Freelance software developers make an average of $54.16 an hour, which is a whopping $112,663 annually!
In recent years, large and small businesses have rapidly taken to hiring freelancers, as it is often the most cost-effective decision that also allows for flexibility. Companies want candidates that are not only familiar with but are experts regarding new technology.
It is ideal when a company can hire one person that will be dedicated to a specific task, such as software development, without interfering with the progress of other ongoing projects.
Yet, how can you know the software freelancers you hire will be dedicated to your company? Where can you find suitable candidates to perform these types of jobs?
As business demands heighten, the freelance software development industry is expected to grow. Continue reading for tips on how you can hire software freelancers to benefit your company.
1. Hire From Referrals
If you want to find a software freelancer that you know has a solid background, hiring a referral from your network is one of the best ways to do so. Because you already trust the individual that referred them, you have a better chance of finding someone that provides high-quality work and is reliable.
Along with this, if you find someone that already works within your network, the individual who referred them can provide you with information regarding their strengths and weaknesses.
This will give you a better chance of knowing if this freelance software developer will work out right from the beginning, as this isn’t something that you would be able to see from a resume or even an interview.
To find a referral, you’ll need to create a list of industry experts that you’d like to reach out to. It’s important to be proactive about this and find different ways to communicate, such as through email, social media channels, or business calls.
You may use financial incentives to get people interested, but it’s important to note that the referral method requires a high turnaround time. Be patient, and you may get a handful of candidates that are perfect for the position.
However, if you are looking for something more immediate, you may also want to look into other methods.
2. Choose a Freelance Network
One of the most challenging parts of hiring software developer freelancers is separating the highly talented ones from those that are more mediocre.
However, if you choose a vetted freelance network, the work can be done for you. It’s important to note, though, that not all freelance networks are equal, and some require much more than others.
You want to find one that requires more of their freelancers than other networks. This means going beyond looking at their resume and cover letters but having higher standards and screening processes that they must meet and exceed.
To hire a freelancer through a freelance network, you’ll simply choose the network you want to work with and provide the requirements that you’re looking for in a software developer.
They will then match you with who may fit best. They will align with your brand and the culture of your company, and they will possess good communication skills and high technical proficiency.
When you outsource today with a network that does the vetting for you, you know you are getting the best of the best.
This also means paying for the service, so be prepared to pay the cost of working with these networks.
3. Browse a Freelance Marketplace
Freelance marketplaces work like traditional job boards, where you post a job, and potential candidates submit their resumes and cover letters. This is a great source if you are looking to hire freelancers immediately, as you will be likely to receive a high volume of applications.
This also means that you will need to take the time to sort through the applications to find those that you may want to interview.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up, create a profile, and start posting your available job openings. It’s free, quick, and easy.
Because it can be difficult to quickly screen through applications, it’s best to use a freelance marketplace only when you need small or medium jobs done. This will help you keep costs down while still getting the work done.
For more critical tasks, another route may be better.
4. Find Online Tech Forums
When outsourcing talent, it’s wise to know what’s going on in the industry. If you join online tech forums, you can be a part of the community.
This is a place for software developers to demonstrate their expertise and show off, so it’s a great place to scout out talent.
These forums often have job listings, so make sure to add yours. The more you interact with the community, the more likely you will be to find someone that you know will do high-quality work.
Use These Tips to Hire Software Freelancers Easily
If you are looking to hire software freelancers, you may not know where to start. It can be difficult to find freelancers that will actually do the work you need them to do, but you’re in luck.
There are so many different avenues that you can use to find the best freelancers out there; it may just take some time, hard work, and thorough screenings.
Use these tips, and you’re already halfway there.
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