It may seem like the world came to a standstill since the pandemic hit. But in reality, despite the social distancing norms, quarantines, and restricted travel, life moves on, and there is no excuse as to why you shouldn't proceed with your software development projects.
Technology has improved so much in the last decade, allowing us to carry out many development activities from remote locations. So, do not let anything stop you from moving towards your goals and let us help you. Here is a brief guide on how you can hire the right outsourcing partner for your software development needs.
Identify The Scope Of Work
The first step to hiring the right software developers starts with knowing what you want. Does your project involve core software product development or just minor enhancements to an existing product you need? Are you looking for short term roles, or do you have a long term plan in mind?
Answers to these questions will help you decide what kind of services and involvement you want from your outsourcing partner. You need to define the scope, requirements, and timeline for the project and look for resources to satisfy those requirements.
This way, you can easily make hiring decisions on whether to look for freelancers, hire an individual tech expert with the right skill sets, or an entire software development team for your product.
Broaden Your Search Beyond Your Geographical Location
As long as work is limited to remote channels and is done only via online support, you need not restrict yourself to a limited geographical region. Looking for outsourcing services within your nearby locations can give you limited choices, and you may not be able to hire the right experts for the job.
Look for an offshore software development company where you can get cheaper resources and quality work. You can negotiate to pay on an hourly rate and track the work done via the efficient use of tools and technology.
Some popular offshore software development destinations include India, China, the Philippines, Eastern European countries, Latin American countries, and so on. For a shorter gap in the time zone, you can choose nearshore locations as well.
You can also choose your outsourcing partner by comparing the offshore software development rates by country. For instance, the average hourly rate for software development in 2020 in Asia is $25.83 as against $67.20 in Western Europe.
Do Your Research
Once you remove the geographical limitation, you will see that you have many options to choose from. There are thousands of startup outsourcing companies and freelancers working across the world, and you get access to a huge talent pool. So, take the time to do your research, compare the available options, and choose.
Some information you can use to assess an outsourcing partner includes previous client feedback, reviews, and profile information. You can also make use of platforms like YouTeam that list only vetted partners.
Make Use Of Virtual Interviews
Having a face-to-face virtual interview would be a good way to know with whom you are exactly working. It adds to your partner's credibility and provides an easy way to assess their abilities and communication skills.
Get To Know Your Partner's Abilities
Sometimes the partner's profile information could be outdated, and you may not have a clear idea of their current resources and talent pool. Make sure to see if the partner can support your development process, including all your requirements and project tasks, before you commit to a project. For instance, some partners may lack a solid testing platform and may not support the high-quality standards you seek.
Address The Common Challenges With Remote Working Early On
Have a solid plan to deal with common challenges like time zone differences, cultural barriers, and possible communication gaps. Ensure both your team and the partner's team are on the same page regarding how you will proceed with scheduled meetings, metrics, and progress tracking. Discuss with your potential partner how these challenges can be overcome.
Consult Your Team
If you are extending your existing development team with an outsourcing partner's team or collaborating work among your value team and the partner’s development team, you must consult your team on the potential hire. Ensure your existing team feels comfortable working with the potential partner and asking for advice when choosing a partner.
Be Honest About Your Current Situation And Future Plans
Be realistic about your web development expectations and plans. Do not overestimate or underestimate your project's scope and look for a software development partner who can fit within your budget and work criteria. Be honest about your expectations to avoid confusion at a later stage. Communicate your requirements with clarity early on so that the prospective partner knows your exact expectations.
Wrap Up
The best way to hire a software development outsourcing partner is to be well prepared and have a due process for choosing the right partner. Assess your available options, choose a partner from vetted sources, and see if they can work in harmony with your house team members. When you find the perfect partner who fits all your needs, then go ahead and seal the deal.
Info about the author
Galina Divakova
Galina is Head of Marketing at YouTeam, a Y Combinator-backed marketplace for hiring remote software developers.
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