A programmer is someone that creates or writes computer software by utilizing specific instructions on multiple programming languages and platforms such as SQL, XML, PHP, HTML, C, and C++.

They are often needed to help clients craft a unique website from scratch. But with the availability of website builders and web hosting services that can help you create websites easily, when exactly should you hire a programmer?

This article will explain several scenarios when a programmer is needed. I’ll also cover the steps of hiring a programmer.

When Should You Hire a Programmer

Let’s take a look at the three main scenarios when you might want to hire a programmer.

When you don’t have the skills to build, design, or maintain a website

You want to create a website, and you have the budget to make for it. Using a website builder or a CMS feels lacking, and you want to be involved throughout the entire process.

You have an idea of how the website should look and the content to put on it. The only issue is you don’t have the necessary skills to bring your designs to life.

Therefore, you’ll need a programmer to create your website and make it operational. You’ll also need them to handle the maintenance of your site and deal with any technical issues that may arise.

When you need a long-term development partner

You have an idea for an online business, and you understand how your business will work. You also know how the website should look and function. The only issue is you don’t have the technical skills and time to do it.

Hiring a programmer is the way to go since you probably will need their services for a while to create custom graphical elements, pages, and content.

When you need to upgrade your website

You already have your website running, but you want to add new sections to it and expand your business. It might be a dedicated blog, or new types of products and services.

For you to have the new features or sections on your website, you’ll need to hire a programmer.

How to Hire a Programmer

There are several things you need to do when hiring a programmer. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Lay Out Your Project Plans

As mentioned above, you first need to know why you need the assistance of a programmer.

Layout your project plans in detail to make it easier for programmers to apply for the job. For a website, you’ll need to start with the UX design, which includes the process of setting up the user interface for your website.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the tasks at hand so you and the programmer can communicate more effectively.

Below is a checklist of things you should include in your project plan:

*UX design
*Features and functionalities
*Need vs. nice to have
*Timeline and budget.
*Delivery
*How many programmers are needed

2. Consider Alternative Methods

You may have already decided to hire a local programmer. But you should know that this isn’t your only option.
Take a look at the following alternatives first:

Freelance programmers

The best developer might be someone who lives on a different continent than you. Bear in mind, however, that communication might be an issue because of different timezones.

Software development company

By employing the services of a company, you’ll get help from a dedicated and experienced team. That said, it’ll be much more expensive compared to hiring a programmer.

Website builders

Using software to build your site is affordable and beginner-friendly – you can even do it yourself. However, remember that most website builders offer limited customizability compared to CMSs and coding from scratch.

3. Write an Effective Job Description

The next step is to write a detailed job description to attract the right people for the job.

Here are the things you should include in the job description:

*Job requirements – type of programmers, programming languages, years of experience.
*Job duties – project requirements, workflow.
*Technical skills needed
*Soft skills needed
*A description of your company

4. Short-List Potential Hires and Create Tasks

Once you start getting resumes, you’ll want to shortlist the best candidates. If you received 100 resumes, select less than half of them.

Here are some of the things to look for when shortlisting candidates:

*They meet the requirements.
*The resume has keywords from the job description.
*Find out how often they change jobs.
*Look for quantifiable achievements.

Once you have a shortlist of candidates, you’ll want to narrow it down further. Ask them to do a practical task. Pick the candidates whose performance was the best and quickest.

5. Interview the Candidates

The final step is to interview the candidates. During the interview, you’ll want to choose a programmer that can go to an open-source code library, get what’s needed, put it all together and develop a realistic solution.

A good idea is to include basic interview questions like “what is your greatest strength and weakness?” and “why did you leave your last job?”

6. Do a Proper Onboarding Process

The recruitment process doesn’t end when people enter the workplace. After you hire a programmer, you should follow up with a proper onboarding process.

Onboarding is necessary because the new hire needs to become familiar with the new surroundings and know the culture and rules of your business.

You should get the programmer acquainted with the following:

*Workflow
*Project management tools
*The local environment

Conclusion

You should hire a programmer if you want to craft a website from scratch and make it fit your unique vision. If you have looked at the alternatives, understand the benefits and downsides, and still want to hire a programmer, then follow the steps I’ve laid out.

Let’s recap:

*Lay out your project plans.
*Consider alternative methods.
*Write an effective job description.
*Shortlist potential hires and create tasks.
*Interview the candidates.
*Do a proper onboarding process.

Now that you know when and how to hire a programmer, all that’s left to do is to start detailing your project plan, fill out the job description, and post it on various job boards.

Good luck!