Thursday, March 28, 2024

7 Do’s and Don’ts When Hiring App Developers

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The risk factor for hiring untested app developers has never been higher than it is today. Unlike in the past when one had to enroll in a college to learn software development, today anyone with access to the internet can learn to develop applications.

While this doesn’t make self-taught developers less qualified than their college counterparts, it complicates their hiring as there are more variables to consider.

To help you start on the right foot, here are 7 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when hiring app developers.

Experience is Key

As with any task, one gets better by doing it over and over again. A decorated resume might not paint a true picture of a person’s ability. Similarly, gains made in the learning process could be eroded through years of inactivity.

The same is true for businesses that use app development platforms such as Microsoft Powerapps. Despite the simplicity it injects into the creation of apps, proven Powerapps services can take your development to the next level and make all the difference in making your custom app a success.

Before you settle on a developer, check their experience. Look at the apps they have developed in the past, their most recent work, and their frequency of activity.

Importantly, consider candidates who’ve developed apps for companies like yours. Their knowledge and experience could be beneficial in the development of your application.

Evaluate Communication Skills

Communication is not a strong suit for many developers. If you find a team that excels in it, consider them. Communication plays an important role in app development. Effective communication helps you get the correct application within a short period.

The chosen developer should be able to share suggestions and report on the progress of the development process. If done regularly, this could help you forecast the completion date and give crucial updates to your clients and stakeholders.

Communication also gives insights into the commitment nature of the developer. You can tell if the developer is genuinely invested in the project based on how frequently they communicate. More importantly, frequent and effective communication keeps the project on track.

There is a limited risk that the developer will deliver an app that does not meet the client’s requirements.

Consider Your Application’s Lifecycle

Each day we see tech companies roll out innovative devices. For instance, foldable mobile phones are making a comeback in a big way. For app developers, this means they have to constantly redesign existing apps to make them compatible with such devices.

Besides changing tech platforms, consumer needs also play a major role in app remodification. Consequently, the team or developer you hire should be able to add features or redesign your app when needed. This will go a long way in keeping your app relevant to its users.

Hire Someone Experienced in Cross-Platform App Development

Maybe you want an app that works on a specific platform such as Android, iOS, or Windows. Having a developer who has specialized on a specific platform is great because they tend to have superior knowledge and skills.

However, just as you consider your app’s lifecycle, you should also keep in mind that the needs of your business change. Your business stands to benefit if the app is supported across various platforms.

Not only will it be cost-efficient, but it will also save you the hassle of going through the same process in the future.

Consider the Developer’s Portfolio

Possibly the most important benchmark for an app developer has to be their previous work. Before hiring a developer, ask them to share with you their previous work. You could also contact previous clients about their experience working with the developer.

It would also help to evaluate their apps yourself to help show what to expect of them.

Don’t Hire on Pricing Alone

As a business, it’s instinctive to go for the lowest bidder to try and save costs. While this approach is not entirely wrong, it shouldn’t be the sole reason for hiring someone.

Don’t get blinded by ridiculously low offers that you fail to consider aspects such as experience, app portfolio, proficiency, and track record. Let pricing be the final factor in your hiring criteria.

The danger of using pricing as a hiring criterion is that you could end up spending more on botched apps. Most often, less skilled developers leverage pricing to get work. If you hire someone without the needed skills you could be forced to rehire a competent developer to redo the entire project.

Don’t Hire a Developer Without a Support Policy

App development does not end when the developer rolls out the finished product. Other processes such as testing and maintenance support come into play before and after the app has been launched.

It’s imperative that the developer or development team states in writing their support policy. This should include bug fixes, adding new features, and releasing updates. As well as the app maintenance processes, the policy should outline each cost.

Cushion your venture from additional costs by hiring a developer with a maintenance policy.

Conclusion

As a business owner, you know that having a custom app developed is a must if you want to stay ahead of the competition. You also know that finding the right developer can be an arduous task.

But don’t fret, we just covered some do’s and don’ts when it comes to hiring a custom app developer. By following these tips, you will make sure that your project goes smoothly from start to finish and that you get the most out of your app development budget. Good luck!

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