Hiring the right developer tops the list of important decisions you’ll make when you’re getting ready to launch a new web application project. So many professional web app developers are available with widely varying levels of skills and experience.
With this in mind, what should you look for when you’re hiring your next developer to get your project done on time, on budget, and on target?
Five Considerations When Hiring A Web Developer
Whether you’re hiring a temporary partner to complement your existing development team or a single developer to help manage your project, making the right choice for your project from the start is key to its long-term success.
Hiring the wrong developer can mean delays in getting the project underway if you suddenly find that the person you hired isn’t working out and you need to start the hiring process all over again. And if that developer delivers poor-quality results, that adds time and expense for fixing what went wrong along with getting the project back on track.
The wrong hire can also negatively affect company culture and create conflict among other members of your development team, which can negatively impact their performance as well.
But the “wrong” developer may not just be inexperienced or unskilled — he or she may simply be the wrong fit for the project you have in mind. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for finding the right person for your specific project needs:
Education, training, and experience count
Web developers acquire skills in many ways: through formal education, practical experience, and certifications in specific areas — but they should be able to demonstrate that they can deliver the kind of quality and professionalism you’re looking for.
Review qualifications carefully with an eye on experience in the areas you need, and look for recent certifications and completed projects. A developer who hasn’t stayed current in the field isn’t likely to deliver the results you want.
Look for value and quality
With a budget in mind, it’s tempting to hire the developer who charges the least for services. But quality doesn’t come cheap, and it’s important to hire a skilled, experienced individual who can deliver top-quality results.
Going low-end on the cost spectrum can end up costing more in the long run, especially if you end up having to replace one developer with another or must take time to fix problems before moving on. Consider the value and expertise a top-quality developer will bring to your project.
Consider your company’s culture
Regardless of whether your new developer is a temporary partner or permanent member of your development team, it’s important to consider how she or he might fit into your company culture. Someone who’s laid-back and informal won’t fit well with a more structured, performance-oriented group, for example.
Consider the values that define your company and the most important aspects of your company’s mission, then search for a developer who reflects them in ways that complement — rather than challenge — the work environment for your project.
Location, location, location matters
Today’s global workforce makes it possible to assemble a team or find a temporary partner from anywhere in the world, but location still matters. It’s important to be able to speak directly to a potential hire and see samples of her or his work as well as see how well that person could fit into your company.
Consider whether the developer you’re looking to hire can meet with you and members of your development team and talk directly with you about the job.
Ask for testimonials, referrals, and samples
A developer’s education and training can reveal much about his or her ability to deliver quality work, but you’ll also want to see actual results. Check with the developer’s recent or current clients for testimonials or referrals, and ask to see recently completed projects.
Look at the developer’s own website, too. If it doesn’t look great, it’s a red flag about the quality of work she or he could do for your company.
Hiring the right web application developer is crucial to the success of your next project. Along with skills and expertise, the best developer for your project will also deliver the quality you want along with the integrity and professionalism you need.
Author: Jesse Sanders, CEO & Enterprise Principal