If you are a CTO in the pursuit of hiring a node js developer, you must be aware that only a candidate with a specific set of skills will help you with your project. Node.js is a runtime environment that is made based on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. It is recognized as a fascinating piece of software in the modern JavaScript universe. It is an entirely open-source environment used by giants like Uber, eBay, Walmart, Netflix, and many others.
So, if you are using JavaScript as a programming language for your web app projects, node.js is probably the best environment for you to use. But what about the developers working on the project? Here is what they should be experts.
Demand for Node js Developer
A statistic says that since 2020, more than 50% of web projects are done in Node.js. It means that the demand for Node.js developers is very high. The supply is relatively more minor as every CTOs is looking for a specific set of skills the developers should have, so not many candidates are fit for the project despite the node.js developers’ extensive knowledge of the libraries and features of the environment. So, what should you look for when you want to hire node js developers that will be suitable for your project?
- Thinking outside the box
Let’s start with the least obvious one – something plus that will separate the expert node.js developers from the rest. They will be able to think logically and have strong communication and collaboration skills. Since node.js is open-source, the developers should be able to look for the solution (the code) in the community first before trying to find the answer themselves. The Node.js ecosystem is vast, and there is probably a solution for any problem there might arise, so the developer should be able to find it quickly without losing precious time. You want to look for a developer who says, “is there an npm for that?” confronted with an issue.
However, don’t confuse this with the simple copy-paste technique. The developer you need should integrate the solution into the project by debugging it and testing it.
- In-house VS Outsourcing?
The next thing you consider is the model of hire you will choose – whether you are looking for an in-house teammate or you’d instead outsource the talent. Let’s take a look at both options.
In-house option
The In-house option will grant you the highest level of control as you can supervise each step of the development process personally, and you can keep things in power at any given time. Also, there will be no language and cultural limitations with an in-house expert. Therefore you will be able to avoid misunderstandings.
On the other hand, an in-house node.js developer can be costly since you need to spend a lot of money from the budget on recruitment, equipment, office place, and other perks the employee should enjoy. Also, there is the risk of abandonment – the node.js developer might leave quickly if they find a better opportunity.
Outsourcing option
With outsourcing node.js talent, you can quickly start the project since no time will be spent on recruiting, training, health insurance, vacations, etc. Plus, you can access the best talent out there; you can pick and choose the node.js developer according to their experience portfolio or get matched to them by a company that acts as the middleman with their platform. In this way, you can focus on your more critical business issues rather than the complete management of the team. You can save a lot and manage to finish the project as soon as possible.
On the other hand, there might be a problem with how the communication flow is established. You might face misunderstandings in the process of collaboration, especially if there is a language and culture barrier between you both. Moreover, the control over the development process will not be the same as with the in-house option. However, all comes down to the agency’s reliability that will connect you to the talent. If they keep things under control, this “not-having-complete-control-over-management” might prove to be a beneficial thing to your time, after all.
- Expert Tech Skills
Last but not least – is the tech skills any node js developer must have. Of course, the skill set depends on the level of expertise the node js developer has, but let’s sum everything up.
What to Look for in a Junior Node Js Developer?
● Basic knowledge (usually no experience as they are recent graduates) of Node.js and a strong will to learn
● JavaScript, HTML DOm and events
● HTML5 & CSS3
What to Look for in a Middle Node js Developer?
● More experienced developers who have already covered the junior skills and gained some experience in the field (2+ years, per se)
● JavaScript + at least one other programming language (C, PHP, Ruby, etc.)
● Understanding of MySQL, Docker, AWS, and other tools used for development and deployment
What to Look for in a Senior Node js Developer?
● More than five years of working experience with Node.js and a variety of completed projects in their portfolio
● Advanced knowledge of TypeScript/CoffeeScript
● Working experience with Angular, React, and other JS frameworks.
● Mastery of more than one programming language (apart from JavaScript)
● Knowledge of the SOLID Principles
● Knowledge of security requirements