Hiring mobile developers with proven App Store experience is the key to success. Developers who’ve navigated the submission process understand compliance, performance, and user expectations – saving you time, money, and frustration.
Why it matters:
- Apps fail when developers lack App Store expertise – 40% get rejected on the first try.
- Experienced developers know Apple’s guidelines, use tools like TestFlight, and handle rejections effectively.
- They ensure apps meet technical standards, perform well, and pass approval quickly.
What to look for:
- Proficiency in Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android), plus cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native.
- Expertise in compliance, security, and backend integration.
- A portfolio with live App Store links and measurable results, like user growth or high ratings.
How to verify:
- Test their apps directly for quality and performance.
- Ask about their role in past projects and their experience with app submissions.
- Check App Store listings for update history and user reviews.
Avoid costly mistakes by choosing developers with hands-on experience in building and launching apps. Platforms like Talent Sidekick simplify this process by connecting you with pre-vetted professionals who’ve delivered successful apps to the App Store.
How to Hire App Developer as a Non-Technical Founder – 2025
What to Look for in a Mobile Developer
Choosing the right mobile developer is about more than just coding skills. You need someone with a proven track record of App Store success, someone who understands the technical challenges of mobile platforms and has mastered the often-complex submission process. A combination of technical expertise and practical experience is key to finding a developer who can deliver results.
Required Skills and Technical Knowledge
A skilled mobile developer must be proficient in native programming languages. For iOS, this means expertise in Swift, while Android developers should excel in Kotlin or Java – with Kotlin being the preferred choice for modern projects.
If you’re aiming to build apps for both platforms, cross-platform tools like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin/.NET MAUI are invaluable. These frameworks can help reduce costs and improve efficiency, making them a smart choice for businesses looking to maximize their app’s reach.
Platform-specific tools are just as important. iOS developers need to be comfortable using Xcode, while Android developers should have a deep understanding of Android Studio. Both platforms demand familiarity with their integrated development environments (IDEs) to handle the intricacies of app creation effectively.
Modern mobile apps also rely heavily on backend services. Developers with experience in mobile backend as a service (MBaaS) and cloud integration can handle critical tasks like data hosting, user profiles, analytics, and push notifications. Additionally, knowledge of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a bonus, especially if you’re considering Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) as a way to test market interest.
"Choosing the best programming language for specific project needs and goals is critical for your project’s ultimate success." – Antonina Yevtushenko, Head of Sales, IT Craft
UI/UX design is another area where great developers stand out. They should understand the core differences between platforms – like Android’s flexibility versus iOS’s cohesive design principles – and know how to use APIs and third-party tools to streamline development.
Finally, technical skills alone aren’t enough. A strong candidate should have a proven history of successfully navigating the App Store submission process.
Proven App Store Shipping Experience
Having the technical know-how to build an app is one thing, but getting it approved for the App Store is a whole different challenge. With Apple’s App Review team processing over 100,000 submissions each week and rejecting 1.7 million apps in 2022, experience in this area is critical.
The right developer should be well-versed in Apple’s App Review Guidelines, which cover everything from safety and performance to design and legal considerations. They should also understand the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and know how to prepare accurate app metadata, including privacy details, descriptions, and visuals.
Experience with TestFlight is a strong indicator of professionalism. Developers who use this tool for beta testing and feedback collection show they prioritize quality and thorough testing. Ask candidates how they ensure apps work seamlessly across different devices and software versions.
Handling app rejections is another key skill. Nearly 40% of unresolved issues during app review stem from guideline 2.1, which addresses app completeness – covering crashes, placeholder content, and incomplete information. Developers who can navigate these challenges and successfully resubmit apps demonstrate problem-solving ability and persistence.
Apple’s review process is typically fast, with 90% of submissions reviewed within 24 hours. A seasoned developer should know how to move quickly through this process while adhering to Apple’s requirements for in-app purchases and creating compelling App Store listings with clear descriptions, engaging visuals, and strategic keywords.
Knowledge of Compliance and Security Requirements
Beyond coding, a mobile developer must prioritize security and compliance. They need to handle user data responsibly and meet privacy regulations like GDPR.
Security expertise goes beyond basic measures. Developers should understand Apple’s privacy-first approach – like data isolation and centralized enforcement – while also being familiar with Android’s more flexible, but varied, security landscape. Essential skills include implementing proper data encryption, securing API communications, and ensuring user consent mechanisms are in place.
Advanced platform integrations are another hallmark of a top-tier developer. For example, familiarity with Apple’s ARKit for augmented reality or Core ML for machine learning can add unique, cutting-edge features to your app.
Compliance also extends to content policies, age ratings, and accessibility standards. Developers should ensure your app meets these requirements, including compatibility with iOS accessibility tools, to create an inclusive user experience.
The best developers stay up-to-date with evolving security standards and platform updates. They should show a commitment to learning new iOS features and Swift versions, ensuring your app remains competitive and compliant.
"The guiding principle of the App Store is simple – we want to provide a safe experience for users to get apps and a great opportunity for all developers to be successful." – Apple Developer
Understanding compliance and security isn’t just about avoiding App Store rejections. It’s about building trust with your users and protecting your business from potential legal and reputational risks.
How to Review Portfolios and Verify App Store Listings
When evaluating a developer, their portfolio often reveals more about their skills than a resume ever could. In fact, 87% of hiring managers value portfolios over resumes when assessing technical expertise. Knowing how to dig into these portfolios and verify claims is essential for making the right hiring decision.
Portfolio Review Best Practices
A solid portfolio doesn’t just display polished app interfaces – it tells a story. Look for apps that outline the problem they aimed to solve, the developer’s approach, and the results after launch. This level of detail shows they can tackle real-world challenges, not just build apps that look good.
Variety matters, too. A portfolio filled with only basic utility apps might suggest limited exposure to more complex projects, like enterprise solutions or apps requiring advanced integrations. Check for recent work – preferably completed within the last two years – to ensure the developer stays current with platform updates and best practices.
Pay attention to the technical specifics. A strong portfolio will clearly list the technologies, programming languages, and frameworks used. High-quality screenshots from multiple devices and orientations, paired with detailed project descriptions, provide valuable insight into the developer’s goals and problem-solving methods.
Don’t just take their word for it – test the apps yourself. Download at least three from their portfolio and spend 10–15 minutes using each one. Evaluate the user interface for ease of navigation and logical flow. This hands-on approach can reveal the developer’s attention to detail and overall quality of work.
User feedback also offers a wealth of information. Check app store ratings and reviews for the developer’s previous work. Consistently high ratings and positive comments suggest they understand user needs and deliver quality experiences. Client testimonials or measurable success metrics, like user growth or engagement rates, further validate their impact.
Be cautious of red flags. If a developer refuses to show actual code or provide detailed case studies, it could indicate a lack of transparency or expertise. Similarly, poor communication during the review process might signal future challenges.
Once you’ve thoroughly reviewed the portfolio, the next step is verifying live App Store listings.
Steps to Verify App Store Listings
To confirm a developer’s claims, start by checking the live App Store links they provide. If links are broken or apps are no longer available, ask for an explanation. While there may be valid reasons, repeated issues could be a warning sign.
Look at the app’s update history. Regular updates often indicate ongoing maintenance and professional project management. On the other hand, apps that haven’t been updated in years might suggest abandonment or a lack of commitment.
Ask specific questions about their role in each project. Did they manage the entire development process or contribute as part of a team? What specific features did they work on? How did they address technical challenges? Vague or evasive answers could indicate limited involvement.
For additional verification, contact the app’s listed support or company to confirm the developer’s role. Professional networks like LinkedIn can also help validate their employment history and project contributions.
Finally, request to see the apps running on real devices. This hands-on demonstration lets you assess performance, spot potential issues, and gauge the developer’s familiarity with their own work. If they struggle to explain features or showcase the app, it might indicate limited involvement in its creation.
These steps help bridge the gap between portfolio review and technical evaluation, giving you a clearer picture of the developer’s experience and capabilities.
Creating a Candidate Comparison Table
To make objective comparisons between candidates, use a structured framework. Focus on factors like code quality, documentation, testing practices, and teamwork.
Prioritize developers with diverse and relevant projects, especially those aligned with your industry or app category. While specialized experience is valuable, don’t dismiss candidates with strong fundamentals across various domains. Look for measurable impact, such as statements like "improved app performance by 40%" or "increased user engagement by 25%." Metrics like these demonstrate a developer’s ability to think beyond just writing code. Clean, well-structured code can also reduce bugs by 30% over a project’s lifetime.
Here’s a simplified evaluation table to guide your assessment:
| Evaluation Criteria | What to Look For | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| App Complexity | Multi-feature apps, backend integrations, advanced UI | Shows capability with intricate requirements |
| Security Features | Data encryption, secure authentication, privacy compliance | Essential for user trust and approval |
| Performance Metrics | Load times, crash rates, user retention data | Reflects technical skill and user focus |
| Update History | Regular updates, bug fixes, feature additions | Indicates commitment to long-term maintenance |
| User Feedback | App Store ratings, review responses, user testimonials | Highlights app quality and professionalism |
Also, pay attention to communication and presentation skills. Developers who can clearly explain technical concepts are better equipped to collaborate effectively. In fact, collaborative developers tend to onboard 25% faster than solo coders with similar technical skills.
Interview Techniques and Skills Testing
Once you’ve reviewed candidates’ portfolios and App Store listings, the next step is the interview process. This is where you dig deeper into their technical abilities and problem-solving skills. It’s the stage where you identify developers who can not only articulate their expertise but also deliver functional, high-quality apps.
Technical Interview Questions That Matter
Start with questions that uncover a candidate’s practical experience and thought process. For instance, ask them to describe the most challenging mobile app project they’ve worked on and how they overcame obstacles. This sheds light on their problem-solving approach and resilience when dealing with technical roadblocks.
You can also inquire about their role in app development. Did they handle the entire development and submission process, or were they responsible for specific features? Understanding their scope of work helps gauge their ability to manage the full lifecycle of app development.
Another key topic to explore is their perspective on cross-platform versus native development. Ask them to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Their response can reveal their understanding of platform-specific trade-offs, performance issues, and user experience considerations.
Testing expertise is another area to probe. Ask them to outline their testing process and how they address issues like ANR (Application Not Responding) errors. Dive into their understanding of UX and UI principles to ensure they grasp the importance of design in driving user engagement.
Lastly, discuss their experience with publishing apps on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Have them walk you through the submission process and share any challenges they’ve faced. This helps confirm their hands-on experience with app deployment and their ability to navigate the intricacies of app store guidelines.
Hands-On Problem-Solving Tests
Practical tests are an excellent way to measure a candidate’s real-world skills. Create coding and debugging challenges that mimic common issues like memory leaks, performance bottlenecks, or UI glitches. Pay attention to how they approach these problems – do they ask clarifying questions, break down the issue methodically, or dive straight into coding?
You can also test their ability to optimize app performance under specific conditions. For example, present them with a slow-loading screen and ask them to diagnose the issue and suggest solutions. Simulating scenarios like slow connectivity can reveal how well they adapt to real-world user environments.
Consider pairing candidates with current team members for collaborative programming exercises. This not only tests their technical skills but also evaluates their communication and teamwork. Effective collaboration is essential for solving complex development challenges, and these exercises provide insight into how well they integrate with your team.
Testing App Store Process Knowledge
Beyond technical skills, it’s crucial to assess a candidate’s familiarity with the App Store submission process. Guidelines are constantly evolving, so ask about their knowledge of key areas like content standards, data privacy, and monetization policies. Present hypothetical scenarios that could lead to app rejections and see how they would address these challenges.
Make sure they are familiar with resources like Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and App Store Review Guidelines. Ask how they stay updated on changes and their experience dealing with common rejection issues. Additionally, explore their understanding of security measures such as data encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with privacy regulations, especially in apps handling sensitive user data.
These steps ensure you not only identify candidates with technical expertise but also those who can navigate the complexities of app development and deployment with confidence.
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Warning Signs When Hiring Mobile Developers
Even after extensive interviews and skill tests, you might still come across candidates who seem qualified on paper but lack the hands-on experience needed to ship apps successfully. Spotting these red flags early can help you avoid costly hiring mistakes and delays in your projects. Here are some key warning signs to watch for during the evaluation process.
Unclear or Unverifiable Work Examples
A major red flag is when candidates can’t provide clear, detailed examples of their previous work. Instead of explaining what they built and the challenges they solved, they might offer vague, generic descriptions that lack depth or substance.
Developers with real experience are usually eager to share specifics about their work. They often use structured methods, like the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result), to explain their contributions. Be cautious of inconsistent career timelines, such as unexplained gaps or inflated job titles, as these can also raise questions.
Look for candidates who maintain active GitHub profiles, share links to apps they’ve built in the App Store, or showcase their work on a portfolio site. If someone avoids providing verifiable examples or becomes evasive when asked for details, it’s a strong indication to proceed carefully.
Exaggerated Project Involvement Claims
Pay attention to candidates who overuse "we" when describing their work. This might suggest they are overstating their role in group projects.
To dig deeper, ask follow-up questions about their personal contributions and request specific examples or code samples. Developers with genuine experience can confidently explain their individual role, share lessons learned, and highlight measurable outcomes. Those who exaggerate their involvement often struggle to provide technical details or concrete answers.
Missing App Store Submission Experience
A more critical concern than role exaggeration is the lack of hands-on experience with App Store submissions. Developers unfamiliar with this process can cause delays and increase costs. Malcolm Teas, a seasoned software engineer and manager, explains:
"Having an app in the app store shows that you can deal with a variety of thing in the iOS world that’s not just writing code. It shows you can design, implement, handle UI, debug, build, deal with provisioning and certificates, and all the other stuff that’s necessary to make an app all the way through to production."
Candidates without App Store experience may struggle with essential steps like provisioning profiles, code signing, or app distribution. They might also lack knowledge about common reasons for app rejections, which can lead to unnecessary delays.
To evaluate their expertise, ask about their experience with tasks like creating app screenshots, writing descriptions, and selecting metadata. Inquire how they’ve handled rejections and their familiarity with Apple’s review process. Frank Lazar, a Mac Consultant, emphasizes:
"However if you’re looking to demonstrate the ability to CREATE IOS apps, there’s no better sign than having an app which is accepted and SELLS in the App Store. It shows that you can not only code, but you can code to Apple’s specs, requirements, and restrictions, and come out with a product that people can buy."
If a candidate can’t provide examples of apps they’ve personally submitted and successfully launched, it’s a strong signal to proceed with caution.
Using Talent Sidekick to Find Pre-Vetted Developers
Hiring mobile developers can be a tricky and time-consuming process, especially when you’re searching for candidates with proven App Store experience. Traditional hiring methods often come with high costs and long timelines, making it harder to find the right fit. That’s where Talent Sidekick comes in. It simplifies the process by connecting you with pre-vetted developers, tackling the challenges head-on.
Unlike general recruiting services that cover broad areas of software development, Talent Sidekick focuses exclusively on mobile app talent. Created by a mobile app agency with over 14 years of experience, the platform ensures every candidate is reviewed by senior mobile experts who know what it takes to deliver high-quality apps to the App Store.
How Talent Sidekick Works
The Talent Sidekick process is designed to meet your specific needs, steering clear of generic candidate pools. Here’s how it works:
- We Listen: They start by understanding your project goals, team structure, and tech stack requirements.
- We Shape: Their team analyzes your codebase and crafts job descriptions tailored to your needs.
- We Vet: Using their network, they find suitable candidates and conduct thorough interviews to verify technical skills and App Store experience. This process helps catch potential issues early.
- We Staff: Flexible hiring options allow you to choose between full-time, part-time, local, remote, or contract arrangements to match your business needs.
Most placements happen within 3–15 business days, saving you from sifting through endless resumes. Instead, you’ll get 1–3 pre-vetted candidates who have already been rigorously evaluated.
Talent Sidekick Benefits for U.S. Businesses
Talent Sidekick’s approach offers several advantages for businesses in the U.S., particularly those navigating the competitive mobile development landscape.
Faster Hiring Process
With the demand for mobile developers in the U.S. at an all-time high, Talent Sidekick speeds up the process by delivering pre-vetted candidates, cutting down on screening time.
Verified Technical Expertise
Focusing solely on mobile development, Talent Sidekick ensures candidates are skilled in Native iOS (Swift), Native Android (Kotlin), and Hybrid Mobile frameworks like React Native and Flutter. They can also connect you with Mobile UX/UI Designers, QA Specialists, and Project Managers, ensuring every role is covered.
Lower Hiring Risks
A bad hire can be costly, both financially and in terms of project delays. As Mark Pranger, an instructor at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, points out:
"The biggest advice here is to show the organization the long haul. It costs a lot of money to advertise, find, recruit, hire, and train employees in our field. The company wants to know their return on that investment will be higher."
Talent Sidekick’s vetting process reduces the risk of hiring inexperienced developers, helping you avoid unnecessary costs and setbacks.
Flexible Hiring Options
Whether you need someone for a short-term project, a long-term role, or a hire-to-permanent arrangement, Talent Sidekick offers flexible solutions that adapt to your business needs. This is particularly useful for companies looking to quickly scale their mobile development teams.
Specialized Matching for Complex Projects
If your app requires handling sensitive data, integrating with existing systems, or implementing specialized features like 3D scanning or augmented reality, Talent Sidekick ensures you’re matched with developers who have the exact expertise needed for the job.
Conclusion: Hiring the Right Mobile Developer
When hiring a mobile developer, look for someone who brings more than just coding skills to the table – they should have a deep understanding of the entire process, including App Store submission. Without this expertise, your app faces a 40% chance of being rejected on the first attempt, with another 30% of rejections due to guideline violations.
Bugs and crashes are the leading causes of rejection, accounting for 64% of cases during Apple’s review process. Developers unfamiliar with Apple’s stringent requirements may miss key compliance details, causing delays and frustration. On the other hand, those with proven App Store experience can help you avoid these pitfalls, potentially increasing your approval odds by 30%.
Experienced developers bring added value by optimizing app metadata, boosting search visibility by as much as 50%. They also know how to test apps across various devices and iOS versions, ensuring compatibility and identifying potential rejection risks before submission. This level of expertise not only speeds up approvals but also improves your app’s performance in the marketplace.
Traditional hiring methods often fall short when it comes to verifying this specialized skill set. That’s where Talent Sidekick steps in. By connecting you with pre-vetted developers who have a track record of App Store success, Talent Sidekick eliminates the guesswork. These developers are vetted by senior mobile experts with over 14 years of experience, ensuring they understand every nuance of the approval process and ongoing app maintenance.
Success in mobile app development goes beyond writing clean code. It requires a developer who can navigate the entire ecosystem – from development to deployment. By focusing on proven App Store experience and leveraging platforms like Talent Sidekick, you can position your project for a smooth and successful launch.
FAQs
What key skills should I look for when hiring a mobile developer with App Store experience?
When you’re looking to hire a mobile developer, focus on candidates who have real-world experience publishing apps to the App Store and can showcase a portfolio of live apps. This not only highlights their technical skills but also proves they can navigate the entire app development process.
Make sure they’re proficient in platform-specific languages like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android. Equally important is their familiarity with App Store guidelines and app store optimization (ASO) strategies, as these are key to getting your app noticed and approved.
It’s also a good idea to evaluate their expertise in UI/UX design, app testing, and ongoing maintenance. These skills are essential for delivering apps that are intuitive, reliable, and built to perform well over time.
How can I confirm if a developer has successfully published apps on the App Store?
If you want to verify a developer’s claim about publishing apps on the App Store, start by requesting the names of the apps or direct links to their listings. Then, head to the App Store to confirm the apps are live. Pay attention to details like the developer’s name or company listed on the app’s page. It’s also worth checking the update history to see if the app is actively maintained. For further assurance, you could ask the developer to show proof of their Apple Developer Program membership or share details about the app submission process they used.
What are the most common issues during the App Store submission process, and how can skilled developers help prevent them?
Submitting an app to the App Store isn’t always smooth sailing. Common hurdles like not following Apple’s guidelines, unclear or incomplete privacy policies, misleading content, or poorly crafted app descriptions can lead to frustrating rejections or delays.
Experienced developers play a key role in avoiding these setbacks. They dive deep into the App Store Review Guidelines, ensuring the app checks all the technical and design boxes. They also run thorough tests to catch potential issues before submission. On top of that, they make sure privacy policies are clear and accurate, and that app descriptions clearly highlight what makes the app valuable to users.
Teaming up with skilled developers can make the entire submission process much more efficient, helping you avoid unnecessary rejections and get your app launched without unnecessary headaches.
