- Home
- Technologies
- Next.js
- Hire Next.js Developers
Hire Next.js Developers
Hire vetted Next.js talent.
Our top 1% of tech talent has already undergone a rigorous vetting process. Get bilingual, nearshore Next.js developers on your team within 2 weeks.
500+ companies rely on our top 1% tech talent.
No time to find the top talent yourself? Skip the hassle of recruitment.
The Ultimate Guide for Hiring Next.js Developers
With the rise of AI, machine learning, and data science, the demand for Next.js developers is higher than ever. However, finding top talent is not always easy. Only a tiny fraction of the 2.2 million applications we receive annually meet our high standards. As such, pinpointing the best experts can be challenging.
Based on our 15 years of experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you. This guide covers key considerations, essential technical and soft skills, interview questions, and FAQs about the recruitment process for Next.js developers. We want to equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently hire Next.js developers for your team.
Before You Start Hiring
Project or Team Requirements
Before you hire Next.js developers, clearly define your project’s scope and the team structure they’ll work within. Do you need JS developers who can work independently or thrive in a team? Do you have a project building a new product from scratch or updating an existing platform? Knowing this will help you identify the proper skill set.
Niche Experience in Next.js
Next.js has specific features, such as server-side rendering, API routes, and static site generation, that can be critical for some projects. When hiring, look for developers with niche experience in these areas to make sure they deeply understand the specific Next.js features your project requires. This experience is significant if your project involves advanced server-side components.
Portfolio and References/Testimonials
Review the candidate’s portfolio to verify their experience and quality of work in Next.js development. Look for examples of their work on projects like yours, including complex components or scalable applications. Ask for references or testimonials from previous clients or employers. These will give you insight into the developer’s work ethic and reliability, allowing you to make an informed hiring decision.
Adaptability
The tech landscape is constantly changing, and Next.js itself is updated frequently. An adaptable developer will be comfortable learning new features, libraries, or technologies as your project evolves. Look for candidates who can quickly adapt to changing requirements or have learned new tools.
Communication Skills (Include Documentation)
Communication skills are crucial for Next.js developers, primarily if they work remotely or are part of a larger distributed team. Developers should be able to explain their code clearly. When hiring, prioritize candidates who can communicate verbally and in documentation.
18 Skills Every Next.js Developer Should Have
Next.js is a robust, open-source React framework for building fast, scalable web applications. Your Next.js developer should have the skills to complete daily tasks, future-proof your software, optimize performance, and create seamless integrations.
Hiring a developer with the right skills means smoother project progressions, less need for oversight, and better code. Their skills will allow them to tackle immediate challenges and anticipate potential roadblocks, saving time and resources in the long run. It could be the difference between your entire project succeeding or not.
We’ve identified 18 essential skills Next.js developers should have:
Technical Skills to Look for in Your Ideal Next.js Developer
1. Proficiency in React
Since Next.js is built on top of React, developers must deeply understand React concepts, such as components, hooks, state management, and lifecycle methods. This foundation knowledge allows developers to build and manage complex UI components, making the application reusable and scalable.
Also, expertise in advanced React techniques, such as custom hooks and context APIs, helps developers simplify state management and improve component communication, making the application more maintainable and performant.
2. Server-Side Rendering (SSR) Expertise
Next.js uses SSR to render pages on the server before sending them to the client, improving performance and SEO. Understanding SSR helps Next.js developers create dynamic content that loads fast and boosts SEO.
Developers should be able to optimize server performance by using caching strategies and load balancing. This will allow the server to handle high traffic without compromising speed or reliability.
3. Static Site Generation (SSG) Knowledge
KnowledgeSSG allows JS developers to pre-render pages at build time, making them fast and perfect for static, content-heavy sites. Knowing when and how to use SSG optimizes site speed, critical for performance and SEO.
Knowledge of incremental static regeneration (ISR) allows developers to update specific pages without a complete site rebuild, which is perfect for keeping content fresh while keeping load times fast.
4. API Integration Skills
Next.js developers must be skilled in connecting to APIs (RESTful and GraphQL) to fetch and display dynamic data within applications. Modern web applications rely heavily on data integration, so API integration is key to functionality.
Developers should also be able to handle secure API calls with proper authentication methods to protect data privacy and prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important for applications that handle sensitive user information.
5. Familiarity with Next.js Routing
Next.js has a built-in routing system based on file structure, making creating and managing dynamic routes easy. Next.js developers should know how to implement nested and API routes.
Advanced routing knowledge, like using middleware for route handling and custom error pages, helps create a smoother user experience and handles edge cases during navigation.
6. Understanding of CSS-in-JS Libraries
CSS-in-JS libraries, like styled components, are commonly used in Next.js projects for component-based styling. JS developers should know how to implement and manage styles within components to maintain consistency and modularity in design.
Knowing how to optimize critical CSS and manage styling at scale helps improve performance by preventing render-blocking and keeping load times fast.
7. Knowledge of Webpack and Babel Configuration
Next.js uses Webpack and Babel under the hood to bundle and transpile code. Next.js developers should know how to customize these configurations. Knowing how to optimize and adjust Webpack and Babel configurations helps the application build quickly and support modern JavaScript features.
Knowledge of plugin management and code-splitting strategies can help reduce bundle size, load times, and overall application performance.
8. TypeScript Proficiency
Developers increasingly use TypeScript in Next.js projects for its type-checking and scalability benefits. Familiarity with TypeScript helps developers write safer and more maintainable code, reducing bugs and improving team collaboration.
Developers skilled in TypeScript can leverage advanced type features, such as generics and type inference, to create more robust codebases that adapt well to changes and new features.
9. Headless CMS Experience
Many Next.js projects use headless CMS platforms (e.g., Contentful and Strapi) to manage content efficiently. Next.js developers need to know how to use these platforms to build dynamic, content-rich, high-performance applications.
Advanced knowledge of headless CMSs with GraphQL APIs can optimize data fetching and improve content delivery for a seamless user experience.
10. Performance Optimization Techniques
Performance in Next.js involves techniques like lazy loading, image optimization, and minimizing JavaScript payloads. Performance is key to user retention and SEO, so Next.js developers must know how to use these features to keep applications fast and efficient.
Developers should be able to monitor application performance using tools like Lighthouse and implement code-splitting to load only necessary resources, further speeding up the app.
11. SEO Best Practices for Next.js
Next.js has SEO tools, such as managing metadata and pre-rendering pages. Developers need to know these tools to maximize visibility. They must also learn to structure pages and metadata to improve search engine rankings.
Developers should also use structured data (Schema.org) to tell search engines what the content is, increasing their chances of getting rich snippets and better search visibility.
12. Familiarity with Authentication and Authorization
Many Next.js applications require secure login systems, which may involve third-party services like Auth0 or custom authentication solutions. JS developers must know how to implement secure authentication to protect user data and control access to application features.
Developers should know how to implement role-based access control (RBAC) to create granular permissions so users can only access the features and data relevant to their roles.
13. Testing and Debugging Skills
Developers should know how to test JS frameworks (e.g., Jest, Cypress) and use debugging tools to maintain application stability. Testing and debugging are crucial for maintaining code quality and getting features working as expected.
The ability to implement comprehensive test suites, including unit, integration, and end-to-end tests, helps catch issues early and maintain high code reliability throughout the development lifecycle.
14. Familiarity with DevOps Practices (CI/CD)
Modern Next.js development often involves continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) processes for faster deployment. Knowing DevOps practices allows developers to automate build, testing, and deployment processes for consistent updates.
Experience with CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitHub Actions or Jenkins helps streamline development workflow for faster deployment cycles, reducing time to market for new features.
Soft Skills to Look for in Your Ideal Next.js Developer
15. Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is key for Next.js developers as they face technical challenges. Common challenges are integrating APIs or optimizing web performance with server-side rendering and static site generation. The ability to think creatively and find efficient solutions to these challenges means the developer can debug bugs and implement new features. Next.js development involves working with ever-changing tech stacks and new integrations, so a developer’s problem-solving skills directly impact the project’s progress and success. A JS developer who seamlessly integrates new technology into the existing stack means a smooth transition.
16. Adaptability
Next.js and the web development landscape are constantly evolving. New updates, frameworks, and technologies emerge regularly. A Next.js developer must be adaptable to these changes. They should be able to learn and integrate new features like incremental static regeneration (ISR) or adopt best practices in API routes and authentication methods. Adaptability means developers can quickly adjust to updated methodologies to keep applications modern and competitive.
17. Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is essential for a Next.js developer, especially when working with critical features like server-side rendering, dynamic routing, and API integrations. One mistake in these areas can result in performance issues or security vulnerabilities. With Next.js’s robust ecosystem, developers must review code thoroughly and test each component for compatibility and performance. Developers can deliver stable, efficient, and user-friendly applications that meet project requirements by maintaining high attention to detail.
18. Communication Skills
Good communication is key, especially for remote or distributed teams working with Next.js. A Next.js developer must clearly explain technical concepts, discuss project requirements, and provide updates, especially when working on complex features like SSR or integrating headless CMS systems. Communication also ensures everyone involved in the project understands the direction. This will lead to more cohesive development and reduce misunderstandings.
8 Questions to Identify Top Next.js Developers
When interviewing Next.js developers, you will assess their technical skills and knowledge. Employers will also conduct a coding test to evaluate specific on-the-job understanding further.
Here are a few examples of questions:
1. Can you tell me when you worked with other developers or team members on a Next.js project? How did you communicate and collaborate throughout the project?
I worked with backend developers and designers on a recent project to build a dynamic e-commerce site. We used Slack for real-time updates and Jira for task tracking. I made sure all technical details were documented, held weekly meetings for alignment, and proactively addressed any issues, which improved our JS development process and kept us on schedule.
2. Can you describe when you had to fix a performance issue in a Next.js application? What was the problem, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
I had a performance issue where a Next.js app had long load times due to heavy client-side rendering. I switched to server-side rendering (SSR) for key pages and optimized image loading using Next.js’ next/image component. This reduced load times by 50% and improved our SEO, which led to better user engagement.
3. Next.js is constantly evolving with new updates and features. Can you give an example of a time when you had to learn and implement a new Next.js feature or technology quickly? How did you adapt and apply it to your project?
When Next.js introduced incremental static regeneration (ISR), I learned how to use it by reading the documentation and testing it in a staging environment. I applied ISR to our content-heavy blog so we could update specific pages without a complete rebuild. This improved build time and made fresh content available to users.
4. Can you describe a situation where you encountered a tricky bug or technical issue during Next.js development that involved multiple team members? How did you communicate the problem and work together to fix it?
I discovered a routing bug that caused page mismatches in our Next.js application. Using visual debugging tools, I explained the issue to the team in our standup meeting and created a shared document outlining possible solutions. We collaborated to adjust our dynamic routing structure, fixed the problem within a day, and documented the fix for future reference.
5. Have you ever faced a major technical issue with Next.js? What was the problem, and how did you fix it?
This question tests the developer’s technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. It shows how the developer approaches and diagnoses complex issues within the Next.js framework. The interviewer learns the candidate’s troubleshooting method and level of experience with Next.js.
6. Can you show me an example of a Next.js project in which you integrated a third-party service or API?
This question reveals the candidate’s technical ability, especially in integrating external services and APIs. The interviewer learns the developer’s problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot issues with third-party dependencies.
7. Describe a time when you worked under a tight deadline on a Next.js project. How did you manage your time, and what strategies did you use to meet the deadline?
This question evaluates the candidate’s time management and organizational skills. It shows how they prioritize tasks and manage their workload. The interviewer can assess the candidate’s discipline, planning ability, and ability to meet performance standards under pressure.
8. Describe a situation where you had to pivot or change your approach mid-project when working with Next.js.
This question tests candidates' responses to changing requirements, unexpected challenges, or new client demands. The interviewer can evaluate the candidate’s agility and make necessary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What technical skills should I look for when hiring a Next.js developer?
When hiring, look for specific skills such as SSR, API integration, and component-based architecture. React, TypeScript, and DevOps practices like CI/CD are also must-have skills for a JS developer who wants to build efficient and scalable web apps that meet your project requirements and deliver a seamless user experience.
How important is industry experience when hiring a Next.js developer?
Industry experience is essential, especially when developing industry-specific websites or applications that must comply with industry regulations, like healthcare. A Next.js developer with a deep understanding of your industry can quickly map their expertise to your business goals so your project’s features are implemented accurately and efficiently, resulting in faster and more custom solutions.
How do I verify a Next.js developer’s skills before hiring?
To verify skills, review the developer’s portfolio for past projects that involved critical Next.js features and ask for client testimonials. Conduct coding tests that simulate real scenarios, such as automated integration tests or performance optimization, to confirm their abilities. This way, you can hire Next.js developers that meet your high standards for software development.
How do I hire Next.js developers who can adapt to project changes?
To gauge candidates' adaptability, look for people who have worked on projects involving migration services or new technologies. This will show their ability to handle new challenges. Reviewing their experience integrating new libraries and tools will show their flexibility. Next.js developers with such backgrounds will adapt to your business needs quickly so your project remains competitive and up to date.
Does a Next.js developer need to know about SEO?
Yes, mainly if your business depends on organic traffic for its web presence. A Next.js developer with SEO knowledge can leverage server-side rendering and static site generation to improve search engine load times, metadata, and content structure. This will improve your application's ranking and attract the right audience.
How do communication skills impact a Next.js developer?
Strong communication skills are essential, especially when working with distributed teams or business websites with stakeholders. A Next.js developer who can explain their work, document code well, and engage with the team helps everyone understand the technical requirements, leading to a more cohesive full-stack web development process.
How do I evaluate a Next.js developer’s problem-solving skills?
The best way is to ask about specific challenges they faced, such as complex web applications or third-party APIs. Give them a coding test that mirrors real-world scenarios like data flow management, fixing critical bugs in Google Cloud environments, or how they would handle data migration services. This will show how they apply their knowledge to deliver efficient and scalable solutions that meet your business goals.
What are the benefits of hiring a Next.js developer with cloud services experience?
A Next.js developer with cloud services experience (Google Cloud or AWS) offers many benefits. They can use serverless functions, manage data, and scale by integrating cloud-native solutions into your application. They also know cloud platforms for smooth deployment, robust security, and resource utilization. This is especially useful for businesses that want to optimize their infrastructure and performance with minimal downtime and operational overhead.
- Hire Next.js Developers
How Businesses Can Overcome the Software Development Shortage
BairesDev Ranked as one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in the US by Inc. 5000
