How to Hire a Developer

So, you're ready to think about hiring a developer for your website, mobile app or whatever project you have in mind? Have you done the preliminary work and research? With no shortage of developers in field, you have the potentially arduous task of having to select the best one for your project. But, there's good news. It doesn't have to be nearly as complex as it sounds.

Before you begin your search, you will need to determine a few things about the project in question.

• Scope: What does the project entail and what do you need to make it happen?
• Timeline: How much time has been allotted for the project and is it realistic? If not, adjustments need to be made. Developer/s can also give estimates as to project timeline, but it’s good to have a general idea of your parameters beforehand.
• Budget: How much can be allotted to seeing the project through to fruition? Obviously this number can also dictate how much can be done and is a factor in the overall timeline of your project.

Just be aware that the project's may take longer and cost more than originally projected, because chances are they will be. In other words, try to give yourself a little wiggle room.

When it comes to selecting a developer, best practices suggests looking for 3-5 developers and narrowing the field from there. How do you make your decision? With the following points.

• Interest: Select developers that show interest in your business outside of the project. In most cases, they will be more willing to offer constructive suggestions and feedback Subsequently, select a developer that is willing to build a relationship with your business.
• Portfolio: Assessing a developer's portfolio will aid in ascertaining not only what kind of work they've done in the past/are currently doing, but also their experience and the kinds of technologies/languages, etc they are familiar with/use on a regular basis.
• References and Reputation: References are a regular part of the hiring process for a reason. Having these tools allows you to gain a sense of what you can expect to see from them, a sense of what they can do and also their relationships with their previous employers and clients.
• Billing Rate: As explained in Cost Rate Comparison there's a large scale of possibilities depending on the type of developer/company in addition to the specifics of the project itself. It's a good idea to take a look at this aspect, but don't let it be the end verdict in your developer choice. In the end, the cost of a project pales in comparison to its overall value.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are plenty of other suggestions to take into consideration. For additional recommendations, check out the list from The Better Business Bureau. The list is aimed at selecting a developer to manage your website, but the points can be applied to any project. In the end, it's all about carefully considering your options, and making your decision based on your conclusions about the developer(s) in question. Following the aforementioned points will get you there.