40 Questions to Ask When Hiring a New Mobile Developer for an Existing Project

Whether your previous developer left due to unforeseen circumstances or you are not satisfied with your current developer and are looking for a change, hiring a new mobile app developer is vital. Not only can a new developer bring fresh insights to enhance your app’s performance, but they can also introduce innovative solutions, streamline existing processes, and ensure that the app evolves with changing user needs and technology trends. However, choosing a new developer for an existing project is not as easy as it sounds, considering the fact that there are a plethora of app developers flooding the market today.

When it comes to choosing a new developer, you need to evaluate your options properly, which starts with asking the right questions during the hiring process. The right questions will help you assess the candidate’s technical proficiency, their ability to integrate with your team, and their commitment to your project’s long-term success so that you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your app’s needs and future growth.

In this blog, we have outlined the most important mobile developer interview questions across various areas of expertise so that you can make your choice wisely.

Questions about General Mobile Development Expertise

Let’s face it, asking a mobile app developer or an app agency the right questions will directly determine the success of your mobile app project. Therefore, your initial questions should be directed towards gaining insights into their technical expertise and overall approach to development so you can ensure that they are aligned with your project goals. Read on to find out some of the most important dev questions you need to ask them to understand about developers’ general mobile development expertise.

1. Which Programming Languages Do You Generally Use?

By assessing the programming languages that a developer knows, you can easily gauge if they can meet your app’s requirements. For example, certain programming languages like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android are ideal for native apps. On the other hand, if you are planning to build a cross-platform application, then your developer needs to know languages like React Native or Flutter.

2. Can You Provide References for Previous Clients?

Previous client references are one of the most reliable sources to consider when selecting the right developer for your project. By looking into the previous projects, you can analyze the developer’s performance, their ability to deliver results, and the quality of the final product.

3. Would You Mind if I Talk to Some of Your Previous and Current Clients Over a Quick Call?

Talking to current or past clients gives you a direct perspective on the developer’s work quality, approach, and customer satisfaction. It helps you assess whether their past clients were happy with the project outcome and if any issues arose during development. This conversation can provide a deeper level of trust before making a final decision.

4. What is your Experience in the Niche of my Project?

If the developer you choose has good experience in your specific niche, then they will have a better understanding of the challenges, user expectations, and unique requirements of your industry. While this past expertise is not a must-have quality, it will help in making the development process smoother and more efficient.

5. What Does Quality Assurance Look Like to You?

It goes without saying that quality assurance (QA) is a critical aspect of the app development process that will ensure that your app functions as promised and is free of bugs or technical glitches. By asking this question to the developer, you can gain a good understanding about their approach to testing, the tools they use, and how they ensure the app’s performance, security, and usability.

Also Read: AI in Software Quality Assurance: The Next Big Thing in Software Testing!

6. What Development Methodology Do You Use?

The development methodology of your developer, be it Waterfall or Agile, affects how your project will be managed and delivered. By properly understanding which methodology they use, you can anticipate how the project will unfold and how easily adjustments can be made during the process.

7. How Many Years of Experience do you have Working with Businesses in my Region?

Prior experience in working with businesses in your region can be an advantage as the developer may have a better understanding of local trends, user behavior, and regional regulations. This knowledge can significantly improve the relevance of the app and its effectiveness in the target market.

8. How Regular Is Your Team in Meeting Deadlines and Conveying Needs?

Having clear communication with developers regarding timelines and deadlines is extremely instrumental in ensuring that your app is deployed on time. By understanding how consistently developers convey project needs, you can choose your best fit that aligns with the pace of your requirements. 

9. How Much Involvement do you Demand from your Partner?

If you would like to choose a developer where you are given much control over the project, then you need to include mobile developer interview questions related to their ideal involvement requirements. It is important to understand that while some developers encourage consistent engagement, others may prefer a more hands-off approach.

10. How Do You Communicate with Your Partners?

Proper communication during development can make all the difference within the project. Without proper communication, you risk your project going haywire with a lot of miscommunication. By asking about the developer’s preferred communication methods in your mobile developer interview questions, you can ensure they align with your preferred tools and frequency. 

11. How Will You Keep Me Updated on Progress?

Throughout your app development process, you should regularly monitor the progress and keep track of the milestones. Knowing how the developer plans to keep you updated will help you assess how you can stay informed and involved throughout the development process.

12. What Documents Will We Sign?

Understanding the documentation required, such as contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), or service level agreements (SLAs), is a crucial aspect to include in your mobile developer interview questions as it ensures that both parties are legally protected. Having clear contracts in place establishes the scope of work, timelines, and ownership, which can prevent potential legal or financial issues later on in the project.

Questions About the Specifics of Mobile Development

When it comes to mobile app development, understanding the specifics of how your app will be built, deployed, and maintained is just as important as selecting a developer with the right technical expertise. Here are some detailed mobile developer interview questions that will help you clarify how the developer approaches the unique aspects of the project.

13. What happens if my requirements change or I need iterations?

During the app development process, it is common for requirements to change, and an experienced developer should be flexible enough to accommodate these changes. However, it is important to understand how they manage such situations. As a part of your mobile developer interview questions, you should assess their reassessing timelines, how they adjust the project scope, and provide an updated quote. 

14. What is your code deployment process?

The code deployment process refers to how the developer delivers the final version of the app to the production environment. Asking mobile developer interview questions on code deployment stages such as code review, staging, and final deployment to the app store or server will ensure that the app is fully functional after deployment.

15. What monetization strategies do you suggest for my app?

With the right monetization strategy, you can maximize the revenue potential of your app, and hence, when asking mobile developer interview questions, you should grill the developers about their experience in app monetization along with their proficiency in methods such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, ads, or premium features.

16. What is your experience with mobile ad frameworks?

A popular way of generating revenue from your mobile app is through integrating, and a developer who has good expertise in mobile ad frameworks (like Google AdMob, Facebook Audience Network, or others) will know how to incorporate ads seamlessly into your app without disrupting the user experience.

17. What OS versions and device models do you think my app should support?

While asking your mobile developer interview questions, look into their opinions about which versions of iOS or Android and which device models to target, as well as how to ensure compatibility and performance across a broad spectrum of users while optimizing your app for newer devices.

18. Would you be able to integrate my app with third-party services? 

If your app requires integration with smart devices such as wearables, home automation systems, or IoT devices, it is essential that the developer has experience in this area. Hence, properly examine their familiarity with protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication methods in your mobile developer interview questions.

19. What mobile analytics do you advise to build into my app?

Include some mobile developer interview questions on the developer’s knowledge of mobile analytics like Google Analytics, Firebase, or other platforms that will allow you to track user interactions, monitor retention rates, and optimize your app for greater success.

20. How experienced are you with payment integrations?

If your app involves financial transactions, payment integration is crucial, and it is imperative that your developer has prior experience in integrating secure payment systems like Stripe, PayPal, or Apple Pay to ensure smooth, safe transactions within your app.

21. How can you make my app secure against cyber threats?

With cyber threats constantly on the rise, you should ask several mobile developer interview questions about the best practices that the developers will implement to secure user data and protect the app from vulnerabilities. This includes accessing their knowledge about encryption, secure API connections, and adherence to data protection regulations.

22. What are the best UI/UX practices that you follow?

If the developer you choose is well-versed in the best UI/UX practices, then he can create designs that are not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate, making your app more attractive and usable for your target audience. Hence, you should include mobile developer interview questions about UI/UX guidelines to ensure that your app provides an intuitive, user-friendly experience.

23. What testing methods do you use to assess the app’s performance? 

Ensuring that your app does not negatively affect device performance is essential for user satisfaction. By asking mobile developer interview questions on a developer’s proficiency with performance testing for the app’s speed, battery usage, memory consumption, and other factors, you can be assured that your app runs smoothly, even on lower-end devices.

24. Have you used any extended functionality provided by OSs?

Mobile operating systems offer extended functionality, such as push notifications, background tasks, or advanced APIs for location tracking and camera usage. A developer experienced with these features can leverage them to enhance your app’s functionality, providing a richer, more seamless experience that takes full advantage of the device’s capabilities.

Questions About Mobile App Development Cost

When planning to develop a mobile app, understanding the costs involved, from initial estimates to ongoing maintenance, is critical for budgeting beforehand. Asking the right mobile application developer interview questions about app development costs can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make informed decisions throughout the process. Here are some mobile application development viva questions that focus on the cost aspects of app development to gain clarity on what factors influence pricing.

25. What are my collaboration model and payment system options?

By reviewing what developers prefer through mobile developer interview questions on collaboration models like fixed-price contracts or time-and-materials agreements and payment systems like milestone-based payments, hourly billing, or an upfront percentage, you can select the best fit that aligns with your project’s needs and budget.

26. Can you give a fixed quote?

A fixed quote helps establish a clear understanding of the cost of the entire project, regardless of the time spent or unexpected complications. Ask developers if they can provide a fixed quote to reduce the risk of surprise costs and make certain that they are committed to delivering the project within the agreed-upon parameters.

27. What is your hourly rate?

If you are planning to bill the work of developers on an hourly basis, asking mobile developer interview questions on how much mobile developers make and their hourly rate is essential for determining the overall cost of your project. Knowing the rate will allow you to estimate the time and budget required for different stages of development.

28. What do you need from me to provide a quote?

In order to provide an accurate quote, developers will need specific details about your app, such as its features, design, complexity, and platforms. Therefore, you should ask app developers what information is required to get an accurate estimate and prevent delays in the planning phase.

Questions About the App Creation Process

The app creation process is a crucial part of the entire app development journey, and it needs careful execution so that the project runs smoothly and the end product is the same as you envisioned. Including the right mobile developer interview questions about how the developer approaches app creation and the practices they follow to plan, design, develop, and test the app will help you gain a deeper understanding of their workflow, allowing you to choose the best developer for your project.

29. Do you provide a development roadmap that details the entire process?

Enquiring developers with mobile developer interview questions about whether they provide a roadmap that outlines the project’s timeline and deliverables will help give you a clear view of the entire development process down the road and ensure that both you and the developer are aligned on expectations. 

30. Who owns the source code during development?

Clarifying ownership of the source code is vital to avoid misunderstandings, and you must include several mobile software testing interview questions that gain insights into what happens once the project is completed and payments are made. You should know beforehand if you have the right to modify, distribute, or sell the app after development without restrictions from the developer.

31. Explain your entire mobile app development team and their roles in my project?

Ideally, it is best to choose a mobile app developer team with a mix of developers, designers, QA testers, and project managers. Ask mobile developer interview questions about the structure of the development team and choose a skilled and balanced team that can handle the various aspects of app creation.

Also Read: Who to choose for my projects, a Team or Freelancers?

32. Which development methodology do you follow, Waterfall or Agile?

Depending on the specific needs of your project, you should bring up mobile developer interview questions on Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies and choose if you would like to go with Waterfall, a linear, step-by-step approach, or Agile, a more flexible and iterative development approach.

33. How do you evaluate the duration and scope of work for the project?

While asking mobile application development viva questions, an important aspect is evaluating the duration and scope of a project that developers need to complete your application. Based on the answers you receive, you can choose the developer who best fits your timeframe and expectations.

Questions About Post-Development Assistance

Most app owners think they can take a back seat once their application is launched and fail to realize that post-launch maintenance is just as important as the development phase. It plays a major role in ensuring that your app continues to function smoothly after it has been launched. By asking the right mobile developer interview questions, you will know how the developer will assist you in maintaining the app’s quality, addressing any issues, and making necessary improvements. Here are five valuable questions you must ask your app developer on their post-launch support.

34. Do you provide app maintenance and support?

When you are interviewing developers, it is best to choose those who provide ongoing maintenance for your application so that your app is updated, secure, and functional as technology evolves and user expectations change by asking mobile developer interview questions on post-launch support.

35. Do you have App Store Optimization (ASO) expertise?

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving your app’s visibility on app stores, like the Apple App Store and Google Play, and will help your app become discoverable to the right audience. By choosing a developer with ASO expertise, you can significantly boost downloads and user engagement as well as improve your apps’ ranking in the app stores.

36. Once I accept the app, is there a guaranteed period for bug fixing?

A bug-fixing guarantee after the app provides peace of mind, knowing that any issues discovered post-launch will be addressed by the developer. Before choosing a developer, you need to ask mobile developer interview questions on this niche so that the app functions as expected across different devices and environments.

37. What kind of updates can you handle post-launch?

Regular updates are essential to keep your app relevant and functional as user preferences and technologies evolve. Asking mobile developer interview questions on app updates will help you gauge the developer’s capacity to manage feature enhancements, compatibility updates for new OS versions, and performance improvements.

Also Read: Mobile App Update Strategies: Why and How Often Should an App Be Updated?

38. Can you assist with app scaling as user demand grows?

As an app owner, the best decision would be to choose an app developer who can handle increased user demands. Enquiring about how equipped the developer is to optimize the app’s infrastructure, enhance server capacity, and address performance bottlenecks will allow your app to grow seamlessly.

When You Are Ready to Pull the Trigger

When you have made the final decision to move forward with turning your ideas into a functional, user-friendly app with the best developer for your project and have a sound understanding of their timeline, costs, and responsibilities, there are some final mobile developer interview questions you need to ask to finalize the contract, confirm terms, and prepare for the journey ahead.

39. What do you expect of me for the project to succeed?

For any project, clear communication and collaboration are key to success, and you should include mobile developer interview questions on what the developer expects from you so that you can understand your role in the process and make sure that both parties are aligned on expectations.

40. What is your availability, and when would you be able to begin work on the project? 

Before choosing your app developer, ask when they can start and if their availability is on par with the timeframe of your project. If your project requires immediate action, then you need to go with a developer who can dedicate the necessary time and resources to start right away.

The Keys to a Successful Partnership

In order for the partnership with your app developer to succeed, you need to clearly communicate your expectations, respect their decisions, and share the same goal. Instead of leaving everything in the hands of your developer, you need to make regular check-ins and provide your feedback to prevent miscommunication and unnecessary delays. In addition to that, by understanding the strength of your developer, you can leverage it to your advantage and create a standout application.

In app development, it is common for unforeseen challenges to arise, and both parties should have the ability to adjust plans without disrupting the project’s momentum. Successful partnerships thrive when both sides are open to changes in direction or scope as long as these adjustments serve the overall success of the app.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mobile developer is the foundation of creating a successful, impactful app, and it starts from asking the right mobile developer interview questions during the interview process. A thoughtful interview process ensures that you partner with a developer who shares your goals and has the capabilities to bring your app idea to life and set the stage for building a standout application.

Looking to hire the perfect developer for your unique project needs? APPWRK IT Solutions, an app development and AI-driven digital transformation company, provides a comprehensive range of mobile app development services, including Android and iOS app development, all at competitive prices that align with your budget. Contact us today to turn your project into a standout application.