Hire remote SharePoint developers that you can trust

Microsoft SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. First launched in 2001, SharePoint enables organizations to manage content, knowledge, and applications to optimize collaboration and productivity. The platform supports various functionalities, including document management, team collaboration, and enterprise content management. SharePoint allows users to create sites for different purposes, manage workflows, and automate business processes, all while ensuring secure and controlled access to information. With its seamless integration with Microsoft 365, SharePoint has become an essential tool for businesses looking to improve communication and collaboration among their teams.

Here are some key applications where SharePoint excels:

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint’s robust document management capabilities allow organizations to create, store, and manage documents efficiently. Its versioning and co-authoring features ensure that teams can collaborate on documents in real-time while maintaining a comprehensive history of changes.
• Intranets and Portals: Companies use SharePoint to build internal websites that serve as central hubs for information sharing, company news, and resources. These intranets foster communication and engagement among employees.
• Project Management: SharePoint supports project management through task lists, project sites, and integration with Microsoft Project. This enables teams to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively on projects.
• Workflow Automation: With SharePoint Designer and Power Automate, organizations can automate business processes, such as approvals and notifications, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual workloads.
• Business Intelligence: SharePoint’s integration with Power BI allows users to create interactive reports and dashboards, providing insights into business performance and data analytics.

The SharePoint platform is built on a rich tech stack that enhances its functionality and performance. Here are the key components of the SharePoint tech stack:

• .NET Framework: SharePoint is built on the .NET Framework, which provides a solid foundation for developing robust applications and integrations. Developers leverage ASP.NET for server-side programming and web services.
• Microsoft SQL Server: SharePoint uses SQL Server to store and manage content and configuration data, ensuring efficient data retrieval and integrity.
• Client-Side Technologies: SharePoint utilizes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development. The introduction of SharePoint Framework (SPFx) allows developers to create responsive and modern user interfaces using React, Angular, or other JavaScript frameworks.
• Microsoft Power Platform: Tools like Power Apps and Power Automate can be integrated with SharePoint to create custom applications and automate workflows, further enhancing the platform’s capabilities.
• Azure Integration: SharePoint can leverage Azure services for enhanced functionality, such as cloud storage, machine learning, and cognitive services, allowing for a more scalable and intelligent solution.

A SharePoint developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining SharePoint solutions tailored to an organization’s specific needs. Their role involves writing clean, efficient code, implementing features according to client specifications, and ensuring seamless integration with other systems and services. Additionally, SharePoint developers collaborate with business analysts and users to identify requirements and optimize the SharePoint experience.

SharePoint developers can be classified into three experience levels: junior, mid-level, and senior, based on their skills and years of experience.

• Junior SharePoint Developers
  • Experience: 0-2 years.
  • Skills: Junior developers typically have a foundational understanding of SharePoint and its features, along with basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They may have experience with version control systems like Git and familiarity with SharePoint Online.
  • Role: They usually assist in simpler tasks under the guidance of more experienced developers, focusing on learning best practices and improving their technical skills.
• Mid-Level SharePoint Developers
  • Experience: 3-5 years.
  • Skills: Mid-level developers possess a strong command of SharePoint development, including customization, workflows, and site design. They understand SharePoint architecture and are capable of writing clean, efficient code. They also have experience with REST APIs and data integration.
  • Role: They work independently on projects, contributing to feature development and collaborating with other team members to ensure the application meets user needs.
• Senior SharePoint Developers
  • Experience: 5+ years.
  • Skills: Senior developers have extensive expertise in SharePoint and a deep understanding of software design patterns and best practices. They are skilled in SharePoint Online, Power Platform, and Azure integration. Additionally, they often have experience in team leadership and mentoring.
  • Role: They take on complex projects, lead development teams, and make architectural decisions. Senior developers are responsible for ensuring high code quality and guiding junior and mid-level developers through the development process.

The tasks and responsibilities of SharePoint developers typically include:

• SharePoint Development: Designing and developing SharePoint solutions, ensuring adherence to best practices and coding standards.
• Site Management: Creating and managing SharePoint sites, including lists, libraries, and site collections to optimize collaboration and content management.
• Workflow Automation: Implementing workflows using Power Automate and SharePoint Designer to streamline business processes and improve efficiency.
• Integration: Connecting SharePoint with other Microsoft 365 tools and third-party applications to enhance functionality and user experience.
• Customization: Developing custom web parts and applications using SPFx and other client-side technologies to meet specific business requirements.
• Testing: Writing and executing unit tests and integration tests to validate application functionality and reliability, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Documentation: Creating and maintaining clear documentation for code, solutions, and project specifications to facilitate team collaboration and onboarding of new developers.

A strong SharePoint developer is not just a coder but a problem-solver who can adapt to evolving technologies and encourage a collaborative and efficient team dynamic. Here are key skills to look for when hiring a SharePoint developer:

• Proficiency in SharePoint: A strong understanding of SharePoint’s features, architecture, and development practices is fundamental. Look for experience with SharePoint Online, SharePoint Framework, and Power Platform.
• Client-Side Development Skills: Candidates should be skilled in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Familiarity with modern JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular is a plus, especially for SPFx development.
• Workflow and Automation Knowledge: Understanding of Power Automate and SharePoint Designer for creating automated workflows and optimizing business processes is crucial.
• Database Management: Knowledge of SQL Server and how SharePoint interacts with databases is vital. Candidates should be skilled in writing queries and managing data integration.
• API Development: Experience in creating and consuming RESTful APIs, as well as understanding JSON and API authentication methods, is valuable for integrating SharePoint with other services.
• Version Control: Proficiency in version control systems, especially Git, is essential for collaboration and managing code changes effectively.
• Testing and Debugging: Familiarity with testing frameworks and debugging tools is crucial for ensuring application reliability and performance.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential for troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and developing efficient solutions.
• Communication and Collaboration: Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are important for collaborating with other developers, designers, and stakeholders.

When looking to hire SharePoint developers, you generally have three main options: freelancers, in-house engineers, and outsourced programmers.

• Freelance SharePoint Developers: Freelance SharePoint developers can be found on various platforms, allowing companies to hire them for specific projects or tasks. They are ideal for short-term assignments, such as developing a new feature or fixing bugs, making them a budget-friendly option for businesses with limited resources. However, finding a developer with the right skills and experience for more complex projects may be challenging.
• In-House SharePoint Engineers: In-house SharePoint developers are typically employed full-time and are dedicated to the core development of your software. They provide a higher quality of work than freelancers, as they have a vested interest in the success of the product and the company. In-house developers can also participate in brainstorming and optimizing the development process, enhancing the overall quality of the project. However, hiring in-house developers involves a greater financial commitment, including salaries, benefits, and additional costs for tools and infrastructure.
• Outsourced SharePoint Developers: Outsourcing SharePoint development allows you to hire developers through agencies or platforms specializing in tech talent. This option is beneficial for businesses looking to scale quickly or fill specific roles without long-term commitments. Outsourcing can provide access to a wide pool of skilled developers who can seamlessly integrate with your existing team. However, it may result in limited control over the development process compared to in-house teams.

By understanding the different types of SharePoint developers, you can choose the hiring model that best fits your project needs, budget, and long-term objectives, ultimately leading to a successful development journey.

You can create a concise and appealing job description that attracts qualified SharePoint developers. Here are the key components to include:

1. Job Title: Use a clear title, such as “SharePoint Developer,” to specify the role.

2. Company Overview: Briefly describe your company, including its mission and the technologies you use.

3. Job Responsibilities: List primary duties, such as:

• Developing and maintaining SharePoint solutions.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather requirements.
• Implementing workflows and automating processes using Power Automate.
• Creating documentation for solutions and best practices.

4. Qualifications and Skills: Specify required skills and qualifications, such as:

• Proficiency in SharePoint Online and SharePoint Framework.
• Experience with client-side technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Familiarity with SQL Server and RESTful APIs.

5. Experience Level: Indicate whether you’re looking for a junior, mid-level, or senior developer.

6. Working Conditions: Mention whether the position is remote, hybrid, or in-office, along with any relevant benefits.

7. Application Process: Outline how candidates can apply, including any necessary documents (resume, portfolio) and the application deadline.

Here are advanced questions designed to evaluate a candidate’s expertise in SharePoint development:

1. SharePoint Framework (SPFx)

• Question: Can you walk us through the steps of creating a SharePoint Framework solution that integrates with Microsoft Graph? What challenges might you encounter?
• Question: Describe how to implement a custom property pane in an SPFx web part. What are the best practices for handling property changes?
• Question: Explain the concept of client-side web parts vs. server-side rendering in SharePoint. When would you choose one approach over the other?

2. Advanced JavaScript Techniques

• Question: How would you implement state management in a complex SPFx web part? Discuss libraries or frameworks you might use.
• Question: Can you explain how to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript when retrieving data from SharePoint REST APIs? What patterns or techniques do you prefer?
• Question: Discuss how to optimize the performance of a SharePoint page that contains multiple web parts. What strategies would you employ to ensure fast loading times?

3. Workflow Automation with Power Automate

• Question: How would you troubleshoot a failed workflow in Power Automate? What logs or tools do you utilize to diagnose the issue?
• Question: Explain how to handle concurrency control in Power Automate workflows. What techniques can you use to prevent race conditions?
• Question: Can you provide a detailed example of a complex automated process you built using Power Automate that involved multiple SharePoint lists or libraries?

4. Integration and APIs

• Question: How do you secure REST API calls in SharePoint Online when developing SPFx solutions? Can you describe the OAuth flow used for authentication?
• Question: Discuss your experience integrating SharePoint with other Microsoft 365 services (like Teams, OneDrive, or Azure Functions). What challenges did you face?
• Question: Can you explain the use of Microsoft Graph in relation to SharePoint? How would you handle scenarios where data must be retrieved from multiple Microsoft 365 services?

5. Advanced Customization

• Question: How do you implement SharePoint Framework Extensions to customize the user experience in SharePoint Online? Provide examples of extensions you have developed.
• Question: Describe the process for creating and managing SharePoint custom actions. What considerations should be taken into account for usability and performance?
• Question: Can you explain the differences between site scripts and site designs? How would you utilize these features to automate site provisioning in SharePoint?

6. Testing and Quality Assurance

• Question: Discuss the importance of automated testing in SharePoint development. What tools or frameworks do you use for testing SPFx solutions?
• Question: How would you conduct performance testing for a SharePoint application? What key metrics would you focus on?
• Question: Can you explain the process of setting up a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline for SharePoint Framework solutions? What tools do you prefer?

7. Security and Governance

• Question: What strategies do you recommend for ensuring data security and compliance within SharePoint solutions? How do you manage permissions effectively?
• Question: Can you explain how to implement conditional access policies for SharePoint? What considerations should be taken into account for user experience?
• Question: Discuss your experience with SharePoint Online governance. How do you handle user permissions and site lifecycle management to avoid sprawl?

8. Advanced Data Management

• Question: How would you approach data migrations from SharePoint On-Premises to SharePoint Online? What tools or strategies would you employ?
• Question: Can you explain how to leverage SharePoint Content Types and Managed Metadata to enhance data organization and retrieval?

Question: Discuss your experience with large list management in SharePoint. What are the potential pitfalls, and how do you mitigate issues related to list view thresholds?