Ask HN: How to hire a developer?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4112042

by matthewhughes • 14 years ago

6 16 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

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 -

bmelton3• 14 years ago

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?

matthewhughes8• 14 years ago

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• 14 years ago

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.

bmelton3• 14 years ago

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.

michaelpinto2• 14 years ago

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.

matthewhughes8• 14 years ago

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.

michaelpinto2• 14 years ago

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.

matthewhughes8• 14 years ago

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

deedubaya• 14 years ago

checkout reddit.com/r/forhire

Ask HN: How to hire a developer?

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