Front-end Development: What is It All About
Front-end development refers to building the part of a website or application that a user sees. Also called client-side development, the front-end is built with languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
A front-end developer is a professional who uses a combination of web languages to build the front-end of a web page or application.
How Do I Hire Front-end Developer?
You would need to understand the needs of the business or the team you are hiring for. Hire front-end developer skilled in client-side development with some understanding of back-end development. This may come in handy when the front-end developer has to collaborate with other teams. Also, assess the experience and soft skills of the front-end developer. Posting your requirements on a hiring platform for tech professionals may help you find the right match.
What You Need to Know Before You Hire Front-end Developer?
Before you hire front-end developer, understand the scope of the project. You may require a junior, mid-level or senior front-end developer, depending on the needs of the business. You may also need to hire full-time employees or freelancers on the basis of the project.
Further, look at the clients your business has. Consider the industries they work in. Hire front-end developer who can work with a variety of clients and understand the target audience. Building the front-end for a pharma website may be different from creating a user interface for a fashion website or app.
Also, stay updated about the trends in front-end development. This helps you make sound hiring decisions. One such trend is the use of motion graphics as part of the user interface. Another is responsive design, wherein the web site doesn’t lose any aesthetic elements and looks good on any device.
Skills to Look For When You Hire Top Front-end Developer
HTML
Hypertext markup language (HTML) is the markup language used for web development. When you hire top front-end developer, check whether the candidate has a command over HTML, which lays the foundations for a website and defines the structure of content.
CSS
Cascading style sheets or CSS is a style sheet language that is important to create a page layout, including font, style and colours on the page. Knowledge of CSS is a must for a front-end developer.
JavaScript
Familiarity with JavaScript is essential for a front-end developer. JavaScript is the language that brings in interactivity to the website.
jQuery
Knowledge of the JavaScript library called jQuery is good to have. jQuery simplifies the code and ensures that writing code is simplified.
JavaScript and CSS Frameworks
Knowledge of JavaScript frameworks like Angular, React and Vue is useful as they help front-end developer to add rich features. CSS frameworks like Bootstrap and Tailwind provide code for some tasks that are repetitive and save time. Familiarity with these frameworks helps front-end developer design better web applications and pages.
Version Control
Knowledge of a version control system like Git helps. The system helps a developer retrieve an earlier version to track what may have gone wrong with the code.
Debugging
Hire front-end developer who is familiar with testing to check for bugs. Debugging makes the front-end efficient.
Problem-solving
Soft skills are as important as technical skills. Hire front-end developer who has the ability to think on their feet when there is a problem and solve it.
Creativity
A front-end developer with a creative bent of mind is good to have. The creative mind can turn a dull user interface into an engaging one.
Steps to Hire Front-end Developer
The first step is to write a clear job description outlining the roles and responsibilities. Include the everyday tasks of the front-end developer as well for greater clarity.
Once you are done with the job description, screen candidate resumes. Check for experience and skill sets and see if they match your requirements.
Conduct a skill assessment test available online for a front-end developer. Test the developer’s ability to solve problems in a deadline.
Interview the front-end developer and ask questions pertaining to front-end development. Also assess communication and presentation skills of the developer.
If you are convinced that the candidate is a match for your company, send out an offer letter with contractual terms and salary structure.
How to Hire Reliable and Experienced Front-end Developer?
Seek references from former employers or team members. FInd out about the deeloper’s ability to work well in a team. Also, find out about the developer’s time management skills.
Ask for portfolio of the developer’s work. Check the work samples for the candidate’s ability for innovation and original thinking. Also, look for the ability to pay attention to detail.
Find out about the developer’s passion for front-end development and their career plans. This helps you assess their commitment to their area of work.
