Finding the right developer will have a direct effect on the success of your project.
Not only do you want to hire someone that’s skillful, but you want to make sure that your hire is capable of working in the team, shares company values, and is motivated by more than just a paycheck.
It may sound hard to believe but the people that make up your company are actually your greatest assets towards long-term business growth.
But what do you do if you need additional talent yet you’re not in the market for an ongoing commitment?
You might find that hiring a freelancer or independent contractor can be a viable solution for your business.
This way, you can use remote developers to fulfill the requirements of your project. Even so, success isn’t necessarily guaranteed.
This piece will take you through the process of hiring remote software developers that fit your business’s needs.
Why Are Companies Hiring Remote Software Developers?
Many companies are relying on the gig economy to hire remote software developers rather than hiring a remote, in-house team.
Sometimes hiring full-time employees can be on the whole impractical.
Here are some reasons why:
Cost
A tight budget tends to be the main reason why a business may look towards freelancers or independent contractors to hire software engineers.
Remote software developers can alleviate costs related to:
- Taxes
- Legal fees
- Pension contributions
- Medical leaves
- Infrastructure, and
- Office equipment.
There’s no question that hiring remote software developers is cost-effective.
Not to mention, you’ll spare your wallet from paying full-time salaries, when your project doesn’t need full-time commitment.
Timeline
Selecting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding job candidates is a time-consuming and often tedious process that could take weeks, if not months.
Software development is a fast-paced market that is constantly changing.
Spending too much time on the hiring process could very well cost you on a time-sensitive project.
On the other hand, spending too little time on the hiring process could result in an unsuitable hire.
In short, you can’t waste time. The next section will delve deeper into what to look for when hiring software developers.
With a clearer idea on the actual qualities that make a developer good, you’ll be able to make better decisions faster.
Qualifications
Finding the right match isn’t easy. Professional qualifications include much more than just a degree.
You need to be on the lookout for relevant previous work experience, a versatile skill set, and even useful personality quirks that the candidate can bring to the table.
But talk is cheap. These skills need to be tested in real-time so you can know for sure that you’ve chosen the right candidate.
However, streamlining this process can be a complicated task if you’re on your own.
Online marketplaces typically feature a large network of candidates who have already passed an intensive screening process.
The companies behind these networks do the grueling work so you don’t have to. This saves you valuable time and resources.
Related reading: The 11 Biggest Challenges of Working Remotely and How to Overthrow Them
What Should You Look For When Hiring Software Developers?
Finding the right person for a software developer job is vital to remaining competitive.
However, if you don’t know what to look for, you’ll increase your chances of hiring someone that might cause more harm than good.
There are plenty of ways to assess the quality of a job candidate. Part of preparing for your hiring process should be knowing the skills and traits you want in a developer beforehand.
Proficient software developers should have the following qualifications.
Related reading: Software Developers vs. Software Engineers – What’s the Difference?
Knowledge of Data Structures and Algorithms
Data structures and algorithms are at the core of programming, so make sure your potential hire has ample knowledge of them.
Algorithms are detailed, step-by-step operations that automate tasks or calculate data, while data structures are the orderly arrangements of information.
Developers with industry knowledge of these topics can solve problems quicker and more efficiently.
Expertise In Several Programming Languages
Your potential hire should be fluent in at least two programming languages.
Each and every language is unique, and serves different but interconnected purposes in software development.
Fluency in multiple languages means that your potential hire has substantial insight on how programming works as an abstract concept. Below is a brief outline of three popular languages worth noting:
Python
Python is a high-level, general-purpose language. In recent years, no other language has grown as significantly as Python.
It is best used for web development, machine learning, and for coding embedded systems like robots, drones, and smart home device applications.
C++
After more than four decades in the coding game, C++ continues to be an essential language.
It’s known for having high processing speeds, and is thus commonly used for the development of systems software and resource-intensive games and applications.
Anyone who knows C or C++ can become an indispensable part of a development team whose projects involve systems programming or game development.
Java
Any veteran web developer will tell you that Java continues to be the gold standard in programming languages for creating and developing online applications.
It is used for web services, apps, games, and banking or financial systems.
With a large community of coders, useful Java documentation can be easily accessed on the web.
In fact, anyone with a basic knowledge of how to program can come up with a middle-grade application using Java code from online without any undue difficulty.
Each language has its own specialty, and there are plenty of other languages out there!
So make sure you hire a programmer who knows the languages that can best serve your company’s needs and interests.
What is the difference between Python and Java?
Cybersecurity Awareness
RiskIO reports that in just one minute, $2.9 million is lost to cybercrime.
Therefore, it is imperative that your new software developer has the necessary skills to defend against hackers.
As tech is getting more complex day by day, the need is even greater. Online learning academy Udemy highlights the many cybersecurity topics that both you and your potential hire should be aware of.
Such topics include internet security, anonymous browsing, and exposing hackers.
While your business should also hire dedicated cybersecurity experts, taking on developers who are already familiar with the current security landscape makes cyber defense much easier.
Good Time-Management
Having time-management skills is a desirable trait in any industry, , but it is critical to the software development process.
Focus and dedication are the minimum requirements of the job, and time management is what ties all the hard work together.
To avoid having to re-allocate manpower and resources to accommodate delays, you must hire a software developer who can meet your objectives within the given time period and establish realistic expectations.
Related reading: Project Management in Software Development: The Complete Guide
Communication Skills
Communication is the root of meaningful collaboration. For instance, if software development is not exactly your area of expertise, it’s up to your hire to explain things in a manner that can help you make informed decisions.
Hiring someone with poor communication skills can lead to misunderstandings that can cost you and your project dearly.
Maintaining respectful, clear, and empathic communication is integral to a successful project.
Related reading: How to Manage a Remote Team: The Complete Management Guide
Conclusion
Finding the right software developer can make all the difference between hiring a new asset to your company or voluntarily taking on a liability.
The advice you’ve learned is the first step in selecting a competent software developer who can contribute to the long-term success of your company.
When working with Trio could be your next step.
With Trio, you don’t just get a third-party software provider, you get a dedicated partner who cares about the success of your projects, a partner who is just as involved as you are.
Trio’s excellent track record when it comes to technology combined with our passion to help companies build great teams makes us the perfect tech partner to your software development needs.
Contact us today and let’s talk more about what Trio can do for you and your project.
