How to Get a Job as a Full-Stack Developer

Web developers handle the creation and maintenance of websites and web apps. Web developers can be front-end developers, back-end developers, or full-stack developers depending on the scope of their role in web development.

Front-end developers deal with the client side of web development, including all the visual elements and the overall user experience. Back-end developers deal with the server side of web development, which includes maintaining the technology to keep the server, application, and database running.

The combination of these two focus areas is full-stack development. We’ll share some tips for getting hired as a full-stack developer, and help you plan out a long-term career in programming.

Getting Hired As a Full-Stack Developer

Full-stack developers are in high demand in the field of web development. Smaller businesses look to employ full-stack developers to take care of the whole process of website development, but even bigger companies like Facebook and Google are increasingly hiring engineers with full-stack capabilities.

The first step toward a career as a full-stack developer is to learn the necessary front-end and back-end programming languages. You’ll need to be familiar enough with code across the entire web application stack so that you can dive in anywhere if needed.

This can be done by following the traditional route of getting a college degree in computer science or a related discipline, or other paths like self-learning or bootcamps. For example, Thinkful’s web development bootcamp trains you in:

• Web development fundamentals
• Creating asynchronous web applications
• Serve-side programming with NodeJS
• Advanced front-end: React
• Advanced topics like data structures and algorithms

Gain Experience

Start working on projects that require full-stack development knowledge to help you fully understand web application architecture and hone your coding abilities. Employers will appreciate your efforts to take up additional projects and assignments, particularly those in areas that fall outside your expertise.

Full-Stack Developer Skills on Your Resume

Since the job profile of a full-stack developer involves expertise in overall web development, you need to develop skills across the full spectrum of relevant expertise areas. Listing a precise set of technical skills will help you stand out to an employer.

Full-stack developers often become the leaders of the engineering team. So apart from technical skills, you should also mention your soft skills.

Creating an Outstanding Full-Stack Portfolio

While your resume gives employers an idea about your education, certifications, and skills, an excellent portfolio provides concrete evidence of your abilities and will help you to stand out from the competition. A portfolio is a collection of your best work, and if you want to land a full-stack development job, you’ll have to display a wide range of coding abilities. It should highlight your strengths and skills through projects you’ve accomplished. A portfolio helps your future employers gauge your skills, strengths, and talents.

Preparing for a Full-Stack Developer Interview

During an interview, the recruiter will want to assess your knowledge and skills along with your interpersonal skills. Make sure you’ve prepared so you can answer the questions confidently, and emphasize your passion for full-stack development.

Finding Your Ideal Full-Stack Developer Job

Since there are a wide variety of job titles that fall under full-stack development, you should research the field thoroughly before applying for different positions. It’s worth trying to narrow down what you’re looking for in a company, your role, and your career. Then jot down a list of your skills and strengths and match them with what the right job profile demands.

Join a network of professionals from the same or related fields, and take the time to grow your contacts through networking and professional development events. You can keep learning about new developments in the field by reading web development books and popular blogs, like Thinkful’s Software Engineering Blog.

The life of a full-stack developer is full of challenges and rewards. You’ll have to keep learning new skills as technologies evolve. In return, you’ll enjoy high salaries and lots of opportunities to move up the ranks. Keep perfecting your craft, prepare for your interviews, and before long your programming expertise will earn you a job that you love.