Looking for a front end developer? hackajob has a wealth of talent and information to help you make the right hire.
While there are dozens of individual roles to be found within the web development sector, most can be folded quite neatly into one of two camps: back end or front end development. While the former is concerned with, as the name suggests, the behind-the-scenes work of server processing, creating, and maintaining databases and system architecture, the latter is all about creating the user interface and perfecting the user experience.
If it’s the back end developer’s job to get the engine running, it’s the front end developer's job to bring it to life with a fresh coat of paint. Front end developers are the artists painting the canvas built by the back end, making it not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but, crucially, more user-friendly too.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, front end development remains a highly sought-after skill and there's a vast ocean of global talent to sift through. But in such an expansive field, how can you ensure you're hiring a front end developer whose skills and experience align with your goals and your vision? Let’s start with the basics.
A Digital Craft: What are front end developers?
A front end developer plays an integral role in web development: that of ensuring users have a pleasant experience when navigating the site. Every visually appealing element, every animation, and every user interaction on a website is the handiwork of a front end developer.
Role and responsibilities
The primary focus of a front end developer is using visual and interactive elements to create a seamless, intuitive, and visually appealing user experience for a website or application.
More specific responsibilities, however, might include:
- Translating UI/UX design wireframes into code
- Building reusable components and libraries for future use
- Ensuring web design is optimised for smartphones and other mobile devices
- Balancing aesthetics and functionality to build a site that looks as good as it runs
- Collaborating with back end developers and web designers to improve usability
Desirable skills for front end developers
A front end developer represents the middle ground between technical skills and artistic flair. As such, the skills they’re expected to possess often include the following:
Programming language proficiency: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the solid foundations upon which most of the internet is built. For this reason, most front end developers are expected to be fluent in them at a bare minimum. More advanced developers might also be proficient in TypeScript, or frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular, or Vue.js.
Mobile design: More users are accessing the internet from their smartphones than ever before, with mobile usage overtaking desktop usage in recent years. As such, developers working today must understand responsive and mobile design principles.
Performance: Enhancing performance and working with tools that test and debug code are important skills for any front end developer. Familiarity with tools such as Google Lighthouse, for example, is generally expected.
Cross-browser support: Different browsers can interpret code differently so it's crucial to ensure that websites work seamlessly across all major browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge.
CMS and E-commerce: A keen knowledge of content management platforms like WordPress or Shopify can be a major bonus, as many websites are built on these systems.
The difference between front end and back end development
While front end developers focus on the user interface and experience, back end developers deal with the server-side of the application, databases, and ensuring that data is delivered to the front end. They usually work with server-side languages like PHP, Ruby, Python, Java, or .NET.
It’s worth noting that there are also many developers who position themselves as "full stack developers'. that are knowledgeable in both front end and back end technologies. Full stack developers can be in high demand but are also often seen as “jacks of all trades”, so to speak.
How do I hire a front end developer?
First, decide whether you need an in-house developer or if you want to go the freelance route. The increasing shift towards remote work catalysed, in part, by the pandemic, has made hiring freelancers, especially those from regions with lower living costs, an incredibly attractive proposition. This is particularly true for smaller businesses that might not always need a developer on-hand.
In-house front end developers, meanwhile, are ideal for larger projects and businesses seeking close collaboration. Many companies also choose to mine the global talent pool and either outsource or collaborate with offshore development teams across the globe.
Want to know what tech talent want? Read our free whitepaper that contains insights from over 1000 respondents.
Salary ranges for hiring front end developers
A front end developer’s expected salary will reflect where they’re based, their level of experience and the complexity of the job in question. There are, thankfully, developers ranging from junior to senior in terms of expertise. So whatever your budget, there should be a talent suitable for the role.
If we’re talking about specific salary packages, for context, in 2023, a front end developer based in San Francisco might command a salary of around $140,000. However, averages across the US might range from $75,000 to $145,000, based on seniority.
Deciphering the tech stack
Each front end developer will have their own unique tech arsenal at their disposal. Whether they specialise in React, Vue, or even Web Components, clarity about your project's requirements will help you attract the right candidates and streamline the hiring and onboarding process.
Beyond salary: The benefits package
In the modern workplace, benefits such as flexibility, unique learning opportunities, and a positive and inclusive work culture are as important as what the talent takes home at the end of the month. A well-crafted benefits package can set you apart from competitors and attract top-tier talent without having to beg for it.
Hiring time frames: What should you expect?
While hiring a front end developer can range from a few weeks to several months, factors such as the project's scope, your vetting mechanisms, and the job market's dynamics play pivotal roles. However, if you want a faster solution, we have some good news for you.
Where can I hire front end developers?
Imagine a platform that understands the intricacies of tech hiring and is so much more than just a CV aggregator. With hackajob, you receive:
Precision matching: Rather than sifting through thousands of CVs looking for the one that fits the bill, you’ll receive a shortlist of candidates tailored specifically to your needs.
Direct communications: Say goodbye to intermediaries. Engage in direct, meaningful conversations with potential hires.
Skill-based AI vetting: Trust in a process that prioritises skill and competence over keywords. We use a combination of AI and human curation to assess the past projects or coding skills of our users and match them directly with you.
Actionable insights: With smart analytics at your fingertips, refine your hiring strategies for better outcomes continually.
Expert insights on front end hiring
Diana Păvăloi, a veteran at hackajob, shares her wisdom:
"When seeking frontend developers, I prioritise creativity alongside technical know-how. They should not just be skilled with the tools but also have an eye for design and user experience. Collaboration, given the frequent interactions with UX/UI designers, is another key trait."
Front end developers are crucial to any organisation. If you're on the hunt for one, platforms like hackajob are here to elevate and simplify your search, connecting you directly with the top talent in the business.