Ruby on Rails is a web development framework that makes it easy to create complex and custom web applications, and it’s one of the most popular programming languages in the world. With Ruby on Rails developers in short supply, hiring one can be challenging. But by following these tips on how to find and hire Ruby on Rails developers, you’ll be able to find the right candidate for your business quickly and efficiently.
Preparing Your Roadmap
Don’t expect your developer (or an agency) to start building right away. It takes time to sift through resumes, interview, and test candidates—not to mention that most developers will want some time for personal projects and research before working for you full-time. Make sure you have a roadmap in place so your team can hit launch day running.
Finding Remote Talent: Recruitment Sites
One of your first options should be to check out online job recruitment sites such as Freelancer, Elance and oDesk. These sites will give you access to thousands of potential employees who have been screened for basic qualifications like education level and years of experience. You can also use these resources to gauge industry rates for talent, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep spending under control.
Finding Remote Talent: Freelance Marketplaces
There are many resources available if you’re looking for remote talent, including freelance marketplaces like Elance and oDesk. A good place to start would be searching with keywords such as Ruby and Rails and Android or Java. This will give you a list of freelancers who are more than likely familiar with your needs and requirements.
Interviewing Candidates
Make sure you’re asking the right questions. It’s important to find out whether your candidates have worked with Ruby and Rails before, but don’t ask just for the sake of it. For example, rather than asking if they know SQL or MVC, ask if they have experience with ActiveRecord and ActionPack.
Negotiating Salary and Start Date
Negotiating salary can be intimidating. Yes, it’s an uncomfortable topic to talk about, but it doesn’t have to be. When negotiating for higher pay, use comparable market data (i.e., how much similar positions are paying) and leverage your unique skills and experience.
Onboarding New Employees
Your onboarding process is your first—and often most important—opportunity to set your new hire up for success. It’s crucial that you make sure they feel prepared and supported from day one, by introducing them to team members, helping them feel connected and appreciated, making sure they know what they’re working on a day-to-day, and providing clear guidelines.
