How to Hire a JavaScript Developer

A JavaScript developer works with other developers to implement front‑end designs for your website. They are able to create a link between the front and back‑end aspects of a project. A JavaScript developer's role is crucial, as it forms a pivotal part of almost every aspect of modern web development. Therefore, when hiring a JavaScript developer it is important that you get the most suitable person for the job. Below are some tips for hiring a JavaScript developer….

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

  ‑ these languages and JavaScript make for the basics of web development.

• Frameworks

  ‑ the JavaScript developer should understand how to make their work easier using frameworks. A proper understanding of CSS, JavaScript, and front‑end development frameworks will do.

• Debugging

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

• CSS Preprocessing

  ‑ they can write the code in the processor's language, and change it later.

• 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 an abstraction language on top of JavaScript. If you know JavaScript, you do not need jQuery. Nevertheless, it is one of the most‑asked‑for technologies in front‑end development according to Glassdoor, so it gets included here. The developer should understand the working of JavaScript libraries of frameworks that can make web development easier and quicker.

• 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.