You can't get a website off the ground unless you hire backend developers. But what will they do, and where can you find backend developers for hire? In this article, we'll answer those questions and get your development project rolling!
Why Hire Backend Developers?
When you hire dedicated backend developers, you employ a team responsible for the server-side web application logic. You'll probably have a few front-end developers and mobile app developers working with you already, and the backend developers will integrate the work those teams have done into theirs. They'll also write the web services and APIs that your front-end teams will use.
What Skills Should You Look For When You Hire Backend Engineer
When you hire backend developer, you should look for someone with formal education and some experience, either through their work or coding bootcamps. A good backend developer should know the Python programming language and be able to handle simple and complex projects.
Your developers should also know their way around Java, a general-purpose programming language for app development, and PHP, the most common server-side language in the development sector.
Knowledge about SQL or Structured Query Language is another essential skill that your backend developers should know. It allows your engineers to access and manipulate relational databases as required.
Where Can You Find Backend Developers
Backend developers are required for virtually every digital project currently in the works, which means it can be tough to find an experienced developer. It's even more challenging for start-ups that are competing with large enterprise-level organizations that can offer great perks and competitive salaries, along with the benefit of working with an established brand name.
There are a few routes you can take when you are trying to hire backend developers.
Doing Your Own Recruiting
You can recruit your own backend developers by creating ads on LinkedIn and Job boards, asking for referrals from your current team, or browsing freelancer websites. The main benefit of this approach is reducing your recruitment cost. Aside from the nominal fees, you'll pay to promote the vacancy on LinkedIn or job boards, and you don't need to pay agency commission or finders fees.
That being said, doing your own recruitment isn't necessarily the cheapest approach. It can take months to sift through all the applications, conduct reference and background checks, complete interviews, draft contracts, and onboard your new hires.
You'll also need to provide a compelling offer with plenty of perks to find the right talent. Developers are spoiled for choice and usually prefer working with established brands to start-ups. They will also expect bonuses, entitled to paid vacation time, and ask for shares or equity as part of their package.
Freelancers are generally cheaper and require fewer perks, but it can be tough to manage numerous freelancers based in multiple locations across the country. You need your backend and front-end developers to work together in a single sprint, and it can be tough to accomplish if you have to manage lots of different time zones and styles. Freelancers generally are lone wolves, making it even harder to assimilate them into your team.
Using Agencies
Because of the time and monetary commitment, most companies prefer using agencies to find, interview, vet, and hire their backend developers. You can use a local recruitment firm or work with an offshore agency. A local recruitment agency will place full-time developers with you, but they command high fees - up to 20-30% of a developer's annual salary. A single developer can cost up to $25,500 to place before they've even written a single line of code.
Offshore agencies allow you to hire senior developers at a fraction of the cost. These teams will work with you for the duration of your project and are released once the project is complete. It not only saves you time and money but frees you from the obligations of hiring a full-time team (including paid vacation and other perks).
The agency will work with you to determine your needs and then pull together a team of skilled, senior developers with the experience and skills you require.
Conclusion
When you hire backend developers, don't waste your time and resources hiring expensive local programmers. You can hire a great team at a reasonable cost by going offshore.
Opt for an agency with an established portfolio and skilled developers at their fingertips. It's the quickest and easiest way to get your project off the ground.
