A web developer (unless specified otherwise) is usually responsible for both server-side logic and front-end logic. They are usually tasked with the implementation of the visual elements that the users see and interact with in a web application, as well as the web services and APIs powering the front-end.
A web developer (unless specified otherwise) is usually responsible for both server-side logic and front-end logic. They are usually tasked with the implementation of the visual elements that the users see and interact with in a web application, as well as the web services and APIs powering the front-end. In case you want web developers who specialize in either front-end or back-end development, please refer to the corresponding job description template.
Writing a good job description and job advertisement for a full-stack web developer may not be as straight-forward as it seems. When you are looking for an advanced full-stack web developer, posting a generic web developer description in your job ad, will invite a large number of applications from people who are specialized in only either front-end or back-end development.
Since “full-stack web developer” is a fairly generic concept, not every advanced full-stack developer knows the exact same set of technologies. It is important to write a job description tuned to specific projects and requirements. This article will provide you with a sample full-stack web developer job description that will help you write a perfect job ad and assure that you easily find and hire the person that matches your specific criteria.
Web Developer - Job Description and Ad Template
Copy this template, and modify it as your own:
Company Introduction
{{Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about the company’s culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote working possibilities, and everything else you think of that makes your company interesting.}}
Job Description
We are looking for a Web Developer responsible for managing the interchange of data between the server and the users, as well as translating the UI/UX design wireframes to actual code that will produce the visual elements of the application. You will also design the overall architecture of the web application and evolve it to ensure maximum performance and stability.
Responsibilities
Design of the overall architecture of the web application
Implementation of a robust set of services and APIs to power the web application
Building reusable code and libraries for future use
Optimization of the application for maximum speed and scalability
Implementation of security and data protection
Translation of UI/UX wireframes to visual elements
Integration of the front-end and back-end aspects of the web application
{{Add other responsibilities here that are relevant}}
Skills and Qualifications
Proficient knowledge of a back-end programming language {{Depending on the specific case, a developer should have the knowledge of one or more: PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, .NET, JavaScript etc.}}
Understanding differences between multiple delivery platforms (such as mobile vs, desktop), and optimizing output to match the specific platform
Good understanding of server-side templating languages {{such as Jade, EJS, Jinja, etc. depending on your technology stack}}
Good understanding of server-side CSS preprocessors {{such as Stylus, Less, Sass etc. depending on your technology stack}}
Creating database schemas that represent and support business processes
Data migration, transformation, and scripting
Management of hosting environment, including database administration and scaling an application to support load changes
Understanding of fundamental design principles behind a scalable application
Ability to implement automated testing platforms and unit tests
Good understanding of {{Depending on the specific case, a developer should have knowledge of advanced JavaScript libraries and frameworks such as AngularJS, KnockoutJS, BackboneJS, ReactJS, DurandalJS etc.}}
Proficient understanding of client-side scripting and JavaScript frameworks, including jQuery {{or other frameworks such as Zepto, MooTools, etc. depending on project requirements}}
Basic knowledge of image authoring tools, ability to crop, resize, or perform small adjustments on an image. Familiarity with tools such as as Gimp or Photoshop is a plus.
Proficient understanding of code versioning tools {{e.g. Git, Mercurial or SVN}}
Familiarity with development aiding tools {{such as Bower, Bundler, Rake, Gulp, etc. depending on the technology stack}}
{{Make sure to mention other frameworks, libraries, or any other technology related to your development stack}}
{{List education level or certification you require}}
This guide offers a sampling of effective questions to help evaluate the breadth and depth of a candidate's mastery of web development, including client-side, server-side, transport, and database related topics.
Toptal is a marketplace for top web developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. Top companies and start-ups choose Toptal web freelancers for their mission critical software projects.
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Alex is a senior full-stack developer, working on the Microsoft platform for almost two decades. He has a strong background in IT security and secure coding practices combined with working with founders in fast-paced environments to create their software prototypes and MVPs. This combination gives Alex the skillset to correctly judge and explain trade-offs in designing software between value-generating functionality, your budget/timeline, and a reliable maintainable software system.
Mike is a seasoned full-stack developer and software architect with in-depth knowledge of Node.js, Ruby on Rails, and React. He has a unique ability of understanding and translating business requirements into development roadmaps. In his previous roles as a team lead and CTO, he has developed strong project management and communication skills.
Peter strives for pixel-perfect front-end responsive websites. Using preprocessors and following best practices, he delivers maintainable and well-structured code. His WordPress and PHP skills give him the ability to also develop for the back-end. Thanks to his proactive attitude, effective communication, and flexibility, he can adapt to any team conditions in a short amount of time.
Alejandro got his bachelor's degree in software engineering in 2005 and has since been working for software companies of all sizes from all around the globe as a freelancer. Currently, he enjoys working as a full-stack architect in JavaScript projects, where his experience and his deep understanding of architecture and theory are most impactful.
United KingdomToptal Member Since September 19, 2013
Ilya is an IT consultant, web architect, and manager with over a decade of experience building and leading teams, training colleagues and making processes work in the long term by building effective workflows and transparent documentation. Ilya's domain knowledge includes robotics, news, online security, healthcare, online marketing, and travel.
With over a decade in the software industry, Tadej has helped startups launch their first product, assisted FTSE 100 enterprises with digital transformation, been a part of the fintech boom, and helped particle accelerators cool down. He loves creating scalable back ends and is an expert in crafting modern and performant mobile, web, and desktop apps.
United StatesToptal Member Since September 3, 2019
Tristan has been programming since he got his first computer at the age of 10. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science from the University of Chicago. After graduating, he went to work at YouTube/Google, on the HTML5 video player, improving live streaming latency from 15 seconds to 2 seconds and enabling new uses cases like a gapless transition for ad videos.
Kendall is an experienced WordPress developer with a background in design, development, and strategy with the ability to see projects from all angles. Kendall has experience with WordPress, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), custom themes, and plugins. He provides technical, creative, and business insights to all projects he works on.
Dan has been an expert in the technology field for 25 years and has collaborated with several large firms, such as Oracle, and Accenture, including startups. He also had the chance to develop his own business. His latest technology focus has been on eCommerce, full-stack web development, and ElasticSearch. Dan had many opportunities to architect and deliver large-scale solutions to clients while staying hands-on with the technology throughout his career.
Joey has been working to create high-quality single page applications for the last three years. He specializes in web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and has experience with multiple front end and back end JavaScript frameworks.
