How to hire remote developers? What skills matter most, and how do you ensure your developer understands your vision? Read more.
Finding the right development talent is one of the biggest challenges for any tech startup. Should you hire freelancers or a dedicated remote team? What skills matter most, and how do you ensure your developer truly understands your vision?
This article looks at how to hire developers for startups, the pros and cons of remote software engineers, compares them to freelancers, and outlines what to look for when choosing the right team for your startup. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to find a web developer who can grow with your business.
The question “How to hire remote developers?" usually arises after the constant lack of tech talent variety. Access to global talent is a common reason to hire remote software developers, but that isn’t the only reason. Below, we’ll explore why outsourcing software development for startups is an attractive option.
Often, startups need remote software developers for specific, one-time projects. Hiring best remote developers allows you to collaborate solely to create one product—whether it’s a website, a successful application, or a custom solution. After the project is completed, you’re not committed to retaining them, which provides flexibility in managing your resources. This type of remote development helps streamline your operations without long-term contracts. In case you need all-around tech help and you don’t want to entire team, hire a full-stack developer. It's a no-brainer.
Hire remote developers if you want a generally faster process compared to bringing someone in-house. Hiring a staff augmentation partner or a software development company means the infrastructure is already set up for these remote developers to jump into the project immediately. You avoid the lengthy process of setting up interviews, screening candidates, and creating a workspace. Once the project details are established, your remote team can get started right away, saving valuable time and energy. This accelerated hiring process is crucial for startups needing to move quickly.
By choosing to hire remote developers, your startup can significantly cut costs. You no longer need to worry about renting office space, purchasing equipment, or managing day-to-day administrative tasks for new hires. Additionally, the recruitment process is streamlined since you’re working with dedicated remote developers who are already vetted by a development company or software outsourcing agency. After completing a project, transitioning between developers or teams becomes seamless, allowing you to reinvest those savings into other critical business areas.
Startups often face fluctuating demands, and hiring remote software developers offers greater flexibility. You can easily scale your remote development team up or down based on your project requirements without the administrative burdens associated with in-house software developers.
When one project ends, you can transition your remote team to a new task or part ways until their expertise is needed again. This adaptability is essential for fast-paced startups looking to stay agile in a competitive market. Hiring a remote dedicated development team helps you scale your businesses in a short period of time through one of the most popular models for scaling — Tech For Growth.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring remote backend software engineers is the ability to tap into a diverse global talent pool. Skilled remote software developers with access to tech talent from around the world, you can hire remote developers with the exact technical skills and soft skills needed for your project.
Whether you need a remote mobile app developer, a react native developer, or experts in specific programming languages, the remote hiring process allows you to find the best fit. This level of customization is challenging to achieve with traditional hiring, especially when seeking niche expertise.
Hiring remote developers has become increasingly popular as businesses seek flexibility, access to global talent, and cost-effective software development solutions. However, while remote work offers many advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the main pros and cons of building a remote development team.
When considering options for startup software development, hiring freelancers can seem like a practical and cost-effective choice, especially for small-scale projects with limited requirements. Freelancers are often highly skilled, flexible, and can be brought on board quickly to handle specific tasks. For a small business or a short-term project, such as creating a simple website or developing a niche app, freelancers can provide the agility and specialized expertise needed without the overhead of full-time employees. Platforms like Guru or Toptal make it easy to find such remote tech talent, offering a pool of contractors ready to tackle immediate needs.
However, as your business grows and projects become more complex, relying solely on freelancers can present significant challenges. Large-scale projects demand consistent collaboration, long-term commitment, and a cohesive team dynamic—factors that are difficult to achieve with a rotating cast of freelancers. While there are many platforms to find new contractors if one doesn’t work out, this constant turnover can hinder continuity, slow progress, and reduce familiarity with your company’s goals and processes.
Remote developers, by contrast, provide stability, continuity, and a deeper understanding of your business. A dedicated remote development team becomes an extension of your company, aligned with your tech stack, workflows, and long-term objectives. They are not just completing isolated tasks—they are invested in the ongoing success of your product and can adapt to evolving requirements over time. This long-term commitment ensures that development work continues smoothly, updates are consistently implemented, and strategic goals are considered in every decision.
Another key advantage of remote developers is the greater control they offer over the development process. Being fully integrated into your team, they follow your tools, methodologies, and communication practices, which fosters better collaboration, minimizes miscommunication, and ensures a cohesive outcome. Freelancers, on the other hand, often work independently with their preferred approaches, which can lead to delays or inconsistencies in project delivery.
Beyond process and reliability, remote developers gain a deeper understanding of your business objectives. They can offer insights and strategic guidance that go beyond technical implementation, aligning their work with your long-term vision. Unlike freelancers, whose relationships with clients tend to be transactional, remote teams build institutional knowledge and develop a holistic view of your business, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to growth and innovation.
In short, while freelancers are ideal for small, short-term projects due to their flexibility and affordability, remote developers are better suited for businesses seeking continuity, strategic alignment, and the ability to scale. A dedicated remote team provides the expertise, reliability, and long-term perspective necessary to support complex projects and ensure sustainable growth.
If you want to hire remote developers, consider Empat as a smart choice for several reasons. First, Empat has a proven track record in web and mobile app development, offering a wide range of services that include everything from MVP software engineering to full-scale product implementation. This makes them a reliable software development partner. Beyond that, Empat can also help you hire AI developers, bring in the right talent when you need to hire a graphic designer, or find experts if you’re looking to hire an iOS developer. This flexibility makes them a reliable, full-service software development partner for startups and established businesses alike.
Empat has a global presence, particularly in North America and Europe, which means they are familiar with the demands of different markets and can deliver solutions that cater to a global audience.
Empat offers tailored tech teams that align with specific project requirements. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term collaboration, we can assemble developers, designers, QA engineers, and project managers to ensure smooth communication, timely delivery, and full alignment with your business goals.
This flexibility is crucial for scaling your projects efficiently. Despite limited public client feedback, their emphasis on quality is clear in their approach to building reliable tech solutions. Moreover, being based in Ukraine, Empat can provide cost-effective services without compromising on quality, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking to hire remote developers.
When working with a skilled web development contractor, much of the typical hiring headaches —from sourcing the right remote talent to managing day-to-day project execution—are handled on your behalf. Here’s how the process typically unfolds when a contractor manages the hiring and integration of remote developers.
The first step is clarity. A contractor helps you map out exactly what your project requires—not just in technical skills, but also in team dynamics and workflow compatibility. They assess the type of developers needed, preferred programming languages, frameworks, or domain expertise, while also identifying whether your project is short-term or ongoing. A detailed job description helps prevent mismatched hires and ensures you invest in technical talent that aligns with your startup’s roadmap. Clearly defining needs and requirements for remote developers' work also allows you to anticipate scalability and future development phases.
Finding top talent quickly is one of the biggest challenges for startups. Contractors don’t just post ads with job descriptions —they leverage specialized platforms, recruitment agencies, and personal networks to identify candidates who are proven, reliable, and culturally aligned with your company. Recruiters should use online recruiting methods for both US-based developers and domestic talent search, such as job boards, professional networking, and online developer communities. They need to focus on sourcing the right candidates who can not only write code but also contribute to your product vision and project goals, ensuring a higher probability of long-term retention.
Screening goes beyond reviewing resumes and matching the job description with the candidates' resumes. Hiring managers evaluate portfolios, meet the right candidates over video calls, conduct technical assessments, and run live coding tests to ensure the candidate can tackle real-world problems and has enough technical expertise. When interviewing candidates, you also need to assess soft skills that include communication, collaboration skills, and adaptability, which are essential traits for remote work. This step reduces the risk of hiring someone who is technically competent but struggles with collaboration, accountability, or integration into your workflow.
Even after screening remote workers, a trial period or small project helps gauge practical performance. During this phase, the contractor monitors code quality, adherence to deadlines, problem-solving skills, and communication efficiency. Some tech companies use personality tests to investigate soft skills. This approach is important if you need to hire someone who can handle pressure, follow processes, and integrate seamlessly with your existing team.
A strong onboarding process sets the tone for future collaboration with the remote workforce. Hiring managers prepare detailed documentation, define workflows, and introduce communication tools. They clarify expectations for deliverables, deadlines, and team interactions to ensure everyone is on the same page in the remote work environment. But onboarding isn’t just about tools and processes—it’s also about values. Remote developers need to understand the mission, company culture, and principles that drive your startup. Sharing your company values early helps them see the bigger picture, align with your vision, and make decisions that reflect your brand’s identity. Proper onboarding accelerates productivity, reduces miscommunication, and creates a sense of belonging, ensuring new developers feel like true members of your team from day one.
Remote developers thrive when they have structure and guidance. Contractors facilitate regular check-ins, provide feedback loops, and monitor progress using tools like Slack, Zoom, Jira, or Trello. They also ensure developers gain access to the resources they need, from software licenses to project management tools. This step minimizes downtime, maximizes efficiency, and prevents bottlenecks in your project, especially when working remotely.
Remote team members can struggle with engagement and cohesion. Contractors encourage active collaboration through team-building exercises, knowledge-sharing sessions, and open communication channels. This not only motivates developers but also promotes innovation, reduces misunderstandings, and builds a sense of shared ownership over your product.
Continuous performance assessment ensures accountability and quality. Contractors implement structured reviews, track milestones, and gather feedback from your internal team. If necessary, workflows, communication methods, or team roles are adjusted to optimize performance. This iterative approach prevents issues from escalating and ensures that your team remains aligned with project objectives.
Goal setting aligns development work with your startup’s strategic vision. Contractors assist in defining measurable KPIs, while you provide insight into business objectives. This collaboration ensures developers focus on outcomes that matter most, from feature delivery to scalability and user experience, rather than just completing tasks.
A proactive contractor also considers long-term development. They identify potential skill gaps, anticipate scaling needs, and plan for knowledge transfer, making it easier to expand your team without disruption. This foresight ensures that your remote developers evolve alongside your startup, keeping you agile as new challenges and opportunities arise.
Hiring remote employees requires a well-structured approach to ensure you bring on board skilled professionals who can contribute effectively to your team. By following these steps, you can build a successful remote software development team that drives your successful projects forward.
Hiring remote developers can significantly benefit your startup by providing access to global talent, reducing costs, and offering greater flexibility. While there are challenges, such as communication barriers and time zone conflicts, the advantages often outweigh the drawbacks, especially if you have a structured approach to managing remote teams.
For startups looking to scale efficiently, investing in a dedicated remote team is a more reliable choice compared to relying solely on freelancers. Empat stands out as a strong partner for remote development needs. With a proven track record, global experience, and a commitment to quality, they can help you navigate the complexities of building and managing global teams.
Ready to elevate your project? At Empat, our best developers are here to provide the support and all the required skills you need for success. Contact us today to get started and bring your vision to life.
When hiring a software development company and securing a dedicated team for your project, you can expect to pay between $5500 — $15000 per month for each engineer or designer, particularly those with mid to senior-level expertise. Keep in mind that back-end developers with more experience, especially senior-level professionals, will typically come at a higher cost. Pricing may vary depending on the complexity of the project, required niche skills, and geographical location of the developers. While many startups look for cost savings, it’s important to keep a balance. Cutting expenses too aggressively can mean sacrificing quality, which often leads to higher long-term costs due to rework, delays, or performance issues.
Hiring remote developers allows your company to access a vast talent pool from across the globe, enhancing both cultural and experiential diversity. This diversity can foster creative problem-solving, introduce innovative ideas, and offer different perspectives on challenges. Additionally, remote work provides flexibility, often leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. It’s an effective way to grow your team while reducing overhead costs associated with traditional in-office setups.
Communication is key. To hire remote developers that are right for your business, start by clearly identifying your project’s needs and the specific skills required. Be thorough during the vetting process, assessing both technical capabilities and communication skills. When hiring through a professional development team or agency, they’ll often handle this for you by providing pre-vetted, experienced developers that match your project’s scope. This minimizes risks and ensures that your project is managed efficiently from start to finish.
There are multiple avenues to find developers. Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr offer access to individual contractors, but if you prefer a more structured and reliable approach, you can work with a dedicated tech team like Empat. Hiring a professional team ensures a smoother workflow, better project management, and consistent quality, as the developers are experienced in collaboration and long-term commitments, unlike freelance contractors who may work on shorter-term projects.
