There are certainly no signs that technology plans to slow down. It continues to be highly prized and embraced by both consumers and businesses. Because consumers expect to save time and have a pleasant experience that meets all of their needs, businesses must continue to build on technology to create the right user experience. Although there are SaaS options available for businesses in every industry, another option lies in businesses hiring a developer to create unique and cutting edge experiences that help their business stand out from others in the industry.
If your business isn’t fully involved in the industry of technology, it can be difficult to find and hire the right developer to meet your needs. In this article, we’re going to help you understand some of the key principles in locating, interviewing, and hiring a developer.
Related: The 7 Main Clauses of a Developer Agreement
Know What Sort of Developer You Need
Developer is a broad term that identifies an individual who can develop or build something. From a technological perspective, we can break this down a bit further to include (but certainly not limited to) a web developer, a software developer, front-end developer, full-stack developer, backend developer. middle-tier developer, mobile developer, java developer, and cross-platform developer. In order for you to locate and hire the right developer, you must know exactly what you need. Let’s use the overall classification of web developer as an example. A front-end developer develops a website as it would be viewed by those visiting the website. A back-end developer develops the applications or actions that the website relies on to properly function. A full-stack developer is a developer who is skilled in all aspects of website development. In short, they could handle both the front-end and the back-end. Those same categories could also be used to differentiate software developers as well as mobile developers. Some developers specialize in building bridge software, enabling two disparate programs to work together or in conjunction with each other.
It is possible that you need more than one type of developer. Perhaps you need one or more software developers as well as at least one web developer. Perhaps you also need a cross-platform developer. Regardless, you must know what you need your software, app, or website to do and the type of technology it will need to function. You must understand enough about your own project that you are able to you’ll find someone who can give you exactly what you need.
Can the Developer Collaborate and Communicate Well with Your Team?
The development of anything for your business requires collaboration and communication. When choosing the right developer, it is important to consider whether they are open to collaboration and if they are skilled communicators. The best way to determine if they’re able to collaborate as well as communicate is to have a conversation with them. Ask about past projects. Present them with an actual scenario faced by your business in the past and ask how they believe it would have been best addressed. Senior developers should be able to easily talk through their approaches to demonstrate they solve certain types of problems.
The simple solution of having an actual conversation with a developer can also help you determine if this is someone with whom you believe you and your entire team can work with. The developer gets the same opportunity. It also helps you better understand if they can be a team player or if they believe that solutions and developments must be done their way or not at all.
Will the Developer Be an Employee or Contractor?
Depending on the needs of your business, you may find that it’s a better idea to hire a developer who is an employee. Of course, there are also businesses who may benefit from hiring a developer who is a contractor. An employee and contractor have some key differences:
- As an employee, the employer is required to withhold taxes.
- As a contractor, the employer is not required to withhold taxes. That is the duty of the contractor.
- As an employee, the employer may set a specific work schedule as well as a workspace.
- For contractors, the IRS states that one of the differentiating factors between a contractor and employee is in the contractor’s ability to make certain decisions for themselves, such as the contractor’s ability to control their own schedule.
Proper classification of a worker is key because it affects the employer’s responsibilities in relation to their tax reporting.
A contract may be created for the developer regardless of whether you choose to hire them as an employee or contractor.
Set and Explain Expectations Before You Hire a Developer
A discussion about expectations should take place before the developer is hired as well as documented in a contract or, at the very least, a detailed job description. Setting and explaining expectations is important as it ensures that the developer is aware of the expectations before they accept the position. Additionally, you’re able to assess their reaction to the expectations to determine whether the offer should be made.
Create the Developer Agreement
If you’re hiring a contractor, you’ll want to create a developer agreement that documents the expectations, the payment schedule, and other pertinent factors. If you’re hiring the developer as an employee, you may or may not want to have them sign an employment contract depending on your hiring practices. At the very least, a written employment letter should explain the developer’s role, their pay, when they are expected to start, and whether they are an at-will employee.
Larsen Law: Helping Businesses Create Developer Agreements and Employment Contracts
With more than 30 years of contracts experience along with advanced degrees in technology and communications, and a degree in accounting, Susan Larsen has used her unique blend of education and experience to help businesses create effective and fair developer agreements and employment contracts. To learn how Larsen Law can help your business, we invite you to explore our site and to schedule your free initial consultation by calling us now at 303-520-6030.