Steps to Hire A Freelance Programmer

Hiring a freelance programmer includes a rigorous and time-consuming hiring process. It’s like searching for a golden pin in a massive pile of haystack. As you scour endless resumes online, you need to create a checklist if your programmer is experienced as claimed. Besides, we only want the best with worthy technical talent. So here are a few things you should know when you hire a freelance programmer: 

#1 Know What Skills You Require

Before proceeding on the full hiring process, you need to know what type of expertise you need to require. If you’re technically savvy, you can skip this section. However, you can still go over the list below to organize your thoughts. 

• Get a recommendation or advise 

You can start by visiting blogs that look pleasing to your eyes. If you feel that the style fits your design requirements, find out how to reach the owner. Don’t be shy to contact the website owner and compliment the site’s design. Next, you can ask for advice or freelancer recommendations to make your search easier. 

• Leave technicality to the experts.

If you’re not tech-savvy, don’t stress about the technical terms and programming languages. Try to create a job post with detailed requirements and reference photos regarding the creative path you want the freelancer to take. Leave the technical architecture to your professional freelance programmer. 

#2 Familiarize Yourself with Developer Types

Currently, there are at least 700 programming languages available. So if you have no idea what you’re looking for, you can familiarize yourself with what freelance programmers use today.  

Programming Language

• JavaScript
• Python
• C/C++
• JAVA

Frontend Framework

• React
• Angular
• Vue.js

Backend Framework

• Express 
• Django
• Ruby on Rails

Content Management System (CMS)

• WordPress
• Joomla
• Drupal

eCommerce 

• WooCommerce 
• Shopify 
• Magento

#3 Fact Check

In this digital age, both freelancers and clients need to protect themselves. Always conduct a fact check on the freelance programmers interested in your job post. However, before posting on a freelancing website, you can ask for referrals from your friends and colleagues. This approach can be more reliable and efficient. 

#4 Build Test Assignment

In your quest to hire a freelance programmer, there’s a high chance that you’ll encounter rotten eggs. Most of the time, actions speak louder than resumes, so it’s time to create yourself a test assignment. It doesn’t have to be imaginary. You can select a small portion from your list of requirements and ask them to submit their output within two to three days.  

Test Assignment Checklist

As you build the necessary components of your test assignment to prove programming skills, you also need to make sure: 

• Ability to complete tests on or before the time limit
• Availability of necessary development tools relevant to your requirements
• Clear communications skills (verbal and written)
• Working hours. Is your programmer available within certain hours needed? You need to ask if he/she is willing to work in your time zone for efficient communication. 

#5 Job Post on Various Freelance Platforms

On your job post, make sure to add “with test assignment” on the title of your post. Next, always add keywords on the last part of your post to make interested freelancers thoroughly read it. You can require to either add the keyword on the subject or the first line of their application. By doing this, you can pinpoint applicants who bothered to read the whole requirement before proceeding. 

Also, be sure your potential freelance programmer to submit at least 3 sample work or a portfolio. This will help you double-check their credibility as a programmer. As much as possible, it’s better to utilize famous freelancing websites to get more job applications. Here are some of the most popular freelancing websites:

• Upwork
• Toptal
• Upstack

#6 Compare and Contrast Test Outputs

Like I told you, the hiring process takes a lot of work. You need to choose your preferred outputs. In a few days, you’ll receive a pile of offers. You can immediately disqualify the applicants who missed your keyword instruction. We don’t want a programmer who misses details. 

As you review the applicants, make sure to note programmers with positive reviews on their profile. Next, you can consider inviting the top two or one applicants that you prefer the most. You can add some follow-up questions through the website to get a better feel if you’re compatible with working with a potential freelancer. 

#7 Hire a Freelance Programmer

Most freelancers are familiar with screen-sharing applications to demonstrate their solution to the test if required. You can suggest using Zoom, Skype, or Join.me. As much as possible, do a video chat interview so you can see their working environment. It would help to know that freelance programmer’s hourly rate ranges from $15 to $100 per hour, depending on your requirements.