10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Software Developer for Your Business
Finding the right software developer can be the difference between a project that drives growth, and one that drains time, money, and energy. Whether you’re building a new digital product, automating internal processes, or developing a custom business solution, the person or team you choose needs to understand your goals as much as your code. Before you make your decision, here are 10 key questions every business should ask when hiring a software developer.
1. What experience do you have with projects like mine?
Every business is different, and so is every development project. Ask potential developers for examples of work similar to your own, whether that’s in your industry, using the same technologies, or solving comparable business challenges. Relevant experience is often the best predictor of success.
2. Which technologies and frameworks do you specialise in?
Understanding a developer’s tech stack helps you gauge whether their skills align with your project requirements. Look for developers who can explain why they’ve chosen certain technologies, not just what they use.
3. How do you approach project planning and communication?
Great code alone isn’t enough. Clear communication and a transparent process are essential to staying on schedule and within budget. Ask about their workflow, from project kick-off and milestone tracking to regular updates and collaboration tools.
4. Can you provide references or case studies?
A trustworthy developer will be proud to share previous work or client testimonials. Case studies can show not only technical capability but also how they handled challenges, managed timelines, and delivered results.
5. What is your approach to security and data protection?
Security should never be an afterthought. Ask how they handle user data, encryption, authentication, and compliance with relevant regulations such as GDPR. A professional developer should build with security in mind from day one.
6. How do you handle testing and quality assurance?
Bugs happen, but how they’re caught and fixed makes all the difference. Learn about their testing processes: Do they use automated testing? Manual reviews? How do they ensure the product performs well under different conditions?
7. What happens after the project is delivered?
Ongoing maintenance, updates, and technical support are just as important as launch day. Make sure you understand what kind of post-launch support they offer and how they handle potential issues that may arise later.
8. How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
Transparency in scheduling and cost is key. A reliable developer should provide realistic estimates and be upfront about potential variables that could affect scope or delivery.
9. Will I own the code and intellectual property?
Before work begins, confirm ownership of the codebase and deliverables. You should have full rights to the software once it’s completed, especially if it’s being developed for your business operations or as a commercial product.
10. Why are you the right fit for my business?
Finally, this question goes beyond technical skill. You’re looking for a partner who understands your vision, your audience, and your long-term goals. The best developers don’t just write code, they help build better businesses.
Choosing the Right Partner
At Developyn, we know that great software starts with understanding. Our team takes the time to learn about your business, your challenges, and your ambitions, so we can design and build solutions that drive real results. If you’re ready to start your next digital project, we’d love to chat. Get in touch with Developyn today to find out how we can help turn your ideas into powerful, scalable software.
