The mobile application industry is currently witnessing unparalleled growth, with 2.7 billion smartphone users and over 8.7 million app developers worldwide. This thriving market offers a prime opportunity to take advantage of its rapid expansion, but it’s crucial to hire the right candidates to cater for the business requirements. A professional recruitment procedure is necessary to ensure that skilled mobile developers are identified and selected.
Building a mobile application is an intricate process that is comparable to developing a web app. A mobile app developer is responsible for all aspects of creating a mobile application, ranging from coding to designing the user interface.
While advertising for a mobile developer, make sure to emphasize the following requirements:
The Traits to Look for in a Mobile Developer
When recruiting a permanent mobile developer, it is essential to verify that the chosen individual not only has the required technical proficiency but also possesses the appropriate balance of hard and soft skills. To guarantee that they seamlessly integrate with your team, you should assess potential candidates based on the following qualities:
- Having effective collaboration skills with both other teams and clients is essential for a successful mobile developer.
- Being devoted to the team and contributing to a positive work atmosphere is equally important.
- From a technical standpoint, the developer must possess a sound working knowledge of coding and software development, be adaptable to the team’s structure and workflow, and constantly be up to date with the latest trends.
In conclusion, a successful mobile developer requires a combination of technical proficiency and interpersonal abilities to flourish in their job. Verifying that the candidate possesses the correct mix of hard and soft skills ensures that they’ll be an asset to your team.
Competencies in Mobile App Development Technology
Proficiency in Multiple Computer Languages
If there was a code of conduct for programmers, one of its primary laws would be:
One Must Attain Mastery in Multiple Programming Languages (Let’s assume programming languages existed in the dictionary at that time.)
Irrespective of a developer’s proficiency in a specific programming language, it’s necessary to keep track of any updates or modifications to ensure optimal performance. Staying informed of the most recent advancements in the industry is critical for the achievement of any programmer.
Several programming languages are indispensable in the Android and iOS ecosystems, including, but not limited to:
Scalability and Application Expansion
Cross-platform development entails producing applications and services that can be used on multiple platforms. Android and iOS are two of the most prevalent mobile operating systems, and a competent mobile app developer must possess technical knowledge to develop applications that function seamlessly on both. This approach allows businesses to reach a wider audience and ensure that the software is accessible to many different users.
Businesses are continuously seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce expenses, and that’s why it is advantageous to recruit a mobile developer with cross-platform capabilities. By creating an app with a single codebase that can be deployed on various platforms, businesses can save both time and money. This is especially significant considering that Statista reports that there are currently 2.6 million Android apps and 1.85 million iOS applications available. However, it’s important to assess the different types of applications and companies and consider distinguishing between Android and iPhone users to benefit different business scenarios. Nonetheless, having a developer who is proficient in both Android and iOS can ensure that your app is available to the broadest possible audience.
Demonstrating Adaptability
If you plan to develop an app for your company, it may be advantageous to hire a mobile app developer who incorporates the Agile Methodology. If you’re not familiar with this approach, we recommend reading our eBook to attain a better understanding.
Although the Waterfall Methodology has been advantageous, in the last twenty years, Agile has emerged as one of the most effective project management systems. This has significantly enhanced the productivity of IT teams, with specific important benefits attributed to its triumph.
- After a project has been developed using the Agile Methodology, it can be altered to accommodate any evolving requirements during the post-release phase. Because this methodology lacks linearity, it’s not essential to determine all facets beforehand. Even after the project has been released, it’s feasible to enact modifications and enhancements.
- Thanks to the Agile Methodology, you and the mobile app developer can work together more efficiently to accomplish the task.
- The Agile Development Methodology consistently prioritizes customer requirements throughout the entire process. When partnering with a developer who employs this methodology, you can be confident that your needs as a client will receive top priority. Furthermore, they pledge to work expeditiously and yield outcomes.
- Agile practitioners are noted for their proficiency in developing “soft skills,” such as the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others, as well as the ability to manage and adjust to evolving situations.
Discover the 12 principles that underpin the Agile Manifesto.
Education and Awareness of Cybersecurity
When creating a reliable program, application security is a critical aspect to contemplate. Your customers are probable to enter sensitive information into the system, which could be compromised if your security measures are substandard, resulting in an injurious public relations catastrophe for your business.
It is reasonable to experience panic in a situation where you discover that your mobile phone has been hacked and your personal information, including your bank account data, is now in the possession of someone else. Receiving notification that you sent strange messages to multiple contacts, without your awareness, can be a cause for concern. It’s important to keep in mind that, though you may feel overwhelmed, there are measures you can take to guarantee the safety and security of your data. Taking the time to assess the access permissions granted to your device’s apps can help lower the probability of similar incidents in the future.
A significant data breach in February 2023 impacted 162 million users of the renowned video chat app Dubsmash. This security breach led to the compromise of their accounts.
Recent events have highlighted the criticality of cybersecurity. Every developer who creates applications for mobile devices should possess a functioning comprehension of cryptography and be capable of writing secure, user-friendly code. It’s not essential to go to extreme lengths in the pursuit of security — unless, of course, you’re a CIA employee! What’s vital is to ensure the safety and security of your clients’ data. Any extra measures beyond this should not take precedence.
When assessing candidates to create your business’s app, this is a pivotal inquiry to pose.
Design of User Interface and Experience
Users are the focus of both user interface design and user experience design. This is because building a robust and recognizable brand with devoted and engaged customers can result in a rise in revenue.
UX
- The User’s Point of View
- UX design is centred on simplifying the software’s usability.
- Create unity and clarity in the app’s design so that users will take pleasure in exploring it (and come back).
- The principal goal is contented customers.
- Data arrangement is necessary.
- The design of the application should reflect the most up-to-date advancements in the industry.
- Devises plans to meet the demands of customers and end-users.
UI
- Entry Point
- Creating a user-friendly interface is of the highest importance.
- Pays attention to how the app appears on diverse devices and screen sizes. As a consequence, (they establish an emotional link with the user).
- Instantly (Users abandon an app that is time-consuming and never come back)
- The software needs minimal guidance to commence its usage.
- The overall quality of the app’s design and functionality.
Essential Communication Skills for Mobile Developers
- To create applications that meet the desired objectives, an Android or iOS Developer must have the ability to objectively analyze situations and offer successful solutions to user requirements, whether working in-house or remotely. Possessing this analytical thinking skill is crucial.
- Developers must collaborate with professionals from various disciplines to create prosperous mobile applications. This entails liaising with the marketing department on the client’s behalf and providing regular updates to clients and stakeholders. It is necessary for the developer to be proficient in English and any coding language they utilise.
- Creating applications is an ongoing task that presents significant challenges. Thus, possessing the ability to analyze situations critically and devise innovative solutions is vital to accelerate progress.
- Although it may seem counterintuitive to require creative thinking in a strictly technical field, all individuals possess creativity. With the advent of modern technologies, individuals can now draw inspiration from various sources to develop innovative solutions to application problems. Thus, having someone who is willing to take risks and think outside the box to obtain these unique solutions is essential.
Furthermore, Here are Some Crucial Skills:
- Adaptability to new situations and limitations
- Goal-oriented mindset with regards to deliverables and deadlines
- As long as your application is operational, you can rely on older OS versions.
- Recent technological advancements and paradigm shifts
- Familiarity with remote teams and working models
- Paired Programming
- Competent in preparing technical documentation and performing code evaluations. (Learn more)
When looking for a mobile app developer, it’s crucial to take into account the necessary qualifications.
The demand for websites and apps has led to a surge in available IT jobs. However, the shortage of qualified candidates is not the only cause of this developer deficit. It can be argued that the problem lies in the scarcity of suitable candidates. Therefore, remote hiring may be an excellent solution for companies seeking to build a team of highly skilled programmers. However, to achieve the best outcomes, it is critical to be able to identify people with the proper technical expertise.
The first step is to validate their credentials. Selecting a mobile app developer with the right qualifications is crucial to ensuring their success, including having the following certifications:
- Certified Android App Developer
- Computer Science Master’s Degree with a focus on Designing Windows Store Applications
- For the Global Mobile Operations Branch of GIAC
- Foundational concepts for developing mobile applications
- Inventor of the MTA
- Developer of Java Micro Edition (ME) for Oracle
- Mobile Devices Research and Development Center (MDI)
- As well as Java Platform for Wireless (JTWI)
Deciding When to Develop a Mobile App and the Various Types Available
Mobile app developers possess an array of skill sets to choose from, as each project has distinct requirements. Based on the project’s nature, three app types can be developed:
Mobile-optimized web applications:
Similar to the Booking.com website, these apps can be accessed via a web address and used as an app without requiring a download.Multi-platform mobile applications:
These apps operate across all devices using a single language.Native mobile applications:
These apps are specifically developed for iOS and Android and can only operate on those platforms.
Keep in mind that creating your own mobile app may not always be the ideal solution for your company. While apps can provide significant benefits for various business activities, such as gaming, productivity, leisure (such as meditation or fitness apps), M-commerce, and tourism, it’s crucial to explore all available alternatives and choose the one that aligns with your business goals and objectives.
For instance, suppose you operate a blog that focuses on natural hair care, featuring tips, product reviews, and interviews. In that case, creating an app would not be necessary. Your blog can be accessed from any web browser on any device, and you can use existing e-commerce software instead of creating your own. Hence, developing an app for this purpose would be impractical and not valuable for your intended audience. However, if you are designing a game similar to “Among Us” for the web, developing an app would be a more reliable way to safeguard your players’ data and enhance productivity.
Developing a new mobile app can be an expensive undertaking, and it’s crucial to hire a skilled app developer. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize the project’s objectives before focusing on the necessary skills to achieve them.
Looking to Hire an Independent Contractor Mobile App Developer? Let Us Help You.
Identifying the ideal mobile app developer for your company can be challenging. At Works, we believe that practical expertise is only one aspect of a great mobile developer. We take it further by assessing remote developers based on their abilities in UI/UX design, cross-platform development, multiple languages, and cybersecurity. Our experienced recruitment team can assist you in locating a developer with the right soft skills to be a perfect match for your company.
Works can help you find a dependable mobile app developer. Our company has been able to hire high-quality engineers from all over the world in as little as two months.
Book a meeting with us now to learn more.
Are you thinking about pursuing a career in mobile app development? If yes, you might want to check out the remote Information Technology positions that we currently have open.
