For many years, JavaScript has been at the forefront of most of the interactive websites and web apps you see today. JavaScript goes beyond the front end, creating full-featured websites and applications with modern JavaScript frameworks and tools.
Here at Full Scale, we also have our shares of ups and downs when it comes to hiring a high-skilled JavaScript developer. An experienced developer can be challenging as demand is high and competition is steep. So, we wrote this blog post to help you find that exceptional JavaScript developer.
JavaScript is one of the most widely used programming languages, making it a popular technical skill among newbie and experienced developers. So, if you’re reading this because you’re planning to hire a JavaScript developer to work on a development project, then you’ve come to the right place.
What does a Javascript Developer do?
There are different types of JavaScript developers depending on the roles they need to perform. These are the front-end developer, back-end developer, and full-stack developer.
The JavaScript language was originally intended for developing the front end of websites and applications. However, it has extended to the back end. Using the JS Framework, they also power interactive games, smartwatch apps, and hybrid mobile apps.
Type of JavaScript Developers
Front-end Javascript Developer
Experts on front-end JavaScript development are primarily responsible for converting data into a graphical user interface so users can interact with electronic devices easily. They make websites visually appealing and simple to use.
It’s a must for front-end developers to fully understand CSS and HTML (besides JavaScript), design, and user experience. In other words, they are responsible for making things on the outside look great and transforming mock-ups into active graphic interfaces.
Back-end Javascript Developer
If you need someone to take care of your apps and website’s behind-the-scenes, then a back-end JavaScript developer is for you. They help access and manage server-side data and enable websites to be responsive. Back-end development often involves a server, database, and application. A back-end JavaScript developer should have extensive knowledge in JavaScript languages such as Express.js and Node.js, and databases such as MongoDB and SQL.
Full-stack Javascript Developer
A full-stack developer is considered a generalist as they can do both front-end and back-end coding. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are an expert in any of the stacks. So, their skills and experience are more versatile as they can work on both types of coding.
If you need an expert to manage all parts of your website, then hiring a full-stack developer will make sense. They are great at prototyping and creating apps from scratch but may not be the right choice to do detailed design requirements and create a database architecture.
Where to Find Javascript Developers?
Whether you’re looking to hire full time, freelancers or contractors, there are good places to find top talent.
- Job Sites — These are some of the best online sites you can check out: Hired, Toptal, GitHub Jobs, Clutch, Extract, UpWork, Gun.io, Freelancer, Guru, Find Bacon, SimplyHired, People per Hour, Monster, Craigslist, and Glassdoor.
- Social Media — While some developers don’t spend a lot of time on social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, you may still find some JavaScript professionals actively looking for work here. Make sure to check their profile, portfolio, and testimonials (if available). Once filtered, send them a private message about your open job position.
- Forum Sites — Most developers hang out on popular forum communities on sites like Stack Overflow, CodingForums.com, and Code Project to learn about coding and technology in general. While many don’t really visit these sites to search for jobs, it’s a great source to connect with JavaScript developers and research about the open-source projects they have done. From there, you can build up your discussion towards your open position.
Technical Skills to Look in a Javascript Developer
Here are the essential skills and knowledge that a JavaScript expert must possess for this role:
Front End Javascript Developer
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – these are the basic programming languages to create and design websites and applications
- Angular JS, ReactJS, VueJS, MeteorJS, etc. – JavaScript frameworks are tools that make JavaScript easier to work with
- JQuery and LESS (Leaner Style Sheets) – JavaScript libraries
- Content Management System – popular examples are WordPress, Joomla, and Magento
- Ecommerce platforms – a special type of CMS that creates storefronts, for example, WooCommerce and Shopify.
- UI Testing and debugging processes
Back End Javascript Developer
- J2EE, Nginx, Apache, IIS – server technologies for hosting static content and other types of files
- Python, Perl, Java, Ruby, PHP, .Net – these are server-side languages necessary for the server, application, and database to talk to each other.
- Git, Subversion (SVN), and Concurrent Versions System (CVS) – these are version control software technologies
- Node.js – It’s the main back-end platform using the JavaScript language.
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – to better understand and communicate with front-end team members
- Windows Server, macOS X, Linux, Ubuntu, and others – they should be familiar with these operating systems
- Security compliance and settings
- API Integration
- Content Management System – how to deploy, develop and maintain CMS
- Cloud Environment – Amazon Web Services is an example of a private cloud provider
Full Stack Javascript Developer
- Has a strong background and skills in working both on the client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end)
- Java, PHP, C#, Python, Ruby, Perl, etc. – must be proficient with any of these different types of programming languages
- HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript – should have solid skills some of these front-end technologies
- Front-end frameworks and libraries – such as AngularJS, REACT, JQuery and LESS
- Databases – Oracle, MongoDB, SQLServer, and Redis
- Web designing – Prototype designing, UX design, and UI design
Soft Skills to Look in a Javascript Developer
Soft skills are skills that relate to a candidate’s personality traits that gauge whether they can work well with others and fit into the company culture. These are intangible skills that are nonetheless important to any position.
- Good communication skills — You need to be able to communicate effectively with front-end and back-end developers and UI/UX web designers when completing a project together.
- Creativity — Creating web page structures, keeping the design fresh, responsive and eye-catching takes creativity and willingness to learn and adapt to current changes in trends and technology
- Teamwork — Even if you intend to hire a freelance JavaScript developer, they still need to communicate and collaborate effectively with you as the client and with other members working on the same project.
- Problem-solving — Managing day-to-day tasks and resolving issues are part of the challenges faced by any developer. Things may not always go as planned, so developers are expected to be always in the mindset of a problem solver.
- Willingness to grow — Being able to have the humility to take criticisms is a great character trait that can go a long way for developers. Aside from being reactive to criticisms, it can help
Writing a Job Ad for a Javascript Developer Position
When writing a job description, make sure that you condense it to the bare essentials. Specify who you’re looking for, the tasks you want them to do, and the skills they need to have to qualify for this position.
Being clear and complete with your job description helps to attract and filter the right developers to your job ad. It also gives candidates the basis for creating a realistic job proposal. Here are the top things to consider when writing a JavaScript Developer job post:
- Level of proficiency and experience for the technical and soft skills that you’re looking for
- Problems you want to get solved with your website or application
- The people they will be working alongside to complete the project (other developers, designers, project managers, etc.)
- Existing tools, libraries, frameworks and equipment to use
- Deadlines and expected outcome of the project
To Wrap Up
Hiring the right JavaScript developer requires a well-thought-out plan and preparation. Equip yourself with enough information from the tips we have shared in this blog post. If you’re ready to hire a JavaScript professional, make sure to get a FREE consultation from us, or better yet, take advantage of our services and grow your team with us.
We are an offshore development company based in Kansas City. With our JavaScript experts, we’re ready to help you mobilize and grow your own development team quickly.
