Hire Mobile App Developers: 19 Superior Websites to Secure Top Talent

August 10, 2023 • Hiring Developers

Mobile app downloads have been soaring yearly, with the average smartphone owner using 30 apps monthly. As many as 85% of consumers prefer purchasing through apps instead of websites.

It has led to an explosion in demand for mobile app developers, which remain among the most in-demand developers for tech companies worldwide.

According to the CodinGame and CoderPad 2023 Tech Hiring Survey, 23.64% of recruiters actively search for mobile app developers.

Hiring adept mobile app developers is critical to building high-performing mobile apps, so we’ve curated a list of 19 exceptional platforms to hire top-tier mobile app developers.

Skills of Top Mobile App Developers

Exceptional mobile app developers blend technical skills with creative design and a thoroughly up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in the app market.

On the technological side, they have a deep understanding of essential programming languages such as Swift and Java for iOS and Android app development.

It is pivotal because not all mobile app developers work with Android and iOS. However, mobile app developers typically have a firm grasp of cross-platform mobile development frameworks like React Native or Flutter.

🔖 To understand React and Reactive Native, read our guide here.

On the creative side, they understand how to navigate the limitations of mobile hardware to build engaging, intuitive, and responsive applications. It includes a keen eye for modern UI/UX design.

Beyond hard skills, top developers need to be familiar with app store optimization (ASO) best practices to help apps gain visibility in the app stores.

Further, mobile app developers have solid problem-solving abilities. They can swiftly identify and debug issues, spot potential performance bottlenecks, and propose practical solutions.

On the soft skills side, they possess excellent communication and teamwork abilities. They can effectively communicate technical information to non-technical teams, collaborate with various stakeholders, and ensure the final product aligns with the project goals.

19 Superior Websites to Secure Top Talent

So where do you start if you’re looking for mobile app developers? Here’s a list of 19 starting points, from job boards to freelance platforms.

Toptal: A premium talent network that prides itself on hosting only the top 3% of the world’s developers. Toptal’s strict vetting process ensures high-quality talent, making it an excellent platform for businesses that want to work with the best in the industry. Whether you’re looking for experts in iOS, Android, React Native, or other technologies, Toptal has you covered.
Upwork: One of the most popular freelance platforms in the world. This freelance marketplace offers a wide range of developers with varied expertise. You can hire developers for one-time tasks, ongoing projects, or long-term collaborations.
Arc.dev: A modern platform known for connecting businesses with world-class developers. The platform is known for supporting communication, which is critical for successful collaboration on complex mobile app development projects.
Hired: Hired uses a machine learning algorithm to match tech talent with companies. It provides a pool of pre-screened candidates, reducing time spent on screening and interviewing.
Gun.io: Gun.io is renowned for hiring professional freelance software developers passionate about their craft and networking them with organizations seeking high-level dev skills. It manages all administrative aspects of hiring, like payroll and legalities.
Indeed: As one of the largest job search engines, Indeed offers a vast pool of mobile development talent. You can find a diverse range of candidates, from mid-level to senior developers with different specializations. Perfect for full-time hires.
Glassdoor: Another global job board, Glassdoor provides a platform for job postings and offers valuable insights into companies from employees’ perspectives. This unique feature can help you attract mobile developers who value transparency and are keen to understand your company culture.
Clutch: Clutch compiles agencies or consultants based on verified reviews, making it a reliable source for top-tier development teams.
Freelancer: Hosting millions of professional profiles, Freelancer is a global marketplace where you can find developers from different parts of the world suitable for various project sizes and budgets.
Guru: Another freelance platform with an intuitive workspace for collaboration. You can find freelancers with a wide range of rates and expertise, making it a versatile platform for all mobile app hiring needs.
Fiverr: Known for its unique format of offering services in “gigs,” Fiverr hosts many developers. It’s a great platform if you’re looking for cost-effective solutions or want to hire developers for small tasks.
University Job Fairs: University job fairs, such as Stanford’s Computer Forum’s Job Fair, MIT’s Fall Career Fair, and Carnegie Mellon’s Technical Opportunities Conference, offer the opportunity to connect with emerging talent. These events are ideal if you’re looking for fresh ideas and perspectives.
Tech Conferences: Conferences like WWDC by Apple, Google I/O, or TechCrunch Disrupt are perfect networking platforms. They provide insights into the latest industry trends and allow you to meet and hire developers at the top of their game.
YouTeam: YouTeam is a YCombinator-backed marketplace for hiring international talent. It partners with leading software companies, making it a reliable source of experienced mobile developers.
X-Team: X-Team compiles highly vetted developers for SMEs and enterprise businesses, including mobile developers.
Stack Overflow Talent: Stack Overflow, a developer resource, also offers a popular job board, Stack Overflow Talent.
LinkedIn: The world’s largest business-centric social media platform. With a vast network of professionals and comprehensive job posting features, LinkedIn can help you reach a wide range of candidates, from budding talent to seasoned professionals. A go-to for full-time hiring.
Meetup: Tech-related Meetup groups can be an excellent place to connect with developers who are passionate about their craft. Meetup operates internationally.
WellFound: Formerly AngelList, this site is designed specifically for startups looking to recruit various professionals, including mobile developers.

🔖 For more information on how to find app developers, check out our guide here.

How to Hire Mobile App Developers

Once you’ve selected your channels of choice, it’s time to embark on the recruitment journey.

It involves writing job ads, screening candidates, and holding interviews.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Write an Effective Job Description

The first step to hiring top mobile app developers is writing an accurate and compelling job description.

Clearly articulate the skills you’re after, whether it’s Swift, Java, React Native, Flutter, or any other relevant technology. It’s also crucial to specify a) the type of app you want to build (and examples) and b) whether it’s for Android, iOS, or both.

Describe your project’s scope, budget, and timeline. Remember to mention the type of working arrangement (full-time, part-time, contract, remote) and describe salaries and compensation benefits.

🔖Related read: Template of WordPress Developer Job description

Screen Applicants

Once you’ve attracted a pool of candidates, it’s time to screen candidates to shortlist those that look like a good fit.

It is your chance to delve into their past projects, problem-solving strategies, and their approach to deadlines.

Use this opportunity to assess the candidates’ fit for your team or project – especially important for long-term hires.

💡If you need to screen for specific coding abilities or technical skills, CoderPad Screen can help.

Review Portfolios

Reviewing portfolios is a crucial part of the hiring process.

Look for developers who’ve worked on projects similar to yours and have demonstrably high coding standards. A portfolio of live, functional apps is ideal – but bear in mind that not all mobile developers can offer that.

While newer junior app developers might not have a wide-ranging portfolio of live work, they’ll still likely have examples and demo projects.

Conduct Interviews

Once you’ve shortlisted candidates, conduct interviews to gauge their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of your project.

Use the interviews to ask about their past experiences, challenges they’ve overcome, and their favorite projects.

CoderPad Interview offers a streamlined platform for interviewing mobile developers.

Consider a Trial Project

A small, paid trial project can effectively evaluate a candidate’s practical skills, quality of work, ability to meet deadlines, and communication style.

It can also help the candidate understand your project and decide if it aligns with their interests.

#This is necessary for long-term work, as you don’t want your developer to abandon the project!

Promoting a Job Posting Effectively: An Example

Job Title: Experienced Mobile App Developer

Job Description

We seek a skilled and experienced Mobile App Developer to join our dynamic team. You’ll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining our mobile applications across various platforms.

[Include more about your company, its goals, and its sector, such as tech, healthcare, or finance]

Responsibilities

Design and build applications for iOS and/or Android platforms
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features
Maintain code quality, organization, and automatization
Optimize application for maximum speed and scalability
Debug application for smooth user experience
Ensure the performance, quality, and responsiveness of applications

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience in mobile app development
Proficient in Swift or Java/Kotlin for iOS and Android app development, respectively
Familiarity with React Native or Flutter for cross-platform mobile development
Experience with API integration, GIT workflow, and mobile app lifecycle
Knowledge of UI/UX standards
Familiarity with cloud message APIs and push notifications

About Your Role

We’re looking to hire for a one-year contract, with the potential for a full-time role after that.

If you’re passionate about mobile platforms and translating code into user-friendly apps, we would like to meet you.

As a Mobile Developer, you’ll collaborate with internal teams to develop functional mobile applications while working in a fast-paced environment.

Working with Mobile App Development Agencies

Complex mobile app development projects may benefit from collaboration with a mobile app development agency.

Mobile app development agencies offer a wealth of experience and are scalable to larger projects. Agencies include multiple developers, designers, branding experts, and other professionals.

Agencies typically offer dedicated project managers who keep you informed about the project’s progress and act as your point of contact throughout the development process.

Well-known agencies like WillowTree, Y Media Labs, or Intellectsoft offer a proven track record in delivering high-quality bespoke mobile applications. Many software development agencies provide mobile app development services.

While agencies are more expensive than individual hiring, they can be particularly beneficial for extensive projects requiring coordinated team efforts and ongoing support.

Successfully Hire Mobile App Developers

With the boom in mobile technology, skilled mobile app developers are in high demand, and finding the right talent for your project can be challenging.

Mobile app developers not only have to be proficient in multiple programming languages, but they also need to understand UX, interface design, and app marketing dynamics.

The competition for such talent is fierce.

The first step in finding the right mobile app developer involves knowing where to look. Afterward, you must craft an enticing job ad, efficiently screen applicants, and conduct insightful interviews.

CoderPad can support you in this process, providing bespoke designed platforms for screening and interviewing prospective candidates.

💡Try CoderPad for free here, and make your journey to hiring your ideal mobile app developer simpler and easier!