We get many applications and questions about the Front End Developer role so we thought we should clarify some of the aspects right here on the blog. Here we go:
What software/frameworks do I need to know and master (besides HTML/CSS, Photoshop)? I would like to work in the Front End department more than in the Back-End department.
At eJump, the Front End developer has different tasks and attributions than a Back End developer. But anyone who wants to learn more and go toward the Back-End side of things will have our complete support because these 2 positions complete each other.
You should know that we work a lot with platforms like WordPress. HTML and CSS are also fundamental and need to be mastered. Being experienced in working with several frameworks is definitely an advantage. We try to use frameworks and libraries (CodeIgniter, React, Redux, Laravel etc.) and avoid building some things from scratch in order to spend more time on the creative process and on improving the user experience.
Photoshop is only used to cut the elements that compose the design in order to be arranged in CSS after. Only basic Photoshop skills are expected.
What should a portfolio include?
When we look at the portfolio of a potential co-worker we would like to see a series of websites or apps developed by him or her. If all the projects are presented along with a description of the things the applicant has done for that project, all in a nice and easy to understand way, then it’s a given that we already like that applicant more than the rest. This means he or she is organized and loves to create things that are easy to understand at a first glance by anyone. We can assume that this work ethic will be found in the code he or she will write and that would make us very happy.
HINT! If you are a beginner front end developer and don’t have and extensive portfolio or real projects with clients, we won’t mind if we find in the portfolio apps or websites created for learning purposes- with the condition that this fact is visibly stated.
We will appreciate a lot if the projects (even the demo ones) are modern and, frankly, spectacular.
How much experience do I need to have for a junior/entry level position?
One of the things we value is excellent work and that’s also the first thing we look at. So we actually prefer to see fewer projects, but modern, cool, and of higher quality, rather than numerous mediocre ones.
We tend to look at the potential of a co-worker, so the “on paper” experience or certifications will matter less than what you can actually do or are willing to learn and your desire to do so. We believe that more complex technical aspects, frameworks and such, can be learned rather quickly with some support if there is the desire to learn and improve. To us, truly creative ideas and the will to always create something of value are the things that matter the most. We will always prefer to hire a fresh freelancer with only 6-12 months of experience, but who proves that he or she can rise to our standard and requirements, than to pick someone super-experienced and skilled but with no enthusiasm or desire to improve and adapt.
What kind of tests do I need to take to be considered?
The first step of the hiring process is the portfolio, preferably packed with high-quality and interesting projects. This is a must and it helps us to go beyond the selection phase in order to invite the front-end developer to an interview, the friendly kind.
We try to figure out if a candidate is a match with our organizational culture from the answers to the interview questions. We also try to find out what would be the attitude and strategy of the candidate in some common client- designer- front end developer situations and how would he or she will try to solve these situations.
During the interview we ask some technical questions as well to get an idea about the experience and current skill-level of the candidate. If all goes well and you go to the next phase you will receive “homework”, meaning 2 very specific tasks to solve (usually some HMTL/CSS and/or JavaScript implementations done after a well-written brief). So there are no tests taken at a computer during the interview, at the office, but you will have the chance to prove your skills and vision.
If the implementation is done correctly and creatively and everybody in the team likes it, then it is very probable that you will be part of the eJump team soon.
Does this answer your questions too? If not, contact us right away.
