How to Success Hire Ruby On Rails Developers
People often don’t realize that the process of hiring personnel is more complex and intricate than they think. At the core of the hiring process is a person—a highly complex and contradictory being. What makes someone a perfect fit? What skills, experience, and cultural backgrounds are required?
This article will discuss how to find Ruby on Rails (RoR) developers who align with your company, project goals, and corporate ideology. We’ll explore the RoR framework and various hiring models that can help you successfully hire RoR developers. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to hire the best Ruby on Rails developers.
Benefits of Ruby on Rails for Your Project
First, let’s discuss the Ruby on Rails framework before diving into the hiring process. Ruby on Rails development is worth considering, but what are the business advantages of using this technology in your next project?
Rapid Development
Ruby on Rails is more efficient than PHP or Python. Rails, Ruby’s framework, accelerates development by reducing the amount of code needed. This allows you to save time and deliver a high-performance app faster.
Scalability
Every business needs the ability to scale, regardless of industry, size, or target market. Even if your company is small now, it might experience rapid growth in the future, requiring resources and capabilities to respond. Your app must be able to handle sudden spikes in traffic, seasonal changes, or increases in user load. Ruby on Rails is scalable, providing a quick and efficient response to traffic surges according to your requirements.
Versatility
Ruby on Rails has a large, supportive community that regularly contributes to its development. RoR offers an extensive library of tools, functions, and add-ons to enhance your application. Gems enable Ruby on Rails developers to add functionality, creating feature-rich, high-performance applications.
Security
Cybersecurity is a critical concern in software development. No matter how well-developed or appealing your app is, if user data is not protected, your audience will quickly lose interest. Data breaches can cause significant reputational damage and financial losses. Ruby on Rails provides high security without the need for additional coding. With the default tools, you can ensure a secure development cycle.
Ruby on Rails Developer’s Skills
Understanding Ruby on Rails is essential when hiring developers in this field. What does a Ruby on Rails developer do? And what skills are essential for RoR developers?
Technical Skills
What are the most critical technical skills required for Ruby on Rails developers?
- Ruby on Rails
Ruby developers should be well-versed in RoR syntax, including loops, classes, modules, and object-oriented programming. A Ruby on Rails web developer must also be familiar with the Model-View-Controller (MVC) framework and how to use it. RoR developers should know how to perform operations like POST, GET, and have a solid understanding of REST APIs.
- Frontend
Ruby is a backend language, but RoR developers need to understand how the frontend functions and operates. While Ruby on Rails engineers don’t need to be experts in JavaScript or CSS, they should be able to communicate effectively with frontend developers and understand their needs.
- Databases
Ruby on Rails developers should have a good understanding of databases and the ability to read logs. They need basic knowledge of SQL, PostgreSQL, and MySQL.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential for smooth collaboration with colleagues and play a crucial role in the software development process.
- Communication
Ruby on Rails development involves a lot of collaboration and teamwork, making communication skills highly important. RoR developers should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to adapt to the company’s communication channels.
- Analytical and Logical Reasoning
It takes more time to conceptualize, design, and implement a feature than to write the code that executes it. Developers with strong analytical and logical reasoning skills can quickly create and bring plausible concepts to life.
- Self-Education
Technology is changing faster than any other industry. The ability to keep up with new developments and trends distinguishes a great engineer from an exceptional one. Ruby on Rails developers should be eager to learn and committed to self-education.
Read more: Top Skills and Capacities of a RoR Developer
What is the Cost of Hiring Ruby on Rails Developers?
What does it cost to hire Ruby on Rails developers? The hourly rate varies by location. Generally, it is more affordable to hire a developer in Eastern Europe or Asia than in the US. The salary depends on the Ruby on Rails developer’s skills, seniority level, and the project’s complexity.
| USA | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75 – $200 | $60 – $100 | $40 – $70 | $30 – $50 |
Average hourly rate for a Ruby on Rails developer
Our salary overview will help you determine if you want to outsource to Ruby on Rails development companies. If your budget allows, you might consider hiring an American or Western European RoR developer. However, Asian Ruby on Rails developers offer a good balance between cost-effectiveness and expertise.
Hire Ruby on Rails Developers Using the Right Model
This section will examine three strategies for hiring Ruby on Rails developers. Your choice will depend on your business goals, staffing requirements, personal preferences, and budget constraints. Let’s explore the different hiring options, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Model 1: Hire Ruby on Rails Developers In-House
In-house employment is a traditional work model that remains relevant today, offering many benefits.
Advantages of In-House Ruby Developers
- Dedication: In-house employees work exclusively for your company, focusing solely on your project without distractions. They are more dedicated than workers who switch between multiple projects, aligning their efforts with your goals.
- Simple Communication: Hiring Ruby developers in-house allows for easy and direct communication. Employees share the same office space and time zone, which simplifies collaboration and communication.
- Corporate Culture: In-house Ruby on Rails developers become integral to the company, brand, and team. They participate in company projects, organize events, and represent the brand’s message. This fosters a sense of connection to the company, creating loyal employees who will support your business through challenges.
Disadvantages of In-House Rails Developers
- Limited Talent Pool: Finding qualified Ruby on Rails developers can be challenging, especially in smaller areas. In regions with fewer software development companies, RoR developers may be hard to find.
- Higher Costs: In-house hiring requires compliance with various HR laws. Your company must cover employee insurance, taxes, office equipment, vacations, and other expenses. For short-term projects, these costs may outweigh the benefits of hiring an in-house Ruby on Rails developer.
Where to Hire In-House Ruby on Rails Developers?
To find experienced Rails programmers, you can visit sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and CareerBuilder. Your HR department will need to review many applicants to identify the best candidates and hire top RoR app developers.
Model 2: Hire Freelance Ruby on Rails Developers
Freelancers are remote developers who work on individual projects. In this section, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of hiring freelancers.
Benefits of Freelance Ruby on Rails Programmers
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring a freelancer is often more cost-effective than recruiting full-time employees. You don’t have to cover costs for office equipment, pensions, taxes, or other employee-related expenses. Freelancers are paid based on the hours they work or a fixed price agreed upon once the project is completed and approved.
- Large Candidate Pool: Since most freelancers work remotely, their geographical location is irrelevant. This allows you to hire Ruby on Rails developers from all around the globe, enabling you to find the right person quickly and within your budget.
- Ideal for Short-Term Projects: Freelancers are perfect for specific assignments or short-term projects. This form of collaboration is beneficial when you need a developer to complete a small task that your in-house team cannot manage due to their current workload. It’s easy to subcontract such projects to a freelancer.
Disadvantages of Hiring a Freelance Ruby on Rails Expert
- Less Control: There are two aspects to this: you have less control over the task or project that the freelancer is handling, and you can’t supervise the freelancer’s work as closely as you would with an in-house employee. Working with a freelancer requires a high level of trust; if this trust is lacking, your project could be at risk.
- Uncertain Skill Level: Many freelancing platforms don’t have stringent screening processes. Freelancers can provide as much information as they want, including potentially exaggerated or false qualifications. You might hire a Ruby on Rails developer believing they are an expert, only to find out they are beginners. Even if platforms require freelancers to pass tests, there’s no guarantee the account holder was the one who took the test. Evaluating a freelancer’s skills can be challenging and requires experience and knowledge, which we’ll discuss later when covering Ruby on Rails developer interview questions.
Where to Hire Freelance Ruby on Rails Developers
Several platforms allow you to hire RoR developers:
- Freelancer and Upwork: These platforms are good for finding developers online, though their screening measures are minimal. You can find junior to middle-level specialists here.
- Toptal: If you’re looking for top Ruby experts, Toptal is a platform with a five-step vetting process. Only about 3% of applicants pass the tests and are accepted into Toptal’s database. This can be an excellent platform to hire high-caliber RoR developers.
Model 3: Use the IT Staff Augmentation Model
IT staff augmentation involves bringing in one or more specialists for the duration of a project. This hiring model works well for short-term projects. However, unlike freelancing, the staff augmentation team becomes part of your internal team and works with you throughout your project.
Benefits of IT Staff Augmentation
- Guaranteed Quality: A staff augmentation agency adds a layer of security and reliability. Your partner in staff augmentation ensures that the agreed-upon performance standards are met and handles all the necessary paperwork. You receive the desired results while being legally protected through contracts.
- Rigorous Vetting: Before hiring Ruby on Rails developers, IT staff augmentation agencies conduct thorough screening processes. This ensures that you work with only the best professionals. IT staff augmentation partners are more reliable than freelancing platforms, which can sometimes be prone to scammers.
- Cost Reduction: IT staff augmentation can help you save money in the long run. Your company will reduce overhead and training costs since your staff augmentation partner handles onboarding and training. Additionally, you can choose an agency based in regions like Asia (e.g., Vietnam) where rates are lower for the same level of expertise.
Disadvantages of IT Staff Augmentation
- Remoteness: While remote staff augmentation is often more cost-effective than hiring an in-house IT team, it can present challenges in communication and organizational processes. However, a skilled and experienced IT staff augmentation partner can help facilitate smooth and productive collaboration, minimizing these issues.
Where to Find IT Staff Augmentation Services
You can search online for IT staffing firms, but thorough due diligence is essential. We recommend reviewing client lists and checking out company reviews to ensure the firm is trustworthy and knowledgeable. Look at case studies of top Ruby on Rails companies and visit their homepages. Finding a company with sufficient Ruby on Rails experience that aligns with your needs and goals is crucial. If you’re uncertain, ask the agency about their interview process and how they evaluate their staff.
Read more: 10 Ruby on Rails Development Companies in Viet Nam
Interview Questions to Help You Hire Ruby on Rails Developers
Conducting a technical interview requires careful planning and preparation. First, invite the Tech Team Lead or CTO to evaluate the candidates’ technical skills. An HR specialist should also be involved to assess the candidate’s soft skills and compatibility with the company’s culture and values. Additionally, invite Ruby consultants or senior RoR developers to handle the Ruby on Rails-specific aspects.
This section will cover the best practices for conducting successful technical interviews and selecting the right individuals for your Ruby on Rails app development process. We will also provide a set of interview questions that can be used to assess the skills and knowledge of candidates.
Best Practices for Conducting a Technical Interview
These tips will help you prepare for interviews and create a relaxed atmosphere for your Ruby on Rails candidates. Here are the top three tips for interviewing Ruby on Rails developers:
1. Convey Your Company’s Culture During the Interview
Corporate culture is crucial. Throughout the interview, communicate your company’s values. Candidates often make job decisions based on a company’s principles, so it’s important to highlight these during the interview. Additionally, if you want an employee who understands your brand and fits in with the team, it’s in your best interest to emphasize your corporate culture.
2. Ask Specific Questions and Learn More About the Candidate
Review the candidate’s resume, education, and experience to gain a better understanding of how they might fit into your organization. This will also allow you to ask specific questions about their background and experience in Ruby on Rails development, keeping the conversation focused.
3. Ensure the Candidate Understands the Role
To leave the best impression, go over the expectations and responsibilities of the job during the interview. Allow the interviewee to ask questions about the position to ensure they fully understand the role and the Ruby on Rails development services being offered.
10 Ruby on Rails Interview Questions to Ask
Here is a brief overview of some common questions to ask Ruby on Rails developers during technical interviews. This is not an exhaustive list, and you can add more Ruby on Rails-specific questions as needed.
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Ruby on Rails?
Advantages include programmer productivity, built-in testing, open-source nature, and metaprogramming. A significant disadvantage is the complex set of tools required to build truly unique software, though basic solutions are simple to implement.
2. What are Ruby on Rails design patterns?
There are many design patterns, with popular ones including Service Objects, View Objects, Form Objects, Value Objects, the Observer pattern, and Policy Objects.
3. What are Ruby gems?
Ruby gems are libraries that extend and enhance the capabilities of the Ruby language.
4. Which Ruby gems have been most helpful to you?
This open-ended question allows candidates to share their RoR experience and provides insight into their programming style.
5. Describe the meaning and purpose of DRY code.
DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) is a principle that helps developers keep their code concise by avoiding redundancy.
6. Name some common Rails errors that can lead to longer loading times.
Examples include a lack of indexes on database columns, using too many gems, and setting the read_timeout value too high.
7. Which deployment tool do you prefer?
This question reveals whether the candidate is familiar with the tools your company uses. The open-ended nature allows candidates to mention tools like Jenkins, GitLab, or Capistrano.
8. What is an Active Job?
Active Job is a framework for declaring jobs that allows them to run on various queuing backends.
9. What is the RoR garbage collection process?
Garbage collection removes unnecessary objects and pointers, freeing up memory for more critical tasks.
10. What is a Rails Engine?
Rails Engines are components that provide different functionalities to a Rails application. They do not function independently and must be part of the main Rails app.
Conclusion
Ruby on Rails developers should be motivated and eager to work on your project. Many great Ruby on Rails companies can help you find and evaluate suitable candidates. Bestarion, a Ruby development company with years of experience, can assist you in finding the right developers for your next project. To learn more about IT staff augmentation or how to hire Ruby developers, don’t hesitate to contact us.