Find and Hire Developers for a Startup: 2024 Guide

As a startup, finding and hiring the right developers is crucial to your success, especially given the unpredictable nature of startup longevity. In fact, statistics show that 70% of startups struggle between their third and fifth years, with a solid 25% attributing their downfall to bad hires. To avoid this, it's essential to bring on board software developers who align with your vision from the start.

Companies like Automattic, Slack, and WordPress demonstrate the significant impact of syncing with the right tech talent, sourced globally. Knowing where to look for talented developers and how to hire them is key to starting your journey toward success.

Take Automattic, for example, which employs a meticulous remote hiring process. The CEO personally reviews resumes and takes an active role in the hiring process, carefully selecting individuals who fit their vision. This hands-on approach has created a culture of excellence and propelled this startup to the forefront, with WordPress now powering over 40% of the web—all managed remotely. You can find some tips on how to hire remotely on Revelo's blog.

This success story underscores the importance of aligning with the right tech talent, showcasing how a blend of careful vetting and tapping into the global talent pool can elevate your startup’s success trajectory.

Here are seven essential steps to find and hire developers for your startup:

1. Define What You’re Building 

Before you start searching for developers, be clear about what your project is about. This means not just defining the technical aspects but also the mission and values driving it. Millennials, in particular, want to join organizations with a company culture they can believe in. Consider these basic questions to help guide you:

- What is my project about?

- Who are my target users? Mobile? Web?

- Why do I need a developer?

2. Prioritize Finding Talent 

When starting up a business, budgets can be tight, and the temptation to hire cheap instead of exceptional is strong. However, in 2020, the financial impact of poor software was estimated at over $2 trillion. You don’t want even a small part of that – hire well.

According to CareerBuilder, 74% of employers admit to hiring the wrong person for a position. The average cost of one bad hire is $15,000! Prioritizing finding developers for your startup means carefully looking at the best approaches and strategies that can lead you to hire a developer who is excited to work on your startup and has the necessary skills. Dedicate a significant amount of time to sourcing and recruiting candidates, whether through online platforms or coding events.

3. Understand the Technicalities 

Software development is nuanced. Don't write an unrealistic job description; be honest. If the role requires long hours of solo coding, there will be a developer who thinks they’ve just been offered a place in heaven. If it’s a multi-skilled role where they will be talking to clients, doing a little bit of tech support, and pitching in with product design, someone else will be excited about that. Be clear about the expectations, as hiring the wrong person can delay projects and destroy morale. If you’re not technical yourself, get support to help you define the role.

4. Prepare for the Interview 

Traditionally, companies test a programmer’s skills with whiteboards. However, these are no longer your best option, as they don't accurately measure a developer’s knowledge. Instead, consider giving candidates a small project to complete to see how well they perform. Keep in mind that finding developers for your startup isn't just about their skills and capabilities. It's also about their passion and the value they will bring to your team. Making good hires from the start will make scaling your startup easier.

5. Leverage Your Network 

Leveraging your network is an excellent way to find talented developers. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know anyone who might be a good fit for your team. Attend conferences and events in the industry to meet developers and get to know them better. You can also use online platforms like LinkedIn, AngelList, and GitHub to search for developers.

6. Leverage Social Media 

Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit can also be a great way to find developers. Use hashtags and keywords to search for developers who are talking about topics related to your project. Engage with them, share your project, and ask for their opinion. You never know, you might find your next developer this way!

7. Outsourcing

Finally, if you're struggling to find the right developer, consider outsourcing the job. Outsourcing gives you access to a global talent pool and can be a cost-effective way to get the job done. You can use platforms like Toptal to find freelance developers who can work on your project. Alternatively, you can hire a remote development team with NerdCloud in less than 72 hours.

In conclusion, finding and hiring the right developers is a crucial step toward startup success. By following these seven steps and being diligent in your search, you can find the best developers who will align with your vision and help take your startup to the next level.