# What to look for when choosing a software developer? [Home](https://3bird.nl/)/What to look for when choosing a software developer? # What to look for when choosing a software developer? When choosing a software developer, there are three things to look for: technical skills that align with your project, demonstrable reliability through references or previous projects, and a working style that fits your organization. Whether you’re looking for a freelancer, a development team, or an external partner, the choice has a direct impact on the quality and turnaround time of your software. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can make an informed decision. ## What technical skills should a software developer have? A software developer must have solid knowledge of relevant programming languages, experience with modern frameworks, and a good understanding of software architecture. Which specific skills matter depends on your project: a mobile app requires different expertise than a web application or an enterprise system. Yet there are skills that are valuable for virtually every software development project: - **Programming languages:** depending on the project, these include JavaScript, Python, Java, .NET, Swift, or Kotlin - **Front-end and back-end knowledge:** a full-stack developer can work on both sides of an application, which simplifies collaboration - **Version control:** experience with Git is a basic requirement for every professional developer - **Cloud platforms:** knowledge of AWS or Azure is relevant if your application needs to run scalably in the cloud - **Agile methodology:** developers who work with sprints and iterations deliver working software faster Beyond technical knowledge, **communication skills** also matter. A developer who doesn’t understand what you as a client want will build something that is technically correct but doesn’t work commercially. Always ask about previous projects and how the collaboration with clients went. ## What is the difference between hiring a freelancer and a development team? The most important difference is capacity and continuity. A freelancer works independently and is suitable for smaller, well-defined assignments. A development team offers more bandwidth, specializations per discipline, and is more resilient to the absence or illness of one person. Choose a **freelancer** if: - You have a clearly defined, short-term project - Your budget is limited and you need one specific skill - You already have an internal team that needs extra capacity Choose a **development team** if: - Your project requires multiple disciplines, such as front-end, back-end, and UX - You are planning a long-term trajectory where continuity is important - You want to be able to scale up or down based on project phases A team also offers built-in knowledge sharing: if one developer picks something up, the entire project benefits from it. That is not the case with a freelancer. ## How do you know if a software developer is reliable? You recognize a reliable software developer by transparency about their working method, demonstrable experience through references or portfolio work, and clear agreements about communication and delivery. Reliability is not something you assume — it is something you verify. Concrete steps to assess reliability: - **Ask for references** from previous clients and actually follow up with them - **Review previous work**: live applications, GitHub repositories, or case descriptions - **Propose a trial project**: a small paid assignment shows how someone works before you entrust them with a large project - **Pay attention to communication**: does the developer respond quickly and clearly to questions? That is a good indicator of the collaboration later on - **Check the contractual agreements**: are deadlines, code ownership, and payment terms clearly documented? A developer who struggles with transparency or is unclear about their working method gives you little to hold on to when the project becomes more complex. ## What does it cost to hire a software developer? The costs for a software developer vary greatly depending on experience level, location, and type of collaboration. In the Netherlands, hourly rates for freelance developers typically range between €70 and €150 per hour. Remote developers from countries with lower labor costs are often available for €25 to €50 per hour, with a comparable quality level if they are well managed. Factors that determine the price: - **Experience level:** a junior developer costs less than a senior full-stack developer - **Technology:** scarce specializations such as blockchain or AI integrations are more expensive - **Location:** local Dutch developers are more expensive than remote teams in, for example, Nepal or Eastern Europe - **Contract type:** permanent employees bring additional costs beyond salary, such as social contributions and secondary employment benefits In addition to the hourly rate, the **total project cost** also matters. A cheaper developer who takes three times as long is ultimately more expensive. So look at the combination of rate, speed, and quality. ## When do you choose IT outsourcing instead of a permanent employee? IT outsourcing is a good choice when you need flexibility, have no need for a permanent position, or when the required expertise is not available internally. A permanent employee is a better fit when software development is a structural, daily activity within your organization. Choose **IT outsourcing** if: - You work project-based and the need for development fluctuates - You want to start quickly without a lengthy recruitment process - You want access to specific expertise that is not available internally - You want to control costs without compromising on quality Choose a **permanent employee** if: - Software development is a core activity that requires daily attention - Knowledge retention within your organization carries significant weight - You want to build a close working relationship in the office Many companies today opt for a hybrid approach: a small internal team supplemented by remote developers based on project needs. This gives you the benefits of both models without being fully dependent on one solution. ## How we help you find the right software developer At 3Bird, we combine more than 25 years of ICT experience with a team of proven remote developers in Nepal, guided by Dutch fractional CTOs. This means you get the benefits of [IT outsourcing](https://3bird.nl/it-outsourcing) without the drawbacks of communication issues or loss of quality. What we concretely offer: - **Flexible deployment:** developers available from €25 per hour, scalable to your needs - **Broad technical coverage:** from junior webshop developers to senior full-stack specialists in React, Angular, .NET, Java, Flutter, and more - **Dutch guidance:** your point of contact speaks your language and understands your business context - **Custom software development:** we build what your organization needs, not what happens to be available Whether you want to have a first app built, expand an existing system, or are looking for a reliable **software development partner** for the long term, we are happy to think along with you. Get in touch via **+(31)75-7993038** or send an email to **contact@3bird.nl** for a no-obligation conversation. ## Ready to Get Started? Talk to us about your project and find the right 3Bird solution. [Contact Us Today](https://3bird.nl/contact/) --- Book a free 30-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/3-bird/3bird-oscar-30-minuten-meet Email: contact@3bird.nl | Phone: +31757993038