Are you looking to enhance your team with skilled Ruby on Rails developers? This comprehensive article is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know. Below, you can find:
The guide on how to hire Ruby on Rails developers who would fit your organization, project goals, and corporate ideologies.
Various types of hiring models.
A list of appropriate interview questions that will help you find RoR developers.
Continue reading to discover all you need to know about hiring top Ruby on Rails developers.
Ruby on Rails Developers: Quick Facts
Ruby on Rails is one of the top 10 most utilized frameworks in the United States.
Ruby on Rails is a perfect choice for creating high-performance and feature-rich applications.
Hourly rates of Ruby on Rails developers differ from location to location. Hiring a coder from Eastern Europe at a rate of $40 - $70 or Asia at a rate of $30 - $50 is usually cheaper than from the US at a rate of $75 - $200 or Western Europe at a rate of $60 - $100.
Check out websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, CareerBuilder, etc., to hire in-house Rails programmers.
If you are willing to hire freelance developers, check out Freelancer, Toptal, or Upwork.
If you need to rent a Ruby on Rails expert, use IT staff augmentation services. Contact us and get the first CVs within a week.
One cannot hire Ruby on Rails developers without learning what they do. So what does a Ruby on Rails developer do, and which skills are vital for RoR programming?
Technical Skills
What are the essential technical skills for Ruby on Rails developers?
01
Ruby on Rails
Hire Ruby developers who are well-versed in RoR syntax such as loops, classes, modules, etc., as well as knowledgeable in object-oriented programming. An average Ruby on Rails web developer should also be aware of the Model view controller framework and know how to use it.
Finally, RoR developers are required to be familiar with the Ruby on Rails stack and perform operations such as POST, GET, PUT, etc., as well as have a sufficient knowledge base about REST APIs. It’s also a plus if they know how to work with Hotwire to build interactive features without JavaScript.
02
Frontend
Even though Ruby is a backend language, knowing how frontend works and functions is a great skill for an RoR developer. Obviously, a Ruby on Rails engineer does not require extensive knowledge of JavaScript and CSS, but having enough skills to understand frontend developers and efficiently collaborate with them is a huge plus. Thus, being familiar with modern frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Angular can make them more versatile.
03
Databases
Before you hire Ruby on Rails developers, make sure they can comprehend databases well enough to read and operate logs. Basic knowledge about SQL, PostgreSQL, and MySQL is one of the necessary skills required for a Ruby on Rails developer. On top of that, it’s beneficial if they understand NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) to handle unstructured data in specific projects.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are also vital for smooth collaboration with your team and they play a major role in the software development process.
01
Communication
Ruby on Rails development requires a decent amount of teamwork and collaboration, which amplifies the importance of communication skills. Hire RoR developers who have good interpersonal skills and can adapt to the company's communication channels.
02
Analytical and logical reasoning
It takes longer to understand, conceptualize, and design a feature than to create code to execute it. Having advanced analytical and logical skills allows coders to create plausible concepts and quickly materialize them, without frequently starting from scratch.
03
Self education
The world of technology changes more rapidly and frequently than in any other industry. The ability to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments makes the distinction between a good engineer and a brilliant one. Hire Ruby on Rails developers who are willing to learn and self educate.
How much does it cost to hire Ruby on Rails developers? Hourly rates differ from location to location, and hiring a coder from Eastern Europe or Asia is usually cheaper than from the US or Western Europe. Salaries also depend on the Ruby on Rails developer skills and seniority levels, as well as the project complexity.
USA
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Asia
$75 - $200
$60 - $100
$40 - $70
$30 - $50
If you decide to employ a Ruby on Rails outsourcing company, our small salary overview will give you direction. In case your budget allows, you could hire an American or Western European RoR development company, if not, Eastern European Ruby on Rails development teams are a great middle-ground between expertise and cost-effectiveness.
How to Hire the Best Ruby on Rails Developers
Whether you're looking to hire in-house developers, use staff augmentation services, or contract freelancers, here are the essential steps to follow:
01
Clarify Open Role Requirements
Define the role you need to fill. Determine the necessary skills, experience level, and any specific project requirements and engagement model you want to use.
02
Create a Hiring Funnel
Establish a transparent hiring process with defined stages. This could include sourcing candidates, screening, technical evaluations, and final selection. Make sure everyone involved understands the process.
Also, define the responsibilities for each stage of the funnel. For instance, the HR team may handle initial screenings while technical leads evaluate coding challenges. Set timelines for each stage.
03
Prepare a Job Description
Craft a comprehensive job description that includes the role's responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. Be sure to highlight any unique aspects of your company and the projects that the future employees will work on. Mention whether your team follows agile methodologies, remote work options, or any unique perks or benefits that set you apart as an employer.
Clearly outline the steps candidates should follow to apply for the position. Include information on submitting their resumes, cover letters, and any coding tests or exercises you require as part of the application process.
04
Shortlist Candidates
Begin the candidate search by posting job openings on various platforms, including job boards and LinkedIn, or outreach to your IT Staff Augmentation partner with a request. Collect resumes and applications, then shortlist candidates who align with your requirements.
Pay attention to candidates’ past projects or contributions to open-source RoR initiatives. When shortlisting, focus on applicants whose experience matches your project’s complexity.
05
First Screening with an HR
Conduct an initial screening with your HR team to assess candidates' soft skills, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the company. This step helps filter out candidates who may not align with your organization's values and goals.
During this phase, ask questions about the candidate's preferred work environment and career goals. Also, confirm logistical details such as their availability or willingness to work in your time zone.
06
Technical Interview
Evaluate candidates' programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with relevant technologies. Assess their knowledge of Ruby on Rails best practices and their ability to work within your development stack.
During the interview, go over the responsibilities and expectations of the position to make sure the candidate has the right impression. Give your interviewees time to ask questions about the role to ensure that they clearly understand what the role is about and which Ruby on Rails development services are being sought.
07
Live Coding or Test Task Execution
Depending on your hiring approach, you can request candidates to complete a live coding exercise or a test task that simulates real-world challenges they might encounter in your Ruby on Rails projects. This step helps you gauge their practical skills and problem-solving capabilities. It can be a 1-2 hour assignment.
Ensure the task is related to the work they will be doing if hired. For example, you can assign to fix a bug in a Rails application or implement user authentication. Provide clear instructions and evaluate not just their technical solution but also their ability to explain the approach.
08
Decision
After the technical assessments, review feedback from all interviewers involved in the process. Make a well-informed decision based on both technical competence and cultural fit. Ensure that your choice aligns with your project's needs and your company's long-term goals.
If you’re deciding between equally qualified candidates, consider their alignment with your company’s mission. Before making the final offer, ensure you define all terms, including salary, benefits, and work conditions.
09
Onboarding
Once you've selected the ideal candidate, begin the onboarding process. Provide them with all necessary resources, access to project documentation, and a clear understanding of your company's development methodologies and tools. Ensure they feel welcomed and integrated into your Ruby on Rails development team from day one.
You also may need to schedule regular check-ins during the first few weeks to address any questions. Pair new hires with a mentor or team member to help them get acquainted with the codebase. Encourage them to provide feedback on the onboarding process to make continuous improvements for future hires.
Hiring Ruby on Rails developers requires a meticulous approach to ensure you find the right fit for your needs. Following these steps, you can secure a talented Ruby on Rails developer to enhance your software development endeavors.
Hire Ruby on Rails Developers using the Right Model
In this section, we will take a closer look at three main strategies that can be used to hire Ruby on Rails developers. Your choice could vary depending on your business goals, budget constraints, and staffing, as well as your personal preferences. Let’s try to define different hiring options and pinpoint their advantages and disadvantages.
Hire Ruby on Rails Developers In-House
Hiring in-house workers is a traditional type of employment that is still relevant and has a number of benefits.
Advantages of In-house Ruby Developers
01
Dedication
In-house hiring implies that an employee will work exclusively for your company. He or she will devote all their time and energy to your project, without any distractions. Unlike workers who jump between two and more projects, an in-house staff is fully focused on your goals and spends their time on attaining them.
02
Simple communication
When you hire in-house Ruby developers, you get access to simple and straightforward communication channels. You and your employees share the same office space, follow the same time schedule, and perform in the same time zone. All of the above noticeably simplifies and streamlines communication flow, and enables simpler collaboration.
03
Corporate culture
In-house Ruby on Rails engineers become an integral part of the company, brand, and team. They can take part in internal projects, organize events, and represent the brand name and message. Employees can establish a real connection to the company and its products, inherit its values and vision. This connection creates truly loyal workers who will stick around and support your company even during a slowdown.
Disadvantages of In-house Rails Developers
01
Limited talent pool
Especially if you reside in a small town, you might face difficulties trying to find Ruby on Rails developers with sufficient experience. Some areas are not attractive for software engineers as there aren’t many software development companies, and RoR developers for hire do not have many options to choose from.
02
Elevated costs
In-house hiring is an official process that requires adherence to a bunch of legal HR measures. Your company is required to cover employee insurance, taxes, pay for office equipment and vacations, etc. All the costs that go into onboarding one person for Ruby on Rails development might be counterproductive for a short-term project.
Where to hire Ruby on Rails developers in-house?
Check out websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, CareerBuilder, etc. to find experienced Rails programmers. Your HR department will have to go through a large number of candidates to find a hidden gem and hire RoR app developers.
Hire Freelance Ruby on Rails Programmers
In this case, freelancers are remote developers who usually work per project. There are also benefits and drawbacks of hiring freelancers that we are going to discuss further in the text.
Advantages of Freelancing Ruby on Rails Programmers
01
Cost-effectiveness
As much as in-house hiring is expensive, freelancing is cost-effective. You do not need to cover office equipment costs, pension, or taxes as freelancers are liable for self-employment taxes themselves. Freelancers receive an hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours they have dedicated to the project. Alternatively, you can agree upon a fixed price that a freelancer will receive after the project is finished and approved.
02
Large candidate pool
Freelancers mostly work online, which makes their location irrelevant for the collaboration. This aspect significantly broadens the search, as you can hire Ruby on Rails developers from all over the world. Having access to a large pool of candidates accelerates the hiring process and allows you to find someone who fits your budget.
03
Ideal for short-term projects
Hire a Ruby on Rails developer who works as a freelancer for a particular task or short-term project. This type of collaboration is perfect for freelancers as you can work out the compensation details and simply hire a developer for a small task that your team cannot do. Or perhaps your team is occupied with other tasks and does not have time to invest in another project. This type of project can be easily delegated to a freelancer.
Disadvantages of Freelancing Ruby on Rails Experts
01
Less control
This point is twofold: you have less control over the task or project that the freelancer is responsible for, and you cannot manage the freelancer’s work as much as you usually do. There is a level of trust that you have to establish when collaborating with a freelancer, and if it’s missing, your project might suffer the consequences.
02
Unknown level of expertise
Most freelancer platforms do not have any vetting processes whatsoever. As a result, freelancers can include any information they want, even false experience or education. You might hire a Ruby on Rails developer thinking that this person is a Ruby expert, when in reality they are a newbie. And even if the platform does force freelancers to pass some tests to be published on their website, you have no way of learning who actually passed the test, was it the person behind the account or someone else. Skill evaluation requires significant experience and knowledge, and we will elaborate on that later in the article when we explore the Ruby on Rails developer interview questions.
Where to Hire Ruby on Rails Developers Freelancers?
There are a plethora of platforms to hire RoR developers:
If you are willing to hire developers online, check out Freelancer and Upwork. These platforms conduct zero to little screening processes, including tests. Here you can find junior to middle specialists.
If you require a top Ruby expert, check out Toptal, a platform with a rigorous vetting process that consists of five steps. Only three percent of all applicants successfully pass the tests and make it into Toptal’s database. Learn more about Toptal and Upwork in our article devoted to studying these platforms and establishing their strengths and weaknesses.
Use the IT Staff Augmentation Model
IT staff augmentation refers to borrowing one or several specialists for the project duration. This type of hiring is also perfect for short-term projects, but as opposed to freelancing, the staff augmentation team becomes a part of your in-house team. They work for you and with you for the entire project duration.
Advantages of IT Staff Augmentation
01
Quality guarantee
Working with a staff augmentation agency adds an extra layer of security and reliability Your staff augmentation partner will guarantee the performance you agree upon and take care of all the paperwork and legal actions. You will receive the results you look for and you will be legally protected by contracts.
02
Rigorous vetting
IT staff augmentation agencies conduct a very thorough vetting process before they hire Ruby on Rails developers. If you decide to use their services, you will end up with top-notch professionals whose experience is proven. Unlike most freelancing platforms where you might encounter quite a lot of scammers, IT staff augmentation partners guarantee the creme de la creme.
03
Cost reduction
IT staff augmentation will also save you on expenses, especially in the long term. Your organization will reduce the cost of management overhead, as well as training costs. Your staff augmentation partner will take care of the training and onboarding, leaving you with no preparation tasks. Besides that, you can choose an agency that operates from Eastern Europe and offers lower prices for the same job.
Disadvantages of IT Staff Augmentation
01
Remoteness
Compared to an in-house team, IT staff augmentation is still a remote option. Your communication processes and organization might suffer from having an entire team working remotely. However, this disadvantage is easily solvable with a good and professional IT staff augmentation partner that will ensure smooth and fruitful collaboration.
Where to Find IT Staff Augmentation Services?
Look for IT staff augmentation firms online and conduct a thorough vetting process. We recommend you to go through references and reviews, as well as a client list, to make sure the company knows what it’s doing and that they can be trusted. Visit the homepages of the best companies for Ruby on Rails development and check out their case studies. The key is to find a company that has sufficient experience with Ruby on Rails development services that fits your requirements and goals. If you are not sure, contact the agency and ask about their interview process and how exactly they evaluate their staff.
Need to optimize your budget on hiring a development team?
Contact us to find out how IT Staff Augmentation in Eastern Europe can help you to save on your budget. Contact us
10 Ruby on Rails Interview Questions to Ask
Here is a small overview of typical questions that a Ruby on Rails development company usually asks during a technical interview. This list is not exhaustive and can be augmented with more Ruby on Rails software development questions.
01
What are some advantages and disadvantages of Ruby on Rails?
Advantages are programmer productivity, built-in testing, open-sourceness, and metaprogramming. The biggest limitation is the complex set of tools required to build a truly innovative app, while basic solutions are quite easy to create.
02
What are Ruby on Rails software design patterns?
There are plenty of design patterns that you can use, but the most popular ones are Service Objects, View Objects, Form Objects,Value Objects, Observer pattern, Policy Objects, etc.
03
What are Ruby gems?
Ruby gems are libraries created to broaden and improve the capabilities of the language.
04
Which Ruby gems do you find most useful?
This is an open question that allows candidates to talk about their past experience with RoR, and give you insights into their style of coding.
05
Explain the meaning and need of the DRY code.
DRY or Don’t Repeat Yourself is an RoR motto that allows developers to keep the code concise.
06
Name a few common Rails mistakes that lead to longer load time.
The lack of indexes on columns in the database; using an excessive number of gems; setting the read_timeout value too high; etc.
07
Which deployment tools do you prefer and why?
This question will help you learn about the candidate’s previous experience and whether he or she knows how to use the tools that your company prefers. Since the question is open, the candidate may name Jenkins, GitLab or Capistrano.
08
What is Active Job?
Active Job is a framework for declaring jobs that enables them to run on several queuing backends.
09
How does garbage collection work in RoR?
Garbage collection eliminates pointer programs and objects to free up the space for other more important processes.
10
What is a Rails engine?
Rails applications can be described as compilations of engines that provide various functionalities for the application. Rails engines don’t work on their own, they only function when they become a part of the main Rails application.
Are you determined to look for an offshore Ruby development expert?
Contact us now to share your Ruby on Rails job description!
What Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Ruby on Rails Developers
Even with a well-defined hiring process, it’s easy to overlook critical details that can lead to hiring the wrong candidate. Some mistakes might seem minor at first but can result in delays or even failed projects. To help you navigate the hiring process, here are the most common mistakes companies make when hiring Ruby on Rails developers — and how to avoid them.
01
Skipping Hands-On Technical Assessments
One of the biggest mistakes is relying too much on resumes or verbal answers in interviews. A developer might sound confident, but their real skills often show during a coding test or practical task. With Ruby on Rails, it's crucial to see how a candidate works within the framework. Can they write clean code? Do they use Rails' built-in features to save time? A simple live coding session will help you spot who can deliver real results.
If your company lacks the technical expertise to conduct these assessments, don’t skip this step. Instead, partner with IT staffing providers or technical recruiters who specialize in hiring Ruby on Rails developers. They can screen candidates on your behalf and provide pre-vetted professionals. This way, you ensure technical quality without overburdening your internal team.
02
Ignoring Experience with the Rails Ecosystem
Ruby on Rails developers rarely work with just the framework itself. Most projects involve different databases, caching tools, or deployment environments. If you hire someone who only knows Rails basics but lacks experience with these tools, they may struggle with real-world projects. Look for developers who can demonstrate hands-on knowledge of the technologies your project depends on.
03
Overlooking Security Best Practices
Rails applications often handle sensitive user data, such as payment information or personal details. A developer who isn’t familiar with Rails' security features could unknowingly leave your application exposed to threats. During the hiring process, ask candidates how they approach securing a Rails application. Do they understand Rails' built-in protections like parameter filtering or CSRF tokens? Security expertise is non-negotiable.
04
Hiring Without Checking Communication Skills
Even the best Ruby on Rails developers won’t succeed if they can’t communicate clearly. You need an expert who can explain technical decisions and collaborate with front-end developers. During interviews, pay attention to how candidates explain their thought processes. Can they break down technical terms in simple language? Good communication leads to smoother teamwork and fewer misunderstandings.
05
Relying on Budget Alone
It’s tempting to hire the cheapest option but with Ruby on Rails, quality matters. Developers who charge significantly lower rates might lack the experience needed to handle complex projects. This can lead to messy code and delays. Instead of focusing on cost alone, aim to find a balance between skill and affordability.
One effective way to achieve this is by looking for remote developers from cost-effective regions like Eastern Europe or Latin America. Skilled developers in these regions often charge 40–60% less than their counterparts in the US or Western Europe while maintaining high-quality standards.
Conclusion
To hire Ruby on Rails developers who are motivated and willing to work on your project, you have to know enough about the technology and how it works. Luckily, there are great Ruby on Rails companies that are happy to assist you in the search and track the best candidates for the role. Meet DOIT Software, a Ruby development company with years of experience working with Ruby on Rails. Our team of professionals will help you find the best developers to complete your next project. Contact DOIT Software to learn more about IT staff augmentation and how to hire Ruby developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to hire developers?
Get a consultation and start building your dream team ASAP.
Depending on the preference of your hiring model, you can hire Ruby on Rails freelance workers on platforms like Upwork or Toptal, or employ an in-house RoR developer via LinkedIn, Indeed, and other websites. Finally, you can choose IT staff augmentation and leave the hiring process to the agency experts.
What skills should I look for in a candidate before hiring Ruby on Rails developers?
Hire Ruby on Rails developers who know the RoR technology, understand the frontend as well as have extensive knowledge about databases such as SQL, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
How much does it cost to hire Ruby on Rails developers?
The Ruby programmer salary depends on the candidate’s location: in the US, the hourly rate of a RoR developer lies between $75 and $250, and in Western Europe, it is between $40 and $65. Hiring Ruby on Rails developers in Eastern Europe will cost you $30-$50 per hour on average, while in Asia, the rates begin at $25 and go up to $50.
Which is better: Python or Ruby?
It depends on the task you are willing to perform. If you are looking for a tool to build apps for data automation and analysis, Python is your best choice. However, if you are after web development, Ruby is the perfect tool.
