How are people getting on with finding Front End Developer roles? I am speaking to some serious talent in terms of Front End Development, React, Next.js and also Angular but a lot seem to be struggling to secure their next permanent role, following an unfortunate redundancy situation in their last position. I am finding that my clients and hiring managers are wanting to hire either back end or full stack (business logic) focused developers who can do front end. OR Product Design / UX who can do a bit of front end. Just wondering how others are finding their job search as a UI Developer?
Indeed, back-end developers can handle some front-end work—I’ve seen it done, and it works... to an extent. The challenge often lies in implementing for specific browsers, platforms, or devices. For instance, Apple vs. Android devices, legacy browser versions, or even different versions of the same browser (like IE9 if your audience is global and uses a wide variety of devices; Safari on Macs vs. handhelds) may behave differently in certain situations. Front-end developers are typically already familiar with these nuances, which saves time on testing and debugging, keeping sprints on schedule. An experienced developer knows when it’s best to create a custom solution to keep things lean or to use a multi-purpose Node module with a view to broader functionality in the future. This is a vast topic, and each party will have its own perspective.
Sounds like your describing me right now! I am actively searching for my next role due to redundancy situation with 6+ years experience in Front End Dev (Mainly React.js/Next.js focused). Getting a lot of interest but nothing concrete as of yet. I guess its not the best time of year for searching as everyones on their holidays! Its improving day by day however and I have a few interviews lined up. I do see a common pattern of companies only hiring 'Full Stack' developers, which can be a cost saving measure for sure, but I am a strong believer in the individual focus on Front End and Back End with importance on collaboration between the two. That way the skills of each can be developed and used to their full potential instead of being just OK at both. Cheers!
Very True, I am actively searching for my next role due to redundancy situation. Between I always believe that master one thing makes it more better than scattered knowledge. FE Developers can also work on Email templates, graphic design, Product Designs, UI/UX and SEO, alongside with tools like Wordpress, shopify etc. In my experience I have seen fullstack developers working on FE, I mean it will be good, but when it comes to responsiveness or complex designs they will not be able to do it. Thats where FE can be very helpful. Cheers.
Had a call with a front end (react, typescript, node) developer who was made redundant 3 months ago. I secured him an interview and he was unsuccessful. I worked his account hard, pitching him out to clients new and old and eventually had to put my hands up and tell him, I can't place him. He called today and said he is still looking. It's madness, that same candidate, I would have had my hand bitten off for just 2 years ago. So in short, the answer to your role is, clients I've approached are not hiring Front End Developers as they did several years ago.
i typically apply on LinkedIn
i share the same feeling, nowadays if you ask for 1, you'll get 10 developers who know Frontend. The market is sort of oversaturated for frontend guys even the good experienced ones
Senior Front-End Developer (25 years exp) immediately available for contract React work | 140 recommendations
4moI have never in 25 years met or worked with a single full-stack developer that’s truly any good at front-end. I know this will trigger some people, but the true front-enders out there know I’m speaking the truth. Front end development done well is an absolute art form, which takes decades to get seriously good at. The emergence of full stack roles are interesting as it brings to the surface some seriously clever and adaptable individuals. I’m often mesmerized by how versatile some of them are. However, when they’re put in control of the front-end, I see more often than not really poorly executed UIs. It pains me to see it. I must say however, put me in a team alongside a cracking full-stack dev where I’m permitted to oversee the front end show … and magic often happens.