How to Hire the Best Software Developers
By SOLTECH
When you are contracting or hiring a developer for a software project, there are many options ahead of you. From the type of developer your team needs to where to find them, this blog guides you through how to find the right software developer. It all starts with identifying the type of developer you need.
What Kind of
What Kind of Software Developer Are You Hiring?
What Type of Software Developer Do You Need?
Hiring a software developer starts with understanding the skills and expertise required for your project. The term “software developer” is broad, covering professionals with varying specialties. To narrow your search, consider these key categories:
- Platform Specialization – Developers often focus on a particular environment:
- Web Developers create browser-based applications using technologies like JavaScript (React, Angular, Vue), .NET, Java, or Python.
- Mobile Developers build apps for iOS and Android, often using Swift, Kotlin, React Native, or Flutter.
- Desktop Developers create software for Windows, macOS, or Linux using technologies like .NET (WPF), C++, or Electron.
- Development Focus – Developers typically specialize in different aspects of an application:
- Front-End Developers focus on the user interface and experience, working with HTML, CSS, JavaScript frameworks, and UI design principles.
- Back-End Developers manage data, logic, and integrations using databases, APIs, and server-side technologies like Node.js, .NET, Java, or Python.
- Database & Cloud Engineers design and optimize data storage, ensuring security and performance in platforms like PostgreSQL, MySQL, AWS, or Azure.
- Full-Stack Developers – If you need a developer who can handle both front-end and back-end development, a full-stack developer may be the right choice. They typically work across the entire development lifecycle, from UI/UX to server logic and databases. To learn more about the role of a full-stack developer, check out our blog by clicking here.
- Technology Stack – If your company already uses a specific technology stack (e.g., .NET, Java, Swift, or Python), it’s crucial to find a developer with expertise in that ecosystem. If you’re open to recommendations, consider hiring a consultant or development partner to guide the decision.
By identifying the type of developer you need, you can refine your search and find the right fit for your project.
The Best Places to Find Software Developers
There are several ways to hire a developer, including finding one through your connections. While there are pros and cons to each route, the best place to find a software developer will depend on your organization’s unique needs.
Through a Connection
This could even be a family friend or friend of a friend. You most likely know someone who is a software developer, so sometimes the best place to find one is through your network.
When hiring a developer who contracts, they may be willing to work on your project during their nights and weekends to bring in additional income. This is a viable option for some smaller businesses as it could be cheaper. A potential challenge, however, is that the project will take longer and you will have limited responsiveness from your developer while they work at their day job.
Another benefit of hiring a developer on a contract who is a friend of a friend is that it is a way to get free advice on the type of resource you need and how to go about your project.
Code School or University
Code schools and computer science departments of local universities are also some of the best places to find software developers. The developers will be green with a limited amount of experience, but what they lack in experience they often make up in enthusiasm.
When hiring a developer fresh out of school, first confirm that the technologies they know how to use are a good fit for your project. Because they have not been in the industry for long, a student will not be able to advise you if their skills line up with your long-term business needs. However, if you’re set on hiring a student developer, get a technology advisor or trusted friend to help you determine the right technology stack for your project before you hire.
If you’re wondering how to find a developer at a school, it’s typically not difficult. Universities and code schools often offer career days where you can meet their students face-to-face and collect resumes. Contact your local university career center to find out more.
Job Sites
There are a variety of online sites where you can advertise a job position. As job sites can come and go, Google remains one of the best places to find software developers for hire.
Common sites for hiring a developer include:
Staffing Firm
If you would like to work with someone who can help advise you on the types of resources you need, as well as screen and interview the potential developers you’re hiring, consider hiring a professional staffing firm, such as SOLTECH.
A staffing firm allows you to hire a developer in a couple of different ways:
- Short-term contracts
- Contract-to-Perm, where you bring on a resource as a contractor with the option to convert them to a permanent employee once you are satisfied that they are a good fit for your business
- Full-time employee
By taking the pressure off your internal team to hire a developer, staffing firms can help you find the right candidates for any project. To learn more about how we’re helping organizations like yours hire software developers, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best software developers?
There are several places to find the best software developers, including through your network and via staffing firms.
How much does it cost to hire a developer?
The cost of hiring a developer depends on several factors, including a candidate’s level of experience and location. For example, hiring a senior developer in Asia may cost less than a senior developer in the U.S.
How long does it take to hire a developer?
Depending on the number of interviews you conduct, the process of hiring a developer could take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month.
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