The global developer population will reach 28.7 million people by 2024. That’s an increase of 3.2 million from the number seen in 2020. With so much growth in the space, how do you bring the best people into your organization and hire dedicated software developers for your projects?
This is a challenging task that requires careful consideration and planning, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. This post will give you guidance on finding dedicated software developers, details on when and why to hire them, and insights into the costs involved.
How to find dedicated software developers
Hiring dedicated software developers involves more than just assessing technical skills. It’s about bringing in professionals who are committed, reliable, and able to understand your business’s unique requirements. Follow these steps during your search.
1. Define your needs: Before beginning your search, clearly define your project requirements and the technical skills required. You can’t find the right developers until you have these details ironed out
2. Search in the right places: Look for developers on professional networking sites and job boards. You can also consider outsourcing companies that provide dedicated software development services.
3. Evaluate their skills: Once you have a list of developers or outsourcing companies, assess the technical skills of your potential candidates through interviews, specialized tests, or by reviewing their portfolios and past projects.
4. Check references: Read testimonials or reach out to previous clients or employers to understand the developer’s work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines.
When to hire dedicated software developers
Dedicated software developers can be an essential addition to your team, especially when working on complex, long-term projects. However, determining the right time to bring these professionals onboard can be challenging. Here are a few situations where hiring dedicated software developers can be highly beneficial.
When you have a long-term project
In some cases, a software development project might span several months or even years. Hiring dedicated software developers is highly recommended for these long-term projects. Why is this the case?
Dedicated developers, as the name suggests, dedicate their skills and time to your project alone. They dive deep into the specifics of your project, gaining an intimate understanding of your requirements, goals, and expectations. This understanding goes a long way in maintaining consistency, enhancing project efficiency, and delivering quality results throughout the project’s duration.
The developer’s long-term commitment also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. These are key to ensuring the project stays on track and meets the predefined objectives and milestones.
When Your Project Requires Specialized Skills
Does your project require skills or knowledge that your current team doesn’t have? The tech industry is brimming with a wide array of programming languages, platforms, frameworks, and technologies. Consequently, software development projects often demand a varied mix of specialized skills and knowledge. If your in-house team lacks the required expertise or skills, it might be time to consider hiring a dedicated software developer.
Bringing a dedicated developer on board not only fills the skills gap but also fosters knowledge transfer. The developer’s unique skills and expertise can help elevate your entire team’s capabilities. This can lead to increased productivity and the faster execution of your project, enhancing your project’s overall success chances.
When you need to scale your team
If you need to increase your team size because of an increased workload or to meet tight deadlines, hiring dedicated software developers can help.Sometimes, a surge in workload or looming deadlines might necessitate the quick scaling of your team. This is another scenario where hiring dedicated software developers can be a game-changer.
Ramping up your team with dedicated developers can be faster and more efficient compared to hiring full-time employees. The hiring process for a full-time employee often involves several stages, including interviews, onboarding, and training, which can take several weeks or even months. On the other hand, dedicated developers, usually hired through a software development company, can be onboarded much faster.
These developers can hit the ground running, helping your team cope with the increased workload or meet critical deadlines. They bring with them fresh perspectives and ideas that can help tackle challenges effectively and drive innovation in your projects.
Why hire dedicated software developers instead of freelancers?
While hiring freelancers might seem like a cost-effective option, dedicated software developers can provide more value, especially for long-term projects.
Here’s why:
Knowledge retention: Freelancers may have limited insight into how your organization works. A dedicated software developer becomes familiar with your processes and systems. That empowers them to retain knowledge and make more substantial contributions.
Availability: Freelancers might work on several projects at the same time. Dedicated software developers are available during your working hours. You have their undivided attention, which can lead to higher productivity.
Seamless communication: In contrast to freelancers, dedicated software developers work as an extension of your in-house team. They can attend meetings, provide regular updates, and participate in discussions to help the project go more smoothly.
How much does it cost to hire a team of dedicated software developers?
The cost to hire a team of developers depends on several factors. When you’re trying to work out your budget, this is what you should think through.
Skills and experience
Developers with unique skills or extensive industry experience command higher remuneration compared to their less-experienced counterparts. Those who are starting their careers will usually have lower rates. Hiring less experienced developers may initially seem cost-effective, but there’s also the potential for longer development time or more necessary oversight.
Industry expertise
Industry specialization for dedicated software developers goes beyond skills and years of experience. It’s about understanding industry-specific challenges and standards. A developer who is familiar with your business can anticipate hurdles, suggest effective solutions when issues arise, and help to ensure your software meets market-specific objectives. If your project requires someone who knows the ins and outs of your industry, you can expect higher costs.
Geographical location
The geographical location of your development team also plays a critical role in total cost. Labor rates differ drastically across the world due to the cost of living, currency exchange rates, and local market conditions.
With nearshoring, you gain access to skilled developers at competitive rates. You can secure top-notch talent at a fraction of the price without sacrificing experience. Find out more by reading Unlock the Secret to Cost Savings with Nearshore Software Development.
Size and composition of your team
A larger team comprising senior developers and specialists with high-level skills will cost considerably more than a small one made up primarily of junior developers. Under or over-hiring can be a costly mistake, so it’s important to plan accurately.
Project complexity
Complex projects that require advanced technical skills, significant risks, or high volumes of data will be more expensive to execute. For example, completing a mobile app with basic functionality will cost less than creating a sophisticated AI-based application.
Remember: It’s not just about comparing hourly rates or project costs. You also need to factor in time savings, productivity levels, and quality of work. Short-term costs can be deceiving, so consider the overall investment and potential return when choosing between freelancers and dedicated software developers.
Ready to find dedicated software developers for your next project?
Hiring dedicated software developers can be a considerable investment, but it’s often worth it for the value they bring to your project. Now you know what to look for, where to look, how to assess skills, and when to hire dedicated software developers. The next step is to define your project requirements and begin your search for the ideal developer or team.
Are you looking for more insights? Stay connected to the Unosquare blog for more helpful guides to modern software development, and get in touch today if you need added support for your next project from our experienced and talented development professionals.
