The chasm separating a phenomenal idea and a killer app can only be bridged by a quality mobile app developer. 

For instance, a talented developer will use your concept as the foundation and then leverage their experience to create something even more remarkable. Conceptualize them as digital architects, skilled at transforming crude sketches into fully functional homes.

To that end, choosing the right partner for the app development process is critical. In a highly competitive app marketplace, your platform’s success shares a symbiotic relationship with the dexterity of the app developer that’s championing your architecture. 

Enter the interview process, one of the key steps in identifying whether or not they’re experienced, capable, and aligned with your vision.   

In which case, what are the most effective questions to ask an app developer during an interview?

#1 Can you show me examples of apps you've developed in the past?

Asking an app developer about their previous work is an effective way to assess their experience, skill set, and long-term compatibility with your project. 

Requesting their portfolio offers valuable insights into their industry experience and understanding of various app categories, technologies, platforms, and niches.

A high-quality portfolio allows you to evaluate the design, functionality, flow, user experience, and overall app performance. While quantity is not as important as quality, a portfolio showcasing at least 10 well-executed apps is typically a positive sign.

Green flags to look for

Ideally, the portfolio should be diverse, displaying the ability to adapt to the unique challenges, constraints, and requirements of any given project. The apps in the portfolio should still be live on app stores—with satisfactory user reviews and ratings—indicating success and ongoing maintenance.

Red flags to look for

The developer's past work should have some relevance to your project. Even an outstanding web developer may lack the requisite experience to create the type of mobile app you’re developing. In other words, their existing skill set may be incompatible with the unique challenges and requirements of your project. 

Another red flag can be linked to project status. If all the apps in the developer's portfolio are no longer live and cannot be found on the app store—or if they never survived development—this could indicate that they’re not a fit for the render. 

Potential follow-up questions 

Additionally, it’s paramount that you consider using this umbrella question to then address the following: 

• “Do you have experience working with the type of app I need (e.g., gaming app, social media app, e-commerce)?”

• “What challenges did you face during the development of these apps, and how did you overcome them?”

• “Can you provide references from your past clients to attest to your work quality and collaboration experience?”

• “How did you ensure that these apps stayed up-to-date with the latest design trends, platform updates, and user expectations?”

• “How have you incorporated user feedback and analytics data to improve your apps over time?”

• “Were you responsible for the entire development process, or did you collaborate with other team members or agencies? If so, how did you manage these collaborations?”

#2 What mobile platforms and programming languages are you proficient in?

A mobile app developer needs to be proficient in the specific mobile platforms and programming languages you need for your project. 

As an oversimplification, how effective is a translator if they don’t speak the language you need them to translate? Put simply, asking about their proficiency in mobile languages helps you gauge project alignment.  

Green flags to look for

These days, a skilled mobile developer should be proficient with both iOS and Android, and familiar with their associated programming languages—specifically, Swift (iOS) and Java or Kotlin (Android). Furthermore, they should also be comfortable with cross-platform development tools, such as Flutter or React Native. 

Even then, the top candidates will ask you what your specific preference is. Doing so demonstrates a willingness to understand your business needs and philosophy, increasing the likelihood of creating a successful and user-friendly mobile app (and working partnership). 

Red flags to look for

When it comes to designers, you can’t hire someone that’s not going to voice their opinion, especially if it will benefit the integrity of the build. 

As trusted experts, top developers should always question the choices behind a tech stack or decision and, if they deem it necessary, suggest more efficient alternatives. A proactive partner will help you identify future challenges, analyze the current model, and suggest different avenues if they feel they will yield a higher efficacy. 

Potential follow-up questions

Following programming languages, consider addressing: 

• “What factors do you consider when choosing a platform or programming language for a project?”

• “How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in mobile platforms and programming languages?”

• “Can you provide examples of projects where you've had to learn a new programming language or adapt to a new platform? How did you handle those challenges?”

• “How do you ensure that the app performs well and offers a consistent user experience across different devices and operating systems?”

• “Have you worked on any cross-platform app development projects? If so, how do you manage the trade-offs between native and cross-platform development?”

#3 Can you walk me through the development process from ideation to launch? 

App development is an incredibly complicated and resource-intensive process. Simple projects may cost tens of thousands of dollars and take two to three months to complete, whereas complex apps may cost hundreds of thousands and take several months—if not years—to fulfill.  

Naturally, every app will follow its own unique roadmap. Even so, a developer should still be able to provide a clear outline for their tried-and-tested process, covering key stages in detail, including but not limited to: 

• Ideation
• Planning
• Design
• Development
• Testing
• Deployment 

Green flags to look for

A developer should clearly define workflow, revealing a clear intentionality and process underlying the various development phases. 

An ideal response will emphasize collaboration and flexibility to accommodate your budget, timeline, and unique project needs. Experienced partners will highlight the importance of maintaining clear lines of communication by providing regular updates and opportunities for feedback and quality control. 

Red flags to look for

A lack of a well-defined process—or an inability to clearly explain their approach—could signal poor organization or necessary experience. Conversely, an overly rigid process may lack the flexibility necessary to accommodate your vision. 

If you’re still in the sales cycle and they’re already telling you exactly how they’re going to build your app, step by step, they probably aren’t planning to do the type of deep dive required to custom-build your digital product in the best way possible.

Potential follow-up questions

Once you’ve uncovered their process, consider addressing: 

• “How do you incorporate client feedback and change requests during the development process? Is there a specific stage or method for handling these adjustments?”

• “What is your typical mobile app development timeline?”

• “How do you manage risks and unforeseen challenges during the development process?”

• “How do you ensure the app is secure and protects users' data?”

• “Can you provide an example of a problem you've encountered and how you resolved it?”

• “What quality assurance measures do you have in place to ensure the app meets the desired functionality and performance standards?”

• “How do you prepare for and handle app store submissions, including meeting platform-specific guidelines and requirements?”

Ask Utility

Mobile app development is often a complicated and nuanced endeavor. It’s also iterative. And achieving success isn’t a given—it requires proper alignment between both parties, a detailed plan, and continuous collaboration between the mobile app developer and your team. 

By asking the right questions at the forefront, you can vet potential partners, winnowing down the pool of candidates until you arrive at the perfect fit. Yet, the vetting process can soak up resources, balloon timelines, and yield poor results.   

Here at Utility, we have more than 100 mobile and digital experts on our team, meaning we can match you with incredible candidates bespoke to your project's specifications.

As a full-service, end-to-end product agency, we can handle all aspects of the mobile app product lifecycle, from strategy and design to engineering and growth. Schedule a call with Utility today to start asking the questions that’ll help you find the perfect app developer.