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JavaScript has soared in popularity in recent years, and its broad appeal is not without merit. JavaScript enables developers to create sophisticated web applications and websites with relative ease. If you are considering building a website or application with JavaScript, you are on the right track. Now comes the next step — hiring a JavaScript developer.
There may be thousands of JavaScript developers out there but that does not mean they are all equally suited for your project. Hiring the wrong person can be a costly error, but thankfully it is one you can avoid with a little research. Here are some tips to get the JavaScript developer or JavaScript software development company you need.
1. Establish the Type of Developer You Need
JavaScript developers are either front-end developers, back-end developers or full-stack developers. Determining the type of JavaScript developer you need is paramount. Often, this will depend on several factors such as the type of application or website, current progress in its development and the nature of JavaScript expertise you have in-house.
So what are the key differences between the three types of JavaScript developers? In a nutshell, front-end developers create the user-facing component of the application. Back-end developers build the application’s database architecture, connect data to the front end and write APIs. Full-stack developers can do both front-end and back-end JavaScript development.
If you are starting your project from scratch, a full-stack JavaScript developer would be the way to go.
2. Make Your Goals Clear From the Start
When you advertise for a JavaScript developer position for your project, you should list exactly what the job entails as well as the attributes expected of the successful candidate. You should also provide context about the role as well. State what your organization is about and what you hope to achieve from the JavaScript app once it goes live.
The context gives interested developers a deeper understanding of your goals and needs. Look out for candidates who not only demonstrate their knowledge of your desired outcomes, but also show that they know how to build an application that helps you realize these objectives.
3. Balance Experience/Expertise and Remuneration
Everyone wants to hire the very best talent on the market. But there is a strong correlation between experience/expertise and remuneration. The more skilled the developer, the higher the pay they expect. If you have a limited budget, it may be unlikely that you can afford the amount of money top-ranked developers will demand.
So how do you balance your need for the best and your limited resources? One way would be to find someone who has experience creating JavaScript applications for clients in your industry. They will have the depth of relevant expertise you need but their experience is narrow enough as not to place them in the highest pay scales.
4. Pay Attention to Their Soft Skills
Proven technical skills are fundamental for any technology-related role including that of a JavaScript developer. If the individual cannot code effectively, then they should be ineligible from the get-go. You cannot, however, stop at this minimum requirement. Fortunately, you are likely to have a large enough pool of interested candidates to create criteria to help set the most viable candidates apart. Soft skills can help you do just that.
Irrespective of how advanced a candidate’s JavaScript knowledge is, you will not reap the benefit of such expertise if their communication, reliability, personality or work ethic are unsatisfactory. JavaScript is complex. It is vital you find someone who is a good communicator and can break down concepts into easy-to-understand terms. Other than communication, the successful candidate should be organized, punctual, truthful, dynamic and a team player.
Improve Your Odds of Getting the Right One
JavaScript’s popularity has led to a large pool of JavaScript developers. It would seem that there is no scarcity of talent to choose from. But this is also why getting the right developer for your needs can take some searching. These tips will help you create a hiring process that improves your odds of landing on the most suitable candidate.