Guide to Hiring and Using Offshore Developers
Guide to Hiring and Using Offshore Developers
Guide to Hiring and Using Offshore Developers
Table of Contents
Introduction
Definition of Offshore Developers
First things first, let us define what offshore developers are. An offshore developer is a developer hired by a business to create software solutions. But they aren’t part of the company, so they may work from wherever they are based. They can either be freelance developers or work for a company that offers software development offshore services. You can hire them for a particular project or on an ongoing basis. This is great for businesses that want to get a hold of a wider range of talent than they might have locally.
There are many benefits to hiring offshore developers, such as:
1. Cost Savings
One of the biggest advantages of offshoring is the potential cost savings. Through it, businesses won’t need to worry about providing employee benefits, office space, or other overhead costs.
2. Access to Talent
3. Flexibility
Offshore software development also gives businesses access to a wider talent pool from all around the world. This is especially helpful for businesses in areas where talent is hard to find.
4. Focus on Core Competencies
Reasons to consider offshore development work
Apart from clear economical benefits and the opportunity to tap into a global pool of talent, offshore development can be beneficial for businesses with these priorities in mind:
You need dedicated developers
Committed, long-term developers are so much better than short-term ones for several reasons: cost-effectiveness, reliability, their familiarity with your project among many others. If you’ve ever dealt with short-term employees you’ll know the hassle and costs that come with having to find replacements, training, and other issues that come up again and again with short-term hiring.
Determining Your Needs
Now that you’re familiar with what offshore is and what is involved in offshore software development, it’s time to take the first step in actually doing it!
These means:
Identifying the type of development work you need
Website development
Mobile app development
Complex software system development
Determining the skills and experience required for the project
- The specific type of development work you need – Of course, you want a developer with experience in the specific types of development work you need. For example, if you’re looking to build a mobile app, you’ll want to find developers who have experience in mobile app development.
- The programming language – You also want a developer who is adept at using the programming language required for the development work.
- The developer’s role in the project – Do you need a team leader, a senior developer, or a junior developer? A front-end developer, back-end developer, UX engineer, or DevOps engineer? Determine what role or roles you need for your project.
- The developer’s level of expertise in the specific industry related to your business – This will help ensure that they understand the unique needs and requirements of your industry and can create a software solution that meets those needs.
- The developer’s soft skills – Apart from relevant technical skills and experience, you want a developer who has good communication skills and can work collaboratively with your team. Effective communication is key to ensuring that the software development work meets your needs and is delivered on time and budget.
There are many other factors you need to consider when deciding what developer you need, but these are among the most important.
Creating a project scope and timeline
Next, you need to create a project scope and timeline. To do so, follow these steps:
Step 1: Define your project scope
The project scope is essentially the work that needs to be done to complete the project. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and what features or functionalities you want to include in your software project. This will help you to avoid scope creep, which is when the project expands beyond its original goals and budget.
To define your project scope, start by creating a list of all the features and functionalities you want to include in your software project. You can then prioritize the items on the list, and identify which are essential and which are nice-to-have features. Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can start to work on your project timeline.
Step 2: Develop your project timeline
Creating a project timeline is an important step in managing a software project. It’s important to have a clear idea of the timeframes for each stage of the project, so you can monitor progress and make adjustments if necessary. Here are some steps to help you develop your project timeline:
- Break the project down into smaller tasks: Divide your project into smaller tasks or milestones that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. This will help you to manage the project more effectively
- Estimate the time needed for each task: Estimate the time needed for each task, and be realistic about the time required. It’s better to overestimate than to underestimate, as this will help you to avoid delays and ensure that your project is delivered on time.
- Identify dependencies: Identify any tasks that are dependent on other tasks, and make sure that you allow enough time for each task to be completed
- Allocate resources: Make sure that you have the necessary resources, such as staff and equipment, to complete each task on time.
- Build in contingency time: Allow extra time for unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the project.
Step 3: Communicate with your team
Communication is key when it comes to managing a software project. Make sure that you communicate regularly with your team to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. (More on this later!)
Finding Offshore Developers
Identifying potential offshore companies or freelance developers
- When choosing to work with an offshore software development company, it’s essential to do your due diligence and research the company’s reputation, expertise, and experience. Look for reviews and feedback from other clients, as well as case studies and examples of their work. It’s also essential to establish clear communication channels and set expectations upfront, including project timelines, milestones, and budgets. A reputable offshore development company should be transparent about its processes and be willing to work closely with you to ensure that your project is a success.
On the other hand, when hiring freelance developers online, you need to be even more careful as you won’t have the security of a company’s reputation and experience to rely on. Look for developers with strong portfolios and positive reviews from previous clients. Be sure to ask for references and to conduct a thorough interview to assess their skills, communication abilities, and work ethic. It’s also important to set clear expectations and establish a payment plan that protects both you and the developer.
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Evaluating Offshore Developers
Assessing the developer’s skills and experience
- Review their portfolio: Start by reviewing the candidate’s portfolio of past projects. This should give you a sense of their areas of expertise, the types of projects they have worked on, and the quality of their work. Look for examples that are relevant to your project, and pay attention to the level of detail and professionalism in their work.
- Ask for references: Ask the candidate to provide references from past clients or employers. Contact these references and ask about their experience working with the candidate. Were they satisfied with the quality of the work? Did the candidate meet deadlines and communicate effectively?
- Conduct a technical interview: Conduct a technical interview to assess the candidate’s skills and qualifications. This can include asking them to solve coding problems or to explain their approach to a specific project. Look for candidates who are knowledgeable, confident, and able to articulate their thought processes.
Check for certifications and education: Check the candidate’s certifications and education to ensure that they have the necessary qualifications for your project. This can include degrees in computer science, relevant certifications, or specific training in the programming languages or frameworks required for your project.
Evaluating the developer’s communication skills and responsiveness
- Waterfall: The Waterfall methodology is a linear approach to software development, where each phase of the project must be completed before moving on to the next. This approach can be useful for projects where the requirements are well-defined and there is little need for flexibility. However, it can be challenging to make changes once a phase has been completed, and this can lead to delays and cost overruns.
- Agile: Agile methodologies are based on the principles of flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Agile development teams work in short sprints, with each sprint producing a working prototype of the software. This approach allows for more flexibility and can help teams adapt to changes in requirements. However, it can be challenging to manage larger teams or projects using an Agile approach.
- Scrum: Scrum is a specific type of Agile methodology that focuses on collaboration and communication between team members. Scrum teams work in sprints, with daily stand-up meetings to discuss progress and identify any roadblocks. Scrum can be particularly effective for complex projects with changing requirements, as it allows teams to adapt quickly and work together more effectively.
- DevOps: DevOps is a methodology that combines software development with operations. It emphasizes automation, collaboration, and continuous delivery, to improve efficiency and reduce time-to-market. DevOps can be particularly effective for large-scale projects, as it allows teams to work together more effectively and identify issues early on.
Understanding the developer’s work process and methodologies
- Communication skills: Communication is key to any successful project. Evaluate a potential developer’s communication skills by looking at their past projects and asking for references. Did they communicate effectively with their team and clients? Were they responsive to feedback and able to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely?Good communication skills are vital for ensuring that your project runs smoothly.
- Responsiveness: When offshore software development, it’s important to have a developer who is responsive and can provide timely updates on the progress of your project. Test a potential developer’s responsiveness by sending them an email or message and see how quickly they respond. A developer who is slow to respond may not be the best fit for your project.
- Problem-solving skills: Software development is all about problem-solving. Look for a developer who has a track record of solving complex problems and coming up with creative solutions. Ask them about their problem-solving process and how they approach challenging tasks. A developer who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions will be an asset to your project.
- Teamwork: In software development, teamwork is essential for success. A developer who can work well with others and collaborate effectively will help ensure that your project runs smoothly. Ask potential developers about their experience working on team projects and how they handle conflicts or disagreements with team members.
When choosing a methodology, it’s important to consider the project’s specific needs and requirements. By choosing the right methodology and approach, software development teams can increase their chances of success and deliver high-quality software on time and within budget.
Managing Offshore Developers
Establishing clear communication channels and expectations
Communication Channels:
Email
Instant Messaging
Video Conferencing
Project Management Tools
Best Practices:
- Establish Clear Communication Channels: Define the communication channels that will be used to communicate with offshore developers and ensure that both parties have access to them. Clarify the purpose of each channel and the expected response times.
- Set Communication Guidelines: Establish communication guidelines that outline when and how communication should take place. For example, establish a protocol for responding to emails and messages, and define the frequency of virtual meetings.
- Provide Detailed Project Requirements: Provide clear and detailed project requirements to offshore developers. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is completed to the desired specifications.
- Foster a Collaborative Environment: Create a collaborative environment where offshore developers feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback. Encourage regular check-ins to ensure that everyone is on track and that any issues are addressed promptly.
- Practice Active Listening: When communicating with offshore developers, practice active listening by paying close attention to what they are saying, asking questions for clarification, and summarizing key points. This will help to ensure that everyone is understood and that misunderstandings are minimized.
Setting project milestones and deadlines
- Clearly Define Project Scope and Requirements: This will help you and your offshore developers to understand the project goals, deliverables, and timeline. Ensure that everyone is on the same page before setting any deadlines or milestones.
- Involve the Development Team in the Planning Process: It is essential to involve the development team in the planning process. This way, they can provide input on the feasibility of the project timeline and milestones. They can also identify potential roadblocks and suggest solutions to mitigate them. When the development team is involved in the planning process, they will have a sense of ownership and responsibility for the project’s success.
- Set Realistic Deadlines and Milestones: Setting unrealistic deadlines and milestones can be counterproductive and demotivating for the development team. Ensure that you set realistic deadlines and milestones based on the project scope, complexity, and the team’s capacity. This will help the development team to stay focused and motivated throughout the project.
Managing the project and tracking progress
When to Track Progress
How to Track Progress
Regular Check-Ins
Use Project Management Tools
Review Deliverables
Request Progress Reports
Maintaining a Positive Relationship
- Communicate regularly – As we’ve mentioned previously, communication is key when it comes to managing an offshore software development team, or any team for that matter. Encourage regular check-ins to track progress and discuss any issues or concerns.
- Provide feedback and constructive criticism – Provide input, and at the same time be open to it. Receiving and acting on feedback is one of the quickest and most effective ways you can improve as a team.
- Foster trust and collaboration – Encourage open communication, and create a collaborative work environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. Celebrate milestones and project successes to reinforce a positive working relationship.
- Treat the development team as partners – Because hey, that is what they are! They are your partners in building up your vision and achieving your goals. Respect their expertise and give them the autonomy to make technical decisions. Provide regular feedback and express gratitude for their hard work and dedication. Showing appreciation for their efforts can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.
Building a long-term relationship with the offshore developer
- They have a solid knowledge base of your project. These employees have gained an in-depth understanding of your project, including what works and what doesn’t, common challenges, and expectations. They are well-versed in your company’s culture, products, and services, allowing for higher productivity and better performance.
- Keeping long-term employees is cost-effective. Employee turnover can result in severance packages, unemployment compensation, administrative tasks, advertising costs, and more. Retaining employees can save your company money and resources.
- Long-term employees bring stability to your company. They project an image of stability to customers and other employees. When working on a project, it’s preferable to have developers or other team members who will stay with you throughout the project timeline and beyond. This ensures that the project stays on track and is completed successfully.
- Reliability. Long-term employees can take on more complex tasks that involve sensitive data, which short-term employees may not be able to handle. Long-term employees can also help new employees adjust more quickly and may even inspire them to become long-term employees themselves. With long-term employees, you’re also more likely to develop close customer relationships, as they can work with the same customers over a long period.
How it works
With CoDev, finding, screening, and retaining offshore developers on your team is easy.
Conclusion
As a small to medium-sized business, finding and hiring software developers can be daunting. This is where offshoring can be a game-changer, providing access to a global talent pool of highly skilled developers at a reasonable price.
To make the most of offshoring, it’s essential to determine your development needs and find the right developer for your project. This can involve assessing the required skill set, experience, and cultural fit, as well as considering factors like time zone and communication.
Once you’ve identified potential offshore developers, it’s crucial to evaluate them thoroughly. This can involve checking their references, reviewing their portfolios and code samples, and conducting technical tests or interviews. It’s also important to establish clear expectations and communication channels upfront to ensure a successful collaboration.
Managing offshore developers requires ongoing communication and feedback, as well as tracking progress and ensuring deadlines are met. This can involve using project management tools, holding regular meetings, and fostering a collaborative and respectful working relationship.
Overall, offshore can provide significant benefits for small to medium-sized businesses looking to hire software developers quickly and cost-effectively. By taking the time to determine your development needs, find the right developer, and manage them effectively, you can reap the rewards of a successful offshore partnership.
At CoDev, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality offshore development services tailored to our client’s needs. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you find and manage offshore developers, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be happy to chat with you about your project and see how we can assist.
And if you found this document useful, please feel free to share it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts about it. Please let us know by sending us an email at contact@codev.com.
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