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Top five tips to hiring a Web Developer

Hiring a Web Developer can be hard work for companies of all sizes. For smaller businesses where there isn’t a dedicated recruitment resource it can prove expensive and time consuming, especially sourcing a web developer where demand often outstrips supply.

Anthony Sherick who set up www.webdeveloperjobs.co.uk gives us the top five tips to help small businesses hire a web developer successfully:

1. Consider Hiring a Contractor. Contractors are often easier to source than permanent staff as the IT market has a high volume of IT professionals that have chosen to go contracting. Especially if there is a specific project and the requirement is short term then a contractor may be for you.  They are likely to be more expensive on a like for like basis than an employee as they will get paid a daily rate.  They will invoice you via their own limited company so no need to set them up on the payroll.  A contractor by default should also be able to hit the ground running as you are paying for specific existing skills. A full guide on Hiring a Contractor can be found here.

2. The Hiring Process. Developers are not often job seeking for long.  Therefore forget the old ethos of “Let’s wait for five or six CV’s” or “I can make an interview in three weeks time”. If you have a good developer CV act quickly – in terms of getting in touch, arranging an interview and offering. With developers in such demand they are likely to be in contact with multiple recruiters. Don’t waste time and be agile in your hiring process. Some people will say hire slow – fire fast. However there is no reason why you shouldn’t hire fast – it is about making the time to meet candidates quickly and making quick decisions.

3. Routes to Market. There are so many routes to sourcing candidates – primarily through recruitment agencies or jobsites. If you can get referrals through your own network or your employee’s network that is ideal. Otherwise it is advised to use specialist sites that target developers such as webdeveloperjobs.co.uk or broader IT jobsites.

4. Sell your company. The Employer Brand. Again due to the demand of developers in the UK job market it isn’t the case that developers will be desperate to join your company. You have to sell them the micro perspective and macro perspective.  Micro is what they will be working on day to day – the technology, the work, what they will be developing and who they will be working with. Macro is the growth and vision of the company. What they will be contributing to overall. This would also include the material part of their job – their work environment and the company benefits.  The importance of your employer brand is hugely underestimated and very important so that individuals can see themselves attached to your brand and working in your environment.

5. Money & Benefits. This is a crude incentive but ultimately the most attractive. Smaller businesses can compete for the top talent through a flexible approach to salary compared to bigger businesses. But it is also the overall package – performance bonuses, profit bonuses, stock options. Also maybe pensions, healthcare etc. Additionally some benefits have real important value to workers such as flexible working hours, working at home etc.

For small businesses it can often be difficult to source and attract Web Developers or Software Developers.  Competing with big businesses when demand is limited is difficult. But don’t be put off. There is so much passion in small businesses, great working environments and opportunities for developers to take ownership and really make a difference.

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