7 Tips for Hiring a Software Developer That is Right for Your Business

Want to transform your company?
Hire a software developer. That’s right. Hire software developer.

Developers are game changers. They can increase your agility, boost competitiveness, and help cut costs. They also shorten time to market for launching new products and add valuable skills to your organization.

Often, developers are the difference between successfully launching a product having them crash and burn. Sometimes, they’re even the difference between surviving or failing as a company.

If you want to take control of your business, hire a kick-ass software developer.

Hiring Developers is a Challenge

Hiring a software developer that’s a perfect fit for your business is a challenge—especially if you have little or no coding experience or it’s the first time you’re hiring one. In fact, it can be a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Below are seven tips that will help you find and hire a great developer. They’ll streamline the hiring process and increase your chances of finding a developer that fits your exact needs:

Take your time

Hire slowly, but fire quickly. It’s an old saying that applies. Don’t rush to hire someone. Create a process that can help you find the right fit for your business, then refine it as needed. Include a phone screening, an in-person interview, and a small test project in the process. Adding a developer to your staff is costly both in time and money. Take time to get it right.

Have a budget

Developers are in demand. And it’s going to get worse. According to the S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, developer jobs are expected to grow 17% from 2014 till 2024. Make sure you know the market price for a developer, then create a budget for hiring a new developer. Know what skill set you can get for your budget before contacting candidates.

Avoid software rock stars

Hiring rock stars or lone wolves can lead to all sorts of headaches. Look for team players instead. You want a developer that responds to timely requests, communicates well, has a positive attitude, and takes part in mandatory weekly/monthly SCRUMS. You want a developer that also respects deadlines and tells you when they’re going to miss one.

Takes feedback well?

Employees that bristle when they get feedback are among the biggest headaches for employers. Feedback is critical to improving processes and businesses. Look for developers that accept feedback well and are coachable. They tend to stay around longer.

Hire for fit and experience

Hiring someone with the right experience is important, but it’s not the be all and end all of adding staff. You also want a developer that’s a good fit for your company. Look for things like determination, persistence, dedication, and any other traits critical to your company. In other words, hire as much for DNA, as for experience.

Adapts well to change

Change is inevitable in business. So, look to hire a developer that adapt well to change, are flexible, and are willing to learn new things. Ask candidates questions like what programming languages have you learned recently, where do you go to learn new tips and tricks, and what tech conferences do you like the most. Answers to questions like these will tell you if a candidate is adaptable.

Do your homework

Finding developers through a website isn’t risk-free, so do your homework before hiring. Research and verify all aspects of the candidate—from qualifications and credentials to completed projects and work references. Check for reviews, too. And check the candidate’s social media pages. You can learn as much about someone from their Facebook pages as you can from their LinkedIn profile.

Be mindful of these tips when hiring a developer. They’ll help you find one that’s not only a great coder but also a good fit. If you’re hiring someone from an outsourcing firm, start the person off with a small task. It gives you a first-hand impression of what the person can truly deliver.

Also, stay connected with the development community—even if you don’t have an immediate need. Staying connected familiarizes you with what projects a developer is working on and when that person is looking to make a change.

Developers are game changers. They bring a lot to the table. But to squeeze out the most from a developer, you need to hire someone that has the right skills and experience and fits in well with your company.

Hiring the right developer can not only put you back in control of your company but also transform it from good to great.