I'm curious about how other small founders and solo builders go about finding solid remote developers without spending too much. I'm not looking for super senior folks; more like mid-level developers who can work with modern tech stacks and are ready to handle day-to-day tasks. Ideally, I want someone interested in a long-term role and available during UK hours.
I've checked out sites like WeWorkRemotely, RemoteOK, LinkedIn, and Upwork, but it's tough to figure out which ones actually lead to good candidates. If you've hired remote developers in the past, I'd really appreciate your insights:
- Where did you find them?
- What strategies worked or didn't work?
- Are there specific regions you'd recommend?
- What should I watch out for?
I'm just trying to gauge what's realistic and how others approach this. Any advice would be super helpful!
4 Answers
It's interesting that many companies seem to overlook remote developers even when they’d be cheaper options. As a developer from the EU, I applied to US companies that were offering quite lower rates than I’d get in the EU, but I didn’t even get an interview in return. Ultimately, I chose to work with EU-based firms instead. Just a note on hiring: make sure it’s a fair process for everyone involved.
You should seriously consider if on-site hiring is not feasible. Why restrict yourself to remote? But if you stick with remote, I'd recommend checking LinkedIn and Glassdoor. I got both my jobs through LinkedIn after I enhanced my profile. Just a heads up, watch out for companies that ask for free prototype work. It's a red flag! Also, make sure to respect labor laws and avoid expecting 24/7 availability. Developers are human too, and burnout is a real issue that affects productivity.
Honestly, referrals from your own network have been the most effective for me. About 80% of my best hires came from someone within the team knowing someone else. For platforms, I’ve had success with RemoteOK since there’s less noise than sites like Upwork, where the talent can be all over the place. Toptal is pricey but worth it if you're in a rush because they vet candidates thoroughly.
Also, for UK hours, I’d suggest looking in Eastern Europe—countries like Poland and Romania have a lot of solid mid-level developers who are reasonably priced and aligned with your timezone. Don't forget to clearly define a tech test or a paid trial to save time on filtering through candidates who may look good on paper but can't deliver!
From a developer's perspective, good work and going the extra mile often leads to the best referrals—much better than using typical platforms. You might want to tap into your network; you might find someone who can help you out! I left platforms like Upwork years ago and now primarily use LinkedIn to connect and learn from others in my field. Also, sharing your tech stack and budget can make it easier for others to recommend fit candidates.
That's solid feedback. Appreciate it!