Hiring remotely opens the door to global talent — but it also makes it harder to spot the difference between a “good” developer and a great one. Especially when you’re hiring nearshore, the pool of qualified engineers is large and growing fast. So, how do you know who’s truly exceptional?
At Nefter, we’ve evaluated hundreds of engineers across Latin America. And while every role is different, the best nearshore developers consistently share a set of traits that go beyond just technical ability.
Here’s what to look for — and how we filter for it.
1. Strong communication in real time
It’s not enough to write clean code. Great nearshore engineers can communicate clearly, proactively, and comfortably — especially in live conversations. They don’t just respond to questions; they ask smart ones. They can explain their thinking. They keep stakeholders in the loop. And they do it in English, confidently.
In our vetting process, we include live, unscripted interviews focused on both technical reasoning and interpersonal clarity. This helps us filter out candidates who rely too heavily on asynchronous communication or who may struggle in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
2. Ownership over tasks and outcomes
Top nearshore engineers don’t wait for detailed instructions. They take initiative, make decisions, and own their deliverables. This is especially important for U.S.-based startups and growth teams, where ambiguity is part of the job.
During interviews, we look for signs of autonomy — stories of solving problems independently, making architecture suggestions, or leading initiatives. Great developers show not just what they did, but why they did it.
3. Familiarity with Agile and startup velocity
You don’t want someone who only functions in rigid corporate structures. The best nearshore engineers thrive in startup-like environments: fast iteration, changing priorities, and tight feedback loops.
That’s why we screen for real-world Agile experience and ask scenario-based questions. Can they pivot quickly? Can they work with partial specs? Are they used to launching and improving in cycles? These are critical indicators of success on dynamic teams.
4. Technical versatility, not just specialization
Yes, you want someone who knows your stack. But the best engineers bring more than just checklist skills. They understand the bigger picture. They can troubleshoot across systems. They can learn quickly and adapt to new tools or architectures.
Our technical evaluations test not only specific knowledge but also problem-solving, pattern recognition, and systems thinking. We want to know how an engineer approaches challenges — not just whether they’ve memorized syntax.
5. Cultural alignment and reliability
Finally, great nearshore engineers are people you can trust. They show up. They communicate honestly. They adapt to your company culture. They act like part of the team — not an outside contractor.
At Nefter, culture fit is a core part of our process. We match engineers not just to roles, but to companies. A technically excellent candidate won’t succeed if their style doesn’t mesh with your team.
In short: the best nearshore engineers are more than coders. They’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and owners. And when you find them, they make your entire team better.
If you’re ready to meet nearshore engineers who check every box, we’re here to help. At Nefter, we connect U.S. companies with pre-vetted LATAM developers who are skilled, reliable, and ready to contribute from day one.
Let’s talk.