How To Hire Software Developers To Maximise ROI For Your Business

Software creation is pivotal to achieving various organizational objectives, such as smooth internal workflows or connecting with global consumers.

This step involves learning how to hire a software developer who can create highly functional applications for specific industries.

Here’s how to find and hire a skilled software developer for your next project while fostering collaboration and maximizing return on investment.

Key Takeaways

• Planning and preparation provide a critical foundation for businesses to streamline hiring and find developers with relevant skills.
• The rise of IT roles makes recruiting developers with technical knowledge for various applications more effortless than ever.
• While technical knowledge is essential, the best software developers also deliver appropriate soft skills that match the client’s company culture.
• There are many approaches to the tech hiring process, from working with recruitment specialists to using platforms that allow users to post job openings.
• Some established software development companies provide staff augmentation services, allowing integrated and connected teams on projects.

What Is A Software Developer?

Software developers are professionals who utilize design, coding, project management, and other related skills to build unique applications.

Professional developers oversee the creation process, collaborating with clients to establish the core architecture, features, and end-user experience.

Companies often work with a custom software development partner on applications that drive business growth and revenue.

Project managers communicate with business leaders on the requirements and guide the development team through the project’s key milestones.

While some offer general app creation services, you can hire niche software developers for a startup project or one with specific industry knowledge.

Software Developer Vs. Software Engineer

While software developers and software engineers can be interchangeable, there are distinct definitions to consider.

Software engineers approach development from a technical perspective, focusing on designing and optimizing software architecture. They ensure applications are scalable, efficient, and well-structured.

Software developers work within these frameworks, writing code, implementing features, and building applications based on given specifications.

In this sense, software engineers represent a subset of the overarching software development process by implementing designs.

Software engineers are embedded within each development company, adopting the relevant programming language for front- and back-end systems.

These systems include server-side processes and databases, user interfaces, and other user experience elements.

A feature of all types of software development, businesses can also hire software engineers on tech job boards dedicated to freelance developers. 

Benefits Of Hiring Software Developers

Hiring a good software developer provides a strong foundation for developing a resilient and feature-rich application that delivers results.

Some of the main benefits of outsourcing software development for projects include:

• In-depth project management: Collaborating with custom software developers eliminates the need for hiring managers, which is necessary when building an in-house team. They bring valuable knowledge from previous projects to further streamline the development process.
• Access to talented developers with industry know-how: Working with an established developer ensures you hire software engineers with the tech stack for your application’s features. During the technical interview, their coding skills can be assessed to confirm which new technologies are being utilized.
• Robust ongoing testing and quality assurance: Dedicated applications require continuous testing and maintenance to perform optimally. By hiring developers with existing testing systems, bugs can be quickly identified and fixed.
• Rapid recruitment processes: Hiring freelancers can be time-consuming, but outsourced teams already have the necessary tech talent and experience for projects. A great developer can be quickly onboarded to liaise with clients and communicate through professional networks.

These benefits are reflected in software development market trends, with an increasing number of early-stage startups opting for the custom approach.

Learn more about MyDevTeam’s case studies.

In-House Vs. Outsourcing Software Developers

Two main options when creating a new business application are in-house and outsourced software development, each with pros and cons.

In-house development teams allow for direct oversight from business leaders since they are integrated into the existing team structure and location.

However, the budget for applications developed via this approach is generally more extensive, with hiring costs, training expenses, and additional resource fees.

Hiring remote developers through outsourcing provides a cost-effective solution and avoids processes that slow down project development.

Likewise, communication and collaboration tools allow clients to maintain the same level of oversight over a project’s progress that in-house development delivers.

What To Look For When Hiring Developers

Before researching software developers for a startup project or other application, several key factors should be considered.

Here are some things to bear in mind when outsourcing software development for an application:

• Full-stack development: Streamlined software development combines the roles of front- and back-end developers into a unified process. By hiring full-stack developers who use optimal methodologies, applications can be fine-tuned throughout the development process.
• Industry-relevant portfolios: Whatever industry your business operates in, custom software often requires particular features and adherence to standards and guidelines. Developers will showcase their relevant experience in their portfolios and client testimonials.
• Strong interpersonal skills: Software creation can take several weeks to over a year, so having a positive relationship with the development team is essential. The interview can help gauge whether they’re the right developers for your work style.

Checking references and reviews before making inquiries will help you create a high-quality shortlist of development companies to partner with.

How To Hire Software Developers In 10 Steps

We’ve highlighted some of the core benefits of hiring an outsourced team and the advantages of this approach over other development models.

Let’s explore the hiring process and how to use freelance platforms and other resources to find skilled developers.

Step 1: Determine Your Business Requirements

When hiring a software developer, the first step is to break down the specific business goals the application intends to deliver.

This overview should include a list of core features, the intended users, and projected additional features that may be required after launch.

From this research and planning, a rough software development timeline can be created and shared with potential developers.

This insight will enable you to establish a rough budget estimate for delivering the application in accordance with other business objectives.

Step 2: Select A Software Development Model

The next step is to select a software development model to serve as the project’s foundation and guide the team through key milestones.

Many developers use the Agile methodology for projects requiring constant client feedback and ongoing iterations.

This iterative process can integrate with other methodologies for specific tasks, allowing specialists to be brought in as needed.

Before starting a project, you can verify developers’ methodologies to ensure they match any internal management styles.

Related reading: The 12 most commonly used software development methodologies.

Step 3: Identify Essential Technical Requirements

When developing applications for niche industries, unique technical requirements are often necessary to meet regulations.

While most sectors don’t need to adhere to the secure software requirements for defense contractors, there may be similar standards to consider.

Outline these in your initial documentation to reference when choosing a software development team for your project.

Step 4: Shortlist Potential Software Developers

Once you’ve clarified your project’s requirements, including budget, timeline, desired features, and technical needs, create a shortlist of potential developers.

Software developers can be found in job listings or through a dedicated recruitment agency, which can also help connect you with the best companies.

To streamline the following steps, prioritize your list and decide which services best meet your requirements.

Step 5: Check The Development Approach

Different development teams adopt various approaches to designing the architecture and coding applications for clients.

Review the development strategy to grasp how the team plans to integrate new features and adapt to changes.

This evaluation includes whether or not they offer full-stack development and what cross-platform support they can deliver for applications.

Step 6: Review The Project Management Methodology

Development methodologies are essential, and the same applies to project management methodologies when creating new applications.

Choosing a developer with the same mindset for managing projects is critical for successfully implementing a software development plan.

When evaluating a developer’s approach to project management, consider their suitability from a company culture perspective.

This assessment will allow you to establish a healthy relationship with the team and avoid misunderstandings when project requirements inevitably change.

Step 7: Assess For Relevant Industry Expertise

Whatever the nature of your company, its place within the context of a broader industry will place specific demands on development.

These relate to the aforementioned technical expertise to meet standards, as well as general expertise and knowledge about the market landscape.

For instance, some custom software developers provide search engine optimization for applications to help them reach customers in digital stores.

If your application includes ecommerce features, understanding these is crucial for a developer to create a fully functional store optimization.

Step 8: Check Collaboration & Communication Processes

Iterative software development incorporates flexibility but requires enhanced communication and collaboration tools.

These tools enable you to communicate ideas throughout the custom software development process to keep projects aligned with business goals.

Although many companies use platforms such as Slack and MS Teams, consulting with developers beforehand ensures clear expectations before launching a project.

Step 9: Conduct Interviews

The next step is to interview the best options and resolve any concerns or questions you have about their services.

Write a list of questions beforehand to secure a dedicated software development team tailored to your project.

You can always follow up at a later date with any other questions about their processes before making a final decision.

Step 10: Confirm Pricing Structures

Different software developers have various pricing structures depending on the nature and scope of a project.

As such, you should confirm prices and ask about additional costs or hidden fees before signing on the dotted line.

This knowledge will allow you to compare quotes from shortlisted developers and initiate the project with a clear view of the potential return on investment.

Explore MyDevTeam’s custom software development services.

Common Challenges When Hiring Software Developers & How To Overcome Them

Planning and launching a project with software developers is vital to ensuring that the cost of custom software development does not exceed the budget.

Here are common challenges and solutions to help you approach hiring a software developer who aligns with your goals.

• A lack of understanding around communication: This common challenge occurs most often when using offshore development services. Language differences and communication methods can be established from the outset to minimize misunderstandings.
• Insufficient technical proficiency: Certain applications require the correct implementation of niche technical expertise to integrate essential features. Including clear requirements in the job description ensures the developer provides these qualifications.
• Incompatible company values: If you’re used to working in a high-pressure or collaborative environment, the developers must be on the same page. You can address this by asking questions about culture and behaviors during the interview with the developer.
• An inability to adapt to new requirements: Flexibility is one of the key appeals to custom software development and integration of new features over time. When hiring a development team, overlooking its ability to adopt new tools may increase costs in the long run.

Researching current software development best practices and ensuring that the provider implements them in their projects is also worthwhile.

Partner With MyDevTeam’s Software Development Experts

MyDevTeam provides complete development services for business applications that drive engagement across various industries.

Here’s how MyDevTeam streamlines the software development workflow for various projects:

• Implementing complementary management and development methodologies designed to streamline processes and maximize transparency for clients.
• Full cross-platform support by developing web and mobile applications that reach a global audience with consistent user experience.
• Staff augmentation during complex projects to deliver focused technical skills at key points in the software development life cycle.

MyDevTeam has an excellent track record spanning healthcare, FinTech, construction, and entertainment applications for successful startups.

Summary

Hiring software developers is an effective way to streamline the creation of business-critical applications that deliver unique features.

Whether you’re a startup or an established company, following the advice in this article will ensure you find good developers that meet your hiring needs.

By weighing their track record in line with the job requirements, you can ensure your application delivers the highest possible ROI.