If you’re in the market for a JavaScript developer, it’s essential to know what to look for and what questions to ask.
As a business, you want to ensure that you are hiring the best possible employees to help your company grow and succeed.
When it comes to hiring a dedicated JavaScript developer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This blog post discusses the same. So, make sure you read till the end.
As per a survey by Jetbrains, 69% of programmers use JavaScript as their primary language. This shows that finding skilled JavaScript developers from among the thousands is a difficult job.
But, with the points we have shared below, you can at least be sure of hiring a genuine resource that won’t disappoint you in handling most responsibilities.
Table of Contents
1) Check their expertise and experience
People who work in the industry know that JavaScript is not overly complicated. But it can be hard to learn because of browser APIs, jQuery, library APIs, React, and other associated technologies. Plus, JavaScript is a dynamic language that keeps changing.
So, before looking for expertise in every programmer you interview, let’s first understand how to check it.
How to check expertise
A JavaScript developer should be an expert in the core language. If this is it, then the programmer will be able to use essential features of the technology like error handling, string manipulation, and array manipulation.
The professional should also understand advanced themes like variable scope, modules, generators, objects, and the “this” keyword. Furthermore, the developer must be familiar with the most recent upgrades in various versions.
Lastly, a skilled JavaScript programmer knows several JavaScript frameworks and libraries are available, especially if they are front end React developer.
Backbone, Angular, Ember, Knockout, and other frameworks make work easier. On the other side, when it comes to tools and techniques, the developer must be able to use JSON, Handlebars, jQuery, and various other technologies.
How to check experience
Experience counts when the individual has used this technology in real-life projects. The programmer must have spent sufficient time handling issues and solving problems associated with the technology they are referring they know.
But what if there are no qualified, experienced candidates? What if the candidate’s expected salary is higher than your range? In such a case, consider the project’s complexity, budget, and timeline. Combining these variables might provide you with a suitable balance between quality and quantity.
2) Critical thinking
Expert programmers know how to think critically and efficiently deal with challenges and errors. They know how to manage the difficulty and where to search for solutions. They also know when to request help and how to stick with the company’s norms and coding standards to deliver their work on time without compromising quality.
3) Ability to learn and upgrade
JavaScript is a fast-paced language. It is constantly evolving. As a result, it’s necessary that the developer has a passion for learning and up-skill on their own. There are several ways to upgrade your skills.
For some, it can be staying updated with the latest JavaScript news and trends. A JavaScript engineer must have a solid will to attend training sessions and knowledge seminars.
Plus, it would be advantageous if the programmer is collaborative and likes to share their newly acquired expertise with peer developers. It means that the professional has a firm grip on their new abilities.
4) Clear communication skills
The developer’s communication skills are important. If they can’t communicate well, there will be misunderstandings and mistakes. Remember that the programmer’s responsibilities are way more than just writing code.
Professional communicators need to talk to clients. When team members can communicate well with each other, it helps the team work together better. Good communication between team members encourages all ideas to be heard and helps the project move forward.
5) Perspective on testing
Many developers do not care about testing. They are either relaxed about it or do not want to write tests for their code beforehand. Asking them to write a few test cases will show you how much they have thought about predicting bugs.
“The process of designing tests is one of the best ways to find and fix bugs before they are put into code.” – Boris Beizer, Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania and expert in software testing
If the programmer can write test cases before starting to work on a product, they have the skill to see how the product will work. People who are good at visualization are thinkers and inventors. They are more likely to find new ways to solve a problem.
Final advice
Before you go out and hire that dedicated JavaScript developer, take some time to consult with a full stack development agency.
They can help assess your requirements and put together a plan that will give you the best return on your investment.
And who knows? You may even find that working with a full-stack development team is the better option for you in the long run. All the best.
