Topics In Demand
Notification
New

No notification found.

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Salesforce Developers
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Salesforce Developers

29

0

Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Salesforce Developers

Hiring the right and most suitable Salesforce developers can be a game-changer for any organization. However, there are common pitfalls that can negatively affect the organization if not taken into consideration properly. Shortcomings include ignoring experience with legacy systems, undermining the importance of industry-specific knowledge, not checking for ethical coding compliance practices, avoiding the importance of long-term adaptability, ease of alignment with non-Salesforce teams, and understanding of broader business objectives. 

Let’s break down these mistakes.

Ignoring Experience on Legacy Systems

One of the biggest mistakes? Not checking if the developer has worked with older Salesforce setups. Many companies still use older versions like Classic UI or have custom-built code from years ago. If the hired developer only knows the latest tools, like Salesforce Lightning, they might struggle when it comes to upgrading or fixing these older systems, let alone working on them. 

So, during the interview, ask them if they have worked on migrating older Salesforce systems to Lightning, and maybe even get them to show how they would clean up old code without breaking essential business rules.

Overlooking Industry-Specific Knowledge

Another big oversight is not considering industry-specific experience and know-how. Just because a developer is great in retail doesn’t mean they’ll be great in healthcare or finance, where privacy laws and regulations are stricter and need to be properly taken care of. If your business is in a regulated industry, you need someone who understands those rules inside out and can cater to your industry-specific needs end-to-end.

The interviewer can ask them, “How did you handle sensitive or regulated data in your past projects?” It’s a good way to check if they really understand the compliance side of things.

Ethical Coding and Data Privacy

Ethical coding and data privacy go hand in hand. Ethical coding principles provide a framework for developers to consider the privacy implications of their software design and implementation, ensuring that it aligns with legal standards. Data privacy practices safeguard user data by prioritizing security and transparency in the development process to build trust.

The developer must be well aware of the steps to be taken to make sure the code follows data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA.

Adaptability in the Long Run

Salesforce updates its platform three times a year, in the Spring, Summer, and Winter seasons. This means the developer needs to keep learning constantly. If someone still prefers using old tools like Process Builder instead of modern ones like Salesforce Flow, that’s a red flag. Select developers who keep themselves updated with Salesforce changes must regularly follow Trailhead, Salesforce blogs and contribute to community discussions.

Integration with Other Tools

Another overlooked area is integration. Salesforce usually needs to work with other systems like ERPs, cloud service apps, marketing platforms, or old software. If the developers have no idea how to connect different systems to optimize the processes and minimize the input, the business may end up with a messy, disconnected setup. The Salesforce developer must know how to use tools like MuleSoft or Zapier to connect Salesforce with other systems. That proves their versatility across the platforms

Over-reliance on Third-Party Apps

Next, be careful of developers who rely too much on third-party apps for tasks that can even be done via native Salesforce apps. While AppExchange tools can be helpful, overusing them leads to extra costs and vendor lock-in. It is necessary to know how the developer decides when to build something custom vs. when to buy a tool. The best developers will lean towards Salesforce’s in-house tools where possible, like using Flow instead of a paid automation app.

In short, don’t just check for coding skills. Look at the full picture: Can they work with old systems? Do they understand your industry? Can they follow security rules? Will they keep learning? Can they collaborate with other tools and teams? And most importantly, do they care about business success?

Take the time to dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a dedicated Salesforce developer who isn’t just technically sound but also aligned with your long-term goals. That’s the kind of hire that pays off in the long run.

Conclusion

Bringing the right Salesforce developer on board goes far beyond reviewing resumes or drafting Apex code. You need someone who can navigate and understand legacy systems, understands the nuances of your industry’s regulations, and embeds ethical coding and privacy considerations into development. They should embrace Salesforce’s rapid release cycle, innovate cutting‑edge solutions, and build robust integrations that blend Salesforce seamlessly into your broader technology ecosystem. 

At the same time, they must exercise critical thinking when weighing native capabilities against third‑party add‑ons to avoid inflated costs and unnecessary dependencies. By looking at the full spectrum—from technical chops to business understanding—you’ll not only fill a role, but invest in a partner whose work drives efficiency, compliance, and growth long into the future.

This is easier said than done; the selection of perfect candidates takes time and resources.


That the contents of third-party articles/blogs published here on the website, and the interpretation of all information in the article/blogs such as data, maps, numbers, opinions etc. displayed in the article/blogs and views or the opinions expressed within the content are solely of the author's; and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of NASSCOM or its affiliates in any manner. NASSCOM does not take any liability w.r.t. content in any manner and will not be liable in any manner whatsoever for any kind of liability arising out of any act, error or omission. The contents of third-party article/blogs published, are provided solely as convenience; and the presence of these articles/blogs should not, under any circumstances, be considered as an endorsement of the contents by NASSCOM in any manner; and if you chose to access these articles/blogs , you do so at your own risk.


Smart IT Staff is a trusted IT staff augmentation company with a team of 400+ IT experts skilled in Salesforce, ServiceNow, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and more. We provide flexible engagement models, including the time and material model, dedicated teams, managed IT services, and project outsourcing, ensuring businesses get the right expertise to scale efficiently.

© Copyright nasscom. All Rights Reserved.