How to hire software developers for startup?

Discover essential tips for hiring software developers for startups, including defining the role, identifying critical skills, starting your search in...

How to hire software developers for startup?

Are you planning to start a tech startup and find it difficult to hire software developers?

Hiring a software developer for your startup is a daunting task. What's the first step? How much does it cost? How do you go about hiring software developers? We are here to tell you exactly how this process works!

Know exactly what type of developer you need.

The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of developer you need. There are many different types of software developers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The most common types of software developers are:

Front-end developers

They build the user interface and integrate it with back-end systems. These developers focus on creating user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern technologies like React or Angular.

Back-end developers

The backbone of any application, these developers create the logic behind an application that allows it to function as it should. Back-end developers are often tasked with things like data modeling and database design. They may use technologies like NodeJS, Python, C#, Java, GoLang, but don't necessarily need to know how users interact with their applications (unless they're also full-stack developers).

Full-stack developers

These developers can handle everything from front-end coding all the way to back-end programming and database management. They usually have experience in all aspects of web development.

Mobile app developers

These people specialize in developing apps for mobile devices like Android phones and iPhones (or both!). Mobile app developers use different programming languages such as Objective C or Swift for iOS devices or Java for Android devices. A good mobile app developer will understand how users interact with their devices through touchscreens, which means they'll know what kind of gestures people use when interacting with a smartphone or tablet computer.

Also, there are other IT professionals you may need for your team:

DevOps engineers

They are the ones who keep the development and software deployment process working flawlessly. They implement tools and frameworks to automate processes and make sure that everything works as expected.

Here are some of the most common tasks of a DevOps engineer:

  • Implementing tools and frameworks for automation, to speed up development and deployment processes.
  • Monitoring and managing cloud infrastructure, including servers, load balancers, etc.
  • Automating testing processes, using unit tests or continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) systems.

Quality assurance engineers (QA): They test the product before releasing it into production, try to break it, and report bugs to developers.

System administrators

They manage servers for hosting applications and keep them up-to-date on security patches.

Product managers

They define what needs to be built, how it should look like, and who needs it. They also communicate with customers and stakeholders to understand their needs.

Database administrators (DBAs)

They keep an eye on databases, optimize them and make sure they don't get overloaded with data by running queries or storing large files in them. Popular databases are MS SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.

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Learn which skills are most important for the role

Learn which skills are most important for the role at hand (and what experience they require). Are they technical skills? Do they need experience with particular programming languages or databases? Or do they need more social skills like problem-solving ability or communication skills?

Also, think about whether this job will require someone with additional qualifications such as a degree or certification in computer science.

This will help you understand what kind of candidates will be interested in applying for your position as well as how much you should expect to pay them.

Hire people who are passionate about your product and understand its potential. You want them to be excited about solving problems, excited by technology, and excited by what you’re doing as a company. If their motivation is only money, then they probably won’t stick around when times get tough — and you will have wasted all that time training them up!

Why hiring developers for startup is important? 

For startups, hiring the right developers can make the difference between mere survival and meteoric success.

Unlike established corporations with deep pockets and extensive resources, startups often grapple with budget constraints, fierce competition for talent, and the urgent need for rapid product development. In such an environment, it's not just about finding a developer with the right technical skills; it's about securing a multifaceted individual who resonates with the startup's vision, is adaptable to changing demands, and can wear multiple hats when needed.

Engaging in a meticulous hiring process that prioritizes cultural fit, technical prowess, and a growth mindset can set the foundation for a startup's innovation and success.

Proper onboarding and creating an environment that fosters creativity and continuous learning further ensure that these developers remain invested in the startup's journey.

Start your search in the right places to find the best developers

The best place to start looking for a developer is where other startups find their hires: job boards and social media sites like LinkedIn. A lot of people use these resources when they're looking for new jobs, so it's easier for companies to connect with potential employees this way.

Job boards:

Job boards are a great place to start, but you don't want to rely on them entirely. They're often filled with inexperienced developers who are looking for a quick paycheck and not necessarily long-term employment. You can usually tell who these people are because they're willing to take any job, no matter how small or vague it may be.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is a great place to find experienced software developers who have worked on similar projects before, have good references, and have been in the industry for a few years. To make your search more efficient you can use sourcing software.

Ask references for referrals:

Once you've found someone who looks like they might fit the bill, ask if they know any other people who might be good at this kind of work too — especially people who've worked together before or have mutual friends or connections through other groups or organizations they belong to.

You should also consider using third-party recruiting agencies that specialize in helping startups find talented employees. These companies can help you screen applicants, which makes it easier to narrow down your options quickly and efficiently.

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Partner with an IT recruiting agency

A good way to find top-notch developers is to partner with an IT recruiting agency. These agencies have access to a large pool of candidates and will be able to help you narrow down your choices based on skills, experience, and cultural fit. They can also provide advice on the hiring process, which is especially helpful if you're new to the industry.

An experienced IT recruiting agency can help you find the best talent for your company's needs. They understand the technical requirements of developers and they know where to find them. The agency will also work with you on salary negotiations so that you don't miss out on any good candidates because of money issues.

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Conduct fair interviews that focus on skills and competencies

When hiring developers for your startup, there are two main things you should consider: their skills and their competencies. A person's skills are what they know, whereas a person's competencies are how they apply those skills.

So when interviewing candidates, try to focus on the things they've built rather than the things they know how to do (e.g., don't ask them what algorithms they know). Instead, ask questions that require them to demonstrate their capabilities (e.g., have them code something).

Don't forget about culture fit when screening candidates. Culture fit is just as important as skillset and competencies when it comes to hiring software developers. A poor culture fit can lead to low morale, high turnover rates, and low productivity among employees — not exactly what you want from this critical member of your team!

Hire globally

Hire globally in 180+ countries compliantly without setting up a business entity, ensuring that you navigate international regulations and labor laws seamlessly. With HR platforms like Oyster's intuitive interface, managing payroll, benefits, and other HR functions becomes a breeze.

The platform's automation reduces the administrative burden, allowing you to focus on core business strategies. Whether you're expanding to new markets or sourcing talent from across the globe, Oyster simplifies the complexities of global employment. With its comprehensive suite of tools and features, stepping into the international arena has never been more accessible. Embrace the future of work and broaden your horizons with Oyster.

Conclusion:

Hiring software developers for startups can be challenging, but it's essential to take the time to find the right fit for your organization's success. Defining the role, identifying the most important skills, starting your search in the right places, partnering with an IT recruiting agency, and conducting fair interviews are all crucial steps in finding the best developer for your startup.

Don't let your startup suffer from inadequate technical expertise. Partner with our IT recruiting agency specializing in Ukraine, CIS, and European markets to hire the best software developers for your team. Book a call with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your startup thrive.

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