A recent study has revealed key insights into the evolving expectations for junior Go developers as they prepare to enter the job market in 2026. Conducted by a team at Yandex Practicum, the research involved interviews with hiring managers and surveys of recent graduates from their Go developer course, providing a comprehensive view of the current hiring landscape.
One significant finding is that while knowledge of a specific database is not a strict requirement, familiarity with relational databases is essential. Hiring managers emphasize the importance of being able to write SQL queries, with PostgreSQL being the most commonly used database among companies. As one development group leader explained, while candidates may start with any database, proficiency in SQL is crucial, as most companies operate heavily with PostgreSQL.
Interestingly, while the consensus among hiring managers is that Docker knowledge is not mandatory for junior positions, opinions vary. Basic theoretical understanding of Docker and its applications is considered sufficient, as the tool is relatively easy to learn on the job. Some employers prefer candidates who excel in Go over those with Docker experience, indicating that Docker skills can be picked up quickly.
Moreover, knowledge of frameworks is deemed unnecessary by employers, with many companies opting to use libraries instead. Hiring managers are often wary of candidates who focus too heavily on specific frameworks, suggesting that a solid grasp of the Go language itself is far more valuable.
In addition to coding skills, junior developers are expected to be capable of understanding and modifying existing code. This ability is essential for integrating into team projects, where most initial tasks involve working with and improving upon existing codebases. The balance between writing new code and modifying current projects is significant, with many teams allocating a majority of tasks to new code development.
Soft skills are increasingly recognized as vital in the hiring process. Employers look for traits such as perseverance, communication skills, and curiosity. Additionally, skills in systematic thinking and the ability to navigate uncertainty are becoming essential. Hiring managers emphasize the need for candidates to analyze information effectively and construct logical action plans to tackle tasks.
Interestingly, there is currently no expectation for junior developers to have experience working with artificial intelligence. Both employers and candidates agree that foundational skills should be prioritized over AI competencies at this stage in their careers.
As the job market continues to evolve, these insights highlight the increasing importance of adaptability and foundational skills for junior Go developers. Competitors in the tech industry will need to adjust their training and recruitment strategies to align with these emerging trends to attract and retain top talent.
Informational material. 18+.
