If you see more farms than skyscrapers, or even office buildings for that matter. If you drive by more tractors than sports cars. You probably live in the Midwest. There are certainly advantages to living in the Midwest, but finding developer talent is not one of them.
Unfortunately, there's already a developer shortage, and it's even more extreme if you live anywhere that isn't at risk for a Hurricane. So what can you do if you're still looking to start an innovative business but need development help?
Many companies turn to the help of remote developers.
The scarcity of local tech talent, particularly in rural areas, has left companies struggling to developers they need. Let's take a tour of the scenic views of America's heartland. I hope you like corn!
If you're looking for custom development services in the Midwest or any other rural area, here's what you should be looking for.
Lack of Talent in the Midwest
With its welcoming communities and lower cost of living, the Midwest is attractive to many businesses. Despite this, companies often encounter a significant hurdle: sourcing highly skilled software developers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers are projected to have a growth rate of 25% over the next 10 years, which is much faster than the national average.
The Midwest is great at a lot of things. Farming, football, fairs, fried food, f-ing drinking. Ya know, things that start with F. What doesn't begin with "F" is coding or computers.
It's not that people in the Midwest aren't smart; it mainly just comes down to a lack of people. Most of the country that isn't touching an ocean is not very densely populated. God forbid you get some fresh air!
Nevertheless, the lack of developers challenges many Midwest-based companies. There is already a software developer shortage, and it's only exaggerated in rural areas.
Where are all the developers?
Software developers tend to live in herds. They cluster in hubs known for tech innovation where there is lots of talent and lots of funding. This usually means areas with money and near universities, aka the coasts.
Some of the biggest tech hotspots include:
- Silicon Valley, California: Renowned as a global technology hub with a high concentration of tech companies and startups.
- Seattle, Washington: Home to major tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon and a vibrant startup scene.
- New York City, New York: A diverse tech ecosystem with a mix of established companies and startups across various industries.
- Austin, Texas: Known for its growing tech scene, attracting companies and developers with its favorable business environment and quality of life.
- Boston, Massachusetts: A hub for tech innovation and research, hosting numerous universities and renowned tech companies.
Of course, developers live all over the country. But, these are the largest collections of them and, coincidentally, the most tech innovation.
However, many skilled developers no longer want to live in expensive and congested cities and are looking for opportunities elsewhere. Could this be the future the Midwest has been waiting for?
How To Find A Software Developer
You know how you lost your TV remote, and then you saw that one person that taped velcro to the back of it? So now you velcro it to your coffee table and never lose it?
No, just me? Cool, cool.
Well, anyway, a different kind of remote has become the solution for many rural businesses.
The growing remote workforce has opened the doors for organizations to tap into a much larger talent pool without being limited by their geographical location.
Despite the shortage of software developers, there's a growing population of remote developers for hire.
Hiring remote workers is part of the "new normal," and skilled developers are no exception.
Increased use of remote developers is prevalent across various regions, including the Midwest.
Many companies, including those based in the Midwest, have embraced remote work arrangements, and remote development teams, to tap into a broader talent pool and reduce operational costs.
So if you need custom software development in the Midwest (or anywhere!), here's why you should consider hiring a remote development team.
- Access to Global Talent: By removing geographical restrictions, you can tap into a global pool of developers, increasing the likelihood of finding the right skill set for your projects.
- Cost-Effective: The cost of living in the Midwest is significantly lower than in tech-hub cities. Companies can secure top-tier talent by hiring remote developers without the Silicon Valley price tag.
- Flexible: Remote developers can work around different time zones, providing the flexibility to keep your projects moving forward around the clock.
Navigating the Remote Hiring Process: Tips and Strategies
Hiring remote developers has its challenges. The process of finding, vetting, and onboarding remote talent can be daunting. Here are a few things you should look for when hiring remote developers:
- Leverage Online Platforms: Platforms like Talentcrowd are designed to quickly connect businesses with top tech talent. They use sophisticated algorithms and human expertise to match companies with the best-fit candidates.
- Focus on Communication Skills: While technical skills are paramount, don't overlook the importance of communication skills. Remote work requires clear and effective communication.
- Consider Time Zones: When hiring remote developers, consider time zone differences. While it can provide round-the-clock work, it may also lead to communication lags if not correctly managed.
- Establish a Robust Onboarding Process: Onboarding is crucial for remote developers. Invest in a comprehensive onboarding process to help new hires understand their role, the company culture, and responsibilities. For help establishing your own onboarding process, try downloading our Crack the Code Checklist.
It's also important to make sure you're using the right tech stack and project management tools to set your remote team up for success.
Get Help Getting Help
When it comes to hiring software developers, finding the right talent can be difficult. It's even harder if you're unsure about the specific skills and expertise required for a certain project or role. In these cases, enlisting the help of a technical recruiter or recruitment agency can help.
These professionals know what to look for and assist in identifying and attracting the right developer or development team. In short, they have a skill for finding skills. They can provide:
Industry Expertise
When choosing a tech recruiter or recruitment agency, consider their industry expertise. Look for professionals who have a deep understanding of the technology landscape of your industry. If you work in fintech, find someone with experience in the financial sector. Similarly, if you work in medical technologies, find someone with experience in the medical field. A recruiter with specialized knowledge can better assess candidates' skills and ensure a more precise match for your requirements.
Extensive Network
An effective technical recruiter will have a strong network of companies and developers. They should have access to a wide pool of talented developers and be well-connected within the industry. Their network allows recruiters to tap into both active and passive candidates, increasing the chances of finding the best fit for your needs, even if you're unsure about the specific skill set required.
Understanding of Company Culture
A tech recruiter should take the time to understand your company's culture, values, and team dynamics. This understanding enables them to find candidates who not only possess the necessary technical skills but will also work well with your existing team. A good cultural fit can contribute to better collaboration and long-term success.
Proven Track Record
Look for a tech recruiter or recruitment agency with a proven track record of successful placements in your industry. Consider their client testimonials, case studies, or any other indicators of their past achievements. A strong track record demonstrates their ability to deliver quality candidates and indicates their expertise in matching companies with the right talent.
Additional Services and Support
Beyond candidate sourcing, some recruitment agencies offer additional services and support throughout the hiring process. This can include pre-screening candidates, conducting technical assessments, and coordinating interviews. They may also provide guidance on industry hiring trends, market insights, and salary expectations. These additional services can save you time and effort while ensuring a smoother recruitment process.
Hiring software developers can be complicated. If you don't know what to look for, it can be like finding a needle in a haystack (or sushi in Nebraska). Technical recruiters and recruitment agencies can leverage their industry expertise, networks, and experience to find the right developer talent for your company. By partnering with a reliable tech recruiter, like Talentcrowd, you can gain access to a broader pool of candidates and increase the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your unique needs.
Turning the Tables on the Talent Shortage
Despite the talent shortage, companies in the Midwest, and other rural areas, don't need to compromise on their tech needs. By considering remote developers, these companies can find the right talent and unlock a host of benefits, including cost savings and flexibility.
Through platforms like Talentcrowd, finding and hiring remote developers becomes smoother and more efficient. The opportunity to tap into global talent, combined with the
Keep the advantages of staying Midwest based without losing out on tech talent.
