Are you looking to hire developers for a startup but don't know where to start? Or are you struggling to find local talent to build your company app? Look no further, our definitive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to hire the best developers for your startup.
Hiring a Freelance Developer
You have multiple options to hire a freelance developer, including bringing in a full- or part-time employee, hiring a consultant, or using freelance talent. Hiring freelance developers offers several benefits. It is usually one of the quickest ways to expand a team, with many sites for developer hiring allowing you to connect with and hire a professional in as little as a few days. Using remote freelancers also provides access to a wider candidate pool compared to hiring for an on-site role.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
Developers for hire work with your company to design and build software that addresses your business needs. Many also help to improve or optimize existing software applications.
A software developer typically works on specific tasks or projects. They often collaborate with other IT team members to ensure proper functioning. Some of the tasks that you might hire a developer for include:
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Analyzing business needs and suggesting software solutions to meet them
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Recommending and implementing upgrades to existing systems
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Designing software based on the identified needs and solutions
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Coding, testing, modifying, and launching new software
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Testing and maintaining current software
Documentation of software, processes, and procedures is a big part of a developer’s job. This allows future users to manage the software and perform updates as needed. It is also invaluable for troubleshooting any issues that might arise.
These tasks require a software developer to build each component separately but as part of the larger whole. To do this, they must understand the entire system and what it aims to achieve.
“But there’s a lot more to software engineering than coding. You code. You test. You deploy your code. You monitor your code, and make sure things are working properly.” Lindsey Redd, Software Engineer
To perform these tasks, software developers need proficiency in programming languages, such as CSS, C#/NET, HTML, Java, JavaScript, PHP, and Python. They should also be able to effectively work independently and in teams.
Developers may also have a specialization, such as building mobile apps or designing Internet of Things solutions. There are front-end, back-end, full-stack, desktop, mobile, and web developers. Each has specialized knowledge.
For example, front-end developers focus more on design than theories of computer science. Depending on your needs, you might hire a freelance developer to code, test, and launch a video game or perform routine testing and maintenance of current software systems.
Why Hire Developers?
Hiring software developers allows you to optimize software systems. This can contribute to a better and more secure customer experience. It can also improve internal processes, making workflows more efficient.
Freelance developers allow you to quickly scale IT teams to develop software solutions. This boosts productivity and can help you bring ideas to market in a timely manner, potentially giving you a competitive advantage.
What Can Freelance Developers Do for Your Company?
The best developers for hire bring knowledge, experience, and an excellent work ethic to their roles. Freelancers offer additional benefits to help your company grow its digital strategy.
Versatility Across Technologies
Freelance developers have experience working with a wide range of programming languages, frameworks, and tools. They can adapt them to the specific needs of various projects across industries.
Self-Management and Productivity
Freelancers have strong time management, self-discipline, and productivity skills. They can deliver high-quality work within deadlines without the need for close supervision. This is a huge advantage for companies with limited resources or a lack of in-house IT knowledge.
Project-Based Expertise
If you need a professional who can quickly ramp up on new projects, understand client requirements, and deliver targeted solutions, hiring a freelance developer could be an ideal solution. Look for someone with experience working on similar projects in a remote capacity. This can help you with both short-term tasks and long-term software management needs.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Top software developers provide cost-effective software development services. They offer clients the flexibility to scale up or down based on project needs without the overhead of a full-time employee.
Remote Collaboration Skills
Freelance developers are proficient with remote collaboration tools, such as GitHub, Jira, Slack, and Zoom. They can communicate effectively with clients and teams, regardless of location or time zone. This ensures consistent progress no matter where your IT team members are based.
Diverse Portfolio and Experience
The best developers for hire bring a broad range of experience from working on various projects across industries. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to new challenges. This vision helps set your company’s software solutions apart from others and gives you a competitive advantage over them.
Benefits and Challenges of Hiring Developers
Before delving into the hiring process, it's essential to recognize the significant contributions freelance developers can make to your startup. Their most in-demand services and deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies enable businesses of all sizes to enhance their online presence, develop innovative mobile applications, and create tailored software solutions. By leveraging their expertise, companies can gain a competitive edge, adapt to customer demands, and streamline their operations effectively.
Startups need developers for various reasons, including:
- Setting up the tech stack for startups
- Fast growth
- Staying within budget
- Building a strong team
Challenges of Hiring Developers for Startups
Startup owners face several challenges when hiring developers, such as:
- Lack of local talents
- Retention benefits competition with large corporates
- Financial concerns
- Hiring Issues
Benefits Of Hiring Remote Developers For Your Startup
To overcome the hiring challenges, outsourcing or hiring remote developers can be an excellent option. Benefits of hiring remote developers include:
- Tech Talent Availability
- Faster Recruitment
- Flexibility
- Make the best of your budget
- More experienced and expertise
A staggering 70% of SMBs in the U.S. have engaged with freelancers, highlighting their widespread adoption. An impressive 81% of these businesses have expressed their intent to rehire freelancers, demonstrating their satisfaction with the value freelancers provide. These statistics serve as compelling evidence of the game-changing role that freelancers play in empowering SMBs to achieve their growth objectives.
How To Hire Software Developers?
The first place to start is to define the profile of your ideal developer. You can do this by asking yourself some basic questions, such as:
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What do I want a developer to accomplish?
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What skills does my developer need?
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How long do I need a developer on my team?
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How quickly do I need to bring someone on?
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What is my hiring budget?
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Do I want a freelancer or an employee?
The answers to these questions will guide who you hire and where you look for talent. It is helpful to have an idea of what skills are most important to your project so you can identify candidates with them.
You also want to identify the experience level and any specializations required to meet your needs. For example, determining if you need a developer to work on desktop software or a mobile app will inform the skills required for your project.
| Junior Developer | Mid-Level Developer | Senior Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 years of experience | 3 - 5 years of experience | More than 5 years of experience |
| Knows a couple of programming languages | Knows several programming languages | Extensive programming skills |
| Has completed group projects | Has completed small individual projects | Has completed large projects or served as a project manager |
| Works well with a team and under supervision | Works well on a team or alone | Can supervise a team |
In some cases, a junior developer will have the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish your goals. These are typically professionals with training in software development or computer science and up to three years of experience in the field. They have likely worked on teams with direct supervision, but may not have completed projects on their own.
Mid-level developers have more experience and familiarity with multiple programming languages. They may have led small projects and require less supervision. This could be a cost-effective hiring strategy if you want someone who can work independently.
Senior freelance developers for hire usually have over five years experience. They are proficient in multiple programming languages and work effectively without direct supervision. The top senior developers have experience working remotely and can lead teams of other freelancers regardless of location.
7 Steps To Find and Hire a Developer
Though there isn’t a one size fits all approach to finding and hiring a great programmer, but here we share with you a few effective ways to do so:
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Specify your business needs - Before hiring developers, define your requirements and project specifics. Determine the type of developer(s) you need to fulfill your project.
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Determine the hiring model - Decide whether you need a project-based, dedicated team, or an extended team model.
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Explore sources for hiring talents such as online talent platforms - Use talent marketplaces like Toptal, Upwork and Fiverr to find the qualified developers you need. Filter the pool of candidates by skillset, experience and location, if that matters to you.
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Review CVs & portfolios: Understanding the quality and caliber of work they’ve done in the past will help you evaluate their technical abilities even that there is a lot of different tools they might have experience in. Are they used to work alone or they need project managers. If you use services such as Toptal, you might skip this step as they will vet and select the talent for you.
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Get to know the shortlisted freelance developers: Get on a call with them to gauge their personality and to find out whether you’re compatible or not. Ask the candidates about their experience working on similar projects. Determine their ability to handle complex tasks and solve problems.
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Discuss the project in detail: Break the project down and explain what you are expecting the project to accomplish and how it will function. It’s also advisable to explain the main purpose of the project to give context.
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Developer can start working on deliverables. Make sure to establish regular check-ins and milestone discussions, to ensure things are on track.
What Type of Developer You Need
There are several types of software developers, each with their own specialization. Depending on your project and what skills it requires, you may want to hire one of the following.
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Front-End Developer: This type of developer builds the part of a software program that you interact with. They have strong design and visual skills to create attractive interfaces.
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Back-End Developer: These developers build the components of a system that you do not see. They have strong Python, Java, and C++ skills. Some back-end developers for hire may also have experience with C#, PHP, and Ruby.
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Full-Stack Developer: These developers work well in both front- and back-end programming. They can be a great fit for a small or medium project where you only want to bring on one developer.
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Mobile Developer: Mobile developers build and launch mobile apps. They must know app programming languages and keep up with ongoing iOS and Android updates.
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Desktop Developer: These developers create desktop applications to work on common operating platforms, such as MacOS, Windows, and Linux. This field has seen a decrease in demand.
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Web Developer: Web developers build websites. This category is sometimes broken down into front- and back-end developers, especially for highly complex websites. In addition to standard programming languages, web developers must also be proficient in databases, JavaScript, PHP, and design.
Check out guide for information if you want to specifically hire a software engineer instead.
| Freelance Platform | Trustpilot score | Key point | Vetting | Guarantee | Fee to post projects | Talent status | Rate & Share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toptal | 4.8 | High-profile clients | Top 3% Talent. Rigorous Vetting | Pay only if satisfied | $500 as a credit for the first project | Freelancers | Yes |
| 2 | Upwork | 3.9 | Large freelancer marketplace | Additional Expert-Vetted program | Payment protection | None, client pays commission | Freelancers | Yes |
| 3 | Fiverr | 1.4 | Project-based pricing | Additional Fiverr Pro program | Seller protection | None, client pays service fee | Freelancers | Yes |
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Freelance Developer?
According to Upwork, a Full Custom Site Code, typically enterprise, that involves building a website design from scratch with custom code and design elements would cost an average hourly rate of $75-150+. On the other hand, a basic one-page site like a basic lead-gen page or landing page will cost an average hourly rate of $15-40+.
Having said that, these are the factors that determine the cost of hiring a freelance developer:
- Demand for those specific skills
- Complexity and scope of the project requirements
- The geographic location of the qualified candidates
- Expertise and experience
- Past work experience and brands they’ve worked with
What Skills to Look for When Hiring a Startup Developer?
In the words of renowned software engineer Martin Fowler: "Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand."
This quote encapsulates the importance of not only basic tech knowledge but also the ability to create clean, maintainable, and comprehensible code. Hiring developers who possess this mindset can greatly contribute to the success of your projects and the overall efficiency of your team.
When hiring a freelance software developer, it is important to look for someone with a wide range of technical skills.
These include coding languages such as:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Python;
- web frameworks such as ReactJS or Angular;
- systems architecture;
- database technologies such as MySQL and MongoDB; cloud computing;
- and devOps tools like Docker or Kubernetes.
Additionally, the freelancer should have excellent soft skills such as good communication skills and the ability to deliver solutions quickly and efficiently.
| What is freelance development? | Development is used for creating software applications, websites, and other digital solutions that solve specific business problems or meet user needs. |
| Advantages: | Improved Customer Experience and Satisfaction, Customization and Adaptability to Business Needs, Automation of Manual Processes |
| Disadvantages: | Dependency on Technology and Infrastructure, Higher Initial Investment and Cost, Skill and Talent Acquisition Challenges |
| Related programming languages: | JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Python, Java etc. |
| Freelancers average hourly rate: | $41-71 per hour, depending on factors such as skill lever, experience, location and complexity of the project. |
| Where to hire? | Freelance marketplaces, talent platforms, outsourcing firms, development communities |
Tips for Writing a Developer Job Description
When writing a developer job description, try to include as many project specifics as possible. This will help attract qualified talent. Be sure to include information about your company and its culture, and highlight any exciting news or awards you have received. Laying out clear expectations for the role is also helpful to ensure a good fit.
Try to use unbiased hiring strategies. This includes using gender-neutral language and considering a candidate’s vision, experience, and skills over things such as specific schools attended during the screening process.
Common Interview Questions To Ask When You Are Looking To Hire a Developer
The questions you ask during an interview should uncover each candidate’s relevant skills, work style, and fit for your company. In addition to general questions about strengths and weaknesses or handling feedback, you want to include some specific to the project.
Tell me about a similar project you worked on. What was the most challenging part of it and how did you overcome that challenge?
This question looks at past experience on similar projects, but it also gets to the heart of what the developer finds most challenging. On top of that, you can gain insight into how they handle challenges and what they learn from them.
How do you stay current on industry knowledge?
According to Test Gorilla, answers to questions like this show whether a developer is passionate about their role. It is also a great way to gauge knowledge with the latest programs and platforms.
Robert Half suggests asking about how to integrate accessibility features into software. Asking questions such as, “How do you ensure your software meets all accessibility standards?” provides insight into experience in this area. Look for answers that show knowledge of appropriate regulations and a high level of comfort in implementing strategies to meet them.
Choosing the Top Freelance Developer
The best freelance developer for your project will have the skills and knowledge you need to build, test, and launch the software. They will understand your company culture and fit well within it. In most situations, they will also be adept at navigating a remote work environment and working with minimal supervision.
Onboarding Your Freelance Developer
The onboarding process varies depending on how you hire a developer. Once your offer is accepted, you will need to follow the hiring processes for your area. The best sites to hire developers offer tools and assistance with the onboarding process to reduce strain on your HR staff.
Choosing the Right Site to Hire Developers
Utilizing freelance developers for your project has many benefits:
- Access to a global talent pool
- Increased probability of finding developers with specific skills
- Potentially reduced compensation amounts and the elimination of paying payroll taxes, benefits and overhead expenses
- Contractual rather than long-term commitments
- The ability to cover multiple time zones
Hiring remote and freelance developers is becoming commonplace, and there are many sites claiming to be the best resource to find them. Each site has different structures and guarantees, so ensure that you’re comfortable with a particular site’s parameters.
We created the above list of recommended top sites for finding developers with various skills, but how do you know what type of site will best meet your needs?
Talent-Matching Services
Not many people have the technical knowledge to screen developers and vet their qualifications. Sites like Toptal and Hired perform these tasks for you and only accept top-notch developers.
You can find developers suitable for your needs efficiently and quickly with talent-matching sites. This can save time and money while ensuring that your developer team is qualified to complete your project successfully.
Freelance Developer Marketplaces
You can find skilled developers using marketplaces. This type of site allows developers to advertise their services. Most of these sites don’t screen or vet developers, although some do. If you have time constraints or don’t feel qualified to judge a candidate’s qualifications, this type of site might not be the best for you.
Software Developer Job Boards
If you prefer to post your project description and open positions, use a developer job board. Interested developers can apply, and these sites may assist you in making your selections.
Where to Find Freelance Developers for Hire
Talent matching services like Toptal and Arc are great platforms if you are searching for verified and pre-vetted tech talent, and for those who are looking to place their trust in experienced tech professionals. On the other hand, freelance marketplaces like Upwork, People Per Hour, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to hire programmers themselves.
While all the job boards, marketplaces, and matching services mentioned above have their respective pros, which site will best serve you will depend on your specific situation, such as:
- The timeline of your project.
- How quickly you need to hire.
- Experience of the developer.
- How many dedicated developers do you need?
- How important is quality for your project?
- The complexity of your project.
- Are you okay with remote developers or outsourcing to another country?
- What is your budget?
- The reputation of the platform.
By following the strategies outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully hire exceptional freelance developers who will drive your projects to success. Understand the value they bring, craft a targeted hiring strategy, leverage reputable talent platforms, consider pricing factors, and evaluate essential technical and soft skills. With the right freelance developers on board, you can unlock your company's full potential, stay competitive, and achieve your business objectives effectively.
Hiring developers - FAQs
- How Do I Find Developers for a Startup?
- A freelance talent marketplace is an efficient and cost-effective way to hire developers for startups. Some companies, such as Toptal, put their freelancers through stringent vetting processes and connect you to talent with the right skills and salary requirements to fit your company’s project needs and budget requirements. Other marketplaces, such as Freelancer, leave it up to employers to vet talent but allow you to search for specific skills, salary ranges and ratings.
- What freelance developers are?
- Freelance developers are independent contractors who offer software development services to clients across a range of industries. According to recent studies, freelance developers bring a wealth of technical expertise and experience to the table. They leverage their skills to help companies of all sizes solve complex technical challenges and bring their ideas to life. By working with freelance developers, companies can benefit from increased flexibility, cost savings, and access to a wider pool of talent. This is particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing business landscape, where companies must be able to quickly adapt to new technologies and market conditions.
- How do I hire a good developer?
Matching services like Toptal, and to a lesser extent, Gun.io, are great solutions for employers searching for tech talent, and for those who are looking to place their trust in experienced tech professionals. For those short on time with high-quality developers as a priority, Toptal, Gun.io, and Hired are superb choices.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are freelance marketplaces like Upwork, People Per Hour, and Freelancer that allow you to cast a much wider net for developers. Employers looking for full-time developers may also benefit from utilizing Stack Overflow and GitHub's job boards, which can provide wonderful exposure to the developer community. Job boards, marketplaces, and matching services all have their uses.
Which site will best serve you will depend on your specific situation. You will want to search for the best companies that specialize in app development or web development.
- Where can I find programmers for hire?
- Toptal
- Hired
- Upwork
- GitHub Jobs
- Stack Overflow
- Gigster
- People Per Hour
- Dice
- Gun.io
- Guru
- How much does it cost to hire a developer?
Rates will vary widely depending on the quality of the services the web developer can provide. Based on data culled from their sites, Codementor reports web developers earns an average hourly range of $61-80, whereas Ziprecruiter indicates $25-43. From our research, these are the best sites to hire a developer.
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