Hiring an Offshore Software Developer: Defining the Role
Software development covers a wide range of work. You could be hiring someone to maintain an existing application, build new features, work on a mobile product, or support development across several client projects.
The role you need will depend partly on what you're building and the technology you use. From there, you can work out which type of developer and level of experience make sense for the work.
What Kind of Software Developer Do You Need?
Frontend, backend, full-stack, and mobile developers work on different parts of a product, so the distinction matters when you're hiring.
Developer Type | Main Focus | When They May Be a Good Fit |
|---|---|---|
Frontend Developer | User interfaces and frontend applications | You need someone working mainly on the user-facing side of your product |
Backend Developer | APIs, databases, application logic, and server-side systems | Most of the work is on the backend |
Full-Stack Developer | Frontend and backend development | The role includes regular work across both |
Mobile Developer | iOS, Android, or cross-platform applications | You're building or maintaining a mobile app |
Stack-Specific Developer | Particular languages, frameworks, or systems | The role requires strong experience with a particular technology |
Job titles can still cover different levels of experience. Check the candidate's previous work against what they'll be responsible for in the role.
For example, if you're hiring a full-stack developer, check how much of their recent work has involved both frontend and backend development. If most of the work you need is on one side, experience in that area may matter more than having “full-stack” in their job title.
The type of developer and level of experience you need can also affect hiring costs. See our guide to software development outsourcing costs in the UK vs. the Philippines.
How Much of Your Tech Stack Should a Developer Already Know?
If they'll use a particular language or framework regularly, previous experience with it will usually be important.
They don't need experience with every technology in your stack. Some tools can be learned on the job, especially if they've worked with similar technologies before.
Start with the technologies they'll use regularly in the role. You can then separate the ones they need to know when they start from the ones they can learn as they get familiar with your setup.
How Should You Assess a Software Developer Before Hiring?
Ask candidates about development work that's relevant to the role. Find out what they were responsible for and how they approached the work.
If they'll be joining an existing project, ask about their experience working with an existing codebase. For a more specialized role, the discussion can focus on the type of technical work they'll be doing for you.
LevelUp can include technical vetting for technical and specialist roles where appropriate. You'll interview the shortlisted candidates and make the final hiring decision.
For a broader look at the hiring process, read our guide to hiring dedicated offshore software developers.
How Will an Offshore Developer Work With Your Development Process?
Your developer can use the same repositories, project management tools, communication tools, and development processes your team already uses.
You manage their development work and priorities. LevelUp handles their employment in the Philippines, including HR, payroll, compliance, and ongoing support.
Your team will handle the technical onboarding for your product and codebase. This can include giving them the access they need and showing them how your team handles development work.
