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Ask HN: How to hire a developer?

6 points by matthewhughes ↗ HN
I need to hire a developer soon.

I'm hoping to get some feedback from this community on how best to recruit a developer...

A few questions for developers:

- What specific information do you want from someone you're considering working with?

- If I am not sure which programming language the project will require what is the best way to communicate the scope and details of the project?

- What incentives do you look for in a project?

- What should I avoid in the recruiting process?

- Any other words of advice?

Answers to any or all of these questions is appreciated.

Thanks -

16 comments

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bmelton
Is this going to be your first developer?

Who is your customer audience?

Do you expect your programmer to be customer-facing in any way?

Are you paying market rate, or a reduced rate + equity, or strictly equity-based? Are you willing to consider any of these options for the right developer?

matthewhughes
No, this will be the second time I've hired.

(I would hire my previous developer again but he recently had a kid and started an intense full time job. So he's out.)

Customer audience is sports-related - coaches in particular.

Customer facing insofar that we'll likely want to raise some money and I'd like this person involved in that process. But not necessarily to attend directly to customer inquiries.

In my mind, a reduced rate + equity would be ideal. I don't want anyone going hungry during the ramping up process but at the same time I'd like them to take ownership and be emotionally invested in the project.

I am willing to consider all of options for the right person.

mikejarema
Customer facing insofar that we'll likely want to raise some money and I'd like this person involved in that process

Sounds like the role is more than just as a developer, but someone who desirably is a long term part of the business and its growth.

I think the parameters slightly change for this type of position. In your shoes I would pitch the vision & culture you're trying to nurture as much as the technical challenges and career advancement that would come out of it.

matthewhughes
It definitely could be more than 'just' a developer role.

As I mentioned in another comment, I'd love to have someone that takes ownership (literally and figuratively) for the project.

That's good advice about pitching the vision and culture - I'll do that for sure.

thar2012
Matthew, Let me know your mail id or send me email at saathi@gmail.com. I am a developer and I will able to help you.
bmelton
Sorry you lost your developer. That sucks. I take it that was for an old project (since you said that language and tech were open, I'm assuming no existing code base.)

That said, the only thing I'd really advise against are things like oDesk and their ilk. You might find good talent there, and I know people have had good success, but in every success story I hear, they all start with "Well, I had to fire 8 guys before I found this one."

As for hiring, there are of course the monthly "Looking to hire / Looking for freelancer" threads on here that are generally gold for getting qualified candidates.

Where are you located? Do you need your person to be close? Are you in a tech hub (like SF, NYC, vs. say, Des Moines [I assume?]) If so, craigslist might work as a way to get the resumes to start coming in.

Ideally, you'd want to look for someone with previous startup experience.

Uhhh, there's more, but my mind just blanked. I'll come back as I think of anything else relevant.

matthewhughes
Yeah, he's a friend and very good at what he does. We worked together over a year ago. I've been talking to him for awhile about this new project but he's just too busy. I understand. Life gets in the way sometimes.

Good to know about oDesk and the like.

I am located in Bend, Oregon but moving (back) to the Bay Area very soon. So I will obviously be in a developer-rich area. (My friend/developer is located in SF.)

Thanks for your advice - it's much appreciated.

bmelton
Is your friend able to help screen interview applicants? I'd get him involved as much as he's able to help, even if it's just filtering out the obnoxiously underqualified resumes at first.
matthewhughes
I'm sure he'd be willing to help - I'll ask him.

Good idea.

michaelpinto
Your real problem isn't how to hire, your core problem is "what is the best way to communicate the scope and details of the project?" If you're asking this question it sounds like you don't have a specification or a prototype: If that's the case it's a good idea do to that step first before hiring a developer.
matthewhughes
I have a concept and am working on building some very rudimentary wireframes but unfortunately I need help building a working prototype.

Edit: hopefully that won't sink me.

michaelpinto
I would finish the wireframes, make them as detailed as you can -- and then talk to a few developers. It might be a good idea to work with someone with UI/UX experience if you feel like your own wireframes are too fuzzy.
matthewhughes
That's good advice - I'll definitely include UI/UX experience on my want/need list.

Thanks -

matthewhughes
Thank you to everyone that chimed in so far - much appreciated.