Hiring Software Developers: On-Site vs. Remote

Finding and hiring the right software developer can sometimes feel like you’ve entered a game show where you’re blindfolded, spun around, and asked to pin the tail on the unicorn. It’s not just you though. In fact, according to Indeed’s tech talent survey, 86% of participants echo the sentiment that hiring tech talent is tricky. Talent shortages, high competition, lofty salary rates, and the struggle to find local candidates — it’s like running a marathon where they keep moving the finish line.

The good news is, with a well-thought-out strategy, you can turn this game into a victory dance and we’re here to help.

We’ll explore the best places to hire software developers for your business, considering non-traditional alternatives. We’ll also take you through practical tips that have proven successful in helping us identify and hire exceptional technical talent for our clients for over 10 years. 

The Software Developer Dilemma

Should you hire software developers on-site or remotely? It’s a strategic choice that extends beyond mere logistics, intrinsically impacting project management, cost considerations, and overall business operations.

Making the right decision is key, as it not only determines the talent pool you have access to but also shapes your team’s work culture. Let’s get into the pros and cons of each approach, and see what suits you best.

On-Site Hiring: Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Immediate Collaboration: On-site developers foster immediate face-to-face collaboration, facilitating quicker problem-solving and idea-sharing.
2. Cultural Integration: They seamlessly integrate into your company’s culture, enhancing team cohesion.
3. Structured Work Environment: On-site developers thrive in structured office environments, ensuring accountability and productivity.

Cons

1. Limited Talent Pool: You might have a restricted pool of local talent, limiting your options.
2. Higher Costs: On-site developers often come with higher salary expectations and overhead costs.
3. Geographical Limitations: Your talent search is limited to your geographical location.

Remote Hiring: Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Access to Global Talent: Remote hiring provides access to a worldwide talent pool, ensuring you find the best fit for your project.
2. Cost Savings: Reduced overhead costs, such as office space and utilities, translate to significant cost savings.
3. Flexible Work Environment: Developers can work in their preferred environments, potentially increasing job satisfaction and productivity.

Cons

1. Communication Challenges: Managing remote teams may require additional effort to maintain effective communication.
2. Time Zone Differences: Working across time zones can pose challenges in scheduling meetings and collaboration.
3. Cultural Differences: Differences in work culture and time management may need addressing.

How to Choose the Right Option

The decision between on-site and remote hiring depends on your business and specific needs. To make the right choice, consider the following factors:

1. Project Requirements

Identify whether your project demands constant, real-time collaboration or allows for more independent work.

2. Budget

Evaluate your budget constraints and consider whether the cost savings of remote hiring align with your financial goals.

3. Talent Availability

Assess the availability of local talent versus the global talent pool.

4. Technology Stack

Consider your project’s technology stack and whether remote developers can effectively work with it.

Where to Start Recruiting Software Developers in 2023?

One of the hardest aspects of hiring software specialists relies on the “where.” 

Traditional recruitment can be successful when you have a solid network, database, and a flexible budget. But if your business is expanding and you have zero tech background, seeking cost-effective solutions that enable access to a vast talent pool of 28.9 million software engineers in the market becomes imperative for hiring the best possible candidates.

Tech-Focused Recruitment Agencies and Talent Marketplaces

1. DistantJob

DistantJob is a specialized IT recruitment agency that focuses on headhunting world-class developers that not only match companies’ technical requirements but also adapt to their values and culture seamlessly. 

What makes DistantJob one of a kind is that besides their “no freelancers, no consultants, and no outsourcers” policy that give companies full management, they focus on helping companies hire career-driven specialists and support them through all the hiring stages – from sourcing to onboarding and documentation. 

How does it work?

1. Fill out the company’s form (or directly contact them).
2. DistantJob analyzes your company and sets a call to understand your culture and what type of specialist you’re looking for. 
3. In two weeks, you’ll receive the top 3-5 candidates that match all your requirements. 
4. You review the candidates and start the interviewing process.
5. Once you select the candidate, DistantJob handles the contracts and payments from the first step – as well as the legal steps needed to protect your IP.

2. Toptal

Toptal is a global talent marketplace that initially started connecting companies with software developers and engineers. Now, it has expanded its services, including design, finance experts, and product and project managers. 

The platform also facilitates contracting processes, ensuring secure financial transactions, setting deadlines and mediating disputes to protect the interests of both freelancers and clients. 

How does it work?

1. You submit your project details, including requirements and specifications such as skills, expertise needed, project duration, etc.
2. Toptal team identifies and provides you with a list of pre-vetted freelancers. 
3. You interview and asses candidates’ technical skills, problem-solving abilities and culture fit.
4. Once you selected a candidate, Toptal assisted you with contract facilitation.
5. The platform also offers ongoing support if any issues or conflicts arise. 

3. Gun.io

Gun.io is an online platform that helps companies hire freelance developers. It acts as an intermediary, facilitating the hiring of tech specialists for specific projects. The platform provides access to top talent and aims to simplify the hiring process. 

The platform streamlines the hiring process by providing personalized matching and offers project management support, assisting companies in finding the right candidate.

How does it work?

1. Project submission – you define your budget, skills, geographic requirements and project outline. 
2.  Gun.io’s talent team reviews the project and starts the matching process.
3. You start with the interviewing process, where you meet the candidates and assess them.
4. Once you selected a suitable candidate, Gun-io facilitates setting up the contract, ensuring both parties agree on project terms, deliverables, compensation, and more.
5. Payment – Gun.io handles the financial aspect of the engagement using escrow services to securely hold funds until the agreed-upon milestones or deliverables are met. 

4. Arc

Arc.dev is an online platform that pairs global developers with tech companies hiring remotely. The company offers a simple process that takes away the need to outreach, publish job ads, and screen resumes.

Arc also offers an AI system where you chat with HireAI to view and identify your top matches from a global pool of 250,000+ developers. Depending on your needs, you can choose between hiring freelance developers or full-time developers. 

How does it work?

1. You make a request detailing your needs and what type of professional you’re looking for (including experience, skills, budget, etc.)
2. Arc will send you a list of potential candidates that match your requests.
3. Choose what candidates to interview and start the evaluation process.
4. Make an offer.
5. Arc will handle all the paperwork and documentation needed.

Tech Online Job Boards and Platforms

5. Dice

Dice is an online job board and networking platform focusing on tech specialists, such as software developers. The platform offers valuable features like employer branding, resume alerts, and applicant tracking, which makes it a reputable source for hiring tech talent. 

How does their process work? 

1. Create an employer account
2. Define job requirements (Skills, experience level, qualifications, etc.)
3. Post job listings (make sure to include detailed job descriptions and requirements)
4. Search and filter resumes
5. Review and evaluate candidates
6. Conduct interviews and assessments
7. Make an offer 

6. AngelList

If you’re a startup looking for software developers, AngelList might be the place for you. This platform connects startups, investors, and job seekers in the tech industry. 

It serves as a marketplace for startups to find talent and for job seekers, including software developers, to discover employment opportunities in the startup ecosystem.

How does it work? 

1. Create your startup’s profile (Provide information about your company, its mission, team, etc.)
2. Post job listings (with the job listing feature, you can create and publish job postings targeting software developers, defining requirements and skills)
3. Review candidate applications
4. Conduct interviews and assessments
5. Extend offers
6. Connect with the AngelList community (you can engage with other founders and investors and expand your network) 

7. Hired

Hired is an online platform that connects companies with tech and sales candidates. It has features that allow recruiters to have access to unbiased insights, DEI tools, sourcing services, tech skill assessments, and more. 

The platform offers a streamlined process for companies looking to hire full-time or freelance developers.

How does it work? 

1. Create your company’s profile, adding your mission and values
2. Add your open positions (get specific with skills and experience)
3. Hired will deliver precise matches to your inbox 
4. Review potential candidates
5. Send personalized interview requests to your favorite matches
6. Interview and evaluate
7. Make an offer

Industry Conferences, Hackathons, and Tech Meetups

8. TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt is an annual conference and startup competition organized by TechCrunch, a leading technology media publication. The conference brings together entrepreneurs, tech specialists, and technology enthusiasts from around the world. 

TechCrunch Disrupt is a great place to meet potential candidates as it provides solid networking opportunities, allowing you to connect directly with developers that are experts in their respective fields. 

When and where is the conference taking place? This year TechCrunch Disrupt will take place in San Francisco from Sep 19 to 21. 

9. HackMIT

HackMIT is an annual hackathon event organized by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) where thousands of students from all over the world come together to collaborate, innovate and build creative solutions to real problems in a limited time frame. 

The event provides great networking opportunities that can lead to potential hires for your company. 

When and where is the conference taking place? The HackMIT event is on the MITs campus on September 16 and 17. 

10. Meetup

Meetup is a platform that facilities organizing and attending in-person or virtual events based on shared interests. It brings people together around specific topics, hobbies, or professional interests, allowing them to form communities and connect with like-minded individuals.

Meetups often include tech talks, coding challenges, and interactive workshops that allow you to assess the skills and knowledge of developers.

Additionally, these events attract both active job-seeking developers and passive candidates, so you might have the chance to engage with highly skilled developers that are often not visible on traditional job boards. 

How do Meetups work? You create an account and set your interests and preferences, so Meetup can suggest relevant upcoming events. You then choose what events you’re interested in attending (The cost will depend on the event). 

Open-Source Communities and Developer Forums

11. Apache Software Foundation

The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that provides support for open-source software projects. It hosts different types of projects that include Apache HTTP Server, Apache Hadoop, Apache Kafka, and many others.

The Foundation attracts a community of highly skilled and experienced developers who actively contribute to various projects, which gives you a chance to connect with potential candidates. 

How does ASF work? By visiting their website, you can join the community and glance through the active projects and events taking place. 

12. Python Software Foundation

The Python Software Foundation (PSF) is a non-profit organization that serves as the steward of the Python programming language. It supports the development and promotion of Python, manages its intellectual property, and fosters the Python community. 

The PSF attracts a passionate and dedicated community of Python developers, so engaging in the community can be a great strategy to connect with Python experts who have demonstrated skills through contributions and involvement in the community. 

How does PSF work? By actively participating in the Python community, your business can establish a presence and network with developers. Additionally, the foundation provides a job board section to post job opportunities and announcements related to Python development. Additionally, businesses can network through the different conferences and events announced on the website. 

13. Unity Forums

The Unity Forum is an online community platform dedicated to Unity, a popular game development engine. The forum serves as a gathering place for developers, artists, and enthusiasts who use Unity to create games, simulations, and other interactive experiences.

The platform offers discussion boards, resources, and support channels. If your team needs someone with specific expertise in using the Unity engine, one of the best places to start connecting with these professionals is in the forum. Here you’ll discover potential candidates with in-depth knowledge of Unity features, workflows, and best practices.

How does the Unity Forum work? Unity Forum allows businesses to post job openings and hiring announcements on the job board section or relevant discussion threads. Additionally, developers often showcase their skills and projects through posts, portfolios or shared resources, which makes it easier for businesses to identify talent. 

Professional Networking Platforms and Developer Communities

14. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social networking platform designed for individuals and businesses to connect, network, and engage in professional interactions. 

Besides promoting your business and building brand visibility, you can connect with software developers on Linkedin and start building a database of potential candidates. You’ll be able to view their profiles and their experience and even check recommendations or comments from people who previously worked with them. 

How does LinkedIn work? You create your account (both for your business and personal account), adding details such as your experience, what you do, etc. Think of it as an alternative to a resume. And then you “connect” with people you know and worked with before.

15. GitHub

GitHub is a web-based platform that allows developers to collaborate on software projects, manage code repositories, and track version control. Developers can host their code, collaborate with others through pull requests and code reviews and contribute to open-source projects.

The platform is a good place for businesses looking to hire software developers as it has a vast community of IT experts actively contributing to projects and, more importantly, showcasing their skills. 

How does GitHub work? You can search for developers based on specific technologies. You can also post job openings on the platform for those developers who are actively looking for opportunities. Additionally, by creating private repositories, you can securely collaborate with developers and share proprietary code within the platform. 

16. Stack Overflow

Stack Overflow is a popular online community and question-and-answer platform for software developers. It serves as a knowledge-sharing platform where developers ask questions, share insights, and collaborate on programming-related topics. 

For businesses in the recruitment process, Stack Overflow is a good place to find developers as it has an active community of tech professionals who showcase their knowledge through different discussions. 

How does Stack Overflow work? You can search for developers based on specific technologies or tags. You can view developers’ profiles, reputations, and areas of expertise. Additionally, the community also has a “Jobs” section where you can post job openings and reach out to those interested. 

Coding Bootcamps and Technology-Focused Educational Programs

17. General Assembly

General Assembly is an education and career transformation platform that offers various programs and courses that include coding bootcamps to individuals who want to enhance or learn technical skills. 

It is a good place to find software developers as it focuses on training individuals on relevant programming languages and technologies. Through the platform, businesses can connect with developers in hosting job affairs or attending networking events.

How does General Assembly work? You can collaborate with the platform through partnerships and sponsored projects, allowing you to assess their skills in action and potentially identify candidates for your hiring needs.

18. App Academy

App Academy is a coding bootcamp that offers intensive software development training programs.

App Academy provides businesses with access to a pool of graduates who are ready to enter the job market. These graduates have typically acquired knowledge of programming languages, frameworks, and tools commonly used in the industry, making them well-suited for entry-level software development roles.

How does App Academy work? By collaborating with App Academy, you can engage in sponsored projects, mentorship opportunities, or even participate in the recruitment process. This allows your business to gain deeper insights into candidates’ skills, work ethic, and cultural fit.

19. Flatiron School

Flatiron School is a coding bootcamp that offers immersive programs to individuals seeking careers in software development. It is a good place to find software developers because of its comprehensive curriculum, emphasis on practical skills, and job placement support.

The school’s programs cover a wide range of programming languages, frameworks, and tools, ensuring that graduates have a well-rounded skill set that aligns with industry needs.

How does Flatiron School work? Flatiron School provides job placement support to its graduates, including resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities. You can connect with Flatiron School graduates, assess their skills, and potentially hire them for software development needs.

Remote Work Platforms

20. Upwork

Upwork is an online freelancing platform that connects businesses with software developers and other professionals from around the world.

Businesses can create job postings on Upwork, specifying their requirements, project details, and desired skills. This allows businesses to attract software developers who match their specific needs.

How does Upwork work?

1. You create your business account
2. You post a job or project description that outlines the requirements and skills candidates should have
3. Upwork matches the descriptions with profiles of freelancers
4. You get a list of the most suitable candidates, and you select those you would like to move forward with.
5. You interview and evaluate the candidates.
6. Make the final offer based on the type of contract you establish with freelance developers (flat fee or hourly rate).

21. Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace where you can find and hire freelance software developers for various services. It offers a wide range of talented individuals who specialize in different programming languages and technologies.

You can browse through the profiles of software developers and see details about their skills, experience, and pricing. You can also read reviews and ratings from previous clients, giving them insights into the freelancer’s work quality and reliability. 

How does it work?

1. You create your business account.
2. You search for the required services. For example, “web application” or “Android application”
3. Fiverr will display a list of available freelancers where you can browse their portfolios and choose between different pricing packages.
4. Select the services, and click “Order Now.”

Practical Tips to Hire Software Developers Successfully

Finding the right software developer for your team can sometimes feel like a puzzle. It’s more than just reviewing resumes; it’s about understanding what your company needs and knowing how to spot the right talent. These easy-to-follow tips are lined up to help you hire successfully.

Start with The Basics

To streamline the hiring process, begin by clearly defining the software developer role you are looking to fill. Determine the specific technical skills, programming languages, and experience level required for the position. This precision will attract candidates who closely match your requirements, saving time and effort.

Here’s where you define what are your negotiables and non-negotiables. In other words, what skills, experience, and qualifications are a must-have? Which ones are non-mandatory?

Ditch Traditional Recruitment Methods

Traditional recruitment methods can be useful for certain roles. But for tech, where roles are harder to find, opting only for traditional methods can be a waste of time and resources.

By using different alternative methods like Hackathons or student competitions or the expertise of professional recruiters, hiring the right software developer can take just a matter of weeks. 

Involve Key Stakeholders in the Hiring Process

Don’t leave all the hiring and evaluation processes in the hands of HR or a single hiring manager. Involve other key stakeholders in the process. If you’re looking to fill the role of a CTO, for example, it’s key to see how they interact and collaborate with the tech team.

Involving other relevant team members in the evaluation process can help you decide more objectively to see what candidate is worth hiring. 

Take Advantage of the Global Market

If hiring locally isn’t working for you, expand your limits and hire globally. You can hire better talent, faster and at a much more affordable rate.

A common misconception of hiring remotely is that companies take advantage of the lower living costs to pay low salaries. While you pay lower salaries than in North America and other regions, you’re still paying a much higher salary than the average, so it’s a win-win for both sides.

Identify the Best Evaluation Methods Based on the Role

Focus on practical evaluation methods tailored to the specific requirements of the role. 

Incorporate coding assessments, technical interviews, and real-world scenario assessments to assess candidates’ practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

Here are some general examples of coding assessments: 

Kickstart Your Hiring Process

While building a reliable hiring process is always good advice when hiring software developers, nowadays, other alternatives and options can help you scale your IT team in no time.

By partnering up with experienced recruiters like us, you can expand your team globally and hire Silicon Valley-caliber developers in less than two weeks. You’ll have English-speaking candidates that work in your time zone and, most importantly, fit seamlessly into your company culture. Want to know more? Book a call today!

FAQ

Ihor Shcherbinin

Ihor, is the VP of Recruiting at DistantJob. He specializes in sourcing and placing top remote developers for North American companies. His expertise covers the entire recruiting cycle, from pinpointing job needs to finalizing hires. Known for his skill in remote staffing solutions and offshore team integration, Ihor excels in matching the best tech talents with U.S. organizations. His approach to virtual developer hiring is marked by insightful candidate selection and strategic offer negotiation, ensuring the right fit for every role.