10 Key tips you must know when hiring IOS developers

In the present age of technology, mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. The global user base of active iPhone users has surpassed one billion, accounting for approximately 27.8% of the total market share for iOS devices.

For this reason, developing applications for iOS has become significantly important for every business. To create high-quality IOS applications, hiring great IOS developers with the necessary skills is crucial. The article today will discuss 10 key tips you must know when hiring IOS developers that you can apply to your business. 

Table of Content:

Who are IOS developers?

iOS engineers are software professionals who specialize in creating applications specifically for Apple’s iOS platform. They are skilled in programming languages like Swift and Objective-C, commonly used for iOS app development. 

These developers design, build, and maintain iOS applications for various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch. They can work in different capacities, such as:

• Individual Developers: These developers may work independently or as freelancers, creating their own apps or working on client projects.
• In-House Developers: They are employed by companies or organizations with a dedicated app development team. In-house developers may work on creating and maintaining apps for their company’s products or services.
• App Development Agencies: iOS developers can be part of agencies specializing in creating mobile applications for clients. These agencies may handle projects for different businesses, ranging from startups to large enterprises.
• Contractors: Some iOS developers work as contractors, taking on short-term projects for various clients and companies.

Due to the popularity of Apple’s iOS devices and the App Store ecosystem, iOS engineers play a vital role in the mobile app development industry, catering to millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide.

Roles & responsibilities of IOS developers

The first and foremost thing before hiring IOS developers is to deeply understand their roles and responsibilities. Below are some of the most common roles and responsibilities of iOS developers: 

• App Design: Planning and designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the app.
• Coding: Writing the code in Swift or Objective-C to implement the app’s features and functionality.
• Testing and Debugging: Ensuring the app works as intended and identifying and fixing any issues or bugs.
• App Store Submission: Following Apple’s guidelines and requirements, prepare the app for submission to the Apple App Store.
• Continuous Improvement: Updating the app with new features and improvements based on user feedback and platform updates.
• Integration of Services: Integrating various Apple services, such as Apple Pay, SiriKit, and HealthKit, to enhance app functionality.
• Security and Privacy: Implementing measures to safeguard user data and ensure app security.

Overall, iOS specialists play a critical role in turning app ideas into fully functional and user-friendly iOS applications, contributing to the success and growth of businesses and organizations in the mobile app market.

10 Key tips on hiring great IOS developers

Finding and hiring the right iOS app developer can be challenging, especially for those without a technical background. However, don’t lose hope! We will provide you with 10 key tips when hiring IOS developers.

 1. Clearly define job requirements

Clearly defined job requirements set clear expectations for the role’s responsibilities and deliverables. This helps the iOS developer understand their expectations, leading to improved performance and productivity.

Qualified and skilled iOS specialists are in high demand and have several options when considering job opportunities. A well-defined job description attracts the attention of competent candidates and increases the likelihood of getting applications from genuinely interested and qualified developers for the role.

With clearly defined job requirements, the interview process becomes more focused and structured. You can ask targeted questions and assess candidates based on specific criteria, making the evaluation process more effective.

2. Assess technical skills

iOS development requires specific technical skills, such as programming in Swift and Objective-C, knowledge of iOS frameworks, and familiarity with Apple’s development tools. Assessing technical skills ensures that the candidate possesses the necessary expertise to develop iOS applications effectively.

Technical skills directly influence the quality of the iOS app that the developer will create. Evaluating a candidate’s technical proficiency helps determine if they can produce high-quality, efficient, and bug-free code.

Hiring IOS developers with strong technical skills also reduces the time and effort required for onboarding and training. They can quickly become productive members of the development team.

3. Review previous work

Reviewing previous work helps you gauge the developer’s creativity and innovation in app design and functionality. A track record of innovative features can indicate their potential to bring fresh ideas to your project.

By examining the developer’s code in previous projects, you can assess its organization, cleanliness, and maintainability. Well-structured code is easier to maintain and enhances the long-term viability of the app.

Overall, reviewing previous work is a crucial step when hiring IOS developers. It provides valuable insights into their technical abilities, problem-solving skills, creativity, and overall suitability for your project. Additionally, it helps mitigate potential risks and ensures that you hire a developer who aligns well with your project’s requirements and goals.

4. Experience with App Store submission

The Apple App Store has specific guidelines and requirements that apps must meet to be approved for distribution. An iOS specialist with experience in App Store submission is familiar with these guidelines and can ensure that your app adheres to them, reducing the risk of rejection.

App Store rejections are common, and inexperienced developers may make mistakes that lead to rejection. An experienced iOS specialist is more likely to avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize the acceptance of your app.

They know the submission process inside out, making it faster and smoother. They can handle the paperwork, metadata, and assets required for the submission, saving time and effort.

5. Collaborative and communication skills

Collaborative and communication skills are key factors to consider when hiring iOS developers because clear communication is crucial for keeping all team members informed about project progress, milestones, and potential challenges. An iOS engineer with strong communication skills can provide updates, share insights, and discuss possible solutions to any issues.

In any team, conflicts may arise from time to time. Collaborative skills allow developers to address conflicts constructively, find common ground, and reach resolutions that benefit the project and team dynamics.

In conclusion, collaborative and communication skills are crucial for iOS engineers because they foster effective teamwork, enhance project management, improve client interactions, and lead to the successful development and delivery of high-quality iOS applications.

6. Problem-solving and analytical thinking

Problem-solving and analytical thinking are crucial attributes for iOS developers, leading to efficient and effective development processes, innovative solutions, and improved app performance. Hiring IOS developers with solid problem-solving skills ensures a more successful and productive development journey for your iOS applications.

The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and iOS specialists must keep up with the latest advancements. Those with strong analytical skills can quickly learn and integrate new technologies into their development process.

IOS development often involves complex technical challenges. A developer with strong problem-solving skills can efficiently analyze and address these challenges, leading to effective solutions.

7. Passion for learning

The willingness to learn and expand skills directly impacts the project’s success. Passionate developers are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure the app’s success and user satisfaction.

These developers take the initiative to seek out learning opportunities independently. This proactivity means they are more likely to stay ahead of industry developments and apply their new knowledge to their work.

In conclusion, hiring iOS developers passionate about learning benefits your app development process in numerous ways. Their adaptability, curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement mindset contribute to developing innovative, high-quality, and successful iOS applications.

 8. Cultural fit

Cultural fit fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, increasing developers’ motivation and engagement. Motivated team members are more likely to go the extra mile to achieve project success.

A cohesive and culturally aligned team tends to be more productive. Developers who understand and appreciate each other’s working styles can collaborate efficiently, leading to higher productivity.

A strong cultural fit can ease conflict resolution within the team. Shared values and mutual respect among team members enable them to address conflicts constructively and find mutually agreeable solutions.

9. Check references and conduct interviews

Checking references and conducting interviews are key tips when hiring iOS developers because they provide valuable insights into the candidate’s skills, work ethic, and suitability for the role.

Interviews and reference checks help reduce hiring risks by validating the candidate’s claims and better understanding their potential fit within your team.

Collectively, interviews and reference checks provide comprehensive information to make informed hiring decisions. These steps empower you to select the most suitable candidate for the iOS developer role.

10. Test for long-term potential

Hiring and onboarding new developers require time, effort, and resources. Testing for long-term potential helps ensure that your investment in training and integrating the developer into your team will yield lasting benefits.

Developers with long-term potential are more likely to be committed to your organization. Their loyalty can lead to reduced turnover rates, which in turn helps maintain a stable and experienced development team.

Hiring IOS developers with long-term potential helps with succession planning. You may need team leaders or more senior developers as your organization grows. Long-term potential candidates can potentially fill these roles in the future.

How much does it cost to hire an IOS developer?

According to Payscale, the average salary for an iOS Developer in the United States is $99,698 per year. However, the cost of hiring iOS developers can vary depending on several factors, including the developer’s experience level, location, the complexity of the project, and the company’s hiring practices.  

Here are some cost considerations to keep in mind when hiring iOS developers:

• Benefits and Taxes: In addition to the salary, employers need to consider the cost of providing benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off). Moreover, employers are responsible for payroll taxes and other mandatory contributions.
• Onboarding and Training: New hires often require onboarding and training to familiarize them with the company’s processes, tools, and projects. The onboarding cost may include training materials, mentorship, and dedicated time from senior team members.
• Equipment and Software: Employers may need to provide iOS engineers with the necessary hardware and software tools to work effectively.
• Contract vs. Full-time: The cost of hiring can differ if you’re hiring a full-time employee or a contractor. Contractors may have higher hourly rates but do not require the same benefits and long-term commitments.
• Freelancers and Outsourcing: If you hire freelance iOS specialists or outsource the work to a development agency, the cost structure may differ. Freelancers may charge hourly rates, while development agencies may offer fixed project-based pricing.
• Location: Salaries and living costs can vary significantly depending on the developer’s location. Hiring a developer in a tech hub or metropolitan area may be more expensive than hiring in smaller cities or regions with a lower cost of living.
• Remote vs. On-site: The cost may also vary based on whether the developer works on-site at your office or remotely. Remote developers may have different salary expectations due to the flexibility they offer.

Where to find great IOS developers?

You can find great iOS developers for your projects in several places. Here are some popular avenues to consider:

• Networking Events and Meetups: Attend iOS developer meetups and tech conferences to connect with professionals in the field. These events provide opportunities to network and meet developers who are passionate about iOS development.
• Developer Communities and Forums: Engage with iOS developer communities and forums, such as iOS developer groups on Reddit or dedicated iOS development forums. Here, you can post job listings or seek recommendations for talented developers.
• Online Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Upwork and Toptal allow you to hire freelance iOS developers for specific projects or short-term needs.
• GitHub and Open-Source Contributions: Look for talented developers who actively contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. Their public code repositories can provide insights into their coding style and expertise.
• University and Coding Bootcamp Graduates: Consider hiring recent graduates from computer science or software engineering programs at universities or coding boot camps. They may bring fresh perspectives and knowledge.
• LinkedIn Searches: Utilize LinkedIn’s advanced search features to find iOS developers based on specific criteria such as skills, location, and experience level.
• Company Websites and Social Media: Post your job openings on your company website’s career page and share them across your social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

The bottom line

In conclusion, hiring the right iOS developers is crucial to building successful and innovative mobile applications. The article has highlighted essential tips to guide the hiring process effectively. Following the 10 key tips above will make the hiring process much easier for you!