Front end development plays a crucial role in how users experience websites and digital applications.
From layout and navigation to responsiveness and accessibility, front end developers are responsible for creating the visual and interactive elements that users engage with. Whether you’re expanding an in house team or planning a short-term project, knowing how to hire front end developer talent is an important step in building reliable, user-friendly digital products.
This guide explores key considerations when hiring, including technical skills, project requirements, team structure, and the hiring process itself. It also covers how to evaluate portfolios, conduct interviews, and decide between freelance front end developers and permanent team members. If you’re at the stage where you’re ready to begin the process, you can hire front end developers through various platforms and services that specialise in connecting businesses with skilled professionals.
Whether you’re looking for junior front end developers or more experienced developers, making the right hiring decision starts with understanding the role and its demands. The sections below outline practical steps to help guide your decision-making process.
What Front End Developers Do
Front end developers focus on the parts of a website or application that users interact with directly. Their work involves coding the user interface, ensuring cross browser compatibility, optimising performance, and working closely with designers and back-end developers throughout the web development process. They often use front end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.
As part of a broader development team, front end programmers contribute to shaping how users experience your product. Their knowledge of responsive design, accessibility, and performance optimisation makes them essential to any software development effort, whether for web platforms or mobile apps.
Defining Project Requirements
Before starting the hiring process, clarify your front end development project goals. Determine the scale, expected timeline, and technical needs. A small landing page may be suited to a freelance developer, while a complex web application might require multiple in house developers with specific experience.
Identifying the project’s complexity helps determine whether you need a junior front end developer, a mid-level coder, or a senior front end developer capable of leading a team. Clearly outlining your expectations and project requirements will shape your hiring strategy and reduce the chances of misalignment later.
In House, Remote, or Freelance?
There are several ways to build a front end team, each with benefits and trade-offs:
- In House Developers: Suitable for long-term projects and close collaboration. They typically align well with company culture and can contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
- Remote Developers: Offer flexibility and a broader talent pool. Remote work is increasingly common, especially in distributed development agencies or global teams.
- Freelance Front End Developers: Useful for short-term or highly specific tasks. They allow you to scale up quickly but may require extra effort in project management and communication.
The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and whether you have the internal resources to support a distributed or hybrid team.
Writing the Job Description
A well-structured job description attracts the right candidates and filters out those without the relevant front end development experience. It should include:
- A clear summary of the role
- Technical skills required (e.g., frameworks, version control systems)
- Desired soft skills and communication skills
- Whether the role is remote, in house, or hybrid
- Information about the company’s mission and team culture
It also helps to include details about the web development process you follow and the types of projects the developer may be involved in.
Evaluating Developer Skills
To hire a front end developer with the right skills, a robust screening process is key. This typically includes reviewing portfolios, conducting technical assessments, and assessing soft skills.
Reviewing the Developer’s Portfolio
A developer’s portfolio offers insight into their past projects, problem solving abilities, and visual design sensibilities. Look for examples that align with your project’s complexity, particularly those involving multiple projects or collaborative work with other developers.
For junior developers, evaluate potential and learning capacity. For senior developers, consider how they’ve contributed to project leadership, architecture decisions, or innovative solutions.
Technical Assessments and Interviews
Use technical interviews and assessments to test essential skills such as:
- Front end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Use of frameworks and libraries
- Familiarity with version control
- Understanding of cross browser compatibility
- Debugging and optimisation techniques
Coding challenges, pair programming tasks, or practical take-home assignments are common methods. Assess not just whether they can write functional code, but how they approach problems and work within a structured development process.
Evaluating Soft Skills
Soft skills are particularly important in collaborative environments. Look for candidates who can communicate effectively, adapt to team dynamics, and provide input during planning phases. Strong front end engineers are not only technical experts but also good listeners, able to interpret feedback from designers, users, and stakeholders.
Interview Process Structure
To streamline the hiring process, consider the following steps:
- Application Review – Focus on relevant experience and developer’s skills.
- Initial Interview – Evaluate cultural fit, communication, and enthusiasm.
- Technical Interview – Include hands-on tasks or technical questions.
- Project Discussion – Explore past projects, developer’s portfolio, and real-world problem solving.
- Team Fit Assessment – Especially for in house team roles, ensure they align with existing workflows.
Staying Updated on Industry Trends
Front end development evolves rapidly, with new tools, languages, and practices emerging regularly. When hiring, consider how well candidates keep up with industry trends. Do they engage with developer communities, attend conferences, or contribute to open-source projects?
These habits often signal a proactive mindset and a desire to improve — qualities that benefit your company over time.
Project Management and Collaboration
Once hired, front end developers should integrate into your existing project management framework. Whether using Agile, Scrum, or another methodology, clear communication, role definition, and timelines are essential. Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative platforms helps developers contribute efficiently from day one.
If your project is managed remotely, setting up regular check-ins, documentation standards, and clear channels for feedback will help keep progress on track.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to hire front end developer talent involves more than just reviewing technical qualifications. It requires a holistic approach that includes understanding the development process, aligning on project requirements, and choosing the right type of engagement — whether in house, freelance, or remote.
By evaluating both technical and soft skills, exploring a candidate’s past projects, and defining clear expectations from the outset, you can build a capable and adaptable front end team. Whether you’re hiring for a single front end development project or scaling up for multiple projects, the right developer can make a lasting impact on your product’s success.
