Usually backend engineers have some OSS work or side projects they can share. Even if that isn't the case, there is usually something they've done at work they can discuss, if it isn't the pure code.

We're not looking for engineers that purely do work for their employer and then turn it off when they head home. Since this will be our ~8th employee, they need to be ready to really dive into the work, and those people tend to have a portfolio. Of course, I'm open to people without one - there needs to be a stronger pitch than just a resume.

Hopefully that makes sense!