How to hire a full stack developer: A 6-step guide

A full-stack developer handles every aspect of the development process, including an app’s front-end and back-end. 

Selecting and testing candidates’ programming skills can be a daunting task. Not to mention how hiring the wrong full-stack developer is costly and wastes valuable time and resources. 

This step-by-step guide helps you learn how to hire a full stack developer by exploring: 

• Skills to look for in a full-stack developer and 

• How to evaluate them using talent assessments for full stack devs

• Where to find the best candidates

• Average full-stack developer salary

• Questions to use when interviewing full-stack developer candidates

What is a full-stack developer?

A full-stack developer is a tech expert skilled in handling front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) aspects of web development. These software engineers have a comprehensive understanding of various programming languages, databases, and design frameworks, which support the development process from the initial idea to the final product.

Keep in mind that web development consists of two factions: 

• Back-end development: Involves all the server-side and behind-the-scenes elements like APIs, databases, servers, and back-end logic needed to power a website or mobile application (like those for iOS and Android)

• Front-end development: Handles user interaction and everything a user sees, like the buttons, website design, forms, and other graphical elements

Full-stack developers are proficient in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and Javascript and have a deep understanding of back-end technologies like frameworks, databases, and server-side scripting.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers’ employment is expected to grow by 16% between today and 2032. This shows how quickly the high demand for skillful full-stack developers is increasing and why so many programmers are pursuing this career. 

Types of full-stack developers

Different full-stack developers specialize in various technology stacks, such as:

• MEAN stack developers: Specialize in MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js, which are ideal for building dynamic websites and applications

• MERN stack developers: Use MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, which are excellent for creating high-performing, scalable applications

• LAMP stack developers: Focus on Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, providing stability and robustness in open-source web development and mobile app development

• Full-stack JavaScript developers: Use JavaScript technologies across for seamless application development processes

• LEMP stack developers: Work with Linux, Nginx, MySQL, and PHP, offering an alternative to the LAMP stack with a focus on high-performance

• Python full-stack developers: Use Python along with frameworks like Django or Flask, known for their simplicity and efficiency in building scalable web apps

Why hire a full stack developer?

A full-stack web developer can handle the front-end and back-end of web development, which makes them invaluable for creating a more efficient development process.

Although full-stack developers still need support from specialized roles, they can bring a comprehensive understanding of several technologies, leading to more integrated and consistent outcomes.

Full-stack developers are particularly valuable for startups and small to medium-sized businesses that require an agile development approach. They are also essential for larger organizations working on innovative projects that demand rapid prototyping and iterative updates.

So, when is the right time to hire a full stack engineer?

The best times to hire full-stack developers are when you:

• Initiate a project and need to create a basic project architecture

• Need a technical lead 

• Want to build a minimum viable product

• Need better coordination and flexibility in the development services team

• Want to improve development process efficiency

10 fundamental skills to look for in an excellent full-stack developer

When looking at how to hire full stack developers who excel, it’s crucial to identify a mix of hard and soft skills that contribute to their effectiveness in the role. 

So, what is a full stack developer’s ideal skill profile?

Let’s see why these skills are important and how to measure them in your candidates.

Full-stack developer hard skills

Let’s take a look at the technical skills full-stack developers must have:

• Front-end development: Full-stack developers must know how to create visually appealing web interfaces, which is why they need to be proficient in one or more front-end languages. These include HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript, jQuery, and React.js.

• Back-end development: Focusing on the server side of websites involves handling the logic, data storage, and communication between the front-end interface and the underlying databases. Mastering one or more back-end languages like Python, Ruby, Java, or Node.js is essential for building robust server-side components and APIs. 

• Database management: Knowledge of database systems and languages like SQL (Structured Query Language), MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB is crucial to storing, retrieving, and manipulating data efficiently. 

• API integration: Full-stack developers should be well-versed in integrating third-party APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) in their websites to enhance their functionality. They should understand the concepts of RESTful APIs, authentication mechanisms, and handling API requests and responses. 

• Web servers: Full-stack developers should be proficient in deploying applications to various hosting environments, managing server configurations, and optimizing server performance to ensure smooth operation and scalability. They should also be familiar with Apache or Nginx to configure server settings, handle routing, and ensure efficient delivery of web content.

If you’re interested in how TestGorilla can help you measure these hard skills in full-stack developer candidates, book a live demo.

Full-stack developer soft skills

Full-stack developers need the right soft skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members, clients, and stakeholders and deliver projects on time. 

Here are some of the skills you should look for in your next full-stack developer: 

• Effective communication: Helps skilled developers present ideas, explain technical concepts, and actively listen to understand project requirements and user experience needs. Assessing candidates’ communication skills ensures smooth teamwork, prevents misunderstandings, and helps achieve project goals.

• Problem-solving: Full-stack developers often need to use problem solving skills to overcome challenges like code not compiling, issues with data integration, and APIs not working. They need to be able to analyze problems, identify potential solutions, and implement effective strategies to solve complex obstacles. 

• Project management: To be efficient, full stack web developers should set realistic goals, estimate project timelines, and manage their tasks efficiently to meet deadlines. Strong project management skills help full-stack developers work effectively in teams, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and ensure their work aligns with the broader objectives of the project they’re working on.

• Adaptability: Top candidates should be able to adapt to changes in existing technologies and the emergence of new ones to deliver high-quality code. Curiosity and open-mindedness help full-stack developers stay on top of the latest industry trends. It also helps to be flexible when working with team members across different time zones.

• Attention to detail: Seemingly complex issues can result from simple spelling mistakes, syntax errors, or indentation mistakes somewhere in the code. Excellent attention to detail is needed in such situations to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the work.

If you want to include TestGorilla’s talent assessments in your hiring process, sign up for a free forever plan.

6 steps on how to hire full-stack developers

These six steps serve as a comprehensive guide to streamlining full stack developer recruitment and ensuring you attract candidates with the technical and soft skills necessary for the role.

Summary on how to hire a full-stack developer

What is a full-stack developer recruitment strategy that delivers results? Take a quick look at the most necessary steps in the vetting process:

1. Consider your company’s needs

Before starting the hiring process, you first need to go over your project’s scope, budget, and long-term development plans to decide whether you need a freelance or full-time full-stack developer.

Freelancers typically offer more flexible rates and can be cost-effective for short-term projects. For example, freelance full-stack developers charge anywhere from $40 to $160 per hour, depending on their expertise and location. 

In comparison, the total pay for a full-stack developer salary is around $103,000, according to Glassdoor.

Freelancers can also quickly adapt to your development project’s needs, which is great for tight deadlines or when you require specialized skills for a short duration.

If you hire an in-house full-stack engineer full-time, you get the advantage of building a long-term relationship, deeper understanding of the company’s goals, and better teamwork.

Full-time developers are consistently available, which helps them integrate into your team and processes, supports ongoing projects and maintenance, and ensures stability.

To determine whether you want to hire a full-stack web developer for short or long periods, consider:

• Project scope and duration

• Total cost that includes benefits, equipment, and training

• Existing dev team structure and dynamics

• Long-term plans and goals

2. Identify the best recruitment channels

If you want to attract the best full-stack developers, you need to pick the right hiring sources. Keep in mind that the best candidates stay on the market for 10 days only, so you need to move fast.

Here’s where to look:

• Tech job boards: Specialized job boards can connect you directly with professionals with the specific skills you seek. The best options include Stack Overflow and GitHub Jobs, where you can find developers with a proven track record of working on collaborative projects.

• Freelance platforms: For companies looking to hire freelance talent, freelance platforms are the way to go. The best options include the biggest platforms like Upwork and Toptal, which have more rigorous screening processes to hire developers.

• Professional networking websites: In addition to supporting networking, these websites are excellent recruitment tools. That’s why you should include Microsoft’s LinkedIn or more startup and tech-oriented platforms like AngelList in your full-stack developer recruitment strategy.

3. Create a clear full-stack software developer job description

Creating a clear full-stack developer job description sets clear expectations and tech-stack requirements for the role. It helps attract candidates with the right front-end and back-end skills, ensuring a more efficient hiring process.

Here’s how to create a good full-stack software developer job description:

• Start with a brief introduction of the role and your company

• Clearly outline the responsibilities and project needs

• Specify must-have and nice-to-have skills

• Mention essential soft skills

• Be transparent about salary and benefits

• Use language that supports diversity

• End with a clear invitation to apply

Sample full stack developer job description

Below, you can find a full stack software developer job description template. Feel free to copy and modify it based on your needs. 

Job Title: Full-stack developer [Mention the required stack]

Job Description:

We at [YOUR COMPANY NAME] seek a skilled and experienced full-stack developer to join our development team. 

As a full-stack developer at our company, you are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining web applications, from front-end user interfaces to back-end server components. You need to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless integration of various elements and deliver robust, scalable, and user-friendly web products. 

The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of front-end and back-end technologies, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain responsive web applications from the ground up

• Collaborate with designers and other team members to create intuitive user interfaces

• Write efficient and reusable code for front-end and back-end development

• Implement and integrate APIs to enhance application functionality

• Troubleshoot and debug technical issues promptly

• Optimize applications for maximum speed and scalability

• Ensure the security and data protection of web applications

• Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends

Requirements:

• Strong proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and one or more back-end languages/frameworks (e.g., Python, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, Java, or Node.js)

• Experience with front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js

• Knowledge of database systems and SQL

• Familiarity with version control systems tools like Git

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills

• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment

• Great attention to detail

Nice-to-haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

• Proven experience as a full-stack developer or similar role

Salary: [$X to $Y]

Benefits: [list all your company’s benefits]

If you want to join our team as a full-stack developer at [YOUR COMPANY NAME], please apply below. We look forward to your application.

Want general guidance on creating a job description for a web dev? Check out our step-by-step guide to creating a web developer job description.

4. Use talent assessments to measure skill levels

The State of Skills-Based Hiring in Tech 2024 found that 97% of tech employers using skills-based hiring reduce mis-hires. This is higher than the industry-wide average of 90%.

To assess applicants’ skills objectively and hire the right web developers for your team, you need to have the right tools. TestGorilla provides numerous screening tests, which you can use to evaluate the skills of your candidates and see who meets your requirements.

That includes:

• JavaScript Debugging test

• SQLite Coding test

• Python Coding test

• HTML5 test

• English Proficiency test (C1)

• Communication Skills test

These talent assessments help you test candidates’ hard and soft skills, shortlist the most skilled applicants, and invite them to structured interviews. 

For example, the JavaScript Debugging test uses questions like the one below to assess the ability to interpret JavaScript code and debug it according to requirements.

You can combine up to five tests in a single assessment and include customized questions to better gauge your applicants’ suitability for the role. 

With TestGorilla, it’s easy to be mindful of applicants’ time, too – most tests only take 10 minutes to complete, with some taking up to 30 minutes. 

Our platform also comes with comprehensive anti-cheating measures to help ensure objective evaluation of candidates without compromising the validity of the assessments. 

If you want to start using TestGorilla’s talent assessments, sign up for a free forever plan today.

5. Ask the right interview questions

In the next stage, you should ask web-development interview questions for additional candidate assessment.

Here are some sample interview questions to help you assess a full-stack developer’s skills and expertise:

• What is the concept of RESTful APIs and how are they used in web development?

• In web development, what is the purpose of a namespace?

• How would you optimize a website or web application’s performance?

• In HTML, what is the purpose of Canvas?

• Tell me about popular front-end frameworks and libraries you’ve worked with.

• Are you familiar with the process of authentication and authorization in websites and applications?

• How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in web development?

Look for candidates who show a strong understanding of back-end and front-end technologies. Assess their familiarity with relevant programming languages, frameworks, databases, and other tools you use in your tech stack.

You can also use additional questions to evaluate their analytical and problem-solving skills:

• How do you prioritize tasks and manage time to meet project deadlines?

• Explain your process of debugging and troubleshooting web applications.

• How do you design and develop a website from start to finish? Can you walk us through the process?

• Can you provide an example of the time you faced a challenging technical problem and how you resolved it?

Pay attention to each candidate’s approach to problem-solving and their ability to explain technical concepts clearly. Assess their communication skills because these are crucial for working with other developers, designers, and stakeholders.

6. Onboard new full-stack web developers

After you hire full-stack developers, it’s time to onboard them to ensure they understand their roles, responsibilities, and the company culture from day one.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Provide a welcome kit that includes essential tools, access to software, and company swag to make them feel part of the team

• Conduct an orientation session to introduce them to the company culture, policies, and their team members

• Arrange a series of technical sessions to familiarize them with the specific tech stack, codebase, and development processes your team uses

• Pair the new developer with an experienced mentor for guidance and support during their initial phase

• Start with smaller, manageable tickets to help them build confidence before giving them more complex tasks

• Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to address any questions, provide feedback, and ensure a smooth transition

How much do full-stack developers cost? 

According to data collected by Indeed, the average base full stack developer salary in the United States is around $123,000, with up to $5,500 in cash bonuses every year. 

The salary range varies from around $80,000 to around $190,000 and depends on several factors, such as experience, skill set, location, education, certifications, company size, and industry.

Curious to know more? Check out our guide on what to pay a full-stack developer.

Hire the best full-stack developers with TestGorilla

Full-stack developers play an important role in front-end and back-end development due to their comprehensive skill set.

If you’re wondering how to hire a full-stack developer, the best option is to use talent assessments. By focusing on skills rather than resumes, you can streamline your hiring process and increase the likelihood of finding a developer who truly fits your needs.

Request a demo to see firsthand how our platform works and how it can be tailored to your specific hiring needs. You can also explore our features with a comprehensive product tour that explains our skills assessment platform in detail. 

The best option is to sign up for our free forever plan and experience all the benefits of TestGorilla’s talent assessments firsthand. 

How to hire a full-stack developer FAQs

Do you still have questions about how to hire full-stack developers? Find the answers below.

How do I recruit full-stack developers?

To recruit full-stack developers, start by clearly defining the role and its requirements. Advertise the position on specialized tech job boards, freelance platforms, and professional networking sites. Use talent assessments to measure hard and soft skills and conduct structured interviews to confirm a good person-organization fit. Offering competitive compensation and extensive benefits can help attract and retain top full-stack programmers.

How do I hire a freelance full-stack developer?

1. Define your project requirements and scope

2. Search on reputable freelance platforms like Upwork or Toptal

3. Review candidates’ portfolios and client feedback

4. Use talent assessments to test technical skills and culture add

5. Conduct interviews to confirm project fit

6. Discuss and agree on timelines, deliverables, and communication methods

7. Formalize the hiring with a contract specifying all project terms

How much does it cost to hire a full-stack developer?

The cost to hire a full-stack engineer varies widely, depending on factors like location, years of experience, tech stack, industry, and project complexity. On average, in the US, the base salary for a full-stack developer is around $123,000. Freelance rates are more flexible and range from $40 to $160 per hour.

What is the best way to hire full-stack developers?

If you’re unsure how to hire a full-stack developer, the best approach is to start with a clear job description that attracts the right talent. Then, use tech-focused job boards and professional networking sites for job posting and advertising. 

When you have a pool of viable candidates, turn to talent assessments to test their abilities and focus on practical and soft skills. These tests help you assess multiple candidates at once, which streamlines the full-stack developer recruitment process.