Hiring a remote ServiceNow developer is crucial for businesses looking to leverage the capabilities of the ServiceNow platform. Whether you need a custom solution, integration with other tools, or ongoing support, finding the right developer can significantly impact the success of your IT service management (ITSM) strategy. With the rise of remote work, you can now access global talent, but it also introduces new challenges. To ensure you find the best fit for your project, here are five key factors to consider when hire a remote ServiceNow developer.

1. Technical Expertise and Skill Set

The most important factor when hiring a remote ServiceNow developer is their technical expertise. ServiceNow is a comprehensive platform, and the right developer should have a deep understanding of its various modules and tools. The following technical competencies are essential:

• ServiceNow Scripting: ServiceNow uses JavaScript for scripting, so it is critical that the developer is proficient in both server-side and client-side scripting. They should be familiar with GlideScript and the ServiceNow APIs.
• Customization and Configuration: A good developer should be experienced in customizing ServiceNow to meet your business requirements. This includes creating workflows, service catalogs, forms, and UI pages.
• Integration Expertise: Many businesses use ServiceNow in conjunction with other enterprise software. A skilled developer should know how to integrate ServiceNow with third-party applications through REST APIs, SOAP, or other integration methods.
• ServiceNow Certifications: ServiceNow certifications like Certified Application Developer (CAD) and Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) demonstrate the developer’s competency and familiarity with the platform.

When interviewing a remote developer, review their past projects and ask them to demonstrate their ability to handle the specific tasks you need. Request code samples, case studies, or even a technical test to evaluate their skill level.

2. Experience with Your Specific Industry or Use Case

While technical expertise is essential, it is equally important that the developer has experience with the specific ServiceNow modules and use cases relevant to your business. ServiceNow is used in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government, and each sector has unique requirements. For example:

• IT Service Management (ITSM): If you are looking to implement ITSM processes, the developer should be familiar with incidents, problems, changes, and service requests.
• IT Operations Management (ITOM): For businesses that need help with monitoring infrastructure and automating workflows, the developer should have experience with ITOM applications.
• Security Incident Response: If security is a key concern, finding a developer who has experience with ServiceNow's Security Incident Response module would be beneficial.

The developer should be able to understand the specific needs of your industry and customize the platform accordingly. Ask for examples of similar projects they've worked on and ensure they can address challenges unique to your business.

3. Communication and Collaboration Skills

Since you are hiring a remote developer, effective communication becomes even more crucial. Without face-to-face interaction, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and suboptimal results. Here’s what to look for in terms of communication:

• Clear and Concise Communication: The developer should be able to explain technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. They should also be able to communicate their ideas clearly and respond promptly to questions or concerns.
• Collaboration Tools Familiarity: Remote work often involves using collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Jira. Ensure the developer is comfortable with these tools and is proactive in using them for regular check-ins and updates.
• Availability and Time Zone Consideration: Determine whether the developer's working hours align with your business needs. While working with someone in a different time zone can be an advantage (as it allows work to continue overnight), make sure there is a sufficient overlap of hours for real-time communication.

Effective communication can often determine the success of remote work, especially in a dynamic project like ServiceNow development. Ensure the developer has a track record of successfully working with distributed teams.

4. Cultural Fit and Work Ethic

When hiring a remote developer, cultural fit might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it plays an important role in the overall working relationship. A developer’s ability to align with your company’s values, work ethic, and project management processes will impact how smoothly the project progresses.

• Proactivity: The remote developer should be self-motivated and able to take initiative. They should be capable of independently resolving issues and proposing solutions, rather than relying on you for constant direction.
• Responsiveness: Remote developers need to be responsive and manage their time effectively, especially if they are in different time zones. A developer with a strong work ethic will ensure that deadlines are met and that there is always clarity on project status.
• Adaptability: Working remotely often requires flexibility. The developer should be open to feedback, able to adapt to changes in the project scope, and proactive in offering suggestions for process improvements.

During interviews, assess whether the developer is comfortable with your project management methodologies, whether agile or waterfall, and whether they demonstrate the qualities of proactivity, responsibility, and adaptability.

5. Security and Data Privacy Concerns

When hiring a remote ServiceNow developer, data security should be a top priority. ServiceNow typically handles sensitive business data, and working with a developer who understands the importance of safeguarding that data is essential. Consider the following:

• Security Practices: The developer should follow best practices for securing both the ServiceNow platform and your organization’s sensitive data. This includes using secure connections, implementing appropriate authentication mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): To protect your intellectual property and sensitive data, ensure that the developer is willing to sign an NDA. This will protect your business from any potential breaches or misuse of information.
• Secure Code: The developer should adhere to secure coding standards to minimize vulnerabilities. This can include regular code reviews and testing for vulnerabilities.

Before proceeding with hiring, ensure that the developer has the necessary experience and understanding of security protocols to protect your business data.

Conclusion

Hiring a remote ServiceNow developer requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that you choose a developer who can meet your business needs. Technical expertise, industry experience, communication skills, cultural fit, and a commitment to data security are all essential elements to evaluate during the hiring process. By considering these five key factors, you can improve the chances of finding a skilled and reliable remote developer who will contribute positively to your ServiceNow implementation or optimization efforts.