Hire a Hogan Developer Employee Fast

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Here's your quick checklist on how to hire hogan developers. Read on for more details.

This hire guide was edited by the ZipRecruiter editorial team and created in part with the OpenAI API.

How to hire Hogan Developer

In today's highly competitive financial services and banking sectors, the need for robust, reliable, and scalable core banking solutions is more critical than ever. Hogan, a leading core banking platform, powers many of the world's largest banks and financial institutions, making the role of a Hogan Developer indispensable for organizations seeking to maintain and enhance their core systems. Hiring the right Hogan Developer employee is not just about filling a technical vacancy”it is about ensuring the stability, security, and future growth of your business operations.

Hogan Developers are responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing mission-critical banking applications that handle millions of transactions daily. Their expertise directly impacts customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and the ability to innovate in a rapidly changing digital landscape. A skilled Hogan Developer can streamline operations, reduce downtime, and enable your business to launch new products and services faster than the competition.

However, the specialized nature of Hogan systems means that finding and hiring the right talent is a unique challenge. The pool of experienced Hogan Developers is limited, and the complexity of the platform demands not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of banking processes and regulatory requirements. Making the wrong hire can result in costly errors, security vulnerabilities, and project delays that affect your bottom line.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the hiring process, from defining the role and identifying key certifications to sourcing candidates, evaluating technical and soft skills, and ensuring a smooth onboarding experience. Whether you are a medium-sized business looking to expand your IT team or a large enterprise seeking to upgrade your core banking infrastructure, this guide will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to hire a Hogan Developer employee fast”and get it right the first time.

Clearly Define the Role and Responsibilities

  • Key Responsibilities: Hogan Developers are primarily responsible for the design, development, customization, and support of Hogan core banking applications. Their daily tasks include writing and maintaining COBOL code, developing batch and online modules, integrating Hogan with other enterprise systems, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring compliance with banking regulations. They often participate in system upgrades, data migrations, and performance tuning projects, working closely with business analysts, QA teams, and infrastructure specialists to deliver robust solutions that meet business needs.
  • Experience Levels: Junior Hogan Developers typically have 1-3 years of experience and focus on coding, bug fixes, and basic support tasks under supervision. Mid-level developers, with 3-7 years of experience, take on more complex development, system integration, and module enhancements, often mentoring junior staff. Senior Hogan Developers, with 7+ years of experience, lead project teams, architect solutions, manage large-scale migrations, and interact directly with business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions. Senior roles may also require expertise in regulatory compliance and performance optimization.
  • Company Fit: In medium-sized companies (50-500 employees), Hogan Developers may wear multiple hats, handling both development and support, and collaborating closely with business users. These environments often require flexibility and a broad skill set. In large enterprises (500+ employees), Hogan Developers are more likely to specialize in particular modules (such as deposits, loans, or payments), work within larger teams, and follow more formalized development and change management processes. The scale and complexity of projects in large organizations demand deeper technical expertise and experience with enterprise-level deployments.

Certifications

Certifications play a significant role in validating a Hogan Developer's expertise and commitment to professional growth. While there is no single, universally recognized "Hogan Developer" certification, several industry-recognized credentials can enhance a candidate's profile and assure employers of their technical and domain knowledge.

Hogan System Training Certificates: Hogan itself, now part of DXC Technology, offers specialized training programs and certificates for its core banking modules, such as Hogan Deposits, Hogan Loans, and Hogan Cards. These certificates verify that a developer has completed official training on the platform and understands the architecture, configuration, and customization of Hogan systems. Employers value these credentials as they indicate hands-on experience with the actual software used in production environments.

COBOL Programming Certification: Since Hogan is built primarily on COBOL, certifications in COBOL programming”such as those offered by IBM or Micro Focus”are highly relevant. These certifications typically require candidates to pass rigorous exams covering syntax, data structures, debugging, and performance optimization. For employers, a COBOL certification demonstrates that the developer can write efficient, maintainable code and troubleshoot complex issues in legacy environments.

ITIL Foundation Certification: Many financial institutions require developers to understand IT service management best practices. The ITIL Foundation Certification, issued by Axelos, is widely recognized and covers key concepts in service lifecycle management, change management, and incident response. Hogan Developers with ITIL certification are better equipped to operate within regulated, process-driven environments and ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

Project Management Certifications: For senior Hogan Developers or those aspiring to lead teams, certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Agile Scrum Master can be valuable. These credentials, issued by PMI and Scrum Alliance respectively, demonstrate an ability to manage projects, coordinate teams, and deliver results on time and within budget”skills that are especially important in large-scale core banking transformations.

Employers should verify all claimed certifications by requesting copies of certificates and, where possible, confirming their validity with the issuing organizations. Certified Hogan Developers are more likely to adhere to best practices, deliver higher-quality code, and contribute positively to your organization's technology strategy.

Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels

  • ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter stands out as an ideal platform for sourcing qualified Hogan Developers due to its advanced matching algorithms, broad reach, and specialized features tailored for technical roles. By posting a Hogan Developer position on ZipRecruiter, employers gain access to a vast database of technology professionals, including those with niche mainframe and banking expertise. The platform's AI-driven candidate matching ensures that your job posting is seen by relevant applicants, increasing the likelihood of finding candidates with the exact Hogan and COBOL experience required. ZipRecruiter's customizable screening questions help filter out unqualified applicants early in the process, saving valuable time for HR teams. Additionally, the platform's analytics dashboard provides real-time insights into candidate engagement and application rates, enabling recruiters to adjust their strategy for optimal results. Many businesses report higher success rates and faster time-to-hire for specialized IT roles when using ZipRecruiter, making it a top choice for sourcing Hogan Developer talent.
  • Other Sources: In addition to ZipRecruiter, internal referrals are a powerful way to identify trusted candidates with proven track records. Encourage current employees, especially those in IT and banking operations, to refer qualified Hogan Developers from their professional networks. Industry associations and user groups focused on mainframe technology or banking systems often host job boards, events, and online forums where you can connect with experienced professionals. General job boards and professional networking sites can also yield results, but may require more targeted outreach and screening to identify candidates with specific Hogan experience. Participating in industry conferences, webinars, and technical workshops can help you build relationships with potential candidates and stay informed about emerging talent in the Hogan ecosystem.

Assess Technical Skills

  • Tools and Software: Hogan Developers must be proficient in COBOL, as it is the primary programming language for Hogan applications. Familiarity with JCL (Job Control Language), CICS (Customer Information Control System), and DB2 or IMS databases is essential for managing batch processes and online transactions. Experience with mainframe environments, such as IBM z/OS, is critical for deploying and supporting Hogan modules. Developers should also be comfortable using version control systems (such as Git or Endevor), debugging tools, and automated testing frameworks. Knowledge of integration technologies, including MQ Series and REST/SOAP APIs, is increasingly important as banks modernize their core systems and connect Hogan with digital channels.
  • Assessments: To evaluate a candidate's technical proficiency, consider administering practical coding tests that simulate real-world Hogan development tasks. These may include writing or debugging COBOL code, designing batch jobs, or troubleshooting performance issues in a mainframe environment. Online assessment platforms can automate the grading process and provide objective benchmarks. In addition, technical interviews should probe the candidate's understanding of Hogan architecture, data flows, and integration points. Scenario-based questions”such as how to handle a failed batch process or optimize a slow-running module”can reveal depth of knowledge and problem-solving ability. Reviewing past project documentation, code samples, or contributions to Hogan-related initiatives can further validate technical skills.

Evaluate Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Communication: Hogan Developers must collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, QA testers, infrastructure engineers, and project managers. Effective communication skills are essential for gathering requirements, explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and documenting system changes. Look for candidates who can articulate their thought process clearly, ask insightful questions, and adapt their communication style to different audiences. During interviews, assess their ability to present complex technical information in a concise and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues is a hallmark of a successful Hogan Developer. Look for candidates who demonstrate a structured approach to troubleshooting, such as breaking down problems into manageable components, researching root causes, and proposing practical solutions. Behavioral interview questions”such as "Describe a time you resolved a critical production issue under pressure"”can reveal resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness. Candidates who proactively seek feedback, learn from mistakes, and stay current with industry trends are more likely to excel in dynamic banking environments.
  • Attention to Detail: Given the high stakes of core banking operations, even minor coding errors can have significant financial and reputational consequences. Hogan Developers must exhibit meticulous attention to detail in writing, testing, and reviewing code. Assess this trait by reviewing their past work for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to coding standards. During interviews, present scenarios that require careful analysis”such as reviewing a complex batch job or identifying subtle data inconsistencies”to gauge their thoroughness and precision.

Conduct Thorough Background and Reference Checks

Conducting thorough background checks is essential when hiring a Hogan Developer, given the sensitive nature of core banking systems and the potential impact of errors or security breaches. Start by verifying the candidate's employment history, focusing on roles that involved Hogan development or mainframe banking systems. Request detailed references from former supervisors or colleagues who can speak to the candidate's technical abilities, reliability, and teamwork. Prepare specific questions about the candidate's contributions to key projects, problem-solving skills, and adherence to deadlines and quality standards.

Confirm all claimed certifications by requesting copies of certificates and, where possible, contacting the issuing organizations directly. This step is particularly important for COBOL, ITIL, and Hogan-specific training credentials, as these validate the candidate's technical foundation and commitment to professional development. For senior roles, consider verifying project management certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master.

In addition to reference and certification checks, many organizations require background screening for criminal history, creditworthiness, and regulatory compliance”especially in the banking sector. Ensure that your background check process complies with all applicable laws and industry regulations. Some companies also perform technical reference checks, where a subject matter expert reviews the candidate's code samples or discusses technical challenges faced in previous roles. This extra layer of diligence helps ensure that you are hiring a trustworthy, capable, and experienced Hogan Developer who can be entrusted with your organization's most critical systems.

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

  • Market Rates: Compensation for Hogan Developers varies based on experience level, location, and industry demand. As of 2024, junior Hogan Developers typically earn between $80,000 and $110,000 annually in the United States, with mid-level developers commanding $110,000 to $140,000. Senior Hogan Developers, especially those with leadership or architectural responsibilities, can earn $140,000 to $180,000 or more, particularly in major financial centers such as New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. Contract rates for specialized Hogan Developers may exceed $100 per hour, reflecting the scarcity of talent and the mission-critical nature of their work. Employers should regularly benchmark salaries against industry data to remain competitive and attract top candidates.
  • Benefits: In addition to competitive salaries, offering a comprehensive benefits package is key to attracting and retaining top Hogan Developer talent. Standard benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans with employer matching, and paid time off. Many organizations also offer performance bonuses, profit sharing, and stock options to reward high performers. Flexible work arrangements”such as remote or hybrid schedules”are increasingly important for IT professionals and can broaden your talent pool. Professional development opportunities, including sponsorship for certifications, conference attendance, and access to training resources, demonstrate your commitment to employee growth. Additional perks, such as wellness programs, on-site amenities, and generous parental leave, can further differentiate your organization in a competitive market. Highlighting these benefits in your job postings and during the interview process can help you secure the best Hogan Developer employees for your team.

Provide Onboarding and Continuous Development

Effective onboarding is critical to ensuring that your new Hogan Developer integrates smoothly into your organization and quickly becomes a productive member of the team. Begin by providing a comprehensive orientation that covers your company's mission, values, organizational structure, and key policies. Introduce the new hire to team members, stakeholders, and business partners they will interact with regularly. Assign a mentor or buddy”preferably an experienced Hogan Developer or team lead”who can provide guidance, answer questions, and facilitate knowledge transfer during the first few months.

Provide access to all necessary systems, tools, and documentation, including development environments, code repositories, and project management platforms. Schedule training sessions on your organization's specific Hogan modules, coding standards, and deployment processes. Encourage the new developer to participate in team meetings, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions to accelerate their learning and build relationships across the organization.

Set clear expectations for performance, deliverables, and communication protocols. Establish regular check-ins to monitor progress, address challenges, and provide feedback. Solicit input from the new hire on ways to improve onboarding and team collaboration. By investing in a structured onboarding process, you not only reduce time-to-productivity but also increase retention and job satisfaction for your Hogan Developer employees.

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