iOS Developers Hiring Guide 101

Introduction

Hiring is a mess. It's like selecting a needle from a haystack. Except, it's worse. Now, imagine this scene in the tech world, daunting, right?

What if it's not? What if hiring an iOS developer is as simple as cherry picking? It's not a dream—it can be reality. If you're shocked or intrigued, good. Because that's what we're here to discuss.

We often think hiring the right person to do a job is like enrolling in a marathon. The truth is, it doesn't have to be an uphill battle. But how?

Consider the world of app development. There's a sea of talent out there. All we have to do is catch the right fish. And yes, we're going to tell you exactly how to cast that perfect line.

So, brace yourself. We're going to swirl around the soup of hiring, onboarding, and integration in the iOS development world. And we're going slice through the intimidating jargons and complexities.

Suit up. Lean in. Let's decode the art of hiring the right iOS developer. And not just hiring. Let's figure out how to integrate them seamlessly into your team. Welcome to the guide that's going to change the way you hire. Forever.

Understanding iOS Development

iOS is the operating system that powers iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It's like the brains behind our favorite Apple gadgets. 

So, when we talk about iOS development, we mean making new apps or improving existing apps for these devices.

But what does an iOS developer do? Imagine you have an idea for a cool app but don’t know how to build it. This is where an iOS developer shows up. 

They convert your ideas into a real-life app! Through coding and creativity, they build an app from scratch and make sure it's user-friendly and free of bugs. It's like a mix of problem-solving, imagination, and technical skills.

Now, you're probably wondering why you can't just get any coder to do the job. The answer is simple — not all phones and gadgets are the same, and different systems speak different languages. 

For iOS, the main languages are Swift and Objective-C. So, you need a pro who knows these languages fluently.

That's why it's important to hire the right iOS developer. Someone who not only speaks Swift or Objective-C but can also understand your vision and bring it to life. 

This is what we do at AppsRhino. We make sure your dream app becomes a reality.

The Counterintuitive Approach to Hiring

When you think about hiring an iOS developer, you might imagine posting a job and waiting for applications to pour in. But let's be real, the usual way isn't always the best way.

First off, ditch the idea that a fancy resume tells the whole story. Sometimes, the best talents don’t shine on paper. They shine by doing. 

That's why you should think about project-based challenges. See how candidates solve real problems, not just how they talk about solving them.

Next, don't get too hung up on experience. Sure, experience is great, but curiosity and a knack for learning can matter more, especially in tech. Things change fast. 

A developer who's eager to learn new stuff can be more valuable than one who's been doing the same thing for years but isn’t open to new ideas.

Also, consider the power of soft skills. Communication, teamwork, adaptability - these matter as much as coding skills. Imagine you have two developers: one is a coding wizard but can't work well with others, and another is good (not great, but good) at coding but amazing at teamwork. 

Go for the team player. Projects succeed with collaboration, not just code.

At AppsRhino, we do things differently. We look beyond the resume. We're interested in how people think, learn, and collaborate. Our approach might seem counterintuitive, but it works. 

It helps us find not just good developers but great team members. So, when you're hiring, think outside the typical checklist. It could lead you to your next star developer.

Skills to Look For Beyond Technical Abilities

Hiring an iOS developer involves more than judging coding skills. Key qualities are crucial for a good developer. Here's a list that might help you spot an excellent candidate:

• Communication Skills: The ability to explain tech things to non-tech people and understand your needs is essential.
   
• Problem-Solving Ability: Great developers enjoy cracking puzzles and dig deep to find solutions.
   
• Eagerness to Learn: In a fast-evolving field like tech, continuous learning is a must-have trait.
   
• Adaptability: The tech landscape keeps changing, so developers need to be comfortable with change too.
   
• Attention to Detail: Coding demands focus on tiny details because even a single wrong character can break an app.
   
• Creativity and Innovation: To make your app stand out in a crowded market, you need creative devs who think differently.
   
• Collaborative Spirit: Developers need to collaborate well with various teams—designers, testers, even clients like you.
   
• Time Management: Balancing different tasks and keeping deadlines without spoon-feeding is crucial.
   
• Empathy and User Focus: Developers should understand user needs as apps are for users. Having empathy helps build intuitive, user-friendly apps.
   
• The AppsRhino Factor: When you’re hiring through AppsRhino, know you’re getting more than just a great coder. You're partnering with an all-around professional ready to bring extra flair to your projects.

Suggested Reading: 
5 Reasons Why You Need to Partner with Expert iOS Developers

Where to Find iOS Developers

Finding the right iOS developer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it doesn't have to be that hard. Here's where you can look:

• Online Job Boards: It's the first place many think of. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are packed with talent looking for new opportunities. Post your job, and you’ll get applicants.
   
• Tech Forums and Communities: Places like Stack Overflow and GitHub are where developers hang out. They talk code and help each other. You can find someone who knows their stuff by how they interact in these communities.
   
• Freelance Platforms: If you need someone for a one-off job or something part-time, check out Upwork or Freelancer. You’ll find plenty of freelance iOS developers available for hire.
   
• Tech Meetups and Conferences: It’s a bit old school but works. Attending local tech meetups or conferences gives you a chance to meet developers in person. This way, you can get a feel for who they are beyond their resume.
   
• Referrals: Never underestimate the power of a good referral. Ask around in your network. Sometimes the best candidates come from a friend of a friend who knows someone perfect for the job.

Remember, finding the right person might take a bit of time. It's not just about skills. You want someone who fits well with your project and team, so don't rush the process.

Evaluating Candidates: The AppsRhino Way

When you have a pile of candidates to evaluate, how do you figure out who's the best fit for your project? At AppsRhino, we keep it straightforward.

We start by looking at what they've built in the past. We're not talking about just skimming their portfolio. We actually use the apps they've created. That tells us more about their real-world skills than any resume ever could.

Then we set up a practical test. It's not just some random coding exercise; it’s a slice from the kind of work they'd be doing with us. This way, we see their thought process, problem-solving skills, and how they handle feedback.

And yes, we talk to them—a real conversation, not a Q&A session. We chat about their past work, what they liked, what they didn't, and what they learned from it all. This tells us heaps about their attitude and passion.

We do dig into their technical knowledge, of course. But we keep it relevant. There's no point asking them about coding languages they won’t use here. We focus on the skills that matter for the job at hand.

We’re also big on soft skills. Can they explain complex ideas simply? Do they play well with others? How do they handle tight deadlines? This part is all about figuring out if they'll fit in with the team and the way we do things.

References are the last stop. We reach out to past colleagues and bosses. It's not just to hear they're "great to work with," though. We’re after the specifics—how they contributed to projects, handled pressure, and overcame challenges.

That’s our approach in a nutshell. It’s about seeing the whole picture, not just the shiny parts. Because when you get down to it, hiring is not just about finding the right set of skills. It's about finding the right person.

Onboarding and Integration

Alright, let's talk about onboarding and integration. Let's keep it real simple.

Imagine you've just joined a basketball team. You need to know the plays, who passes the ball to whom, and what the coach expects, right? It's the same with bringing a new iOS developer onto your team.

First things first, give them the basics—like a map to navigate the office (even if it’s a virtual office). Show them where stuff is, from code repositories to the coffee machine.

Next, paperwork. Yeah, it's boring, but it's got to be done. Help them through it. Make it quick and painless. Set them up with the right tools and tech they need to start coding.

Then, introduce them to their teammates, even if it's just a virtual hello. It's all about making them feel part of the crew.

Give them a rundown of the current project. What’s the goal? Who are the users? What's the deadline?

Pair them up with a buddy. This should be someone they can ask the ‘dumb questions’, the stuff they might think is too small to bother you with.

Start them off with small tasks. Nothing too scary. Let them get their feet wet without the pressure of diving into deep waters.

Have regular check-ins. Not just about work stuff, but how they’re settling in. It helps iron out any kinks early on.

Keep it real and remember, we've all been the new kid at some point. Make it easy, clear, and welcoming.

There you go. That’s how you bring someone new into your team without the fluff or fuss. Keep it straightforward and you'll have them feeling like part of the family in no time.

Conclusion

Alright, let's wrap this up.

Hiring an iOS developer isn't just about technical stuff. It's about finding someone who fits with your team, someone who gets your users, and someone who can roll with the punches. So, take your time to find the right person.

Hire Dedicated Developers for various technologies such as IOS, Android, Angular, React, PHP, Node, Joget, MongoDB, and Java with AppsRhino:

• IOS developers
• Android developers
• Angular developers
• React developers
• Node developers

Onboarding is the next step. Make it easy for them. Show them the ropes, handle that boring paperwork, pair them up with a buddy, and start with small tasks.

And there you go—you're all set. You've got this! With this guide, you're ready to hire and onboard an ace iOS developer. Now, let's start building amazing apps together.

Suggested Reading: 
Hiring Top iOS Developers: The Essential Skills to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you ensure the iOS developer stays updated with the latest Apple technologies?

Keep a learning-first environment, encourage regular training, and allocate time for them to explore new updates in Apple's ecosystem.

What if the iOS developer doesn’t fit in after all efforts?

It's crucial to have a clear, supportive exit strategy. Ensure there are regular evaluations and open conversations to address any fit issues early on.

How long should the onboarding process last?

Ideally, aim for a month but adjust based on the project complexity and the developer’s experience.

Can remote iOS developers be as effective as those in-house?

Absolutely. With clear communication, right tools, and regular check-ins, remote iOS developers can match or even exceed the in-house developers’ efficiency.