How to hire iReport developers
If your software or service is powered by Java, chances are good you or your developers use the JasperReports library to serve as your primary reporting engine. An iReport developer can design visuals and GUIs for reports generated with JasperReports.
So how do you hire iReport developers? What follows are some tips for finding top iReport developers on Upwork.
What is iReport?
iReport is a tool for designing visually appealing GUIs and reports. While a web developer could simply generate a report into their browser via HTML, iReports gives them a fast easy way to create formatted reports that are easier to print. It can also be used to provide a simple GUI for interacting with your app’s data.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in iReport freelancers:
- iReport Designer, Inspector, Palette, and Sheet
- Java ecosystem (e.g. Java EE)
- JasperReports library
- JRXML
- SQL and HQL
How to shortlist iReport freelancers
As you’re browsing available iReport consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the freelancers you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Technology. You want a iReport developer who understands the reporting needs of your Java powered technology stack.
- Workflow. You want a iReport developer who can slide right into your existing developer workflow (e.g. collaboritive tools such as Jira).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular iReport developer.
Why do you want to hire iReport developers?
The trick to finding top iReport developers is to identify your needs. Do you need someone to create a simple and intuitive GUI for JasperReports on your Java EE technology stack? Or do you need help outputing reports into presentable PDFs? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work, and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How to write an effective iReport job post
With a clear picture of your ideal iReport developer in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would with employment, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective iReport job post should include:
- Scope of work: From GUIs to printable reports, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience working with certain industries, software, or marketing channels, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to build a simple GUI for JasperReports that can output your data in a presentable format? Log in and post your iReport job on Upwork today.