! But don’t let excitement make you passive — use this opportunity to gather key information:
- Number of interview rounds: How many rounds will there be?
- Format: Is there a take-home assignment? Pair programming?
- Technical focus: Will there be a Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) round?
- Timeline: How long does the process take?
Having clarity here will help you plan and prepare better.
Step 5: (Optional) Crush the Take-Home Assignment
If the interview process includes a take-home assignment, don’t just do what’s asked — go beyond expectations.
For example:
- Add unit tests to demonstrate you understand quality assurance.
- Implement caching or error handling, even if it’s not required.
This attention to detail shows that you understand your work and have dabbled with real-world app development challenges.
Step 6: Prepare, Don’t Stress
Before your technical interviews, prepare with focus and strategy:
Research interview experiences for the company.
- This helps you understand what types of questions or challenges you might face.
Avoid cramming new topics the day before the interview.
- Instead, revise what you already know and solidify your understanding.
Mentally prepare yourself. Interviews can be stressful, but staying calm and confident can make a huge difference.
Step 7: Ace the Interviews
With preparation and practice, you’re ready to tackle the interviews. Remember:
- Be clear and concise in your responses.
- If you don’t know something, admit it and share how you’d approach solving the problem.
- Focus on problem-solving and logical thinking rather than memorization.
If you want to learn more about hiring. Here is a podcast for you:
https://youtu.be/XOPGjOA9Tic?si=Txs-XxRzlG0ik8FP
Final Thoughts
Getting hired as an Android developer requires effort, patience, and strategy. To recap:
- Shortlist companies you want to work for.
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare strategically by researching the company and focusing on key topics.
- Go the extra mile on take-home assignments.
Follow these steps, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t let rejections discourage you — they’re just stepping stones to success.
If you found this guide helpful, follow it for more tips on Android development and career growth.
Your Captain,
Hitesh Kohli
(The Commute 🚀)
