The Myth of Niche Industry Experience: Why It’s Not a Hard Requirement for Software Developers

This is a photograph showing three individuals in an indoor office setting. All three individuals are seated, two on the left and one on the right. Those on the left are looking at the person on the right, whilst the person on the right is looking at one of the people on the left. All are engaged in conversation. The person on the right has a laptop open in front of them. The room has a modern design with a large window that provides natural light, contributing to a bright atmosphere. There's a TV mounted on the wall in the background. The people are dressed professionally, suggesting they are in a formal work environment.

The cover image for this post is by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

In the world of software development, there’s a common misconception that experience in specific industries or niches is essential for success. However, as we’ll explore in this article, this mindset can lead to missed opportunities and undervaluing of highly skilled developers. In fact, our own experiences have shown that applying Domain-Driven Development principles can render niche industry experience redundant.

The Risks of Ignoring Diverse Talent

Many companies in the UK are still adhering to the outdated notion that only those with direct industry experience should be considered for software development roles. This approach not only limits their pool of potential candidates but also risks overlooking incredibly skilled developers who don’t fit the traditional mold. We’ve witnessed this firsthand in 2024, where highly experienced software developers with 15-20 years of varied experience were being rejected from roles due to a lack of recent industry-specific experience.

In fact, this is something that industry legend Kelsey Hightower brings up twice in the first episode of the Fork Around and Find Out podcast (“Remaining Authentic in Retirement”).

Kelsey brings this up at both 22:57 and 59:11 when discussing the industry and hiring practises. And co-host Autumn Nash even says:

That’s the wild part. People with, like, really important experience in infrastructure and building important things that are not easily maintainable, with 20 years of experience, are struggling, and it just does not compute. Like, it kind of goes back to what you’re saying where, like, you know, like, the struggle, and sometimes when we’re struggling and kind of going through adversity, it’s a good time in tech because it humbles people, and it brings, like, new companies and new things, how do we earn back the trust of the people that are investing all this time to build, and to be good engineers, and to be good practitioners, and you’ve basically thrown them all out, and said, “We don’t care about your 20 years of experience.” You know what I mean? Like, it’s wild.

This phenomenon is particularly puzzling given the principles of Domain-Driven Development (DDD). DDD advocates for understanding the business logic and domain expertise of the organization before writing code. By applying this approach, it’s possible to develop software that meets the needs of any industry or niche, regardless of the developer’s background. Why, then, do companies still prioritize niche industry experience?

Our CTO, Jamie, uses this metaphor to describe the “logic” behind demanding niche industry experience when not necessary:

It’s like they’re saying, "we need someone to bake a cake, but you need experience using this particular spoon, and only people who have experience with this particular spoon will be considered." To a certain extent, a dev is a dev is a dev.

The Importance of Business Logic

Business logic is the backbone of any software application, and it’s essential that developers understand how to encode this logic in their code. However, business logic can be explained to the development team at various stages of the project, including:

  1. During the initial consultation phase, domain experts can share their knowledge and vision for the project, allowing the development team to grasp the core principles and requirements.
  2. As the project plan is developed, stakeholders can provide additional insights into the business logic and rules that govern the application.
  3. Throughout the development cycle, milestones and deadlines can serve as opportunities for developers to clarify any questions they may have about the business logic.

By embracing this approach, companies can ensure that their software applications are aligned with the needs of their organization, regardless of the developer’s background.

The Consequences of Prioritizing Niche Industry Experience

Prioritizing niche industry experience has several negative consequences:

  1. By focusing on specific industries or niches, companies may overlook incredibly skilled developers who possess a broader range of skills and experiences.
  2. Excluding diverse talent can lead to a lack of innovation and creativity within the development team.
  3. When applicants feel pressured to provide explicit mentions of specific industry experience, they may exaggerate or misrepresent their qualifications.

A more effective approach would be to focus on the skills and qualities that are essential for software development, such as:

  1. Problem-solving abilities
  2. Communication skills
  3. Adaptability
  4. Continuous learning

Recommendations for Companies

If you’re a company looking to revamp your hiring practices, consider the following recommendations:

  1. Focus on the essential skills and qualities required for software development, rather than specific industry experience.
  2. Ensure that your development team has a deep understanding of the business logic and rules governing your application.
  3. Offer regular training and support to help developers to develop their skills and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
  4. Encourage your developers to attend conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

By adopting these recommendations, companies can attract a more diverse pool of talent, improve their chances of success, and create a more vibrant and innovative software development community.

Conclusion

The notion that niche industry experience is a hard requirement for software developers is no longer tenable. By embracing Domain-Driven Development principles and understanding the importance of business logic, companies can develop software applications that meet the needs of any industry or niche.

We should be looking for developers who possess a broad range of skills and experiences, rather than those with specific industry experience. This approach will not only attract a more diverse pool of talent but also ensure that our development teams are equipped to tackle complex business problems and deliver innovative solutions.

At RJJ Software, we’re committed to challenging traditional thinking and embracing a more inclusive approach to software development. Join us in revolutionizing the way we hire and work with developers, and together, let’s create a more vibrant and diverse software development community.

About RJJ Software Ltd.: RJJ Software is a leading technology company offering a wide range of software development, consulting, and mentorship services. They are also AI experts, providing cutting-edge solutions in this rapidly evolving field. In addition to their software offerings, RJJ Software offers audio and podcast editing services, making them a one-stop solution for all your tech needs.

The company produces The Modern .NET Show—the only podcast focused specifically on .NET—and The Waffling Taylors podcast. They also edit and provide post-production services for Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, and the recently retired Podcasters Live, Tabs and Spaces and Cynical Developer podcasts.