How to Hire a JavaScript Developer

Image by Claudio Schwarz.

A JavaScript developer may work in the browser, on a server, in build tooling or across those boundaries. The responsibilities depend on the project rather than automatically forming a link between front‑ and back‑end work, so it is important to define the role before hiring. Below are some tips for doing that….

Responsibilities of a JavaScript Developer

When hiring a JavaScript developer, you must specify their responsibility. This is because JavaScript is a comprehensive language that can be used for almost any development project. Some of the everyday responsibilities of a JavaScript developer include:

  • Collaborating with other teams and members to deliver on set goals;
  • To develop codes and libraries that you can use in the future;
  • To create a user‑end interface that is practical and easy for clients;
  • Optimise the performance of the website by boosting speeds and scalability;
  • Review the architectural design and work with the back‑end developers to agree on contracts for communication via endpoints or APIs.

Skills to Look Out for When Hiring a JavaScript Developer

JavaScript development is one of the basic skills you will learn when you venture into web development. However, different people learn the working of the language differently and master varied skills. However, there is a bare minimum that any JavaScript developer should have before they can take up any programming project.

According to Glassdoor (one of the largest job advertisement platforms), a JavaScript developer should have the following skills:

  • HTML and CSS

    ‑ HTML is a markup language and CSS is a style‑sheet language; together with JavaScript, they form the core browser technologies for front‑end development.

  • Frameworks

    ‑ framework or library experience should match the project's needs. More important than naming a particular tool is understanding the JavaScript and browser behaviour underneath it, along with the trade‑offs that tool introduces.

  • Debugging

    ‑ they should be able to identify the errors in your project, and create solutions appropriately.

  • CSS Preprocessing

    ‑ preprocessors such as Sass provide their own syntax and features, then transform that source into CSS for the browser. The relevant skill is understanding both the source language and the CSS it produces.

  • jQuery

    ‑ I actually don't agree with this one at all. Generally, jQuery is eclipsed by the proper use of vanilla JavaScript or otherwise frameworks such as React or Angular. jQuery is a JavaScript library rather than an abstraction language or framework. Knowing JavaScript helps a developer understand it, but whether the project needs jQuery depends on its existing code and browser requirements. Nevertheless, it was one of the most‑asked‑for technologies in front‑end development according to Glassdoor, so it is included here as dated market evidence. A developer should understand the libraries or frameworks required by the particular project.

  • Git

    ‑ I once wrote that Git is a bit like a diary. What it does is allow you to keep clear and concise documentation of exactly what has been worked on, when, and by whom.

Other essential skills for any JavaScript developer include automation and web performance expertise.

Where Can You Find JavaScript Developers?

Now that you know what you need from a JavaScript developer, where can you find one that suits your needs?

  • Online Job

    Sites ‑ This is one of the most popular places to find a JavaScript developer. These sites include Reddit's for‑hire boards, Reeds, and so forth.

  • LinkedIn

    ‑ I probably get approached about new opportunities on LinkedIn about a dozen times a week so this tip is as much about finding development work, as it is about finding developers.

  • Conferences and events

    ‑ If you walk around any technology event, you will most likely come across a JavaScript developer. Although Covid has rather put a stop to that this past year, networking is a great way to find people you might later want to hire.

  • Outsourcing

    ‑ Generally I feel that the move towards outsourcing development overseas is not one that will remain sustainable long‑term. That said, there is no reason you cannot outsource a project to a freelance or contract developer here in the UK. Like me!

  • Hackathons

    ‑ Much like other networking opportunities, Covid has rather put a stop to hackathons over the past year. That said, these are competitions that call for participation from all kinds of web developers. Among them, are some of the best JavaScript developers in your area.

Once you have selected the candidate of choice, you can go ahead and plan for the interview. Make sure you find out more about the person in the personal interview and how they might slot into your existing team. After that, you should conduct a technical interview to be sure of their skill level.

If you have a JavaScript project, please feel free to get in touch to discuss it further. I have extensive experience when it comes to JavaScript, and I stand ready to help implement your project.

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