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| Finding the Right Front End Developer Job Posting for You |
Searching for a front end developer job can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the field. With so many job titles and requirements to parse through, how do you know if a posting is the right fit?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what to look for in front end developer job listings so you can find roles aligned with your skills and career goals.
Key Takeaways:
Front end developer job titles can vary widely across companies. Look beyond the job title to fully understand the role's responsibilities.
Evaluate if your skills and experience match up to the main requirements in the job description. You don't need to meet 100% of "nice-to-have" skills.
Tailor your resume, portfolio projects and interview answers to show how you fulfill the top responsibilities outlined.
Let's explore common sections in front end developer job postings, and how to interpret each, so you can start applying to roles that excite you.
Decoding Job Titles
Front end developer roles can go by various titles like:
- Front End Web Developer
- Front End Engineer
- UI Developer
- Web Developer
However, job titles don't always tell the full story of what the day-to-day work entails. You may even find listings labelled as "Front End Developer" that involve tasks beyond just front end work.
For example, some "Front End Developer" roles may also require:
- Creating mockups and prototypes
- Building sites with WordPress
- Some back end development work
Rather than focus solely on the job title, pay close attention to the actual responsibilities and requirements listed to determine if it aligns with the type of front end work you want to be doing.
Action Step
When searching for front end jobs on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed, cast a wide net on titles and include relevant skills in your search query, like "HTML", "JavaScript," "responsive design," etc. This helps surface suitable roles regardless of how the company labeled them.
Evaluating the Job Description
While responsibilities can be communicated in different ways, most postings will describe:
General responsibilities - Like implementing designs, optimizing performance
Specific duties - Such as the technologies used, types of projects, collaboration expectations
Soft skills needed - For example, communication, time management, being a team player
As a beginner, focus on the 2-3 core technical responsibilities that are most emphasized and match those up with your skillset.
You likely won't have experience with every single requirement—that's OK. Prioritize learning skills for the top responsibilities pre-interview to boost your confidence.
💡 Pro Tip: If core duties involve skills new to you, consider reaching out to developer friends or mentors to practice and get their take on whether you could pick them up on the job.
Action Step
Make a spreadsheet tracking the most common technical responsibilities you see across front end job listings that appeal to you. Identify patterns in core skills needed to tailor your learning and help you assess fit.
Interpreting Must-Have Skills
The qualifications section outlines both hard technical skills as well as soft skills employers want candidates to have.
For technical skills, expect to see requirements like:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript (non-negotiable)
- React, Angular
- Responsive design experience
- Git and version control
- Adobe Creative Cloud basics
Remember that typically the very first few skills listed are the ones that are an absolute must-have. These are the areas you would need at least intermediate confidence with.
It's rare that you'd need proficiency across a long list of cutting-edge frameworks and libraries. As a beginner, focus on nailing down core languages first.
When it comes to soft skills, most companies want people who:
- Learn quickly
- Work well with team members and stakeholders
- Handle constructive feedback well
- Communicate clearly
Notice a pattern? Soft skills tend to be more about mindset and emotional intelligence than years of experience. That's good news as a career changer.
Action Step
Make flashcards with soft skills typically wanted. Brainstorm stories from your past work experience that demonstrate these skills in action.
Evaluating Experience Levels
You may see phrases in job listings like:
- "3+ years of experience"
- "Expert-level JavaScript skills"
While it's good to have a general sense of what those expectations entail, don't get tripped up on years of experience requirements.
Focus instead on the actual responsibilities and if you can show examples of doing similar work, even if not formally employed as a front end developer in the past.
Some companies realize that setting strict experience requirements limits their pool of qualified talent. As an alternative, you may see language like:
- "Proficiency in JavaScript"
- "Comfortable with Git"
- "Familiarity with REST APIs"
The softer the language, the more flexibility there likely is on experience levels. Your goal then is demonstrating through past work and quick learning ability how you fulfill a "proficient" or "comfortable" skill level.
Action Step
When it seems like you could meet most but not all requirements, go ahead and apply anyway if the role excites you.
Convey excitement and fit through customizing your cover letter and portfolio. Bring up transferable skills from your background. Highlight quick ramp-up capability in the interview. Sell your potential.
Leveling Up Your Skills
While applying, continue sharpening your skills to better meet requirements for reach roles.
Ways to expand technical abilities:
- Take online courses in newer libraries like React or Vue
- Experiment with tools like CodePen for practice
- Watch tutorials from developer YouTube channels
- Replicate templates or designs from sites like Frontend Mentor
- Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub
- Clone landing pages of sites you admire using HTML/CSS/JS
The goal is having at least sample exposure to as many requirements as possible. Even if self-directed learning, that shows initiative to hiring managers.
For inspiration on projects to build out your portfolio, browse job listings you aspire to. Note down tools and responsibilities commonly requested that you want more hands-on practice with.
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