How to Hire Developers from Pakistan & India

Ensure Security While Hiring Subcontractor Developers from Pakistan & India

Hiring subcontractor developers from Pakistan and India can be a great way to expand your team, but it’s crucial to ensure security throughout the process. There are many talented developers in South Asia who are ready to work, so knowing these points can help you ensure security and a good hiring experience.

Here’s how:

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Sourcing:

There are many platforms where you can find developers to subcontract or hire for your projects. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Upwork: A popular platform for finding freelancers across various skill levels, including developers.
2. Toptal: Known for its rigorous screening process, connecting you with top-tier developers.
3. Fiverr: Ideal for smaller projects with flexible pricing options.
4. Freelancer.com: Offers a vast pool of developers with competitive pricing.
5. Guru: Provides a secure workroom and a variety of freelance developers.
6. Arc.dev: Specializes in connecting companies with pre-vetted developers for long-term engagements.

Pre-Interview Screening

Start by ensuring language fluency and that the subcontractor clearly understands the project scope. Miscommunications can lead to costly delays, so clarity is key from the outset. Once you can establish they have enough language fluency to complete the project, we recommend a final video-call to go over your project's scope in full

Review Previous Work

Request to see the subcontractor's previous projects. For developers, ask for live projects or a GitHub account showcasing their work. For designers, a portfolio with live project links is essential to assess their capabilities. During this phase, you can send their work to other developers and get a second opinion.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Use the platform’s communication tools (like Fiverr or Upwork) to maintain transparency. For more secure and/or encrypted conversations, consider creating external chats in Slack or WhatsApp where you oversee all communications. If there are multiple parties involved, it's best to use these softwares external to the original platform's.

Caution: Do not directly invite them to your Slack, WhatsApp, or mention email if you are hiring from a subcontracting website. This can cause termination of their account.

Set Clear Expectations

From the start, outline your expectations regarding output, progress reports, and payment terms. This clarity will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the project stays on track.

Payments:

If you are using a subcontracting website such as Fiverr or Upwork, you do not need to worry about this step. However, these platforms can often charge the sellers up to 20% in fees. Consider using Payoneer or Wise as payment platforms in order to help reduce the commissions to your developer.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or if you notice red flags during the hiring process, it’s best to move on to another service provider. Trust your gut when making decisions.
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During the Project

Access Control

When providing access to your systems, only give the subcontractor what is absolutely necessary. Manually select and review the permissions to ensure they are limited to the scope of work.

Keep 2-Factor Authentication Local

For new subcontractors, it’s advisable to keep 2-factor authentication restricted to your devices. Password management software can be useful for long-term partners, but for new hires, maintain strict control.

Be Cautious with Passwords

Never use the same password combinations across multiple accounts, especially when sharing with subcontractors. Keep your credentials unique and secure.

Set Timelines and Clear Goals

Establishing clear timelines and milestones will help keep the project moving forward and reduce the risk of budget overruns.

Remove Access Post-Completion

Once the project is completed, promptly remove the subcontractor’s access to your systems. This step is crucial to maintaining the security of your business.

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By following these guidelines, you can hire subcontractor developers from Pakistan and India with confidence, ensuring both your project’s success and your business’s security. If you need assistance hiring talent for your organization, reach out and let us help you along the process! 

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