Hire JavaScript Developers: Essential Tips and Best Practices

Can you guess which programming language that

• Came to life only after ten days,
• 98.8% of all websites use it as a client-side programming language
• Often used for web application, mobile app, and game development projects;
• It seems closely related to Java, but in fact, it isn’t at all.

If you guessed JavaScript, then you are correct! JavaScript is one of the most popular modern programming languages. Many believe that hiring JavaScript developers is an easy task; after all, the language is extremely popular. This might be true, but for an efficient and budget-friendly recruitment process, there are several practices that you can benefit from. This will also be the main topic of our article today. Here is a how-to guide to hiring the best JavaScript developers for your team.

Step-by-step Guide to Hiring JavaScript Developers

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

To come up with a job description for your ideal talented JavaScript developers, you need to spell out carefully and clearly what your requirements are. Try to answer the following questions.

• Define the Why. Is the project you are working on a long-term one or a shorter one? Do you have an innovative idea that needs you to produce an MVP quickly? Are you looking to release your app in the iOS app store or Android app store? If so, the requirements for your JavaScript programmers might be a little bit more specific.
• Define the project elements. For example, the fundamental elements of a website design are design and functionality. When it comes to the design elements, do you want to include special animation effects? Regarding functionality, do you want to add shopping carts to the websites? Having a list of requirements for your project will determine the type of developer you need.
• Draw up a budget plan. After completing the list of requirements, think about the budget. You don’t have to spend a massive amount of money on the project, but make sure the budget can be flexible. Give your team a particular range to work with. You don’t want to compromise the overall quality of the app due to a lack of funds.

Step 2: Clear List of Technical Skills

Whether you hire a senior JavaScript developer, a freelancer, or a junior, there are certain skills top JavaScript developers possess.

• Scope: In JavaScript, scope determines the visibility of objects, functions, and variables within a line of code at runtime. It helps you write more readable code and minimize errors by adhering to the Principle of Least Access. Engineers should understand the distinction between local and global scope and know the appropriate access level for each situation. Variables within a function are local, while variables in the global scope can be accessed and modified anywhere in the code.
• Control Flow: It is often used in conditional structures to change the execution of JavaScript code, making it an exceptional language. Understanding this allows developers to create error-free code and intuitive web applications.
• Error Handling: Mistakes are inevitable. Quality developers should be able to identify and fix errors in syntax, runtime, and logical aspects. When you interview JavaScript developers, ask about their approach to development and how they would respond to different situations.
• Asynchronous code allows multiple actions to happen simultaneously. This differs from traditional synchronous programming, which requires a user to start an action and wait for the result to be returned. Asynchronous code can optimize application performance and software responsiveness. A JavaScript software developer should understand the differences between the two approaches and their best usage situations.
• JavaScript is a language that focuses on functions, allowing developers to create stand-alone functions and pass them into higher-order functions for more complex applications. The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface for HTML and XML documents, allowing developers to structure and style websites.
• Software security is a crucial topic in the tech industry. The best JavaScript developers should understand the most important software security models used throughout the industry.
• Basic design is essential for JavaScript developers, as modern methodologies like Agile and Lean emphasize the importance of design throughout the development process.
• Functional programming: This approach emphasizes avoiding shared states, data mutation, and side effects, resulting in more concise, predictable, and easier-to-test and modify code.
• Cross-browser coding: Writing JavaScript code that is cross-browser compatible is essential for ensuring compatibility with popular browsers and mobile devices, as there are numerous versions with different capabilities and bugs.
• Efficient memory management: Without proper memory optimization, web applications or websites can leak memory, slow down, and cause performance issues. Although JavaScript has its own automatic memory management system, having a web developer optimize your code to better utilize memory and system resources can extract extra performance from your code.

Step 3: Clear List of Soft Skills

Don’t be too caught up with technical skills. The best JavaScript developers have a strong set of soft skills as well.

• Communication and Collaboration: Communication is the key aspect in any software development project, not just in JavaScript development. The ability to articulate technical and non-technical concepts while also actively listening and engaging with teammates and stakeholders will foster strong teamwork and higher project success.
• Willingness to Learn and Adapt: The IT landscape is evolving in leaps and bounds. If one is not moving forward, one is left behind. Hence, the willingness to learn new tools, techniques, and practices will help the developer not only stay relevant in the field but come out on top of it.

Step 4: References and Testimonials

You hire JavaScript programmers to fit in the team, not just to fit in the job. It is recommended that you check for references with the candidate’s previous managers, colleagues, and even clients to determine whether they are a good fit.

Step 5: Cultural Fitting

Choosing the right JavaScript developer is also cultural matching. In other words, having a developer love what they do is crucial, but it would be even better if they feel connected to the company’s mission. Better overall outcomes are produced when the company’s and individuals’ visions are in line. This deepens job happiness.

Additional Tips

• When evaluating your candidate, also go through their portfolio of previous projects. This can act as a guide to help you better understand their areas of expertise.
• Choose developers with relevant business or domain knowledge.
• You should test the candidate’s JS knowledge early on with a technical test.
• Share your business goals and see how the candidate can contribute to that goal during the JavaScript app development process.