There is no doubt that JavaScript is currently the most important and most popular technology used for IT projects. It not only powers around 95 percent of the world’s websites, it's also becoming more common in mobile apps, thanks to tools like the React Native framework, which allows cross-platform app development for Android and iOS.
According to the 2019 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world, being used regularly by 67.8 percent of respondents. It's more popular than HTML and CSS combined (63.5 percent), marking the seventh year in the row of JavaScript’s dominance.
Other JS-related tools and technologies are also dominating their rivals. In the same Stack Overflow survey, jQuery, a JavaScript library, was named the most popular web framework (used by 48.7 percent of devs), with two other technologies using JS, React and Angular, sharing the rest of the podium. The “Other Frameworks, Libraries, and Tools” ranking was won by Node.js (used by 49.9 percent of devs), a technology allowing JavaScript to be used on the back-end of a website.
Due to the huge popularity of JavaScript, the market is filled with developers on different levels: from experts who really understand the technology to newcomers who have just passed a short web development bootcamp. How can you make sure you hire a JavaScript developer who belongs to the first group and not to the latter? How can you make sure you get a team of professionals who will really take your product to the top?
Here is our guide on how to hire JavaScript developers who will really meet your needs.
Hard skills every good JavaScript developer should have
Critical Hard Skills for Effective JavaScript Developers
Does simply knowing JavaScript qualify one to be an effective JavaScript developer? The answer is far more nuanced. There are numerous technical skills a developer should possess to truly elevate your project. When planning to hire JavaScript developers, here are some of the crucial hard skills to consider:
Mastery of HTML and CSS
Together with JavaScript, HTML and CSS form the trinity of pivotal web development technologies. These languages supplement each other, and a comprehensive knowledge of all three empowers a developer to craft modern, interactive websites. So, hiring JavaScript developers who are also proficient in HTML and CSS is a plus for any project.
Proficiency with Relevant JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries
The JavaScript ecosystem is abundant with a variety of frameworks and libraries, and it is unrealistic to expect a developer to be versed in all of them. Depending on your project's demands, you may need to hire JavaScript programmers with expertise in specific frameworks. Front-end focused developers often employ jQuery, React, Angular, or Vue, while Node.js, bolstered by frameworks like Express or Nest, is the preferred choice for JavaScript-based back-ends. For mobile development, React Native is commonly used.
Experience with JavaScript Supersets
In programming, a superset is a language that encompasses all the features of another language, plus additional ones. TypeScript, for instance, is a popular JavaScript superset used frequently in frameworks such as Angular and React. It introduces real-time code checks that help avoid common coding errors. Even though there are other JavaScript supersets, TypeScript's growing popularity and support across various frameworks and libraries make it a valuable skill for developers.
Familiarity with JavaScript Testing Tools
Before rolling out any new feature of your web or mobile project, it's crucial to conduct thorough testing. Developers run tests to evaluate their code's performance and detect any potential bugs. These tests usually employ distinct testing frameworks. When you hire JavaScript web developers, ensure they have experience with at least one of these tools. Some well-known JavaScript testing frameworks include JEST, Mocha, Jasmine, and Karma.
Experience with CSS for JS Developers
As styles and layouts become more complex, having CSS knowledge specifically tailored for JavaScript developers can be a significant asset. The ability to use JavaScript to manipulate CSS can result in more dynamic and responsive designs.
Knowledge of Specific JavaScript Libraries like Underscore.js
While it's impossible for a developer to know every library, familiarity with popular ones like Underscore.js can be beneficial. This utility library can simplify the code and improve the efficiency of JavaScript applications.
By considering these hard skills, you'll be better equipped to hire the best JavaScript developers who can bring your web project to new heights.
Top JavaScript developer job interview questions
How can you assess all the hard and soft skills that we mentioned above? By running a proper job interview. While the soft skills are often reviewed with the assistance of HR, the hard skills need a tech expert to evaluate. If you don’t feel like a JavaScript expert yourself, we recommend asking other professionals to help you out. The best choice would be a developer with JavaScript experience, software consultant or an IT project manager.
To give you an idea of how this kind of technical interview can look, we have listed our favorite JavaScript developer job interview questions below. Keep in mind, however, that most JavaScript developers specialize in one library and/or framework and interview questions will vary depending on that.
- What is the difference between === and ==?
- How does event bubbling work?
- What is the difference between .call and .apply?
- How does prototypal inheritance work?
- What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous functions?
- When would you use a closure?
- What is hoisting?
- Classical inheritance vs. prototypal inheritance — what is the difference between the two?
- What are the differences between monolithic and microservice architectures?
- What is the same-origin policy in JavaScript?
The importance of company fit when hiring JavaScript developers
Your project can be developed even more efficiently if you look for a JavaScript developer who really fits your company. This fit can be assessed by looking at the three main areas that need to be considered: industry fit, product fit and company culture fit.
- Industry fit
Whatever your industry is, there are surely JavaScript developers who have already worked in it. Prioritize those candidates, as they can bring you the necessary expertise and understanding of solutions that have already been proven to work in your market.
- Product fit
Also try to hire JavaScript developers who have previously worked on products similar to yours. Consider similarities in product features, target groups and technology used. Having such experience means your candidate already knows how to achieve specific things you want in your project — and can implement them faster.
- Company culture fit
Things to consider in this area are: business values, style of management, approach to remote work and diversity. The more your business and your candidate match in these categories, the better the cooperation between you will go.
Start building your dream team
Supporting your technical team with a great JavaScript developer is surely a step forward, but don’t forget about backing other parts of your business as well. Maybe you need a new web designer or UX designer? Or maybe a product owner to help you plan the vision for your amazing new product’s future?
Whoever you might need, Ideamotive is ready to deliver. We run an industry-leading network of top IT talents looking for new job opportunities. We are able to discuss your current requirements and exact needs and then connect you with the professionals who fit your company’s profile the most.
Start growing today with the top IT talents found for you by Ideamotive.
