How To Hire A Mobile Application Developer

Mobile application developers are professionals responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software applications that run on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Their work involves a wide range of tasks, including coding, debugging, testing, and optimizing apps for various mobile platforms, such as iOS (Apple) and Android (Google).

Apple's App Store, launched in July 2008, marked a significant milestone in the history of mobile apps. It provided a centralized platform for developers to distribute and monetize their applications. This ecosystem played a pivotal role in spurring the growth of mobile app development. Additionally, developers recognized the potential for monetization through app sales, in-app advertising, and microtransactions, further incentivizing their involvement in the field. The growing popularity of smartphones and the potential for innovation and revenue generation contributed to the rapid growth and expansion of mobile app development as we know it today.

Mobile Application Developers: Why are they needed?

Mobile apps provide a direct and interactive channel for businesses to engage with their customers. They can offer personalized experiences, send notifications, and collect user data for better marketing and customer relationship management. Technology giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook hire mobile app developers to work on their flagship mobile apps and platforms, such as iOS, Android, and Windows. Mobile application developers are essential for a wide range of industries and companies. They help solve problems related to user demand, customer engagement, revenue generation, and competitive advantage. Their work addresses technical and user-centric challenges, making them a crucial part of the technology landscape.

Skills required

  • Swift, Java, or Kotlin
  • UI/UX
  • Mobile app architecture
  • Debugging
  • Cross-platform development
  • API integration
  • Security best practices

Job titles

  • iOS Developer
  • Android Developer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Mobile App Architect
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Tester
  • Mobile App Product Manager

How to Search for Mobile Application Developers

LinkedIn

LinkedIn serves as a valuable resource for finding mobile application developers. You can craft a detailed job post with specific keywords related to mobile app development, such as iOS, Android, Swift, Kotlin, and React Native. Utilize LinkedIn's advanced search filters to narrow down candidates based on their skills, experience, and location. Join relevant groups and communities focused on mobile app development to connect with a broader network of developers. Engage with the community by sharing updates about your company and participating in discussions.


LinkedIn profiles can also tell you a lot about a candidate's practical experiences. You can make a list of potential hires, and recruit individuals with the right skillset.

Online job boards

Post job openings on Indeed, LinkedIn, Naukri, Glassdoor, and Stack Overflow Jobs to find Mobile Application developer who has all the skills your project requires.

Developer communities and forums

Engage with Mobile Application Developers on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and other related forums. These are good platforms to find genuine Mobile Application developers.

Tech conferences and meetups

Attend Mobile app development and related events to network with talented developers. Search for the upcoming regional or global Mobile app developer conferences online. Interacting with the developers can help you hire a Mobile Application developer that is best fit for your project needs.

HackerEarth hiring challenges

Sponsor online coding challenges to find competitive developers. For instance, Netcore collaborated with HackerEarth to run the Mobile Application Developer Hiring Challenge in 2022, to hire Android Developers.

Open source communities

Engage with active contributors in Mobile App development-related open-source projects. It can help you find Mobile Application Developer portfolios.

Online learning platforms

Connect with Mobile app development enthusiasts on online learning platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Udacity. Hire Mobile Application developer who best fits your project needs and is willing to learn and grow.

Local universities and coding boot camps

Collaborate with local academies and educational institutions to find Mobile Application developer with exceptional skills.

Social media channels

Use platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to share projects and job openings. Engage with Mobile app development communities such as GitHub, or Discord communities.

Referrals and employee networks

Promote employee referrals and leverage existing networks to gather recommendations in order to hire Mobile Application developer with the right skillset.

Lightbulb Pro-Tip

Reddit is a great place to look for various Mobile Developer-related communities, including r/docker, r/androidDeveloper, r/Android, r/androidapps, r/ios, r/iOSProgramming, etc. You can also join related Communities on Discord with thousands of members.

Mobile Application Developer Assessment

The most common assessment framework for Mobile Application Developers on HackerEarth includes

A combination of technical evaluations, coding exercises, and behavioral assessments. Here are some common components of the assessment framework:

Code completion tasks

In the process of hiring a Mobile Application developer, code completion tasks are very crucial. They assess a candidate's understanding of syntax and their ability to write correct and well-formed code. It can also help gauge their understanding of various libraries and tools. Therefore, you should include questions that will help you hire Mobile Application developer who best fits in your team.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

The Mobile Application developer hiring assessment should include MCQs that tests technical knowledge of candidates. These MCQs can help in evaluating a developer's understanding of Mobile App development concepts.

Project-specific questions

You can also include project-specific questions to assess a candidate's knowledge during the Mobile Application developer interview assessment. It can vary depending on your requirements. You should always aim to hire Mobile Application developer who not only has fundamental knowledge but practical skills as well.

Language-specific questions

To hire Mobile Application developer for your project, it's important to ask very basic and technical questions. It can help you assess the candidate’s knowledge and skill sets.

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  2. Add questions from our library and create a test
  3. Send invites to candidates
  4. Evaluate our AI-assisted report and shortlist candidates

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Questions to Ask A Mobile Application Developer

  • Write a program to implement a basic calculator app that can perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Create a To-Do List app for iOS that allows users to add, edit, and delete tasks. Implement local data storage for the tasks.
  • Develop a stopwatch or timer app for iOS with start, stop, and reset functionalities.
  • Write a program that retrieves the device's current location using the device's GPS and displays the latitude and longitude on the screen.
  • Implement a navigation drawer or side menu in an Android app.

  • Which component in Android is responsible for managing app lifecycles and UI updates on the main thread?
    1. Service
    2. BroadcastReceiver
    3. Activity
    4. ContentProvider

  • What is Gradle in the context of Android development?
    1. A code editor
    2. A version control system
    3. A build automation tool
    4. An integrated development environment

  • What is the Android Design Support Library used for?
    1. Managing device hardware
    2. Designing user interfaces
    3. Handling data storage
    4. Implementing network communication

  • How can you ensure that the user interface of a mobile app is accessible to individuals with disabilities?
  • Explain the concept of affordance in UI design and provide an example in the context of a mobile app.
  • How do you approach designing for various screen sizes and resolutions in Android and iOS app development?
  • Describe the user journey and the steps involved in creating user personas for a mobile app project.
  • How do you approach designing for various screen sizes and resolutions in Android and iOS app development?

  • Explain the purpose of the Gradle build system in Android Studio.
  • What is the Android Virtual Device (AVD) Manager in Android Studio, and how do you use it to create and manage virtual devices for testing?
  • How do you debug Android apps using Android Studio? Explain the process and tools available for debugging.
  • Explain the role of the Layout Editor in Android Studio for designing user interfaces.
  • What are the key features of the Android Device File Explorer in Android Studio, and how can it be utilized during development?

File Note

These sample questions provided here are for interviewing early-experience talents. For more customized assessments for candidates with higher experience, you can contact our team at contact@hackerearth.com or request a demo here.

Guidelines for Writing Job Description for Mobile Application Developers

Job title

A Mobile Application Developer job description should begin with a clear and concise job title that reflects the role, such as "Android Developer", "iOS Developer", and "UI/UX Designer". Hire Mobile Application developer who is not only a good programmer but also has practical skills.

Job summary

The Mobile Application developer job description should provide a brief overview of the position, focusing on the essential responsibilities and objectives. Describe the main aspects of the role and how it contributes to the company's goals. It will help you hire Mobile Application developer who is aware of those key points beforehand.

Responsibilities

The Mobile Application developer job description should outline the specific tasks and responsibilities that the developer will be expected to handle. This may include:

  • Developing and maintaining mobile applications for Android and/or iOS platforms.
  • Collaborating with UI/UX designers to implement visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
  • Integrating with backend APIs and web services to fetch and display data.
  • Ensuring the app's performance, responsiveness, and stability.
  • Implementing security best practices and data protection measures.
  • Conducting thorough testing and debugging to resolve issues.

Before you hire Mobile Application developer it's important to outline these points. It can vary depending on your project requirements. Therefore, you should craft these responsibilities attentively.

Skills and qualifications

List the essential Mobile Application developer skills and qualifications that candidates must possess, including, but not restricted to:

  • Proficiency in Android (Java/Kotlin) or iOS (Swift) app development.
  • UI/UX design and guideline familiarity.
  • API integration expertise.
  • Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
  • App security and data protection knowledge.
  • Version control using Git.

These skills can vary depending on you project requirement, therefore it's important to list what you need in order to find Mobile Application developer that best fits that criteria.

Preferred skills

Mention any additional Mobile Application Developer skills or qualifications that would be beneficial but not mandatory for the role. You can also ask for experience with specific tools, libraries, or frameworks in the Mobile Application developer job description.

Education and experience

Specify the educational background and professional experience required for the position. This could range from a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field to several years of relevant experience. These are important points that need to be considered in order to hire Mobile Application developer who has all the qualifications that the job requires.

Company culture and EVPs

Briefly highlight your company's culture, values, and any unique perks or benefits offered to employees that can help attract candidates who align with your company's ethos. It will help you hire Mobile Application developer who not only possess technical skills but can also work well in the team.

Application instructions

A Mobile Application developer job description should also provide instructions on how candidates can apply for the position. Include where to send their resume, portfolio, or other required documents. Also, specify the deadline for applications, if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Include a statement affirming that your company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Lightbulb Pro tip

You can incorporate gender-neutral pronouns like 'they/them' to promote an inclusive workplace. Additionally, it's beneficial to align your developer personas with your job profiles before advertising an open position. This approach ensures that your job descriptions resonate with a diverse range of candidates.

Download our guide for writing better developer personas

How to Conduct Mobile Application Developer Job Interview

Skill-first hiring requires that the developer interview process be designed to understand the candidate’s skill and experience in the given domain. You can consider the following guidelines when conducting a face-to-face interview with a Mobile Application Developer:

Conduct a real-time technical assessment

Usually candidates are given a remote assessment before the interview. However, using the interview platform to assess skills in real time will tell you a lot about the candidate’s communication skills and thought process.

FaceCode, HackerEarth's premier technical interview platform, features an integrated question repository designed for evaluating a candidate's proficiency in Mobile App Development concepts. The included IDE environment facilitates the assessment of their capacity to produce code that is both clean and efficient while being easily maintainable. Additionally, employing the pair-programming technique allows you to observe their problem-solving methodology, logical reasoning, and attention to detail.

Learn how Facecode can make tech interviews easier

Understand the candidate’s project experience and review the portfolio

During the Mobile Application Developer interview assessment, explore the candidate's past and present projects. Focus on their personal contributions and the skills they used. Ask them to discuss a App development project, detailing their responsibilities, problem-solving, and collaboration. If available, review their portfolio or code samples for coding style, documentation, and project quality.

Understand if they are a good culture and team fit

Hiring a Mobile App developer with good technical skills is essential. But the significance of cultural fit should not be overlooked. Look for indications of effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability during the interview process. Consider their willingness to contribute ideas, share knowledge, and work cohesively with team members. Pay attention to their problem-solving approach and ability to handle constructive feedback. Inquire about their experience working in team-oriented environments and their understanding of the company's values. Evaluating soft skills, interpersonal dynamics, and alignment with the organization's culture will provide insights into whether the mobile application developer is a good fit for the team.

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FAQs

As a tech recruiter searching for top Mobile Application Developers, you should prioritize candidates with a strong educational foundation in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Look for bachelor's degrees or higher, as it demonstrates a solid theoretical understanding of software development.

In addition to formal qualifications, assess their practical skills in mobile app development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Swift, Objective-C, Java, or Kotlin is crucial. Familiarity with mobile app development frameworks, UI/UX design principles, and app testing is also highly desirable.

When seeking a Mobile Application Developer, it's not always necessary for candidates to have experience in all the necessary tools and technologies. What's more important is their proficiency in the primary tools and languages specific to the job role you're hiring for. Mobile app development often involves platform-specific skills, such as Swift and Objective-C for iOS and Java or Kotlin for Android.

A candidate's ability to quickly pick up new tools can be advantageous, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile app development. So, while expertise in a core set of tools is essential, a candidate's willingness and aptitude for expanding their skill set can also be a significant asset.

When hiring an Android Developer, there are specific skill sets that are crucial for success in the role. First and foremost, candidates should possess proficiency in programming languages like Java and Kotlin, as these are the primary languages for Android app development.

They should also have a deep understanding of the Android platform, including knowledge of Android's architecture and components, UI/UX design principles, and Material Design guidelines. Familiarity with popular development tools like Android Studio, version control systems like Git, and experience with building, testing, and deploying Android apps is essential.

Assessing a mobile application developer's real-world project-handling skills is essential to ensure they can effectively contribute to your team. Start by delving into their portfolio of past projects. Ask the candidate to walk you through their previous work, highlighting their roles and responsibilities, the challenges they faced, and the solutions they implemented.

In addition to discussing their past projects, consider giving the candidate a small, real-world scenario or problem related to mobile app development. Ask them how they would approach it, from ideation and design to coding and testing.

The requirement for Mobile Application Development skills varies across different job roles and industries. For example, a Front-End Developer may need mobile app development skills to create responsive and mobile-friendly web applications.

The role of a Mobile Application Developer adapts to industry demands and evolving technology. In emerging fields such as IoT and wearable technology, mobile app developers may work on integrating mobile apps with connected devices. In the gaming industry, developers focus on creating interactive and visually engaging apps. Financial institutions may require developers to emphasize security and encryption.