Hire Python developers by skill

Which screening questions work for Python roles?

Screening questions go out by email right after a candidate enters the pipeline. Answers are scored against the skill matrix, with a written reason. Here are three from the Python library.

1. Q1 Tell us about an API you built in Python. How did you validate input and return errors?
2. Q2 A FastAPI endpoint is slow under load. What do you check first, and in what order?
3. Q3 When would you choose a task queue over asyncio for background work?

What does the Python coding task look like?

Rate-limited order API. Build a small FastAPI service that accepts orders, validates them and limits each customer to 10 requests per minute. Time limit 75 minutes.

1. Model the order with type hints and validation
2. Store orders in SQLite through a repository layer
3. Add a per-customer rate limit with a clear 429 response
4. Write pytest tests for the happy path and the limit

@app.post("/orders", status_code=201)
async def create_order(order: OrderIn, repo: Repo = Depends(get_repo)):
    if limiter.hit(order.customer_id):
        raise HTTPException(429, "Too many requests")
    return await repo.save(order)

Running hidden tests
passed 9 of 11
failed limit_resets_after_window, rejects_negative_quantity

How much does a Python developer cost?

Pay varies a lot by country, city, seniority and company. Public salary surveys show broad yearly ranges like these for mid-level to senior Python developers. Treat them as a starting point and check current surveys for your market.

Python roles that lean toward data or machine learning usually sit at the top of the range, while scripting and automation roles often sit lower.