Going by the tens of thousands of apps released on the Google Play Store monthly, the increasing demand for skilled Android developers is relatively easy to spot. To stand out, business owners want to give customers the mobile app experience, especially on Android, the most used mobile operating system. As such, they seek developers whose expertise goes beyond mere coding to include innovation and a deep understanding of the Android frameworks, platform, and its latest trends.
In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when hiring Android developers and assembling a team for project success. We will also discuss hiring skilled Android developers from reputable companies to provide bespoke services.
Tips for hiring Android developers
- Find relevant skills and experience: One of the essential tips for hiring Android developers is to evaluate their specializations and expertise in app development. Expectedly, developers with strong proficiency in Java, Kotlin, or both are the best choice because those are the required programming languages for Android development. But you must also consider their expertise and experience in building different categories of apps: web, cross-platform, and native.
Other essential skills to watch out for are:
- Their knowledge of Android SDK, APIs, and Android Studio
- Front-end development skills
- Back-end development skills. For the back-end, test their ability to integrate back-end services (e.g., Firebase or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)) and optimize app performance for efficient memory usage and network requests.
- Verify Their Availability and Commitment: The software development process is often fluid, and deadlines may be subject to frequent change. Despite this, Android developers should be able to demonstrate their task management skills and resource allocation strategies clearly. For example, suppose an Android app development takes three months. In that case, the developer should provide a detailed breakdown of milestones, development phases, and how they plan to allocate resources efficiently to meet the project’s objectives within the specified timeframe.
- Assess Their Communication Skills: You possibly don’t know all the technicalities that will be involved in your Android app development. Or, to put it simply, you may not understand how to translate the needs of the users of the apps into technical solutions. That should not hinder your ability to work effectively with the hired Android developer. Look for candidates who can communicate complex technical concepts clearly and understandably. This will be necessary for collaboration and efficient problem-solving throughout the development process.
- Evaluate Their Technical Knowledge: As briefly mentioned earlier, the most important technical skills to evaluate are knowledge of either Java or Kotlin, Android SDK, API integrations, use of Android Studio, Material Design and UI, and security. To assess the technical skills of Android developers, you can use online test assessments provided by platforms like TestGorilla and Neurowork. Alternatively, you can request candidates to provide a portfolio of their previous work for evaluation.
- Ask for References: When hiring Android developers, reference checks should not be overlooked. The tradition is to contact the previous employer. But if you cannot do that, you should try to do the following instead.
- Inquire about their contributions to online development communities. Do they have code repositories or contributed to open-source projects?
- Check online reviews or recommendations like LinkedIn, Upwork, or GitHub
- Examine their social media network.
- Consider Their Pricing and Contract Terms: When making an offer, go beyond oral agreement and put everything in writing. Contract terms may include deliverables termination responsibilities, developer responsibilities, areas of confidentiality, warranty, indemnification, force majeure, and so on. Discussing and negotiating the pricing structure upfront is important to avoid any surprises later in the development process. Fixed prices are usually the best because they eliminate uncertainty so that both parties clearly understand the project’s total cost from the outset.
Regardless, ensure that the pricing aligns with the scope and complexity of your Android app project. Here’s a template that can be adapted to your needs.
Why it is better to hire Android developers from a software development company
Cost-effectiveness: Hiring Android developers from a well-established company minimizes the risk of costly errors leading to project delays or additional expenses in post-launch maintenance. When there is an issue with the app or a requirement for scalable development resources, a company may find it easier to take full responsibility for allocating the right talent and delivering optimal results.
Furthermore, established companies often have a structured work environment and project management practices. This means your Android development project will be well-organized and progress smoothly, from user and market research to development and maintenance. Effective project management minimizes the chances of costly delays, reworks, and miscommunications, which can commonly occur when working with independent developers.
Unrivaled expertise: Larger organizations usually have a diverse talent pool, including developers with expertise in various domains, such as UI/UX design, front-end development, back-end development, cloud infrastructure, and quality assurance. Access to these diverse skills allows them to build Android applications that meet the highest functionality standards, user experience, and innovation.
Moreover, a well-established development company usually has a proven track record of delivering successful Android applications, and their developers undergo rigorous screening processes before being hired. Because of your unfamiliarity with technical skills, you may not be able to assess the skills of an independent Android developer properly. That’s not the case for software companies with established HR departments and specialized technical teams that vet potential hires.
Fast time-to-market: Faster app development is possible with access to a dedicated Android development team that applies agile methodology. Speed and quality converge this way: more than just the right frameworks and development platforms. With the combination of experienced developers, the proper framework, and the development platform, speed and quality can converge throughout the development process.
Summary
The tips here are suitable for early-stage startups and individuals with little or no technical knowledge of Android app development. Selecting the right Android developers for your project requires careful evaluation, clear communication, and informed decision-making. Implement these tips to build strong footing in the digital space.