How to Hire a JavaScript Developer in 2024?

JavaScript is the alpha and omega of modern web development, the driving force behind the dynamic web we know nowadays. Its ubiquity and versatility made it a must-have tool in any web-based application in 2024. From startups to enterprises looking to enhance their online presence, having a proficient JavaScript developer on your team is the key to success for any web project. Such developers bring sites to life, making them functional and engaging yet responsive to user needs and, therefore, animating the modern web. 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to hire JavaScript developers who will truly make a difference in your projects. We will talk about JavaScript development as a process, developers themselves, technical skills and essential qualities they should possess, as well as other aspects of the development process that can help you build your ideal web project. So, without further ado, let’s go!

Introduction to JavaScript development

JavaScript development services are what make websites do amazing things. It’s the tool developers use to breathe life into web pages, allowing for real-time content updates, interactive features, or, for instance, sophisticated web applications without needing page reloads. For anyone interested in building engaging online experiences, mastering JavaScript is essential. It opens doors to developing everything from simple web pages to complex enterprise-level applications.

Additionally, JS is not just about visual appeal. JavaScript equips developers with the ability to architect the interactive elements of web applications, from front-end user interfaces to back-end server communication. With its widespread adoption and the support of a vast ecosystem of frameworks and libraries (we have previously written the most popular JavaScript frameworks review, where we have compared React, Angular, Vue.js, and other JS-based tools), JavaScript development offers a wide array of solutions to any specific business objectives.

Pros and cons of JavaScript development

However, JavaScript can also be compared with a double-edged sword, as it has certain associated disadvantages. On the one hand, it’s celebrated for its flexibility, ubiquity, and rich interactive experiences it enables on both client and server sides. JavaScript’s capacity to run across all modern browsers without the need for specific plugins or frameworks makes it a universal language for web development, without a doubt. It supports event-driven, functional, and imperative programming styles, offering developers a high degree of creativity and flexibility in building applications. On the other hand, JavaScript’s inherent flexibility can lead to inconsistent code quality among different projects, and its dynamic nature sometimes results in performance issues for complex applications. The language’s widespread use also exposes it to security vulnerabilities, requiring developers to be vigilant and up-to-date with best practices in securing their code.

Pros of JavaScript:

• Universally supported across all modern web browsers.
• Enables rich, interactive web experiences.
• Supports a range of programming paradigms (event-driven, functional, imperative).
• Large ecosystem of frameworks and libraries facilitating rapid development.
• Active community and abundance of learning resources.

Cons of JavaScript:

• Inconsistent code quality due to its flexibility.
• Can lead to performance issues in complex applications.
• Security vulnerabilities are more exposed due to JavaScript’s ubiquity.
• Requires diligent management of asynchronous operations and callbacks, which can complicate code.
• Browser compatibility issues, despite widespread support, can still arise.
• Dynamic typing can lead to runtime errors if not properly managed.

However, we should add that even though JS has some inherent disadvantages compared to other programming languages, its place in full-stack development is indispensable.

The basic skill set of JavaScript developer

We needed to provide the introduction in two previous paragraphs to point out one important thing: JavaScript has a vast scope of applications. Depending on what you need, clarifying the specific tech stack you expect when you try to find JavaScript developers is usually a great idea. However, there is also a list of what can be called common or basic skills (must-haves for any developer, without regard to the tech stack). Here’s this list of developers’ primary competencies:

• JavaScript ES6+ features. Mastery of modern JS features, such as arrow functions, promises async/await, and template literals, is of utmost importance. These features make code readable and efficient.
• Asynchronous programming. Understanding asynchronous programming, including the use of promises and async/await, is important for handling a multitude of operations, like fetching data from a server without blocking the main thread, which would be useful for most modern web projects.
• State management. Knowledge of state management techniques and libraries (e.g., Redux, Context API for React) is vital for ensuring smooth data flow and reactivity in complex apps.
• Frameworks. Proficiency in at least one relevant modern framework is necessary. Choosing a particular one will largely depend on your project needs.
• Knowledge of HTML and CSS. Developers should have some basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, no matter what tech stack we are talking about.
• Testing frameworks. Familiarity with testing frameworks and libraries (e.g., Jest, Mocha) for unit and integration testing ensures the readability and quality of code.

When it comes to front-end development, check the following skills:

• UI frameworks. It gives access to lots of useful widgets and helps devs to reuse the interface. To create high-level projects, a JavaScript developer needs to have a good command of the most popular UI frameworks and be able to work with them.
• Deep knowledge of HTML and CSS. Learning the building blocks of web programming is common sense since the number of projects a front-end developer should deal with. The mastery of HTML and CSS is essential to understanding how the changes in code visually influence the page.
• Version control/Git. A front-end JavaScript developer needs to be able to restore the backup of the project in case there is a need for a redesign or a change in the development strategy. As you hire a front-end JavaScript developer, choose candidates who know how to use Git and other popular repositories.
• Debugging. Pinpointing bugs is essential to ensure that code flaws don’t jeopardize the functionality and performance of the entire system. A JS front-end developer is not required to run complex integration or end-to-end tests; however, a real professional should be familiar with debugging tools that are capable of reporting detected issues and should be able to test his code.
• Automated testing. Running unit tests manually is cost-inefficient and takes a lot of time. That’s why small-scale testing activities are normally automated. A professional JS developer should know how to decide if a test should be automated or run manually. He also should write a script for automated testing and document the testing process in a clear and concise way.

Also, when it comes to back-end JavaScript developers, the candidate should be competent in:

• Node.js proficiency. Node.js is the primary JavaScript development skill for any back-end developer. It also includes working with asynchronous event-driven architecture, handling HTTP requests, and creating RESTful services in a broader sense.
• Database management. Knowledge of databases, both SQL (PostgreSQL or MySQL, for instance) and NoSQL (MongoDB), is an important part of the back-end development. Software engineers should know how to design, query, and manage databases.
• Authentication and authorization. Implementing secure authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as OAuth or JWT, can help you protect and control data access; consequently, it is a must-have skill for any complex application.
• API development and integration. This point includes creating RESTful APIs, understanding JSON or XML for data exchange, and integrating third-party APIs.
• Environment management. Familiarity with environment management tools (Docker, for instance) and knowledge of deployment processes using platforms like AWS or Heroku are important for creating and maintaining scalable applications.
• Testing and debugging. Just like in the case of front-end development, back-end engineers require proficiency in testing frameworks (which can be, again, aforementioned Jest or Mocha) for the unit, integration, and end-to-end testing to ensure the reliability and stability of the server side.

Important note: Additionally, you should roughly understand the tech stack before you hire JS developers, so one of the primary skills to pay attention to this particular framework or technology.

Primary competencies of JS developers

Now, when most technical skills are covered, we are moving to some of the soft skills and responsibilities that the JavaScript developer job typically covers. Although not all of them are really must-haves for every developer’s position, the experience of working with any particular aspect covered in the list below will be an excellent addition to the portfolio of software engineers.

Developing software products from scratch

The ability to build web applications from scratch would be especially useful for any full-stack JavaScript developer. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to build some kind of complex applications with sophisticated design; however, basic knowledge about architecture and how the development project looks from start to end will definitely be an advantage. Also, in some cases, knowledge of building cross-platform desktop or mobile apps with JavaScript can give a competitive edge compared to other candidates.

Adding new user-facing features to existing apps, WPAs, and websites

Technologies and user expectations are always changing, so development team members should be ready to evolve together with the tech trends. From the JavaScript developers’ perspective, being able to update existing projects means they can keep apps modern and useful. Of course, you shouldn’t expect them to know how to do everything, but knowing how to change a ready product without breaking a whole app is certainly a decent skill.

Building prototypes and ensuring the technical feasibility of UI/UX

Software developers are those who provide a designer with the backbone that brings visual elements to life quickly. So, the skill of building clickable prototypes is what can significantly help in certain situations. The same goes for the ability to provide the design team with regular feedback, edits, and reviews. Generally, collaborating with designers is the day-to-day responsibility of any kind of JavaScript developer, so collaboration skills are of utmost importance here.

Optimizing application performance and scalability

JavaScript has a lot to do with the loading speed of any web project, as well as its ability to cater to large audiences. It’s not just about making the web app faster; it’s about ensuring that it can handle more users, more data, and more interactions without slowing down or crashing. Being skilled in optimization and scalability makes developers a useful part of the long-term success of web projects.

Writing functional guidelines and documentation

Since JavaScript developers work in a collaborative environment, working jointly with designers and other technical specialists, creating guidelines and documentation is crucial for mutual understanding and stellar teamwork, as documenting the development process will come in handy during maintenance when adding new features or scaling the project.

Also, here is a short overview of soft skills needed for coders to become an efficient part of any development team:

• Effective communication skills. Excellent communication skills is what will make the development process much easier for all parts of the process.
• Adaptability. Adjusting to new technologies and project changes with ease means a lot.
• Time management. Balancing multiple tasks efficiently to meet deadlines, as well as feeling responsible, is an important part of teamwork.
• Problem-solving. Quickly finding solutions to coding and project challenges is, in fact, the main skill for most software engineers positions.
• Attention to detail. Skilled developers should be able to ensure accuracy and quality in code to ensure the entire project outcome.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes in Appraising JavaScript Developers

Aspect	Common mistakes	Best practices
Technical skills evaluation	Overemphasizing framework knowledge without assessing fundamental JavaScript understanding	Focus on core JavaScript skills and problem-solving abilities alongside framework familiarity.
Project experience	Valuing quantity of projects over quality of relevance to your specific business needs	Assess the complexity and relevance of completed projects to gauge real-world experience and impact.
Coding challenges	Using generic or irrelevant coding tests that don’t reflect actual job requirements. (same with job descriptions)	Tailor coding challenges to mirror real tasks the developer would face in their role. If you already have an in-house team, ask them to help create a relevant test task and assist with other aspects of technical interviews.
Soft skills assessment	Neglecting soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability during the evaluation process.	Incorporate scenarios or questions that reveal a candidate’s soft skills and cultural fit. Involving team members in checking compatibility with an existing team from the very early stages of the hiring process may also be a great idea.
The hiring process pace	Rushing when considering a JavaScript developer for hire can lead to overlooking important aspects of each particular candidate’s skills and fit.	Take the necessary time to thoroughly assess each candidate through multiple stages of the interviewing process.

JavaScript outsourcing markets

Many companies resort to development outsourcing when they are looking for a JavaScript developer to hire. In this case, choosing a good developer that will suit your project really well will begin without choosing the development market. We have already provided an offshore software development outsourcing guide with a detailed description of how it works and another best countries to outsource software development guide with a most popular destinations overview. So, in case you are looking for offshore development capabilities, don’t hesitate to check them.

Guide to hiring JavaScript developers

With the right professional developers, you can bring any innovative idea to life, driving projects forward. The process may seem daunting, but with a clear guide on how to hire JavaScript developers, you’ll be equipped to find the perfect fit for your team.

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Things to do before you hire a JavaScript developer

Decide on the criteria a candidate should meet. Get clear on what you need. Before screening and assessing candidates, make sure you understand the needs of your business, the required technologies, and the ways hiring a JS developer can help out. Otherwise, there’s a chance you need a specialist with a different skill set, and you don’t have enough relevant tasks to hire JavaScript developers.

Decide where you will look for a candidate

Find out what the most common ways to reach out to candidates are. When you are exploring an international market, for instance, it’s useful to know where talent comes from so that you can look for jobs there. Custom job-search platforms are the easiest and most popular way of JavaScript outsourcing — Clutch.com, ITFirms.co, GoodFirms.co, etc.

Check CVs

Examine a candidate’s portfolio. Working experience is crucial when it comes to hiring JS developers. Other than asking a candidate or development team about their experience in a face-to-face interview, ask all prospective developers to attach a GitHub link to the cover letter. The number of projects hosted on the platform, as well as that of followers, will give a better idea of a candidate’s proficiency than an easy-to-forge CV.

Interviewing a JavaScript developer

Once you have a pool of candidates, it’s time to start the interviews. Begin with a brief chat to understand their experience and motivation. Then, move on to technical questions that assess their understanding of the JavaScript aspects required for your project. Also, examine problem-solving abilities.

Team fit and soft skills evaluation

Evaluate communication and teamwork skills. For JavaScript outsourcing, it’s crucial to find talent with a high level of discipline and organization. Your remote development team has to be comprised of self-starters. Other than that, ensure a candidate is comfortable communicating in English and has sufficient language proficiency in expressing themselves and understanding project environments (again, of course, in case we are speaking about offshore development).

Offer and onboarding

When you’ve found the right candidate, make them an offer that reflects the value they bring to your team. Once they accept, have an onboarding plan ready. This should introduce them to your company culture, project goals, and the tools they’ll be using. A smooth onboarding process can make a big difference in how quickly the new developer will collaborate well with your existing team and contribute to a positive work environment.

How much does it cost to hire a JavaScript developer

Well, first of all, the cost of a JavaScript developer for hire will depend on your specific requirements, software development pricing model, and the region where you are looking for developers. Then, factors such as level of experience, expertise in a particular tech stack, and whether you’re hiring for a full-time position, contract work, or a freelance dev for a separate project. The general rule is that the developers from regions with a higher cost of living will command higher rates. Hire a dedicated JavaScript developer typically costs less in Eastern Europe or Asia than, for instance, if you decide to hire a JavaScript coder in North America or Western Europe. Prices for different popular regions typically look like this:

• North America — $70-100/hour
• South America — $40-50/hour
• Asia — $30-60/hour
• Africa — $30-40/hour
• Western Europe — $60-80/hour
• Eastern Europe — $40-60/hour

How to hire the best JavaScript developer for your team: Final thoughts

When looking for an answer to how to hire a JavaScript developer who will fit the project best, you should understand that it’s more than just seeking technical skills. It’s about finding someone with the proper coding skills to bring your web project to life who fits seamlessly into your team culture. A developer who is adaptable, communicates well and shows a genuine interest in your projects will contribute significantly to your team’s success under any scenario.

Finally, take your time with the hiring process itself. Rushing to fill a position can lead to overlooking important qualities in a candidate. Use each step of the process, from the initial interview to the technical assessment and team introduction, to gauge their current abilities and their potential to grow together with your company. With the right approach, you can hire a JS developer who becomes an invaluable asset to your team, driving your projects forward and contributing to work processes.

If you have further questions regarding how to hire JavaScript developers, contact ELITEX. Whether you are looking for professional full-stack developers or just a front-end development team that can make a difference for your digital product, ELITEX is at your disposal. Leave us a message — we’ll get in touch with you right away.

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