As of 2021, there were 26.9 million mobile app developers in the world. According to forecasts, the figure is set to reach close to 29 million by 2024.
So if you are looking to hire a mobile app developer, lack of options isn’t going to be an issue.
However, you should be prepared for a choice overload.
And of course, the pressure of choosing the right candidate.
After all, out of 27 million+ options, you have to find a handful who can join your team in-house and build an app for your business.
But don’t fret. Help is at hand.
We have boiled down advice, tips, suggestions, and insider information from various HR managers and technical experts into this guide right here.
The guide will walk you through:
- 5 questions to ask yourself before hiring
- 5 ways to find mobile app developers
- 5 things to consider while hiring mobile app developers
- 5 expert tips for hiring the right mobile app developer
Let’s get started.
5 questions to ask yourself before hiring an in-house mobile app developer
- Do I need an in-house developer?
It takes 2 to 6 weeks for companies to fill in the app developer chair.
So before you set out on the hiring spree, find out if you actually need an in-house app developer.
If, say, you already have a business mobile app and need only a little patchwork, a freelancer app developer might be a better option. Also, if you want a large app developed from scratch hiring in-house experts might not be suitable. Going for an app development partner with more resources and skill pool would be beneficial.
- How soon do I need the position filled?
Timelines affect methodologies. So if you want to hire an app developer urgently, there are different methods you should trust as compared to when you aren’t in a rush and can take your time with things.
- Do I need an Android, iOS, or cross-platform application?
Not all apps are built the same. And not everyone can build every kind of app.
That’s why to hire the right developer, you need to be sure what kind of an app you need.
- For an Android app, you’d need someone expert in technologies like Java/Kotlin.
- However, for an iOS app, knowledge of Swift and Objective-C is necessary.
- Further, you’d need someone with expertise in React Native or Flutter for a cross-platform app that runs on any OS.
The cost of hiring Android, iOS, and cross-platform mobile app developers also varies. So it is important for budgeting too.
- What services do I need?
Do you need someone to consult you and then build an app for your business?
Are you looking for someone who can only code your app idea into reality and launch it on the play store?
Will you also need long-term support and development for your mobile app?
Based on the answers, you’d be able to create a list of services you need. And then that list will guide you while selecting candidates based on their skills.
- How much is my budget for the position?
You don’t want to see a worthy candidate walk away. But neither do you want to be on the receiving end of heat from the finance team.
Thus, deciding on a budget beforehand is important. It will help you find streamline your options, negotiate accordingly, and fill in the position without emptying more than your pocket allows.
5 ways to find in-house mobile app developers
- Online job boards
There are several third-party, online job boards where you can post your mobile app developer requirements.
Candidates – freshers and experts – often visit these portals to find openings. You have to pay a small fee for the listing. But it would be worth it if you get qualified candidates.
LinkedIn is the social media platform where business is done. And job openings are filled. You can post a job on LinkedIn from your company profile to invite applications. Or you can also reach out to candidates you feel are qualified by searching for them.
- Talent connect platforms
If you want to avoid the hassles of the hiring process, talent connect platforms can be ideal. Such platforms have pre-vetted talent that you can just onboard within a couple of hours.
The technical expertise and interpersonal skills of the candidates from such sites have already been put to test.
Their backgrounds have been checked.
And the rates have been set.
You just have to hire them and get your app development started.
- References
If you want to hire a dedicated ios app developer, for example, it is possible that someone on your team might know an ideal candidate.
Thus, seeking references from employees is also an option. Your employees are much more likely to bring in candidates who they trust and so you can also trust them better.
- Job listing on your website
Do you have a high-traffic website?
Do you often get candidate queries from your website?
If yes, you might be able to attract qualified and dedicated mobile app developers through the website itself. Consider posting a job requirement on your site’s career page.
5 things to consider while hiring in-house mobile app developers
- Technical proficiency
That’s a given. You don’t want your in-house mobile app developer trying to copy code off of StackOverflow, do you? Thus, it is important to find technically sound candidates.
- Business sense
Your app needs to be something more than just a few thousand lines of code.
It has to solve a problem for your audience, offer them value, and help you reach your business goals. For all that, the app has to be built by someone who understands your business goals.
- Professionalism
Too many leaves, lousy communication, lack of team spirit, etc. on the part of your mobile app developer can become a grave issue for your business.
You don’t want an employee who isn’t professional, no matter how good they are at the job. Especially when you are hiring them in-house.
One such employee can ruin your company culture and give your organization a bad name, so be cautious.
- Background and reference check
40% of job seekers lie on their resumes.
And 78% lie during other stages of the hiring process.
Now if you don’t want to hire a liar like that, it is important to conduct proper background and reference checks. From validating degrees and diplomas to verifying character and shown work experience, you really need to dig in deep to find actually dedicated mobile app developers.
- Experience and portfolio
Saying is one thing.
Knowing is another.
And actually having done is something altogether different.
Thus, even if a candidate has fancy technical degrees and they say have built world-changing apps, it is important that you see their portfolio first-hand. It will also help you ascertain if their mobile app development experience is relevant to your needs.
5 tips for hiring in-house mobile app developers – From hiring pros
- Don’t let location be the bar
The world is going remote, follow suit.
Hiring off-shore mobile app developers will help you get access to a wider talent pool and also gain a cost advantage due to differences in exchange rates.
For example, app developers in the US charge between $50 to $250/hour. But you can find similarly qualified candidates from India at $5 to $50/hour.
- Technical proficiency doesn’t always matter the most
An extremely skilled developer with deep domain experience in building FinTech apps won’t bring much to your table if you need a social media app.
So don’t fixate too much on technical expertise. Experience and interpersonal skills matter too.
- Do not spend too much of your own time on hiring
If it is not your hat, don’t wear it.
It might call cause hair fall (Literally, from all the stress!).
Thus, if you are not on the human resources team or if you aren’t a technical recruiter, let experts take over. (Read: Use talent connect platforms to hire pre-vetted talent.)
- Communication skills matter
… more than anything. You don’t want your app’s progress to go down the drain due to miscommunication or translation fiascos.
- Always consider things for the long-term
Hiring an app developer in-house means they’d be staying on for the long term. Cultural fit is important.
Make sure you don’t hire someone with the thought of “we’ll manage” because that is possible only for a while. And your application will need maintenance and updates, and thus, the developer will be needed in the long run too.
Get Started Today
Now that you have a wholesome guide, it is time to start acting on its advice and hire a dedicated mobile app developer.
Whether you are looking to hire an Android developer, are looking for an iOS app developer, or need cross-platform mobile app developers, this guide can be your Holy Grail. Just follow it and start seeing your business app idea materialize into reality.
