Hire Front-End Developers

Front-end software developers need strong skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—these are the core building blocks of the web. With these tools, they can create interactive and well-structured websites. Experience with JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue is also important for building complex and scalable apps.

Using CSS preprocessors like Sass or LESS helps developers write cleaner, more manageable code. Tools like Webpack or Vite make the development process smoother by automating tasks. A good front-end developer also knows how to optimize performance with techniques like lazy loading, minification, and responsive design so that apps run quickly and function as intended on any device or browser.

A front-end developer focuses on building the parts of a website users see and interact with, using tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create responsive layouts and smooth functionality. A web developer has a broader role and can work on both the front end (user interface) and back end (server, database). Some web developers, called full-stack developers, handle both sides.

Ask candidates how they approach building mobile-first designs and how familiar they are with media queries and flexible grid systems. A solid front-end developer should know how to use breakpoints and fluid layouts to make content adapt smoothly to different screen sizes.

You can also assess these skills with a coding test or technical interview where they build a responsive design from scratch. Reviewing their portfolio is another great way to see how they’ve tackled responsiveness in real-world projects. Look for examples of cross-device compatibility and using CSS frameworks like Bootstrap or Flexbox to keep designs consistent. A strong front-end developer will also test their work across multiple browsers and devices to make sure everything looks and works right for all users.

Even though front-end developers aren’t the ones creating UX/UI designs, knowing basic design principles makes a big difference. It helps them build user-friendly interfaces and translate wireframes or prototypes into working code more smoothly.

Since front-end developers often work closely with UX/UI designers, speaking the same design language is important. Those who understand user-focused design can make smarter decisions when needed and deliver products that are both visually appealing and functional.

Front-end developers mainly focus on building what users see and interact with. However, knowing some back-end basics can be really helpful. Understanding things like APIs, server-side rendering, or how databases connect with the front end makes it easier to blend both sides smoothly.

It also helps when working with back-end developers since it reduces miscommunication and speeds up problem-solving. In teams that work across the full stack, front-end developers with some back-end know-how can make projects run faster and more efficiently, especially for apps that rely on real-time data from servers.

When setting up coding tests, focus on tasks that match the role’s daily responsibilities. For example, ask candidates to build a responsive webpage using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This helps you see their skills in layout, styling, and interactivity. You can also give them a buggy code snippet to debug and optimize, which shows how they approach problem-solving and pay attention to detail.

Including tasks around performance optimization and user experience gives you a more complete picture of their abilities. Platforms like CodePen or GitHub let candidates show off their code, and tools like HackerRank can provide real-time performance feedback. Make sure the test reflects the complexity of the projects they’ll handle so you can gauge whether they’re ready for similar challenges.

Ask candidates how they handle things like reducing page load times, minimizing HTTP requests, and optimizing assets like images and scripts. They should be familiar with techniques like lazy loading, asynchronous JavaScript, and caching strategies to deliver a smooth performance across devices.

It’s also helpful to ask how they’ve optimized performance in past projects and if they’ve used tools like Lighthouse, Chrome DevTools, or Webpack. A strong developer will know how to use methods like code-splitting in frameworks like React to load only essential components upfront, making pages load faster. This shows they not only understand performance management but also stay on top of best practices to create a great user experience, even on slower networks or older devices.

Front-end developers need solid communication and teamwork skills since they often work with designers, back-end developers, and project managers. It’s important that they can explain technical ideas in ways non-technical stakeholders can understand—especially when building user-facing features.

Attention to detail is just as important. Even small coding or design mistakes can cause visual glitches or break functionality. Developers with a sharp eye for detail create consistency across browsers and devices, helping deliver a polished, professional product that works smoothly for all users.

Ask candidates about the latest frameworks or tools they’ve learned and how they keep up with front-end trends. Strong candidates show a willingness to learn and explore new technologies, whether through personal projects, open-source contributions, or continued education like coding boot camps or certifications.

You can also ask how they’ve handled changing technologies in past projects. For example, have they moved from jQuery to React or started using CSS Grid for responsive layouts? Developers who are open to new approaches can help future-proof your project by ensuring the technologies used are modern, scalable, and ready to grow with your needs.

When reviewing a developer’s portfolio, focus on projects that match your needs. Look for examples where they’ve handled responsive design, performance optimization, and user experience. Does their portfolio show a variety of projects across different industries and scales? Also, check their code samples or GitHub repositories to see if the code is clean, well-organized, and easy to maintain.

Pay attention to project complexity and how they tackled challenges, like integrating third-party APIs or using animations. A strong portfolio should show not just technical skills but also the ability to meet project goals and deliver what users need.

Accessibility is a key part of front-end development, ensuring that all users—including those with disabilities—can interact with your website or app. Developers should understand WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and know how to add features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and proper color contrast. When you hire front-end developers, ask candidates how they approach accessibility and which tools they use, like aXe or Lighthouse, to check for compliance.

You can also review their past projects for best practices, such as using ARIA roles and semantic HTML. Prioritizing accessibility not only creates a better user experience but also keeps your product compliant with legal standards, helping you reach a wider audience while reducing the risk of legal issues.

Hiring remote front-end developers gives you access to global talent that integrates with your team. Specifically, timezone-aligned remote developers can collaborate in real-time, work on long-term projects, and contribute as either full-time or part-time team members. This approach offers the flexibility of location without compromising communication or productivity.

While a freelance front-end developer can provide flexibility for short-term or specialized tasks, relying on freelancers often comes with risks in quality and consistency. For critical projects that demand high standards, dedicated front-end developers—like the ones we provide through staff augmentation—are often a better option. 

Our dedicated front-end developers are carefully vetted for both technical skills and reliability. This means you get the expertise and commitment needed to meet your project goals without the unpredictability that sometimes comes with freelancers.