How to Hire a Javascript Developer

In the late 1990s, the creation of Javascript surged in its popularity, seeing it become the dominant language of the web. With this surge, the demand for developers skyrocketed resulting in many people mastering the language. Yet finding talented, well-rounded Javascript developers for your company requires significant time and effort. Finding the right candidate is incredibly important for the success of your tech company and you need to be familiar with the best practices for hiring a Javascript Developer. Continue reading to learn how to hire a Javascript developer for your team.

What is Javascript? 

Javascript (js) is a programming language used to build interactive web-based applications and some non-internet uses, including PDF and Adobe.  Javascript offers dynamic features for websites, apps, and games, significantly improving the user experience.

Types of Javascript Developers 

To begin the hiring process, it is imperative to differentiate the types of Javascript developers and which works best for your product or service. For example, is the goal to make the existing interface more user-friendly? Or, is the focus on behind-the-scenes functions such as databases and APIs? Do you require a Javascript developer who can do both?

There are three main types of Javascript developers, so hiring the right one will help you accomplish your future goals.

1. Frontend Developer

A front-end developer is someone that is an expert at perfecting user interfaces. A front-end developer implores technologies alongside Javascript such as CSS, and HTML to ensure the website is not only visually appealing but functions correctly. 

2. Backend Developer

Opposite to a front end developer, a back-end developer is responsible for keeping a website functioning with features that are not visible to website visitors. More specifically, a backend developer works on data storage, security, and writing the web services and APIs used by the front end.

3. Full Stack Developer

A full-stack developer typically has strong knowledge of both front and back ends. A full stack developer can create the architecture of your website while also making it appealing to visitors. 

Both a front-end and back-end developer are necessary for creating a logical and fully functioning web-based application. If your team currently has no developer, you may find a full-stack developer the best choice, depending on your hiring budget, timeline and goals.

What Are The Skills and Requirements of a Javascript Developer?

Depending on the type of project you are undertaking, some skills and requirements may vary, however, there are fundamental skills and conditions that all developers must have to be successful. The right candidate will have a mix of both hard and soft skills. 

Hard skills for Javascript developers include: 

Education in a Related Field

To ensure that a developer understands Javascript to its core, seek a candidate who holds a degree in computer science, engineering, MIS, or a related field.  Be mindful that the perfect candidate may have a mix of educational and professional experience.

Professional Experience With Javascript

Javascript updates frequently, making recent experience a strong asset. If the candidate is a recent graduate, ensure their education includes hands-on experience programming in a Javascript platform.

The Ability to Work With Different Frameworks

Having experience in Javascript frameworks, such as express, nestjs and node.js is necessary to save time and increase efficiency. This also ensures that this candidate is able to work across multiple platforms and projects depending on the required skillset.

A Strong Coder

The right candidate will be able to write strong, clear code that can be easily updated and that can be used on cross-browsers. This is extremely important to build from the ground up so you do not need to hire teams of people to correct legacy code later on.

Soft skills for Javascript developers: 

Strong communicator and team player 

A Javascript developer will work closely with other developers, non-technical team members, and management to ensure the application runs smoothly while meeting the company’s goals. They should possess excellent communication skills, be able to accept criticism, feedback and bring a positive and upbeat attitude to the workplace.

Willingness to Learn

Javascript is ever-improving, so hiring a developer willing to keep up with the changes is essential. By staying on top of the latest Javascript trends, your company can offer a better solution than competitors.

Strong Attention to Detail and Ability to Problem Solve

Errors happen! However, even the slightest mistake can lead to an application becoming non-functional. A developer must have strong attention to detail and the ability to spot issues and fix them.  

Assess, Interview, and Hire a Javascript Developer

Once your company determines the fundamentals of the role, it is important to compile this information, alongside the company details, into a comprehensive job listing.

Your job listing should include the following:

• A relevant job title
• Information about the company and its core values
• Job description
• Job responsibilities 
• Skill requirements 
• Education requirements
• Salary & Benefit Information
• Contact details 

Once you have eliminated the unqualified, you can start scheduling interviews.

Face-to-face interviews conducted in person or on video are essential to gauging a candidate’s knowledge and creating an understanding of who they are on a personal level. It is also the time to sell yourself and the benefits of the company. Due to the technical knowledge of the role, it is best if applicants complete a paid assessment or sample project

Below are a handful of curated questions that you can ask a candidate to assess their skill level:

• What are your preferred programming languages, and why?
• What steps do you take to troubleshoot your code?
• What source code do you use, and why?
• What is the difference between an undeclared and an undefined variable?
• Can you explain what hoisting is?
• What is strict mode? 
• Talk through the steps of accessing history. 
• What is currying? 
• What is objects prototyping?

Wrap-Up

If you are using Javascript in any number of use cases, it is essential you hire the Javascript developer that’s the right one for your team. Fit is incredibly important and finding the balance of skill, behavioral and technical alignment with the rest of the team will ensure your company can weather any storm.

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