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What a Technical Director Looks for in a Mid-Level Developer (It’s Not What You Think) 👨‍💻✨

Written by Christopher Broadbent, on 31 May 2025

Introduction: The Developer Growth Gap

Most developers believe that strong coding skills are all it takes to get ahead. But if you're stuck at mid-level, there's probably a missing ingredient—and it's not a new framework or certification.

When I mentor or interview mid-level developers, I often find they expect to be judged solely on their technical skills. And yes, solid coding ability is important. But what really sets someone apart at this stage are qualities that go beyond syntax and software.

In this post, I’ll share what I genuinely look for in a mid-level developer. These five qualities are crucial for stepping into leadership, building influence, and delivering more than just code.

The Myth of “Just Code Well”
5 Top Things I Look For in Mid-Level Developers
How to Develop These Skills
Why These Traits Matter for Leadership
Final Thoughts

The Myth of “Just Code Well” 💻❌

It’s a common misconception: if you just keep getting better at writing code, you'll naturally rise in your career. But software development is a deeply collaborative and creative process. Technical excellence alone isn't enough.

Without strong communication, ownership, or critical thinking, even great coders can hit a plateau. Mid-level developers who rely purely on code contributions may struggle to gain trust, take initiative, or influence project outcomes.

5 Best Qualities I Look for in a Mid-Level Developer

Here are five essential qualities that show me a developer is ready to level up—beyond tasks and toward meaningful impact.

1. Curiosity: Beyond the Task at Hand 🔍

Mid-level developers should be asking "why" as much as "how." Why is this feature important? What impact does it have on the user? Are we solving the right problem?

This curiosity drives better decisions, product thinking, and innovation. Developers who see the bigger picture ask better questions, suggest smarter solutions, and align with both technical and business goals.

Action tip: Make it a habit to ask about user outcomes and product context before diving into implementation.

2. Communication: Bridging the Gaps 🗣️🤝

Effective communication is often what separates good developers from great ones. That means clearly explaining your ideas, actively listening, and collaborating across disciplines.

When a mid-level developer can flag misalignments, provide thoughtful feedback, and adjust based on team input, it builds trust and improves delivery.

Action tip: Practice explaining your work in simple terms—in standups, code reviews, and async updates.

3. Ownership: Taking Responsibility for Outcomes 🎯

Ownership means caring about the final result—not just the code, but the user experience, performance, and long-term maintenance.

Mid-level developers who own their work follow through on bugs, edge cases, and refactoring. They don’t wait to be told—they take initiative.

Action tip: Volunteer to support feature QA or maintain a shared component. Show you care beyond the initial build.

4. Humility: Open to Growth 🌱

No one knows everything. Developers who grow fastest are those who admit what they don’t know, ask for help, and reflect on feedback.

Humility opens doors to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and improvement. Defensiveness, on the other hand, slows progress.

Action tip: Ask for feedback during code reviews, and thank others who help. Reflection is a superpower.

5. Problem-Solving Mindset: Adapt and Overcome 🧹️

Things rarely go to plan. Requirements shift, bugs appear, and deadlines creep up. A resilient mindset and thoughtful approach to breaking down complexity is essential.

Mid-level developers need to plan, prioritize, and pivot—not panic. The ability to think critically and deliver under pressure is a major sign of maturity.

Action tip: Break problems into steps, write down your assumptions, and test iteratively. It's about clarity, not perfection.

How to Develop These Skills

If you’re aiming to grow into a senior or lead role, here are ways to practice these qualities right now:

Ask questions early and often to understand the broader context.
Document and explain your decisions in PRs and retrospectives.
Take ownership of tasks post-launch, not just during development.
Seek feedback proactively and reflect on what you hear.
Break down problems and discuss trade-offs with your team.

Why These Traits Matter for Leadership

These traits aren’t just "nice to have"—they’re foundational for becoming a trusted, effective team member who can lead without a title.

Leadership starts at mid-level. When you show curiosity, communicate well, and take ownership, others follow your example. You gain influence. You earn the chance to lead projects, mentor others, and shape better outcomes.

Final Thoughts 🏁

Growing as a developer is not just about mastering technology—it's about becoming someone your team can rely on.

If you’re aiming to break through that mid-level ceiling, focus on these five traits. Build them deliberately, and you'll not only grow your career—you'll become the kind of developer others want to work with.