Web Developers for Hire: Assessing Their Previous Projects

Ralph Sanchez

Web Developer

Frontend Engineer

Dot Net Backend Developer

Fullstack Engineer

Project Manager

GitHub

Visual Studio Code

React

WordPress

Figma

Electronics

Web Developers for Hire: Assessing Their Previous Projects

I’ve been on both sides of the freelance table—hired and hiring. Over time, I’ve learned that resumes only tell you what someone wants you to know. Portfolios? They show you what someone’s actually built.

The challenge is, not all portfolios are created equal. Some are polished but shallow. Others are clunky but hide years of nuanced problem-solving beneath the surface.

When I’m helping a client assess developers, I don’t just look at the design or whether the site loads fast. I’m digging into the decisions behind those results—what was built, why it was built that way, and how it all holds up under real-world use.

Why Previous Projects Matter

A developer’s past work reflects how they think, not just how they code. It’s often the clearest lens into their technical judgment and decision-making process.

A project portfolio can reveal:

Code structure: Whether the codebase is modular, readable, and maintainable.

Design approach: How well the interface balances user experience with functionality.

Problem-solving: Unique or complex challenges they tackled, especially in legacy systems or tight timelines.

If I see a developer who rebuilt an e-commerce cart system from scratch, I’m not just noting the outcome. I want to know if they handled edge cases, integrated with payment APIs, and optimized for mobile.

“Show me the repo, not the résumé.” – something I mutter weekly during portfolio reviews

Even small projects can reveal a lot. A single-page app might demonstrate clean component logic and API handling. A WordPress site might show custom plugin development or clever theme overrides.

I also look for variety. A developer who’s worked on a SaaS dashboard, a blog, and a mobile-first landing page shows adaptability. That matters more than someone who’s only built five versions of the same template.

And when someone includes a GitHub link with commit history? That’s a goldmine. I’m checking commit messages, branch strategy, and how they document their work.

The goal isn’t to find a perfect project. It’s to see patterns—how someone approaches architecture, how they collaborate, and whether they apply feedback over time.

What Is a Web Developer?

A web developer builds and maintains websites or web applications. They can specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development depending on their skills and focus areas.

Front-end developers work on the part of the website users interact with directly. They write code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Many also use frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Tailwind CSS to speed up development and organize the code more efficiently.

Back-end developers build the server-side logic that powers features behind the scenes. They often work with programming languages like Python, PHP, Ruby, or JavaScript (via Node.js). Their work involves APIs, databases (like PostgreSQL or MongoDB), and server configurations.

🧠 “If front-end is what you see, back-end is what makes it work when you click.”

Full-stack developers handle both front-end and back-end tasks. They might build a React-based dashboard and connect it to a Node.js API backed by a PostgreSQL database—all in the same project. Full-stack developers are often brought in for MVPs or startup builds where one person covers the entire stack.

Each role contributes differently to digital projects. A front-end dev ensures the interface looks and behaves as expected. A back-end dev ensures the data flows correctly and securely. A full-stack dev bridges both, often making trade-offs across the stack to ship faster.

Five Ways to Examine a Portfolio

A web developer’s portfolio is not just a showcase—it’s a working archive of how they solve problems, implement features, and deliver results. The following five methods offer a grounded way to evaluate whether their past work aligns with your current needs.

1. Check Multiple Industries

A portfolio covering multiple industries gives insight into how a developer adapts to different business models and user requirements. For example:

E-commerce stores often require secure payment integration, inventory logic, and mobile optimization.

SaaS platforms may showcase authentication systems, dashboards, and data visualization.

Small business websites typically demonstrate quick turnaround, brand adaptation, and lean technical stacks.

A developer who’s worked across these types of projects may have broader experience with database structures, API handling, and responsive frameworks. It also shows they’ve likely interacted with clients with very different goals, which informs how flexible their approach is.

“One week it’s a pet food site, the next it’s a fintech dashboard. Context-switching is underrated.”

2. Look for Measurable Outcomes

Rather than relying on visual appeal alone, portfolios that include tangible metrics are more useful in assessing impact. Examples include:

Load speed: A Lighthouse score of 90+ indicates good performance optimization.

Conversion rates: If a redesign led to a 27% increase in signups, that’s relevant data.

Uptime or error rates: Especially important for backend-heavy applications.

Client reviews: Look for consistent praise on communication, delivery, or technical insight.

These data points are often listed in case studies or client testimonials and can be verified if the site is still live.

3. Assess Code and Architecture

When GitHub repositories or code snippets are available, they offer a direct look at how the developer thinks structurally. Things to observe:

How they organize folders and files in a project.

Whether function names are readable and consistent.

If documentation exists for setup, deployment, or APIs.

Use of modular approaches (e.g., React components, Express middlewares).

Live product behavior also reveals architecture. For example, an app that loads dynamic content without full reloads may be using client-side routing or caching strategies.

“If a repo has a README, tests, and folders aren’t named stuff/, it’s already doing better than most.”

4. Consider Design Consistency

Aesthetic polish isn't just visual—it reflects attention to detail and UX thinking. Evaluate:

Typography, spacing, and color use across pages.

Whether interactive elements behave predictably (e.g., hover states, button feedback).

Visual alignment with the client’s brand and tone.

Layout consistency between mobile and desktop views.

This matters even for backend developers working in full-stack roles, since poor interface handling can suggest gaps in frontend collaboration or testing.

Design consistency also reveals tooling: Tailwind, Material UI, or custom CSS frameworks each leave different visual and structural fingerprints.

5. Request Client References

If the developer lists clients or agencies, consider reaching out. Focus on these questions:

Was the project delivered on time and within scope?

How did the developer handle changing priorities or bugs?

Was communication asynchronous, scheduled, or ad hoc?

Would the client work with them again?

Even brief replies can confirm whether the portfolio reflects solo work or team contributions, and how well the developer handles non-code aspects like planning, feedback, and documentation.

“The code worked, but the Slack threads were chaos” is a red flag buried in plain sight.

Five Steps to Hire the Right Developer

1. Set Goals and Budget

Start with identifying what the developer will build. This includes the core functionality, design expectations, and any backend or third-party service integrations. Define the expected timeline in weeks or months, then estimate how many hours or deliverables that might require.

“Vague goals = sliding deadlines = budget drift. Happens fast.”

Budget should be based on scope, not just hourly rate. For example, rebuilding a marketing site from scratch with CMS integration and animations will cost more than updating a contact form. Set a range, not a fixed number—i.e., $3,000–$4,500—so there’s room for scope negotiation.

2. Craft a Clear Job Post

Job posts that lead to strong hires are specific and detailed. Include the tech stack (e.g., React + Node.js), the type of project (e.g., landing page, SaaS dashboard), and the timeline (e.g., 4–6 weeks). List expected deliverables such as mobile responsiveness, form validation, or third-party integrations.

Mention if the work is solo or in collaboration with a designer, PM, or another dev. If you expect Git commits, tests, or Figma implementation, say so. Also useful: mention preferred communication style (async, weekly calls, Slack, etc.).

Avoid general phrases like “build a website” or “help with development.” They invite mismatched applicants.

3. Conduct Structured Interviews

Use the same set of questions for every candidate. Include technical questions like “How would you structure authentication in a React app?” or “What’s your approach to optimizing SQL queries?”

Add scenario-based questions: “What would you do if the client changed requirements mid-sprint?” or “How do you handle shipping when the designer hasn’t finished mockups yet?”

“If someone says ‘I just build what I’m told,’ that’s not a collaborator, that’s a risk.”

Also ask about soft skills. Try: “Tell me about a project where communication broke down—what happened?” or “How do you prefer to receive feedback?”

4. Ask for a Paid Test Task

Offer a small, paid assignment that reflects part of the real project. For example, ask for a reusable form component with validation and styled UI. Set a fixed budget ($100–$200) and a turnaround time (2–3 days).

Observe how they communicate, ask clarifying questions, and deliver. If the final code works but is undocumented, that’s useful to know. If they ask helpful questions early, even better.

The goal isn’t to gatekeep—it’s to see how they work when the brief is real and the clock is ticking.

5. Verify Ownership and Finalize Terms

Ask for 1–2 client references and confirm the developer actually built the projects in their portfolio. If the work is under NDA, ask for a walkthrough or code sample instead. You can also use tools like the Wayback Machine to verify site history.

Make sure there's a written agreement that covers:

Code ownership (who owns it, when)

Payment structure (fixed price, hourly, milestone-based)

Delivery format (GitHub repo, exported files, deployment)

Timeline and communication cadence

“Having a great dev is great. Having a contract that says who owns what is better.”

Add a clause for post-delivery support, even if it’s just 10 hours of bug fixes. This avoids unclear expectations after the final invoice.

My Perspective as a Contra Freelancer

On Contra, when I’m hired for a web development project, I don’t lose a percentage of my earnings to the platform. This makes it easier to offer flexible pricing without reducing the quality of my work. Clients know exactly where their money is going, and I know exactly what I’m earning.

I’ve worked with small businesses where the budget was tight and expectations were high. Without commission fees in the middle, we could allocate more of the project budget toward actual development—like integrating a custom booking system or adding accessibility audits. That wouldn’t have been possible if 20% of the budget disappeared before I even started.

Direct communication is built into how Contra works. I don’t rely on third-party tools or hidden messaging systems. Clients message me directly, we hop on a quick call, or share a Notion doc for scope changes. There’s no lag between decision-making and action.

“I once rebuilt a checkout flow in two days because the client could ping me directly—no ticket system, no middleman, just clear priorities and a shared deadline.”

When clients want to verify my previous work, I can walk them through it in real time. I’ve done live code reviews, screen shares of private repos, and shared anonymized snippets from NDA projects. Contra supports these kinds of trust-building interactions because it doesn’t treat either side like a risk to be managed.

There’s also no pressure to overbook. Since I’m not trying to recoup platform losses, I don’t take on more projects than I can handle. That helps me deliver consistently, whether it’s a one-page microsite or a React/Node.js web app with 10+ integrations.

“Fair pay = fewer surprises = better code. It’s not deep math—just honest math.”

Compensation is straightforward. I set my rate, I get paid in full. No delayed disbursements, no surprise cuts. That clarity makes it easier to quote accurately and deliver without padding timelines or invoices.

FAQs About Evaluating Web Developers

(Provide short answers under each question.)

How much does it cost to hire a web developer?

Rates vary depending on experience, location, tech stack, and scope. As of April 2025, freelance web developers typically charge:

$35–$70/hour for junior to mid-level

$75–$150/hour for senior or specialized roles

Fixed-price projects range from $2,000 for simple websites to $25,000+ for complex apps

Enterprise-level developers or those offering full-stack architecture, DevOps, and UI/UX integration often quote higher. Contra freelancers set their own rates without platform markups.

Do companies still hire web developers?

Yes. Despite the rise of no-code tools, companies continue hiring website developers for custom-built systems, integrations, and scalable infrastructure.

Startups hire developers for MVPs and prototype iterations

Mid-sized teams use freelancers for overflow, refactors, or specialized builds

Enterprises retain devs for long-term systems maintenance and proprietary tools

“Wix handles portfolios. Developers handle platforms.”

Hiring remains steady across SaaS, fintech, health, retail, and logistics sectors.

How do I verify private or NDA-protected projects?

Developers can share:

Code snippets with sensitive data redacted

Screen recordings that walk through features without revealing client info

Pre-NDA commits on GitHub

Private demos hosted on staging environments

Anonymized architecture diagrams or project retrospectives

You can also request a live code review session under screen-share, or ask for a reference from the client if permitted.

How do I handle ongoing maintenance and support?

Clarify this during scoping. Options include:

Hourly retainers (e.g., 10 hrs/month) for updates and bug fixes

Fixed-fee maintenance contracts covering specific deliverables

On-demand support with a response-time SLA

Transition documentation for handoff to internal teams

“If it breaks at 2AM, who’s waking up? That’s your real support plan.”

Add a post-launch support clause in your agreement. Coverage typically includes minor updates, backup setup, uptime monitoring, and patching third-party dependencies.

Key Takeaways for Your Next Hire

Evaluating web developers through their past projects provides more clarity than resumes or generic skill lists. Portfolios give direct insight into how developers approach structure, solve real problems, and deliver finished products. The more variety across industries and technologies, the more adaptable the developer tends to be.

Work examples that include measurable results—like load times, accessibility scores, or conversion improvements—offer stronger signals than polished visuals alone. Reviewing live products, GitHub commits, or technical documentation helps uncover how developers architect solutions and maintain their codebases over time.

Design consistency, responsive layouts, and UX flow show attention to detail, whether or not the developer handled the design work directly. Direct feedback from past clients is useful for validating collaboration habits, communication style, and final delivery standards.

The hiring process works better when scoped intentionally. Setting clear goals, budgets, and deliverable expectations leads to smoother interviews and less misalignment. Paid test tasks reflect real-world working dynamics more accurately than theoretical questions.

On Contra, I help hiring managers assess freelance developers without platform fees distorting the equation. That allows more of the budget to go toward actual work, not platform commissions. I work directly with clients to evaluate portfolios, shortlist viable candidates, and structure fair hiring agreements.

"It’s not about finding the best developer—it's about hiring the one whose past work proves they’ve already solved problems like yours."

If you're looking for someone to help you evaluate web developers for hire—especially by assessing their previous projects—I'm available on Contra to support your process directly.

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Posted Apr 20, 2025

Assess web developers for hire by reviewing their past projects, code quality, and real-world results. Learn what to look for in a strong portfolio.

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