Hiring the wrong person? That’s a financial and operational disaster waiting to happen. A poorly built app can lead to bad user experience, negative reviews, security risks, and wasted investment.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to make the right hiring decision. You just need to ask the right questions before signing a contract. Here are five essential ones to separate skilled developers from those who’ll give you nothing but headaches.
1. What Mobile Apps Have You Built Before?
Would you trust a chef who has never cooked a meal? Probably not. The same logic applies to hiring a mobile developer.
A strong portfolio speaks volumes. Instead of relying on their claims, ask for actual, live examples of mobile apps they have developed. Download those apps, test them, and pay attention to the following:
- Performance: Does the app run smoothly, or does it crash frequently?
- User Experience (UX): Is the app intuitive and easy to navigate?
- Design Quality: Does the app look polished, or does it feel outdated?
- App Store Ratings & Reviews: What do real users say about it?
Dig Deeper:
- Were they responsible for the entire development process or just a part of it?
- Did they work alone, or were they part of a team?
- Can they provide references from past clients?
Red Flag:
If they can’t show a single completed project or their past apps have poor reviews, proceed with caution.
2. How Will You Handle Updates and Maintenance?
Your app’s launch isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Bugs will appear, new features will be needed, and operating systems will get updates.
A good developer understands that mobile app development doesn’t stop at launch. They should have a clear plan for post-launch support, including:
- Bug Fixes: How quickly do they respond to and resolve issues?
- Feature Updates: Will they help add new functionalities as your app grows?
- OS & Device Compatibility: How will they ensure your app stays updated with the latest iOS and Android versions?
Ask These Questions:
- Do you offer ongoing maintenance, or will I need to hire someone else later?
- What are your fees for post-launch support?
- How do you handle urgent fixes if something breaks unexpectedly?
Pro Tip:
Some developers disappear after the project is completed. Make sure you discuss long-term support before you hire them.
3. Can You Work with My Existing Tech Stack?
Not all developers are skilled in every programming language or framework. Some specialize in native development (Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android), while others focus on cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter.
If you already have an existing system—whether it’s a backend, database, or third-party APIs—your developer must be able to work with it. Otherwise, you might end up rebuilding everything from scratch, which means more time, more money, and more hassle.
What to Ask:
- Have you worked with [your preferred technology] before?
- How do you ensure smooth integration with existing tools?
- Will you suggest alternatives if something doesn’t fit?
Real-World Example:
Say you’re using AWS for backend services. A developer unfamiliar with AWS may struggle to integrate storage, authentication, or databases properly. This could lead to performance issues down the line.
Red Flag:
If a developer insists on using only their preferred tech stack without considering your needs, they might not be the right fit.
4. How Do You Approach Security?
A single security flaw can destroy your app’s reputation. Data breaches, hacked accounts, and leaked personal information are real risks. That’s why security should be a top priority from day one.
Key Security Areas to Discuss:
- Data Encryption: How will they ensure that user data is protected?
- Authentication: Will the app support multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
- Compliance: If your app handles sensitive data (like health records or payment info), does the developer understand GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS compliance?
- Code Security: How will they prevent common security threats like SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and man-in-the-middle attacks?
Ask These Questions:
- How do you secure APIs and database connections?
- What steps do you take to prevent data leaks?
- Do you perform security testing before launch?
Red Flag:
If a developer brushes off security concerns or says, "We’ll figure it out later," that’s a deal-breaker. Security isn’t optional.
- What’s Your Development Process Like?
A structured development process can save you from delays, confusion, and costly mistakes. Every developer has a workflow—some follow Agile, some prefer Waterfall, and others have their own system.
The goal is to find out how they work and whether their process aligns with your project’s needs.
Important Aspects to Discuss:
- Project Milestones: How do they break down tasks and track progress?
- Testing Procedures: Do they test on real devices or only simulators?
- Communication: How often will they provide updates? Weekly? Bi-weekly?
Ask These Questions:
- Do you use project management tools like JIRA, Trello, or Asana?
- How do you handle changes in project scope?
- Will I have access to a staging environment to review progress?
Pro Tip:
A developer who can’t clearly explain their process might not have a structured approach—expect delays and miscommunication.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a mobile developer isn’t just about finding someone who can write code. It’s about finding the right person—someone who understands your business, values security, and stays involved even after the app is live.
By asking these five essential questions, you’ll avoid costly mistakes and wasted time. Instead, you’ll find a developer who can turn your app vision into reality without the stress.
And if you’re considering working with a mobile app development company, make sure they check all these boxes. The right choice can make all the difference. The wrong one? Well, you already know how that ends.