Contract Hiring Mobile App Developers in 2024-25
In this digitally dependent world, one of the fastest-growing technologies is the introduction of mobile apps for brands. Businesses utilize apps to drive creation, quick access to information, customer communication, and engagement with the brand.
The growth rate of mobile-based applications is expected to be 14.3% from the year 2024 to 2030 – Grand View Research
This makes mobile app developers one of the most in-demand skills in the market. For a successful project, the presence of skilled professionals is essential and businesses are also inclined to hire app developers remotely. Read the complete guide and let’s reveal how contract hiring mobile app developers is beneficial for businesses.
Why is Contract Hiring Beneficial?
When to Hire Mobile App Developers on Contract and Not on Employment?
Identifying the Technology & Scope of Work for the Mobile App Project
Sources of Contract Hiring
Interviewing and Screening Candidates
Ideal Terms & Clauses for Contract Hiring
Setting up effective Remote Communication and Collaboration
Why is Contract Hiring Beneficial?
Contract work also commonly known as the gig economy is highly popular in the market. Businesses can easily fill the temporary skill gap in the company by indulging with contract workers on project to project basis.
However, the key aspect is that businesses should know when to opt. to hire remote app developers on a contract basis.
When to Hire Mobile App Developers on Contract and Not on Employment?
Project & Talent wise need only
If your project needs short-term assistance from a developer it’s best to hire contractors. And, if the requirements increase, you can scale up the work with the hired professional.
Organizations easily save money and resources by opting for contract developers instead of permanent employees. If you’ve tight budgets and short-term requirements, this would be the best option.
Requirement of a Specialized Skill
Contract developers are often specialized in one specific skill like React Native or Swift. When the project is dependent on one skill that you do not have in-house, then you can hire a professional from a pool of Talents who best fits your requirements.
Identifying the Technology & Scope of Work for the Mobile App Project
Before you start hiring mobile app developers, it’s critical to understand the scope of the app and project requirements in detail.
Understand the Problem the App solves and for whom
Perform market research to identify the need for an app among your target audience. Plan how the app is going to benefit the users and what is a list of problems that need to be solved via developing the app. The classic example could be the problem of consumer interaction. With the app’s introduction, a brand can promote more engagement and interaction with the target audience.
Understand the project requirements and related core features
Discuss with decision-makers what features the app must have for the users (the core feature and the differentiable features). Decide on the platforms the App will support (android, iOS, or both). You must also finalize project details beforehand like deliverables and deadlines.
Choose the right Technology Stack
Selecting the right technology stack sets the correct foundation for the app. Consider the purpose of the app while keeping the target audience in mind and select either a native or cross-platform stack.
1. Native Mobile App Development ensures optimal performance and ‘platform-specific’ capabilities.
iOS: Swift or Objective-C for programming, Xcode for development, UIKit for interface design.
Android: Kotlin or Java for programming, Android Studio for development, Android SDK for interface design.
2. Cross-Platform Mobile App Development ensures quick deployments, reusability of codes, and coverage of both platforms (Android & iOS).
React Native, Flutter, or Xamarin Frameworks offer the ability to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.
3. Other Tools, Libraries, and Databases to be identified might include Android Studio, Xcode, Firebase, Restful, SQLite, Room DB, SQL, MongoDB, Redux, etc.
Outline the Scope of Work & Document in detail
A well-defined scope of work sets the wheels in motion for an app development project. The clear SOW acts as a roadmap for the developer and client and reduces any chances of misunderstanding in the process.
Also well document the Team requirements, their roles & responsibilities, features & functionalities, tasks & deliverables, milestones & deadlines, expectations for UI/UX designs, testing guidelines, deployment & maintenance guidelines, etc.
Sources of Contract Hiring
Here are a bunch of options that one can select from to hire mobile app developers in 2024.
Leveraging Specialized Platforms,
There are freelance platforms available in the market like Upwork, and Fiverr, that have professional freelancers who can provide you with one-time developer services.
IT Agencies (B2B contract Hiring)
Consider hiring IT agencies like Sprybit that have a pool of talent who are not only pre-screened but also reliable for the project.
Ask in your Network, post on Facebook – LinkedIN – Reddit groups, reach out to Industry people, and ask for references.
Interviewing and Screening Candidates
Following a pre-decided screening process is essential to finding the right talent for your organization.
Review Past Work/Portfolio
Make sure to review the candidate’s portfolio related to the mobile development projects. Examine the projects that require similar skill sets as compared to your project and judge their proficiency. You can also inquire about those projects and codes to understand their level of knowledge.
Consider requesting some sample codes. The GutHub links can act as an excellent proof of skills. This step is necessary to make a calculated decision.
Screening of Technical Skill
Shortlisted candidates must be proficient in technical skills according to the project requirements. Hiring managers must conduct the right assessment that ensures the presence of skill expertise.
These assessments must be practical and should involve coding for varied purposes. With this, you can understand data structures and algorithm knowledge in the candidate.
Identify other important factors
Apart from technical skills, other non-technical factors are essential to be considered during the hiring process. Check the candidate’s communication skills to ensure they will be able to communicate their ideas and plans with other team members. Candidates must also possess problem-solving skills to navigate technical errors in codes if required.
There are multiple design principles for mobile apps to enhance user experience. Check if the app developer is aware of such technicalities to select the best possible resource for your project.
Ideal Terms & Clauses for Contract Hiring
Whether you are a newbie or an experienced professional; while contract hiring mobile app developers; the ideal terms to keep your data, time, money & idea safe remain an unmissable necessity.
Hiring from a Freelance Portal does check many boxes with their well-established policies and processes; which might be good but not always foolproof. Hiring freelancers directly or from IT Agencies engages us in co-building Terms & Conditions on mutual consensus or are pre-defined with our experience as a Vendor Compliance Policy. But, all-in-all, making sure that every safety measure for our Project is taken care of remains our sole responsibility.
Unlike full-time employees, one can’t pay to contract professionals every month. Select among a wide range of options like hourly-rate, and project-basis. Transparency from the very beginning will help smooth project completion.
Before starting the collaboration, clarity on IP i.e. intellectual property is essential. As in who is the owner of code, design, app interface, etc should be agreed on to avoid disputes in the future.
Confidential & Non-disclosure agreements
Once you allot work to these contract workers, you will be sharing confidential details of the company. Make an advance agreement and ask them to sign it before commencing the work.
Project Timeline & Quality Assurance Standards
Maintain the quality of the project by deciding in prior about project deadlines, submissions, and code quality in terms of programming languages.
State a prescribed reason for when can either of the parties end the agreement. This brings clarity to the table regarding moral, ethical and professional expectations your Organization has.
In rare cases, the client and candidate might go into a dispute that needs to be solved for the project’s betterment. Laying out steps to clear disputes and solve them will act as guidance in case it’s required.
It is important to outline the obligations & responsibilities of each party during any case of losses, damages and/or legal claims arising during the course of the project.
Governing Law & Governing Body
Involving government laws, rights, and bodies can help in resolving disputes and save the project’s future. This way both parties can come to the same conclusion under legal principles.
Setting up effective Remote Communication and Collaboration
Remote work culture creates room for misunderstanding and unclear targets. However, the issue can be tackled if there’s a pre-decided communication system planned. From work allotment to final project submission, an effective communication plan benefits all the parties involved in the project.
These can be achieved by establishing communication, collaboration & project management tools for your Project:
Inbuilt communication channels of Freelance Platforms
Organizations’ idea to hire mobile app developers on Contract is spreading like a forest fire. Businesses now have access to partner freelancers and contract workers for short periods with ideal skills, and reliable talent.
Before starting your journey on the same path, make sure to remain transparent and pre-decide the essential factors like payment, timelines, IP & communication; and finally proceed to give life to your mobile app.
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