How to Hire a JavaScript Developer

If you’re in the tech-sphere, odds are you’ve noticed a surge in popularity for using JavaScript to code websites. With recent advancements such as the Svelte compiler framework and new front-end frameworks like React or Backbone, JavaScript has become the most efficient and convenient programming language to build your website in.

However, like all programming languages, you have to find a developer who knows how to code with JavaScript before you can take advantage of it.

Hiring a contractor or permanent employee can always be a bit of a task, but it gets more daunting when dealing with a high-demand position and a complicated field. You want to know that your developer has the skills necessary to build what you need while understanding the importance of business policies and privacy. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to help you hire a JavaScript developer for your business.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language that conforms to the ECMAScript specification. Despite having similar names, JavaScript is fundamentally different from Java. JavaScript is a multi-paradigm language, supporting event-driven, functional, and imperative programming styles. It is primarily used as a client-side scripting language for web browsers, enabling dynamic content and interactive elements on web pages.

However, with the advent of Node.js, JavaScript can now be used server-side as well, making it possible to use JavaScript to develop an entire web application, both the front-end and the back-end.

Read: Understanding Javascript Data Types
‍

Some key characteristics of JavaScript include:

• Interactivity: JavaScript allows users to interact with web pages. It's what gives life to pages through things like buttons, forms, games, and dynamic styling.
  
• ‍Object-Oriented: JavaScript supports object-oriented programming with object prototypes, rather than classes (as in ES5 and earlier). However, as of ES6, JavaScript now has both class and prototype-based inheritance.
  
• ‍Loosely Typed Language: JavaScript is dynamically typed, meaning you don't have to specify what type a variable is; JavaScript automatically figures it out for you.
  
• ‍Browser Support: All modern web browsers support JavaScript without the need for plugins.

Let’s Determine What Type of Developer You Need

Before you set up a job posting, you need to know exactly what you’re hiring for. This sounds basic, but with programming, it gets a bit more complicated. JavaScript developers, in particular, fall into three categories: Front-End, Back-End, and Full-Stack Developers.

Front-end developers focus on the user-facing or client aspect of the website— what your customers will see and interact with. They utilize tools like CSS and HTML in addition to JavaScript. These developers are best for basic websites that just need to look and function for the visitor.

Back-end developers handle things behind the scenes. Think databases and APIs, things more concerned with processing data accurately than looking nice. Most of their code will be run in the cloud and handle the heavy lifting of your site.

Full-stack developers can handle the front and back end. Now that you know the three different developer types, let’s look at your project. Are you starting from scratch, or has the project been started? Do you have an estimate for the length and complexity of the project? Answering these questions can help narrow down the field of candidates when hiring JavaScript developers; shorter, already-started projects generally need a specific skill set.

Starting from scratch means you need someone with more experience who can build the foundation before getting into the details. You may need to spring for a consultation so that a JavaScript coder can look at your project and advise you on what type of contractor to look for or team to build. You can also visit our guide on interview questions for javaScript developers.

Writing a Compelling Job Description for JavaScript

Once you've defined your needs, the next step is to write a compelling job description that attracts qualified candidates. Here are some tips for crafting an effective job description:

• Clear and Concise: Keep the job description clear and concise, outlining the key responsibilities and requirements for the role.
• Highlight the Benefits: Highlight the benefits of working with your company, such as opportunities for growth, a collaborative work environment, or exciting projects.
• Specify Technical Skills: Be specific about the technical skills and experience required for the role, including proficiency in JavaScript and any relevant frameworks or libraries.
• Emphasize Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasize soft skills such as problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and teamwork.
• Include Salary Range: Providing a salary range can help attract candidates who are the right fit for the role and align with your budget.

JavaScript developers are in high demand and rates may vary significantly based on experience, location, skill level, and remote or on-site labor. They usually charge between USD 200 and USD 800 each day. Of course the more experienced a developer is, the better their rates will be.

Building software is a costly endeavor. Keep in mind that picking a cheaper developer might not guarantee the talent the project needs. It pays to hire a more experienced and skilled developer early on. If you hire a cheaper developer in the beginning, you might wind up needing another developer afterward to correct it— which will set you back much more in the long run. When hiring developers for your projects, quality should always come before cost savings.

How to Qualify JavaScript Developers

While your specific project will help tailor the skills you need to look for, let’s explore the overall qualifications talent should have in their resumes. A sound JavaScript developer should have expertise in:

• Core JavaScript concepts and ES6+
• Frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js
• HTML & CSS proficiency
• Understanding of asynchronous request handling, partial page updates, and AJAX
• Proficiency in code versioning tools, such as Git
• Familiarity with front-end build tools and web performance optimization

To ensure candidates possess these skills, conduct technical interviews, or utilize platforms like TestGorilla to administer coding tests.

In addition to resumes, developers should provide you with a portfolio. A developer’s portfolio is a tangible showcase of their skills and style. Look for diverse projects that demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and creativity or heavy experience in your field or with the type of project you have.

Don’t forget soft skills! The ideal candidate should not only excel technically but also exhibit essential soft skills such as:

• Problem-solving capabilities
• Efficient communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management

You will want to develop a structured interview process that evaluates both the technical knowledge and the interpersonal skills of the candidate. Design real-world coding challenges, ask about past projects, and delve into how they stay updated with the ever-evolving JavaScript ecosystem. You can learn more about the overview in our resource for How to Hire a Software Developer.

How TechTrust Makes Finding the Perfect Match Easy

The digital landscape has made hiring easier and more complicated at the same time. With the plethora of job postings and networking sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Monster, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in.

Here at TechTrust, we’re constantly building a candidate pool of expert talent. We pre-vet all candidates, partnering with CodeSignal and taking them through a three-step screening process to ensure their skills align with your goals.

With standard job posting sites, you list the position and candidates can send you their resume. But unless you already have a tech team or know coding yourself, it can be hard to verify skill. We take the guesswork out of hiring, only offering proven candidates that will get the job done.

We make hiring easy for you, as well. First, we’ll set up a meeting to discuss your project and help you determine exactly what type of talent you're looking for. Remember those questions and categories above? Tell us what you’re after, and we’ll tell you what you need. Next, we’ll provide a tailored candidate pool for you to review before streamlining interviews and onboarding. After you onboard a client, we won’t just leave you in the dust— you’ll receive ongoing support from our team until your project is complete or your hired candidate has transferred to a full-time employee.