Finding the right developer isn’t just a technical decision. It’s a strategic one — and often harder than it seems, especially if you’re not a developer yourself.
Most businesses hire external developers when internal resources fall short. That makes sense. But how do you separate a good match from a mismatch that slows your project down?
Let’s strip it down:
✅ Skills ≠ Fit
A GitHub profile filled with impressive code doesn't mean the developer can work with you. Cultural fit, communication style, and mindset matter more than most realize — especially if you plan for more than a one-off task.
3 Questions to ask (before you even post a job)
-
What do you really need?
Define your scope, tech stack, budget, and timeline before you start looking. -
How do you want to collaborate?
Remote or onsite? Slack or email? Daily standups or async updates? -
What does success look like?
Define what “done” means. Include testing, documentation, maintenance.
Red flags to watch out for
- Vague answers about testing practices
- Poor communication or resistance to feedback
- Suspiciously low pricing
- No references or lack of real-world projects
What you do want
- Someone who asks good questions
- A portfolio that reflects real challenges
- Clarity on deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities
- A willingness to say “no” when something’s off
Final tip
You’re not hiring a robot who writes code. You’re hiring a partner to help shape something real. Choose someone who gets that.
Bonus: Try a paid test project. It tells you more in a week than a polished CV ever could.