How to Hire Remote Developers in 2024

Access to an Extensive Talent Pool

Many companies often encounter difficulties in finding the right technology experts to fill crucial roles in their projects. In certain countries, such as the United States, there is a significant disparity between the demand for talent and the available workforce. 

On the other hand, regions like Eastern Europe present an expansive reservoir of experienced and proficient developers who are fluent in English and share similar cultural values to the Western world. This makes Eastern Europe a popular destination for hiring remote developers. For instance, Ukraine alone boasts around 1,600 IT companies and over 192,000 skilled tech professionals.

Cost Savings

Hiring remote developers from a global pool often leads to significant reductions in expenses. For instance, the average annual salary for a mid-level developer in Ukraine is $30,000, according to PayScale, whereas in the USA, it amounts to $82,000. 

Moreover, if you decide to hire remote developers from an outsourcing vendor, the absence of recruitment costs, training expenses, office rent, equipment procurement, and company perks further contribute to cost savings. These expenditures are covered by the vendor, allowing you to focus on building your company culture. 

At inVerita, we also handle all team-related overhead expenses, ensuring a transparent and convenient pricing model for our partners.

Flexibility

With unrestricted access to geographic locations, human resources, and expertise, it becomes possible to rapidly expand a team. Whether you're managing a large corporation or a growing startup, staff augmentation offers a significant advantage by enabling innovation with the assistance of top-notch talent from anywhere in the world. Regular team meetings ensure you stay informed about the progress of product development, providing you the opportunity to maintain control over every process while dedicating time to your core business.

Challenges of Hiring Remote Developers

Finding the Right Expertise

The IT industry is highly competitive, and the demand for tech skills often exceeds the available talent pool. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a shortage of nearly 1.2 million open job positions for software developers. Consequently, companies may need to expand their search beyond local areas to find the necessary talent. 

Communication and Management

Managing communication and relationships between remote teams of developers and permanent staff can present challenges. Introducing new team members may disrupt established work dynamics and potentially lead to friction if integration is not handled effectively. This can result in communication breakdowns, a lack of trust, and reduced overall team productivity.

Establishing transparent communication channels between teams is key to addressing these challenges. Regular meetings can facilitate open dialogue, while team-building activities foster a sense of cohesion. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities for all team members is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, providing training and support for remote staff helps familiarize them with the company's culture and expectations, promoting smooth integration and collaboration.

Security and Compliance

Managing security risks becomes more complex when working with remote software engineers or contractors who may not have the same level of access to sensitive data and systems as full-time developers. This disparity can potentially lead to security breaches and compliance violations, which can harm a company's reputation and expose them to legal and financial penalties.

One effective solution is to establish stringent security protocols and implement comprehensive background checks for augmented staff. This involves verifying their qualifications, experience, and references to ensure their reliability and trustworthiness. Additionally, conducting security clearance checks can provide an added layer of assurance.

You may choose one of the three ways to hire a remote development team in 2024:

• Work with Freelancers

Hiring a freelance software developer means engaging an independent professional on a temporary basis to work on specific projects or tasks. Freelancers offer flexibility, allowing businesses to tap into specialized skills for short-term assignments without the commitment of a full-time hire. However, it comes with inherent risks. Quality inconsistencies, reliability issues, and potential communication challenges are common concerns. Freelancers might have varied work standards, leading to uncertainties in project outcomes. Ensuring data security and intellectual property protection can be challenging when sharing sensitive information. Additionally, managing freelancers effectively, especially in complex projects requiring collaboration, can be demanding.

• Partner with an Outstaffing Service Provider 

Outstaffing involves hiring dedicated remote employees through an external service provider, and integrating them into your team while the outstaffing company manages their employment. It provides a flexible solution for businesses needing specialized skills without the complexities of in-house employment. However, challenges such as limited control over day-to-day operations, potential communication issues, data security concerns, dependency on the provider, and legal compliance complexities exist. To address these risks, businesses should choose a reputable outstaffing partner, establish clear communication protocols, implement robust data security measures, and draft meticulous contracts to ensure smooth collaboration and mitigate potential issues.

• Find an Outsourcing Company that Will Handle Your Project 

Outsourcing software development means entrusting the development process to an offshore company. You no longer need to search for specialized software engineers; the company already has the expertise required for your product. Similar to outstaffing, outsourcing brings some risks such as communication gaps and cultural differences.

How do you know what option is best for you?

To get an answer to this question you must clearly specify the requirements of your project. 

• How big is your project?
• What technologies do you want to be used here? 
• How many people should be engaged in project development? 
• What experts exactly are you looking for?

For example, if you have a minor issue with your product and it can be solved within several hours or days, you can opt for a freelancer. A small project like a WordPress website can be delivered to an independent contractor.

Larger projects that take months or even years to be completed and maintained can be delegated to a dedicated team or completely outsourced. 

Where to Find Remote Developers for Hire?

The type of your project dictates what channels of search fit you the best. Depending on if you strive for full-fledged service or short-term support, you may choose some of these sources to find remote developers for hire.

#1 Personal Recommendation

Yes, it seems as plain as the nose on your face. But surprisingly, people often fail to think about this option. The most trustworthy recommendations come from people who have already hired software developers and can dwell upon the pros and cons of a certain cooperation model as well as recommend where to find software developers. If you personally know any CTOs or tech talent, they can also give a constructive piece of advice.

#2 Developer Forums

Developers forums are a second home for software engineers who are eager to continuously upgrade their skills. And it’s a talent pool for hunters who are looking for software developers. The only difficulty is that each community has its own set of rules, therefore, getting into it might be time-consuming. But in case you succeed you may find a developer you were looking for, or someone will recommend them to you.

#3 Developer Conferences

Every relatively big city hosts some developer conferences and tech meetups. It’s a perfect place to show your interest and make some useful connections. Even if presented developers aren’t currently looking for job opportunities, they will definitely appreciate your time and effort and recommend someone. The rule of thumb is that an A-level developer will recommend only an A-level developer. So, that may be your lucky ticket.

#4 Freelance Platforms

If you’re looking for freelance developers, visiting some freelance websites might be the best option to choose. On such popular platforms, you can learn about their experience, and look through the portfolio of potential candidates and list of clients. Though whether it’s real or not - remains a secret. 

The disadvantage of such platforms is that personalities and reviews don’t get verified so literally, anyone can claim to be a developer there. If you still want to have a try, here are some platforms to check: Freelancer, Toptal, Hired, Codementor, Guru, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour. 

#5 Outsourcing Companies

In the case of choosing an outsourcing company, you don’t have to think of how to find software developers as your vendor will compile the team of developers according to your demands. Therefore, the only challenge you face is finding an outsourcing vendor. Clutch, GoodFirms, and Appfutura are independent platforms that give a list of the best software development companies, including general information about the company, its portfolio, and verified client reviews.

#6 Job Platforms

You can also search for candidates and publish job posting on global job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Remote OK, and Remote.co. When creating a job posting remember to write it consistently and indicate all major requirements for the candidate.

What should you take into consideration when deciding on the remote development team?

1. Technology expertise. Choose candidates with the most suitable core technology stack.  
2. Success stories. Reviewing the company’s or freelancer’s previous projects you can understand what technologies they operate best, what industries they’ve worked with, and what size of the projects they were interested in.  
3. Recognitions. Such companies as Clutch and GoodFirms provide rewards for companies that have been successful and have positive feedback.  
4. Cooperation. Different projects and budgets require different ways of cooperation. Familiarizing yourself with this aspect will also help you along the way. 

A Step-by-Step Process on How to Hire Remote Developers

Having access to the best talent in the world, you need to find and hire remote developers who will meet the exclusive requirements of your company and match your price and quality expectations. So, how to hire remote developers? Follow these steps to choose the best candidate.

Define Development Needs and Priorities

Defining your development needs and priorities is a foundational step to hire remote software developers. Start by clearly outlining the specific goals of your project, including the features, functionalities, and technical requirements you need. Prioritize these elements based on their importance to your project's success. Consider factors such as security, scalability, user experience, and integration capabilities. Understanding your development needs in detail will not only guide your search for the talented developers but also ensure that they align with your project's objectives. By having a well-defined set of priorities, you can effectively communicate your expectations to potential developers and make informed decisions during the selection process.

Define the Needed Technical Knowledge

When hiring remote developers defining the required technical knowledge is paramount. The choice of languages, frameworks, and libraries dictates the technical skills your developers should possess. 

Frontend development focuses on creating the user-facing part of a website or application, involving layout design, user interface creation, and programming functionalities. Frontend developers employ technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They collaborate closely with designers, backend developers, and project managers to ensure a seamless user experience across devices and browsers. 

On the other hand, backend development involves building server-side logic, managing databases, implementing business logic, and creating APIs. Backend developers utilize programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Java, along with databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. Their role is to ensure the proper functioning and security of the website or application. Collaborative efforts with frontend developers, database administrators, and project managers are essential for creating a cohesive and functional application.

Study Customers’ Reviews

When considering outsourcing software developers, evaluating their quality of work through customer reviews is crucial. Start by checking the vendor's website for customer testimonials and case studies, providing insights into their project expertise and client feedback. Explore online review platforms like Clutch, Upwork, and Glassdoor, where clients rate and review developers. Additionally, examine the developer's LinkedIn profile for testimonials and published case studies. 

When hiring freelance developers, utilize professional networks such as Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn to find client reviews. Monitor online review sites like Clutch, Glassdoor, and Trustpilot. Evaluate developers' portfolios and case studies to gauge project quality. Reach out to previous clients for direct feedback. Focus on developers with high completion rates, on-time delivery, and positive client feedback, as these indicators reflect their reliability. 

Check Soft Skills

When you hire remote developers soft skills are of the same importance as experience and technical skills as you’re not going to meet face-to-face with your remote employees and have full control over their work. Pay attention to these skills:

A qualified developer must not only possess technical expertise but also the ability to convey complex concepts clearly to team members, stakeholders, and clients. Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page, enhancing project understanding and success.

• Problem-Solving Skills

In the dynamic field of software development, encountering challenges is inevitable. Skilled developers can analyze problems methodically, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions. This ability is crucial for overcoming obstacles and ensuring the smooth progression of projects.

• Adaptability

Technology evolves rapidly, and software developers must keep pace with the latest advancements. Being adaptable allows developers to embrace new programming languages, tools, and methodologies, ensuring their skills remain relevant and projects are developed using the most efficient and modern technologies.

• Time Management

Software projects often have strict deadlines. Effective time management is essential for prioritizing tasks, allocating resources efficiently, and ensuring that projects are completed within the specified timeframe. Proper time management also allows developers to balance multiple projects effectively without compromising quality or delivery schedules.

• Collaboration Skills

Developers frequently collaborate with fellow team members, designers, project managers, and clients. The capability to work cohesively within diverse remote teams fosters creativity, innovation, and the development of robust solutions.

• Attention to Detail

Even the smallest oversight can lead to critical issues, emphasizing the significance of a keen eye for detail.

Some Tips from inVerita

Here are some tips on how to hire remote developers.

#1 Take Time Difference and Language Barriers Seriously

When you decide to cooperate with a software developer from some distant country, be ready that their mentality may differ a lot from yours. How can it be dangerous for the project? Communication failure, ignoring your vision, not following deadlines, etc. 

Therefore, a good idea is to learn more about the culture of your future partner, check their English level, and estimate if there are any coinciding hours during your working shifts to arrange the meetings.

#2 Don’t be Tempted to Pay the Lowest Price

When you have chosen remote talent over a house team you have already saved a lot. Don’t try to get software development for free. Hiring a person with doubtful expertise and no security guarantees can not only lead to a project failure but also bring you much more losses in terms of money and the security of your data.

#3 Choose the Cooperation Model Wisely

Depending on if you are looking for long-term cooperation or just need to fill in some gaps in your project, you can choose between hiring freelance developers or signing a contract with an outsourcing company. 

Here is a table of comparison of possible cooperation models.

What’s Next?

After you complete all these steps, pick a few companies or independent contractors and contact them. Having a conversation with them will help you to narrow down your list and finally come up with a decision.

inVerita has been delivering software projects to companies from various industries all over the world for years, and we will be more than happy to help you as well. Please, contact us, to receive a free consultation.