You’ve got the next big startup idea. You’re fired up and ready to build. You know the next step is finding a developer to turn that vision into reality. But wait—before you dive into hiring mode, ask yourself this: Have you asked the right questions?
Hiring the wrong developer could be a costly mistake. It could set your project back, burn through your budget, and leave you pulling your hair out. But here’s the good news: we can avoid all that. 🎉
Let’s break it down with five crucial questions you need to answer before bringing a developer onboard.
1. What Exactly Are You Hiring For?
It’s easy to rush into hiring mode, but hit pause for a second. What exactly do you need from a developer? Are you looking for someone to fix bugs? Build one feature? Or develop the entire product from scratch?
Getting crystal-clear on what you need is key to finding the right fit. If you don’t, you might end up with someone who’s either too skilled (and expensive) or not skilled enough.
Are you building a fully custom product or just an MVP?
What’s your immediate priority, and what can wait?
If you don’t know, you’re setting yourself up for confusion and budget bloat.
2. Is Your Tech Stack Ready?
Have you already chosen the right tech stack, or are you still figuring it out? If it’s not decided, now’s the time to get that clarity.
Your developer needs to be comfortable with the technologies you're using—or at least able to quickly learn them. Make sure your tech stack aligns with your goals and can scale as your product grows.
Not sure? A Tech Roadmap can help you make an informed decision without throwing away time or money on the wrong tools.
3. What’s Your Plan for Communication?
The last thing you want is to be left in the dark while building your product. So, how will you keep your developer in the loop?
Will you use Slack for quick updates?
How often will you hold meetings?
Will you rely on tools like Trello or Jira to track progress?
Setting clear expectations about communication upfront is critical. It keeps everyone aligned and avoids delays.
4. What Are the Milestones and Deadlines?
How long do you think this project will take? Can you answer that clearly? If not, your developer can’t either. Lack of clarity on timelines leads to delays, misaligned expectations, and rework.
A Tech Roadmap is the perfect tool to help you establish realistic milestones and deadlines—because the sooner you start prioritizing, the faster you’ll get to market.
5. What’s Your Budget, and Can You Afford It?
Budgeting for a developer isn’t easy, but it’s essential. How much can you spend? More importantly, what are you getting for that money?
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember: cutting corners might end up costing you more in the long run if you don’t get the quality you need. If you're unsure, a Tech Audit can help clarify what’s possible within your budget.
So, What’s the Fix?
Here’s how to get it right:
✅ Step 1: Build a Tech Roadmap
Before hiring, get clear on:
What you’re building in version 1
What can wait for later versions
How you’ll scale fast
A solid roadmap doesn’t just add structure—it gives you clarity on what’s ahead.
✅ Step 2: Share It with Your Developer
Once you’ve got your roadmap, share it! Provide your developer with:
User journeys
Feature breakdowns
Tech stack decisions
Milestones and timelines
Now there’s no guessing or endless meetings.
✅ Step 3: Launch with Confidence
With a roadmap, you’ll:
Cut down on build time
Minimize rework
Get your product to market faster
Final Thoughts
Hiring a developer isn’t just about finding the right skill set; it’s about making sure the right person arrives at the right time with the right expectations.
Answer these five questions, and you’ll have the clarity you need to make a smart hire—without the costly mistakes.
Need help getting started?
A Tech Roadmap can give you the clarity and direction you need to make the best decision for your product and budget. No more confusion. No more wasted resources.
Ready to get unstuck?
We’ve helped 75+ startups across India, Dubai, and the US hire the right developers and launch faster, not slower. 💡
👉 Book your roadmap at The New Angle.
Your MVP deserves a solid start. Let’s make it happen.
