The Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer Jobs Hiring Guide

By Nancy LaPerla On August 31, 2021 · In Hiring Advice

Updated: October 10, 2023

Benchmark IT has introduced a series of hiring guides designed to help you take the guesswork out of hiring today’s most sought-after technology roles. We recently published the Benchmark IT Project Manager Hiring Guide and are pleased to announce the new Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer Jobs Hiring Guide.

Read on to discover more about full-stack developer roles and the essentials required for your next hire.

Full Stack Developers build all components of the web tech stack—from the Front-End to the Back-End. Among software engineers, they’re considered to be “Jacks and Jills of all trades.” They are involved with all phases of web application development, from building server logic, implementing it across various technologies and frameworks to creating code that runs within the browser.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% growth in web developer jobs in the coming years and a 22% increase for Full Stack Developers by 2029.

Website development is by far the most common task for a Full Stack Developer. However, there are also several variations, including blockchain and cryptocurrency integration, database creation, and development operation processes.

Along with all the technicalities of web programming, Full Stack Developers are responsible for the user interface, the user experience, and functionality. Successful Full Stack Developers need a fundamental understanding of design and must possess the skills to provide a flawless user experience.

Typically, Full Stack Developers are highly proficient in many programming languages and look at the bigger picture of software development. A key factor is that they possess both Front-and Back-End development abilities.

Ultimately you need someone who will create a positive user experience that translates into profitability on the Front-End.

The Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer Hiring Guide includes:

• The ideal Full Stack Developer salary (see the complete Hiring Guide for insights from our 2021 Technology Salary and Hiring Guide)
• The factors, traits, and skillsets needed for success
• Requirements for the ideal job description
• Interview questions for hiring managers, including notes for the interviewer
• Internal Recruitment Checklist
• Must-haves for a Full Stack Developer job advertisement

Desired Factors, Personality Traits, and Skillsets for Full Stack Developers

Before beginning the recruitment process, you’ll need a comprehensive job description with detailed job responsibilities and expected project outcomes. Expertise in specific development languages, API calls, and Back-End database creation varies depending on the project. Internal or external recruiters must have a clear understanding of those factors.

Typically, Full Stack Developers work with a cross-functional development team, project managers, product managers, executives, and other stakeholders of varying technical knowledge and ability. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to cooperate, collaborate and work with a variety of personalities in a dynamic working environment.

Job Description Based on Your Organization

The Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer Hiring Guide provides a detailed job description that’s fully customizable to your organization and technical function. The template includes essential responsibilities, skills, and a comprehensive list of various duties required of the candidate.

A few crucial responsibilities for Full Stack Developer jobs include:

• Ability to design, create, and implement software solutions while working with the product and development team.
• Design, develop, and implement web architecture and applications.
• Design and launch new features and applications, collaborating with the engineering team.
• Create and implement the user experience.

The list of duties and responsibilities covers everything a Full Stack Developer needs to complete a project successfully. Following those is a bulleted list of the desired competencies and experience. You can adjust based on your organization and your project’s specific requirements. A successful Full Stack Developer candidate will possess most of the following:

• [X+] years of related industry experience as a Full Stack Developer or similar role (to be modified based on your requirements)
• Demonstratable proficiency in using these programming languages: [List all that apply – PHP, HTML, CSS, C++, Python, Ruby, Java, Javascript, ect.]
• Experience with database design and management, including being up-to-date on the latest practices and associated versions.
• A thorough understanding of user experience and product strategy.

Other significant sections listed in the job description include Education and Experience, Travel and Work Hour Requirements, and Benefits.

Full Stack Developer Jobs Interview Questions and Notes for the Interviewer:

When interviewing Full Stack Developer candidates, tailor your questions toward the specific role your prospective hire will be required to fill. All questions regarding experience and expertise should be specific to the project and your organization.

The first four questions included in our Full Stack Developer Hiring Guide are:

1. What is your favorite programming language? What makes it your favorite?
   It’s important to keep in mind that a candidate may be proficient in many different programming languages. Still their favorite is likely to also be the language they are the most skilled in. Listen as to why this is their favorite programming language and evaluate if it matches your requirements.
2. For Full Stack Developer jobs, what are the most important qualities to have?
   This question allows the interviewer to seek out phrases such as Front-End, Back-End, user experience, coordination, and collaboration. All of which are vital in the ideal candidate. Full stack development requires a holistic approach to the development process, and the candidate’s answer should reflect this.
3. Ask the candidate to give an example of a project they worked on. What technologies were used? Tell me about the methodology used in deciding on how to proceed with the project.
   This question helps measure a candidate’s experience and decision-making process. They should provide a thorough explanation, including specifics about which toolset they chose for a particular project.
4. What was the most puzzling or frustrating programming challenge you have come across recently? How did you go about overcoming it?
   Full Stack Developers should possess strong problem-solving abilities. This question helps assess those abilities. Use follow-up questions to see if they overcame that challenge, what approach they took, and their efficiency in doing so.

The Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer Jobs Guide provides six more essential questions accompanied with interviewer notes. The remaining questions help you to further understand the candidate’s experience, skillsets, and personality traits.

Finally, the Full Stack Developer Jobs Hiring Guide offers a customizable Job Ad for your recruiting efforts. It provides a brief overview of the job description and compelling elements of your employer branding. The ad highlights essential responsibilities and the required education and experience needed to complete the project successfully.

Want to see more? Click here for your copy of the new Benchmark IT Full Stack Developer or Project Manager Hiring Guides. Future guides for other highly sought-after technical roles will be available soon.

About Benchmark IT –Technology Talent

Benchmark IT offers technology consulting, executive search, and direct hire recruitment and staffing services. We service a wide range of clients and industries throughout the metro New York area and beyond. Our proprietary recruitment process and dedication to precision, ethics, and personalized service sets us apart from other recruiting firms. As a result, Benchmark IT has become a trusted partner among Fortune-ranked companies, mid-market, start-up, and growth-phase firms since 2007. For additional information, visit: www.bmarkits.com.