How To Hire An A+ Frontend Developer (+ 16 Best Sites)

Finding the right front-end developer can be a make-or-break decision for any company looking to build a dynamic and engaging digital presence. With the increasing demand for mobile and web applications, businesses must have a talented front-end developer to bring their vision to life. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to find and hire front-end developers.

This is where our article comes in. Our guide features a thorough compilation of the 16 most effective sites for hiring experienced front-end developers, along with the essential skills to consider when evaluating potential candidates.

After reading this article, you'll not only have a better understanding of the different options available but you’ll also be familiar with the steps for recruiting front-end developers who can keep up with the latest trends and build user experiences worth visiting back for your web development projects.

Front-End Developer: An In-Depth Look Into Its Role

Front-end developers are in charge of a website's or application's visual appeal and interactive components. They work closely with web designers to create user-friendly designs and layouts. They also work with the backend or full-stack developer to ensure that the front end interacts seamlessly with the data and functionality stored on the backend.

A front-end developer takes a design or wireframe and turns it into code that can be rendered by a browser or device. This usually involves working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (or a combination of all three), as well as tools like React or AngularJS. In some cases, front-end developers will also work with server-side technologies like PHP or Ruby on Rails.

The goal of a front-end developer is to create an intuitive and engaging user experience that meets the objectives set by the design team. This often requires close collaboration with designers, UX researchers, content strategists, and backend developers to ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the development process.

In addition to writing code, front-end developers are apt at debugging issues that may arise in their code or in the browsers where users are viewing the website. They need to have a good understanding of how web browsers work to troubleshoot issues that come up.

A front-end developer also needs to work well with other in-house developers, as they will often be working closely with back-end developers and designers. They need to take input from others and turn it into working code quickly and efficiently.

6 Skills An Expert Front-End Developer Must Possess

There are several skills a front-end developer should have to ensure quality output. Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after skills in a front-end developer.

1. An Understanding Of User Experience

How a person engages with a system is the core of user experience. It takes into account all aspects of the user's interaction, including the user's attitudes, beliefs, and emotions.

A front-end developer must have a strong understanding of user experience to create websites and mobile applications that are easy to use and enjoyable for the user. This insight results from having a thorough understanding of how people behave and interact with technology.

To create a good user experience, a front-end developer must first understand the needs of the users. They should then design and develop the website or application with those needs in mind. Throughout the process, they must constantly test and evaluate the system to ensure that it meets the users' needs.

2. The Ability To Work With Different Programming Languages

To be a successful front-end developer, it is important to work with different programming languages. This includes having a good grasp of HTML and CSS. Mastery of both of these languages is a must for a front-end developer.

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the markup language that provides structure and content.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the style sheet language that is responsible for the visual styling of a website.

The ideal candidate should write clean and maintainable CSS code as well as write well-structured HTML code that adheres to best practices.

They will hand-code both CSS and HTML from scratch, as well as understand how to use various CSS and HTML frameworks. While HTML and CSS are the foundation of most web development projects, many other programming languages can be used to create dynamic and interactive websites.

Another popular programming language for front-end development is PHP. It frequently works in tandem with HTML and CSS to provide dynamic web pages. WordPress, one of the most popular content management systems, is written in PHP.

There are many other programming languages used for front-end development, such as Ruby on Rails and Python. However, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript are generally considered to be the most essential for front-end developers.

3. Knowledge Of CSS Preprocessors

As a front-end developer, it is important to have a strong understanding of CSS preprocessors. CSS preprocessors are tools that allow programmers to write code in a more maintainable and scalable way. By using a preprocessor, they can automatically generate CSS rules based on their custom logic. This can help them avoid repetition and keep a well-organized source code.

There are several popular CSS preprocessors available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most popular ones are Less and Sass. Less is a relatively simple tool that can be used without much configuration. Sass is a more powerful tool that allows front-end developers to use features such as mixins and nesting. However, it can be more difficult to learn and set up.

No matter which CSS preprocessor they choose to use, you must make sure that the front-end developer that you hire must have a strong understanding of how it works. This will allow them to write efficient and maintainable code.

4. Understanding Of JavaScript And jQuery

For front-end development, one of the most widely used programming languages is JavaScript. It is a client-side scripting language that helps create dynamic web pages. JavaScript can be used to add interactivity to websites, such as creating drop-down menus or animating elements on the page.

jQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library that makes it easier to use JavaScript on websites. By using this library, things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, animation, and Ajax become much simpler with an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers.

As a front-end developer, it is important to have a strong understanding of both JavaScript and jQuery. This will enable them to create dynamic and interactive web pages.

5. Proficiency In Responsive Web Design

To hire a proficient front-end developer, ensure that the candidate can build responsive websites. This calls for the website to be flexible enough to display properly on every screen size, be it a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The website must also be able to function properly on all major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.).

To build responsive design, developers should use media queries and breakpoints and make sure that the website looks and functions correctly on all devices. Additionally, developers should have a good grasp of how JavaScript and jQuery can be used to create interactive elements on a webpage.

6. Soft Skills

If a front-end developer wants to succeed in any professional setting, they need to have a few soft skills. And effective communication skills top the charts. They should express their ideas to clients, coworkers, and other stakeholders clearly and succinctly, therefore communicating effectively is crucial.

Good communication skills will also help the front-end developers collaborate effectively with others on projects. Some other soft skills include:

• Great attention to detail
• Attentively listening to others
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Clear and concise in their explanations
• Positivity and an openness to learning new things
• Ability to work and collaborate within a team setup
• Having the ability to inquire when something is unclear
• Great time management skills to ensure timely deliveries
• Avoids using jargon or technical terms when speaking to non-technical people
• Has leadership abilities. Ready to assume the role of a senior developer and provide mentorship to junior developers

Now that we know the skills that you should be looking for in a front-end developer, let's take a look at the process of onboarding the right candidate.

A 7-Step Process For Hiring Front-End Developers

The following seven-step hiring procedure will assist you in finding the best front-end developer to grow your company.

I. Gather Your Requirements

As a business owner or hiring manager, you should first take the time to gather your requirements for the front-end developer role. This will help you determine the necessary skills and experience required for the position.

Some of the key requirements you may want to consider include:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Experience building responsive and mobile-friendly websites
• Ability to create clean and modern designs that meet user needs
• Familiarity with popular frameworks such as AngularJS, ReactJS, or VueJS
• A strong understanding of software development technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Once you have gathered your requirements, you can then begin the process of creating the job description.

II. Create An Effective Job Description

When it comes to hiring a front-end developer, creating an effective job description is of utmost importance. This will help you not only attract the right candidates but also weed out those who are not a good fit for the position.

To create an effective job description, you'll need to include the following:

• A clear and concise overview of the role: What will the front-end developer be responsible for? What skills are required?
• A detailed list of duties and responsibilities: What tasks will the front-end developer be expected to perform daily? Be as specific as possible here.
• The desired qualifications: What education, experience, and skills should the ideal candidate possess?
• The benefits and perks: What can you offer to attract top talent? Think beyond traditional benefits like health insurance and 401(k)s – what about remote working options or flexible hours?
• Salary range: Be upfront about what you're willing to pay. This will help narrow down your candidates to those who are sincere about the job and not just after a salary.

III. Post The Job On Relevant Platforms

The next step in hiring a front-end developer is to post the job on relevant platforms. This will help ensure that you reach the right candidates with the necessary skills.

There are several platforms you can use to post your job, including online job boards, social media platforms, marketplaces (in case you are looking to hire a freelance front-end developer), and your website.

Once you have posted the job, be sure to monitor the applications and respond promptly to any questions or requests for additional information. The goal is to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for both you and the candidates.

One of the most trustworthy channels to find front-end web developers is Aloa. With a team of highly vetted developers and experienced project managers, we make sure that you confidently move forward with your hiring process and build a strong team of front-end web developers that can help you achieve your business goals.

IV. Review And Screen The Resumes

The time-consuming process of evaluating and vetting resumes can be worth it in the end to locate the best applicant.

There are a few key things to look for when reviewing resumes:

• Technical Skills: Obviously, you'll want to make sure that the candidates have the necessary technical skills for the job. But don't just focus on hard skills like coding languages - also look for softer skills and experience with user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design.
• Portfolio: A great way to get an idea of a candidate's work is to look at their portfolio. Do they have examples of previous work that is relevant to the job you're looking to fill?
• Cultural Fit: It's also important to consider whether or not a candidate would be a good fit for your company's culture. Do their values align with your own? Would they be a good fit for your development team?

Once you've reviewed resumes and identified a few candidates that seem like a good fit, it's time to move on to the next step in the process: Interviews.

V. Conduct The Interviews

Once you have shortlisted the potential candidates based on the skills and qualifications that you are aiming at, you can then start conducting interviews with candidates that fit your criteria.

It's always a good idea to be well-prepared for an interview. Bring a notepad with you to the interview so you can jot down key points, questions, or information that you want to remember or refer to later.

During the interview process, be sure to ask each candidate about their previous work experience, their coding abilities, as well as their creative problem-solving skills. You should also give them a chance to showcase their skills by asking them to complete a short coding exercise or take-home test.

As an interviewer, creating a calming and relaxed environment during the interview can have a significant impact on the outcome of the conversation. A calm atmosphere can help the interviewee feel at ease, allowing them to be more open and confident in their responses. This, in turn, can lead to a more productive and informative interview for both parties.

By taking the time to conduct thorough interviews, you will find the best front-end developer for your business requirements and ensure that they are a good fit for your in-house team.

VI. Shortlist The Right Candidate

After the interview sessions are over, there are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind for shortlisting the candidates. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the candidate you are about to shortlist has a strong understanding of both web design and user experience. The ideal candidate should also have a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

In addition to these technical skills, you should also think about how well the shortlisted recruit will fit into your company's culture. After all, even the most talented developers won’t do their best work if they’re not happy in their environment.

Finally, ensure that the candidate you are going to make an offer to is willing to learn and adapt as new front-end technologies emerge. The front-end development landscape is constantly changing, so your developer must be able to stay ahead of the curve.

VII. Make An Offer

After deciding on a front-end developer you would like to hire, the next step is to make them an offer. The offer should include:

• The start date of the position
• The monthly salary that you are willing to pay them
• The benefits that you are willing to provide (health insurance, 401k, etc.)

Once you’ve made the offer, don’t rush the candidates. Give them ample time to think about it. And be prepared to make a counteroffer since some candidates may try to renegotiate your offer further in search of more compensation and other advantages.

Make sure the candidate signs the non-disclosure agreement once everything has been settled and he is prepared to sign the employment contract. This will help you in maintaining information privacy, prevent others from stealing your concepts or work, and protect trade secrets.

16 Websites For Hiring Professional Frontend Developers

Discover the top 16 companies that can provide you with access to talented front-end developers for your hiring needs.

1. Aloa - Top Pick

At Aloa, we are dedicated to delivering the best front-end developers in the industry. Our stringent vetting process ensures that only the most talented and proficient individuals are added to our team.

We offer a comprehensive outsourcing solution for businesses of all sizes, aimed at providing effective solutions to complex problems. We recognize the challenges and risks associated with hiring both remote and in-house teams and strive to provide a one-stop-shop solution for your frontend development needs that streamlines the entire process.

With Aloa, you can rest assured that your remote development teams are in safe hands. Our user-friendly client portal offers real-time project tracking and allows seamless integration with Slack, allowing you to easily collaborate with your team.

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to start your development project, look no further than Aloa. Our customized platform, dedicated support, and commitment to quality make us the go-to choice for businesses seeking to hire the best front-end developers.

2. TechAhead - Disruptive Front-End Solutions

TechAhead is a renowned software and app development company, boasting a highly selective team of over 250 skilled front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers. Since 2009, the company has gained a reputation for crafting innovative solutions that enhance user engagement and strengthen brand connections.

TechAhead's expertise has been leveraged by an impressive array of Fortune 500 and global brands, including AXA, ESPN, Disney, and American Express, among others.

The company's portfolio is a testament to its mastery of in-demand development languages and frameworks, having successfully delivered over 2000 solutions to date. TechAhead is particularly well-known for its expertise in front-end development and its innovative methodology in this area, making it an ideal choice to hire a front-end developer.

3. MindInventory - The most Robust Front-End Development

MindInventory is a highly reputable name in the world of front-end development, offering a team of seasoned professionals who collaborate with clients to deliver exceptional results. The company has established itself as a reliable partner for renowned brands such as Tinder, Maersk, and Panasonic, among others.

With a track record of over 2500 successful products, the skilled teams at MindInventory have a wealth of experience in crafting comprehensive web and mobile solutions. The company provides a flexible hiring model which allows clients to augment their in-house teams with qualified front-end developers to simplify the creation of complex applications that align with their organizational needs.

4. Oxagile - Continuous Value Delivery

Oxagile is a highly acclaimed software development company, recognized by Fortune 500 and Forbes 2000 customers for its exceptional front-end development services. With a team of over 500 experienced developers, the company excels at providing tailored software solutions that leverage the latest technology and adopt a low-risk approach to deliver outstanding results without compromising on quality.

Oxagile's impact can be seen in the widespread use of its products by over 1 billion people. The company takes privacy and security seriously, adhering to OWASP recommendations at every stage of the development process.

5. Intersog - Front-End Talent For Every Project

Intersog is a renowned front-end development company specializing in the creation of cutting-edge front-end solutions utilizing modern technologies and frameworks. The company is well-equipped to meet the unique needs of each of its clients with a broad range of sector-specific expertise, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Finance & Banking
• Retail & eCommerce
• Transport & Automotive

In addition to their technical proficiency, Intersog is committed to providing clients with a seamless and convenient experience. With international delivery centers located across the US, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, and Israel, the company can accommodate the needs of businesses from around the world.

Whether you are looking for a partner to help you achieve your next big business goal or require specialized solutions to streamline your operations, Intersog is your reliable source for expert front-end development.

6. Zibtek - Cost-Efficient Front-End Solutions

For companies seeking advanced front-end solutions, Zibtek is the ideal partner. With a focus on delivering customized, innovative, and scalable outcomes, the company offers two versatile outsourcing models to meet the unique needs of each client. The team's expertise in agile methodology ensures efficient and effective results.

In addition to its technical prowess, Zibtek is renowned for its affordability. The company provides businesses with the opportunity to achieve their goals without exceeding their budget. Whether you're looking to bring your ideas to life or streamline your operations, Zibtek is the smart choice for companies of all sizes.

7. Waverly - High-Impact Front-End Solutions

Waverly is a well-known provider of front-end development solutions, bringing together some of the industry's most skilled and talented developers. With teams located across Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, Waverly offers organizations the flexibility to hire a senior front-end developer on a standalone basis or to assemble a full, dedicated team.

At Waverly, quality is a top priority. The company only employs certified and experienced developers. Additionally, their quick onboarding process allows them to assemble a team of front-end software developers in a matter of weeks, providing end-to-end, customized development services tailored to meet each client's unique needs and requirements.

8. Adeva - Community-Driven Approach

Adeva is a platform that specializes in connecting startups and corporations with top-tier front-end developers. Boasting a vast network of over 10,000 highly skilled professionals, Adeva can quickly match you with a front-end programmer who aligns with your specific requirements. With a quick turnaround time of just 72 hours, you can have a new front-end developer on board and ready to hit the ground running.

In addition to its speed and efficiency, Adeva offers a flexible outsourcing model that allows you to scale your team as needed. Whether you require an individual front-end web developer to work 20 to 40 hours per week or an entire dedicated team, Adeva has the expertise and resources to make it happen.

With a 98% engagement success rate and a pool of experienced coders and architects, Adeva is a reliable and effective solution for all your front-end development needs.

9. Velvetech - Experience Genuine Innovation

As a team of over 150 skilled software engineers, Velvetech offers comprehensive front-end development services. Partner with them as your technology ally and benefit from their expertise, ranging from idea validation and market analysis to development and launch.

Recognized as a trusted Microsoft Gold Partner, Velvetech provides quick access to experienced front-end programmers and dedicated teams. Their proven track record of delivering 1000+ projects and ability to produce proof of concept in just 3 days, make them a leading choice for front-end development across various platforms, including desktop software, mobile apps, IoT systems, cloud apps, and machine learning-based products.

10. Coding Pixel - Growth-Driven Front-End Development

Coding Pixel is a distinguished front-end development company known for delivering exceptional apps, websites, and software solutions. With a team of over 100 highly skilled professionals, they strive to empower businesses to achieve their goals.

Since its inception, Coding Pixel has been serving top-tier global organizations, creating custom-made online platforms for a variety of industries including dating, health and fitness, blockchain, and eCommerce.

Their expertise in front-end development, combined with their commitment to delivering seamless user experiences, has established them as a leader in the industry. Whether you're looking to develop a new platform or improve an existing one, Coding Pixel is your trusted partner for front-end development success.

11. Radixweb - On Time & On Budget

For over two decades, Radixweb has been a leading provider of top front-end development services. The company stays ahead of the curve by utilizing the latest front-end technologies and possessing a thorough understanding of technical nuances to create feature-rich enterprise solutions.

With a proven track record of delivering 98% of projects on-time and on-budget, Radixweb has earned the trust of over 3000 customers from 25 countries. Their exceptional commitment to quality has resulted in a remarkable 93% client retention rate, demonstrating their ability to consistently exceed customer expectations.

12. Redwerk - Prioritizing Speed & Quality

Redwerk, founded in 2005, is a trusted software development company with a team of expert software engineers specializing in high-quality front-end development solutions. The company prioritizes both speed and quality, ensuring that you'll see tangible results within just 30 days of starting your project.

Redwerk's solutions are trusted by over 50 million users of their products worldwide and they take the privacy and confidentiality of their client's projects and information very seriously. The company implements strict non-disclosure agreements to protect your data and intellectual property and guarantees full ownership of the software produced for you, in compliance with all IP rights.

13. Seasia - Most Experienced Front-End Development Team

Seasia offers a comprehensive array of cutting-edge front-end development services at cost-effective prices. The company has a presence in 6 countries worldwide and boasts a talented team of specialists with extensive expertise in front-end development frameworks and technologies.

Out of its 700 team members, 500 are senior-level professionals. To uphold its high standards, Seasia carefully selects each team member through a rigorous recruitment process. The management only hires front-end engineers who have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience. You can either outsource your front-end development projects to Seasia or utilize its on-site team for your specific needs.

14. Kellton Tech - Technology-Agnostic Solutions

Kellton Tech is a world-renowned provider of desktop, web, and mobile software solutions, with a network of over 1800 developers. With a customer satisfaction rate of 98%, the company creates high-quality digital products using the most advanced front-end technologies.

For even greater cost savings, consider hiring a front-end developer through Kellton Tech's flexible business models. You could save up to 50% on your overall expenses, while still receiving the same exceptional level of service. The company adheres to strict industry standards and takes great care to protect your source code information.

15. OpenXcell - Best Development Infrastructure

OpenXcell is the perfect place to hire the best front-end developers with dual certification of CMMI Level 3 and ISO 9001: 2008. Their front-end developers receive continuous training to stay ahead of the latest industry trends and advancements. The company's project monitoring system is also unrivaled, ensuring the successful delivery of each project.

OpenXcell has a remarkable track record, having submitted over 3000 mobile apps that are currently used by over 15 million active users around the world. The company has also delivered 2000 customized software solutions, establishing partnerships with more than 750 entrepreneurs globally.

16. Topcoder - Top Crowdsourcing Expertise

Topcoder is a community of over 1.7 million skilled front-end web developers and digital professionals, all of whom have undergone a rigorous verification process to demonstrate their abilities. The platform provides performance ratings to help you assess each candidate's abilities and compare them to other top talents.

When you use Topcoder, you only pay for the results of your front-end development project, not for the time spent. The platform's dedicated team is also available to assist you in finding the right front-end talent for your needs. Thanks to its vast pool of talented professionals and innovative model, Topcoder can deliver your product 66% faster than other platforms.

Conclusion

Hiring front-end developers can be a challenge, especially if you're not sure where to look or what to look for. But with our comprehensive guide on how to hire frontend developers, you'll find the best candidates for your needs in no time.

Aloa has extensive experience in front-end development, and each product has a talented and motivated team of professionals working on it. As a result, we are aware of the difficulties that a new front-end development project can present.

We offer professional front-end developers to work with your in-house developers. These remote developers have been hand-picked after a rigorous screening and vetting process. The constant training sessions and boot camps ensure that our front-end developers stay updated with the latest technologies and advancements in the tech world.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected] or by visiting our website.