Hire .NET developers
for your project

Recruiting .NET developers can be draining. It’s probably one of the most significantly stressful activities CIOs and hiring managers endure throughout their careers.

Companies looking to hire .Net developers are dealing with an ever-growing talent shortage. Furthermore, evaluating the qualities of exceptional .NET candidates can be extremely difficult.

For instance, even when presented with a perfect resume, how do you assess the candidate’s ability to receive constructive feedback? How do they think outside the box and work creatively? What about morals, can they be trusted with sensitive information? What is their level of expertise in ASP.Net, XML, HTML, CSS or AngularJS? The list goes on…

Despite all the challenges you may have faced before, the good news is that you can leverage proven best practices to hire .NET developers without remorse.

This insightful article provides a detailed guide to companies looking to hire .NET developers. It discusses where to find qualified professionals, how to hire the best crop and also how to dodge the common pitfalls.

The .NET programming framework makes it easier to create applications in less time. As an added advantage, .NET, developers can utilize varying languages, libraries and editors. It enables seamless integration with pre-existing infrastructure, adapts easily to scale, and has built-in security measures that ensure the application is protected. The framework is instrumental in developing applications for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and even Android in different industries where it improves productivity and reliability.

First, we need to get to the root cause of .NET talent shortage. Many theories are flying around regarding why finding the right .Net or asp.net coder is a hassle. Based on our expertise in staffing .NET developers, we have noted several contributing factors. Here’s a look at the most prevalent:

1. Unclear definition of .NET developers and job requirements

What exactly is a .NET developer? Who are they and what do they do? Several people doing the hiring aren’t sure either. Startling right!

The term .NET actually refers to the framework developed by Microsoft in 2012. The .NET framework is compatible with multiple programming languages – this includes C++, C#, F#, and Visual Basic .NET.

It’s clear, .Net and Asp.Net technology hold much potential for IT. The framework accelerates the development of web, desktop and mobile software, providing a secure way to build digital products. Even popular platforms online like Microsoft, GoDaddy, and StackOverflow currently use this framework. In fact, the WhiteHat Security Website Stats Report, says 28.1 percent of .NET web applications use the Asp.Net framework.

The ideal .NET developer to hire would be familiar with WinForms, ASP.NET, and WPF and other .Net stacks.

When you hire .NET developers, you are getting web programmers with extensive experience in .NET development, thus improving productivity. They specialize in building robust software, applications, and interfaces.

To determine the level of skill a .NET developer must hold to complete your team, elaborate what tasks are to be completed throughout the project. You might end up realizing that more developers than you first thought do indeed meet your requirements. The job description is critical for this.

Given the vast amount of skills relevant to .NET technology, it’s nearly impossible for one person to know all there is to it. Each role has different requirements. The following table can serve as a baseline on how to hire developers in 2023:

Additionally, one cannot ignore that graduate developers are often overlooked. While most educational programs do not provide ample concentration on .NET development, leaving school without such educational qualifications doesn’t necessarily mean fresh graduates do not have experience at all. Most savvy students go the extra mile to work on external projects that provide the needed .NET development experience. For instance, internships and private courses.

As you may have noticed by now, finding the right .NET professional, could be easily solved by a clear job description. Being open as to what qualifies as experience for a .NET developer will also make a difference.

2. Inefficient hiring processes

How is your hiring process structured? Can you effectively identify competent developers before moving on to onboarding them? Answering these critical questions can save you both time and money. Be aware of possible cracks in your hiring processes.

If your access is limited to a small pool of developers who meet your criteria, it will severely affect the success of your talent search. You may end up having to hire someone who is not up to the task simply because there are no better qualified candidates. Additionally, you may have to pay high compensation for your next .NET developer due to scarcity and high demand for programmers.

Consider engaging an IT partner to extend your pool of .NET developers. Outstaffing services will help you fill the vacancies on your team with the right people. With a partner like DOIT Software, you won’t just be looking at an increase in quantity. It’s an increase in quality as well, as we connect you to reputable and experienced professionals.

The hiring process must be short and precise, leaving little margin for error. According to statistics,the average hire time for a .NET developer is 14.0 days. The faster you are able to hire .NET talent, the easier it will be to complete your project and meet your set deadlines.

Employing the help of an IT staffing partner will enable you to speed up the hiring process, thanks to a readily available database of vetted candidates and assistance with interviewing and in our case, onboarding as well.

Another difficult area is how to evaluate .NET developer skills. Refining and optimizing your hiring processes to adapt to the industry standards will plug this crack in the system. Your approach to the candidate evaluation process must incorporate a technical interview, soft skill analysis and hands-on test tasks.

Make sure the individuals providing the technical interview know what skills are required of the candidate. Define the job and the skills needed in preparation for the interview. It will go a long way in ensuring you hire a .NET developer that’s capable of doing the job to your satisfaction.

It’s critical to identify suitable candidates as quickly as possible. A few workarounds that can speed things up include:

The last option sets you up for interviews almost immediately, with top-notch professionals who have the right skills. It also outsources the bulk of the recruitment stages to the staff augmentation service provider, thus, saving you time and money.

Staff augmentation is a quicker method to hire .NET and asp.net developers without regret. You will be taking on outside personnel on a temporary basis to augment the capacity of your organization. If you need to fill in your skill shortages, this is a stress-free approach.

Unlike outsourcing your project, you will acquire the skills your current team currently lacks and maintain full control of the development process.

Most businesses across the globe are tapping into global talent markets leveraging remote staff augmentation models. Hiring remotely is a flexible option and opens up  opportunities for cost savings.

Here’s a shortlist of the benefits of staff augmentation:

Shortens time to hire

Staff augmentation agencies keep up-to-date databases of qualified specialists, helping you to find and hire developers much quicker and effortlessly. The candidates are already vetted and shortlisted according to your requirements. The service provider first assesses if candidates are compatible with the working conditions.

All you have to do is interview the pick of the litter and make your decision.

Imagine your company has just lost a .NET developer and you need to fill the vacancy so the project can continue. Opting for staff augmentation helps you get a highly qualified replacement much faster than a post on a job site ever will.

What’s more, it allows you the luxury of searching for the best candidate possible without losing precious time in the process.

Larger hiring pool

Staff augmentation services can solve the distance barrier when it comes to hiring remotely. They are closer to large pools of candidates you would otherwise have no access to. Whether you choose to hire .NET developers locally, nearby, or hire offshore .NET developers is your choice.

Reduces hiring costs

The recruitment costs required to hire .NET developers can be trimmed by relying on the staff augmentation model.

Unlike hiring a freelance .net developer, your service provider will handle the majority of vetting and administration for a tidy fixed sum. This means your hiring expenses are fixed until you find the right person for the job. You will only pay for your actual hires.

To make augmenting your staff work for hiring a .NET developer, it’s essential to partner the right service provider. Considerations for picking your best fit developer include the following:

Now, that we have already covered what .NET developers are, let’s get into the technicalities of finding your perfect fit.

If you recall earlier, we divulged in detail the programming skills necessary to fill in different .NET developer posts. Hiring managers must be aware of the skills key to the project to hire .NET developers without remorse. Note that the indicated skills do not necessarily make the essential list. The technical abilities to consider when you hire .NET developers are as follows:

Candidates can also provide portfolios which you can go through. Some have projects uploaded on public repositories like StackOverflow. This will also be helpful in assessing technical abilities.

To avoid hiring someone not up to the task, ask about their experience. Proceed to check their knowledge and verify it in practice where possible.

Reviewing CVs involves weighing educational qualifications as well. Apart from degrees and diplomas, there are also .NET certificates for programming skills.

Using a .NET certificate for professional programming skills evaluation

Certain experts believe .NET certificates are an adequate measure of skill. But not everyone holds this view. To other recruiters, when you hire a .NET developer, professional exams don’t add much weight. They do not show practical experience.

Developers without experience often undergo these exams to increase their appeal. When looking for .net developer, keep in mind that there are capable .NET developers who will not have certificates. They may be unwilling to sit for the exam as they already have ample experience.

To sum it up, commercial experience is the most appropriate measure of skills. A certificate shouldn’t be the ultimate qualification.

Here are brief explanations on what some valuable .NET certificates cover:

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)

MCTS is an entry-level certificate. The exams are on  WPF, SQL Server, SharePoint, Windows Server and more.

As Microsoft reorganizes the certificate scheme, MCTS will soon phase out. In its place comes MCSD. Note it still covers essential basics necessary when you want to hire .NET developers.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

Today, as you hire .NET developers, the initial port of call would be the MCSD. It is evidence of full-stack competence and the talent to build multi-structured applications.

MCSD indicates competency in:

Critical soft skills

Soft skills will determine how well a developer works as a team member. A robust set of soft skills will include:

The above are critical when drafting the job description. Nonetheless, use this list only as a guide. Disregarding candidates who don’t qualify  for all of the requirements isn’t a smart approach. Some .NET Frameworks are quite similar and use the same principles. Thus, an expert on one can switch through to another one in no time.

Apart from resumes and programming tests, interviews also contribute to informed hiring decisions. Recruiters use face-to-face interviews to determine the character and fit of the candidate.

Besides, the recruiters must be aware which technologies will apply during development. Placing a senior developer on the interview panel helps as they will ask the right questions. They can help determine how well the candidate will fit into the team.

If meeting in person is not possible, an interview via a video call may also suffice. There’s more to be learned by putting a face to the name. Non-verbal cues can reveal a lot about the candidate’s personality that a resume won’t.

Your interview should center around the following areas:

Interview questions must establish whether the candidate fits with the existing team. Things like technical terms are useful indicators of the candidate’s knowledge.

When hiring a senior developer, ask computer science and role-specific questions.

Technical interview

You can’t effectively measure one’s skill level using the resume alone. This is where tests come in handy.

Put together a programming test to check technical proficiency. You can rely on online resources for this. Use the C# and .Net programming tests available to pre-screen candidates.

Another interesting approach is to use a test based on a use case from your company. This will be much closer to the conditions they will face on the job.

Aside from programming skills, such tests help hiring managers verify a candidate’s efficiency. For instance, determining if they won’t waste time during development. Here at DOIT Software, we evaluate all candidates with test tasks to confirm technical proficiency.

Below is a glossary table to enable you to understand the skills listed by candidates. It explains what testing for each of these core elements covers.

Key areas for evaluation during an interview

Experience with .NET technology

This enables you to understand which frameworks and programming languages they use . It also provides an overview of their work history. Commercial experience ensures the candidate can adjust to tight deadlines, etc.

Personal achievements

A good .Net or asp.net programmer can only be defined by previous experience. This will shed light on what areas the candidates are experts in. Find out how they gained their .NET experience. Be it by starting or contributing to a free software project.

Understanding of technology

Today’s robust software is a result of the latest technology. A developer should continuously learn new languages. Driven .net programmers will be well informed about the technology aspects of the project.

Their Understanding of Your Business

A clear understanding of your enterprise shows how invested a candidate is in the job offer. If they can imagine joining your team, they can already determine the problem you want to solve. And best of all, visualize the solution!

Now that you know how to hire a .NET developer, where do you start looking? When one is uncertain where to find qualified .NET developers, the hiring process is like finding a needle in a haystack. Here’s where to find .NET programmers that meet your requirements.

In-house hiring

You can grow your developer team by hiring in-house employees. Your HR department advertises the vacancies to attract seasoned professionals on job boards, job sites and other developer communities. From there the top candidates are vetted and interviewed to find the most suitable individuals to hire.

In-house hiring will however require you to spend more time and money on recruitment processes as there are usually no readily available candidates.

Hiring freelance .NET developers

Aside from taking on .NET developers as full-time employees, you can also hire them as freelance developers. To hire freelance .NET developers, companies have to first scout for suitable collaborators, trace references to verify the freelancer’s work history as well as conduct interviews.

Although freelancers are hired on a temporary basis, the recruitment process requires as much time and effort as hiring in-house .NET developers. Hiring managers often face challenges when it comes to verifying a potential candidate’s technical skill level. Skills evaluation will require companies to carry out technical interviews and conduct test tasks all by themselves.

Make use of job sites

For small projects, you can hire a freelance asp.net developer or .NET developers from platforms like Upwork and Freelancer. It is a low-cost approach and also helps you get the work done quickly. You will however need to carefully go through the reviews to ensure the developer you hire is truly up to the task.

Explore online dev communities

Another good place where you can hire .NET developers are online communities. Many .NET developers with ample experience frequent such places. You can post your open positions on job boards for dev communities on sites like Stack Overflow and GitHub.

Staff augmentation services

An augmented staffing company immediately puts you in touch with qualified professionals. It is a cost-saving solution for filling up the talent gap with temporary or remote hire .NET developers. You get to expand your existing development team to fulfill the requirements of your project.

As an IT partner, DOIT Software can help you fill up .NET developer roles with the talent you need.

Countries to hire .NET developers from

To hire .NET developers (the top 5% of coders) without overspending may require opting for nearshoring or offshoring. According to Glassdoor, the average yearly cost of hiring .NET developers in the USA without factoring in related administration expenses and taxes is $68,524. It is regarded as one of the regions with high salaries for such professionals.

Read through these average costs based on research provided by the likes of UpScale, Glassdoor, StackOverflow and PayScale. Do note these figures only account for the salaries developers receive. To find the full cost to the business, add about 30% to the given salary figures as an estimate for administration expenses and related taxes. Here are the salaries you can expect to pay .NET developers:

Source: Average salary per year for .NET developers per country/region based on unique online job postings on Glassdoor, Payscale and the 2019 StackOverflow survey.

What if you could hire .NET developers through DOIT Software? We guarantee you affordable options, leveraging our expertise and our extensive network, it’s easy to find and hire a asp.net developer or a .NET developer for $35 – 47 USD per hour.

Here at DOIT Software, we have a smooth process in place to enable you to hire .NET developers quickly and safely. Our extensive experience in the tech industry allows us to solve the most crucial pain points of .NET developer recruitment effortlessly.

The following is a highlight of the simple four-stage process we take our clients through to hire .NET developers of the utmost quality.

It can be quite easy to hire .net developers without breaking a sweat. Position your company to tap into the vast talent pool accessible through the various approaches mentioned above. Whether the most beneficial arrangement is through freelance platforms, online developer communities or better yet, IT partners like DOIT, the hiring process can be largely simplified. Refine your internal recruitment functions by leveraging face-to-face interviews, test tasks and take a modern stance towards evaluating .Net developer qualifications. You could never go wrong building your team this way.

Find the perfect .NET developer candidates to join your team effortlessly.

If you don’t want to go through the dreaded hunt for the right .NET developer, finding the right staffing partner who knows the ins and outs of the industry like DOIT Software is your best shot. Get in touch!