Hiring Next.js Developers: How To Build High Performance Next.js Teams

Next.js is a popular React-based web development framework that is experiencing a significant increase in adoption across diverse industries and domains. Many companies are actively looking for excellent Next.js developers to complete their projects. This popularity can make hiring good Next.js developers a challenge. Companies like Netflix, BBC, GitHub, Docker, Twilio, Nike, and others are competing for talented Next.js developers and offering big salaries to entice new hires to sign on. In the US, Next.js developers make an average of about $100K per year.

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Compounding this is that Next.js hasn’t been around for quite as long as other popular JavaScript frameworks such as Node.js or React. It’s been less than 10 years since the first release. Therefore, the adoption rate of companies using Next.js is going to be lower and consequently, the pool of developers with professional experience using it is going to be smaller.

Fortunately, the market for Next.js developers has expanded with the normalization of nearshore staff augmentation. There are many qualified technologists in LatAm with experience and advanced Next.js skills. The trick is to find the right individuals who can build a high-performing, successful team for your company.

As you think about hiring Next.js developers, our how-to-hire nearshore Next.js developers guide can help you get the perfect Next.js engineer your company needs.

What is Next.js

Next.js is a powerful React framework designed for building full-stack web applications. It leverages React components for user interfaces and provides additional features like built-in server-side rendering and page pre-rendering for optimized performance. This seamless integration simplifies full-stack development (combining front-end and back-end code in one project). It also simplifies the process of generating static pages and sites, making it great for marketing pages, documentation, blogs, and ecommerce stores.

Why Does Your Company Need Nearshore Next.js Developers?

For any organization looking to improve its online presence, a front-end developer is arguably one of your most important hires. Their code, UX sensibility, and ability to work with both your tech and design teams can determine how people will interpret your brand.

In a Next.js project, a Next.js developer uses their programming skills to create JavaScript-based applications for web or mobile environments. They take advantage of their knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to work closely with other software development team members like Project managers, software architects, UI/UX designers, testers, and quality assurance (QA) specialists to create effective and robust web applications. Therefore, Next.js developers are an integral part of the entire software development process from conception to testing.

For startups and enterprises looking for a unique advantage in web development, Next.js has become the preferred framework. This is because businesses prefer to have robust applications created with the latest and most reliable technologies for their businesses. Development teams are making the strategic switch to Next.js development because of its strong performance, developer-centric design, large and active developer community, and easier development process that enhances developer productivity.

Clearly, companies seeking to build high-performance, scalable web applications with a focus on SEO and developer experience can benefit greatly from having Next.js developers on their teams.

Responsibilities of Nearshore Next.js Developers

Nearshore Next.js developers wear many hats, contributing throughout the software development life cycle. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:    

• Building Seamless UIs: Developers need to leverage Next.js components to design and develop engaging user interfaces that are both functional and visually appealing.
• Developing Front-end Features: Nearshore Next.js developers may be responsible for UI elements such as icons, images, and gesture-driven features. Examples of gesture-driven features include swiping, long-pressing, and drag-and-drop.
• Writing Code: A nearshore Next.js developer translates wireframes (also known as screen blueprints) into code. They also work with and write CSS selectors and HTML tags.
• Integration with External Services: They integrate Next.js applications with third-party services and APIs for functionality like payments, analytics, or social media.
• Software Testing: Next.js developers need to run performance tests and fix any errors they discover in the process.
• Cross-functional coordination: Next.js developers must coordinate with cross-functional teams to build apps within the given timeline.

How to Hire Nearshore Next.js Developers?

Here are some useful tips on how to hire nearshore Next.js developers to lead your company’s software development.

Step 1: Understand the Requirements

Before you dive into sourcing, you should start by identifying the job requirements. This is a crucial step in the hiring process because having a clear picture of the skills and level of experience your ideal new hire should have significantly enhances your chances of hiring a suitable candidate.

Therefore, when hiring nearshore Next.js developers, it’s important to consider some factors including:

1. Employee vs. Independent Contractor vs. Agency

Next.js developers can be hired in-house, contracted through an agency, or hired independently as freelancers. A freelance Next.js developer might specialize in one area and could be employed to fill a single talent gap within your team. An agency will have a Next.js developer team or a full-time, nearshore full-stack developer who can help with various aspects of your project. It all depends on how granular you want to get with your talent staffing needs.

2. Technical Skills

Technical skills are the practical skills that nearshore Next.js developers use to build, maintain, and repair software. Unlike soft skills, hard skills are industry-centric. They’re typically picked up in school or through industry experience. Examples of technical skills to look out for in nearshore Next.js developers include:

• Next.js Expertise: This is a core requirement. Make sure they understand core functionalities like Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), data fetching, and routing.
• Solid React Knowledge: Since Next.js builds on React, a strong understanding of React concepts, state management, and component life cycles is crucial.
• Familiarity with Additional Technologies: Consider the broader tech stack of your project. Does it integrate with databases, APIs, or other front-end frameworks? The developer should have experience with relevant tools.
• Version Control (Git): Collaboration is key in development. Ensure they’re comfortable using Git for version control.
• Node.js: Understanding Node.js is important for managing server-side operations in Next.js applications.
• Testing and Debugging: Look for experience with testing frameworks like Jest and debugging tools to build robust applications.

3. Soft Skills

When hiring nearshore Next.js developers, it’s important to consider a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond just knowing Next.js. Soft skills are personal attributes that help people interact with others on the job. These skills can apply in any industry, and they are often used to facilitate collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making in software development. As such, they enable nearshore Next.js developers to work effectively with diverse teams, manage projects, and understand the needs of users and stakeholders.

Examples of soft skills that you should evaluate when hiring nearshore Next.js developers include:

• Communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability

4. Seniority

The more experienced a Next.js developer is, the more complex tasks they’ll be able to perform for your business. A junior Next.js developer might help your business by adding new features, laying in React as well perhaps, to existing projects, or diagnosing and fixing bugs and defects in existing software. Alternatively, you might consult with a senior Next.js developer to help architect, design, and build new projects from scratch, including developing tests and configuring server environments using web frameworks such as Node.js. Your project scope will determine the type of experience required for the job.

Step 2: Create a Job Description

A well-written job description plays a significant role in hiring a nearshore Next.js developer who meets the job requirements. When defining the Next.js job description, consider the company’s needs. Clearly outline your project’s goals, scope, and technical requirements. You also have to mention the roles and responsibilities of the candidate, the skills you are looking for, the experience level, and also highlight the perks or benefits of working with your company. This reduces the time and effort required to attract the best nearshore Next.js developers, and you can shortlist the most suitable candidate for the position. 

How to Write a Job Description for a Next.js Developer?

An effective description can help you hire the best fit for your job. The best way to start is by writing a short introduction about the position. Then make a list of the responsibilities, skills, and experience. Besides, if the position needs some special skills, you should include them in the job description.

For instance, if the job demands a sound knowledge of some languages or frameworks, you should mention that. It is also important for the job description to be compact, concise, and to the point.

Let’s look at a sample job description, exploring the daily responsibilities and necessary qualifications for a Next.js developer. 

The Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Next.js developer to join our growing company. You will work as part of a team to develop fast, well-tested, and performant code for various web and mobile applications using Next.js. As a Next.js developer, you will be expected to work with standard programming tools such as version control and deployment software, follow industry best practices, write tests for the code you write, and follow all applicable coding guidelines.

Your duties will include taking part in daily scrums, writing and developing modules for existing Next.js applications, integrating Next.js into existing projects, writing code and tests for code, taking part in code review sessions, and using version control software to push and pull code for testing and deployment.

Job Qualifications and Skill Sets

Below are the qualifications expected of a Next.js developer:

• Formal training or certification on software engineering concepts and 3+ years applied experience.
• Experience in working on the development of web applications using Next.js and React, including exposure to UI design standards, frameworks, and patterns.
• Good knowledge of  React Components, State Management, and Hooks.
• Experience with server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), client-side rendering, etc.
• Experience with CSS Preprocessors (SASS/LESS) and the principles of responsive web design.
• Experience with standard tools and services in JavaScript front-end development and software development, such as Git, GitHub, HTML5, Laravel, Node.js, and npm.
• Overall knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle.
• The ability to work as part of a team, taking ownership of individual components and following coding guidelines to create performant components that fit into more comprehensive projects.

If you’re not sure exactly what you need, we can help. Our engineering team will deep-dive with you to fully understand your technical needs, culture, and strategic route. 

Step 3: Evaluate Next.js Developer Technical Skills

Evaluating technical skills during the hiring process can reveal if someone has the right experience to join your team. 

A technical skill assessment should involve:

1. Coding challenges and assignments. Some examples of coding challenges that you can tailor for Next.js developers include:
   • Feature development tasks that involve adding new features to an existing code base and testing a developer’s ability to integrate and innovate.
   • Debugging exercises aimed at identifying and fixing bugs in given code, testing the developer’s attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

2. Live coding sessions: In a live coding session, you can ask the potential hires to write code in real-time using JavaScript. This setup offers a unique window into the candidates’ thinking processes as they navigate through coding tasks. It will also help you to understand how a developer communicates and collaborates under pressure.

3. Pair programming: This method of evaluating coding skills involves two programmers working together at one workstation. The “driver” writes code while the “observer” reviews each line of code as it is typed in. The two programmers switch roles frequently. This helps to assess both technical skills and also how effectively a developer communicates and collaborates with others, especially under pressure. It also offers a thorough demonstration of the developer’s real-world coding and collaborative capabilities.

4. Technical interviews with subject matter experts: Hiring managers may conduct technical interviews alongside subject matter experts such as experienced Next.js developers or a technical lead from the development team. This is a great way to assess the Next.js developer’s expertise, particularly in specialized areas like event handling, arrow functions, DOM manipulation, and responsive design. They may also discuss various real-life scenarios or potential problems the developer might face on the job, thus providing invaluable insight into both their theoretical understanding and also their practical application skills.

5. Review of previous work and projects to gauge their experience: Reviewing previous work—such as GitHub repositories, participation on Stack Overflow, or contributions to open-source projects—offers a window into their coding style, the complexity of projects they have handled, and their consistency in coding practices. This method of skills assessment allows for a comprehensive appreciation of the developer’s technical competencies as well as their practical application and experience in teamwork dynamics.

Next Idea Tech performs skill assessments for technical competence and English proficiency to ensure quality. We conduct performance-based assessments using real-world work simulations to predict on-the-job performance. Our process excels in assessing fit across technical coding abilities and incorporates evaluations across soft skills, so you can hire with confidence.

Read more: How to Hire LatAm Developers

Step 4: Evaluate Next.js Developer Soft Skills

When hiring nearshore developers, you also want to consider their soft skills. This is because the best nearshore Next.js developers for your team will not merely be coders but collaborators, thinkers, and innovators. The intersection of technical abilities and soft skills creates a well-rounded developer. 

To gauge these interpersonal and cognitive attributes, you can employ the following methods:

1. Behavioral interview questions: These are open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses. They are instrumental in revealing how a developer has previously handled work-related situations involving teamwork, stress, and conflict. By asking interviewees to share specific experiences, hiring managers can gain insight into their communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Effective questions for this assessment might include:
   • “Can you describe a situation in which you had to overcome a team dynamic challenge?”
   • “How did you approach a situation where you were confronted with a tight deadline in your past role?”

2. Scenario-based exercises: Role-playing typical workplace conflicts or communication challenges is an effective way of allowing potential Next.js hires to showcase their ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Hiring teams can use these simulations to observe how developers approach and resolve these situations.

3. Reference checks: Reaching out to former employers or colleagues is a valuable step in gaining insights into a developer’s past work behavior, teamwork capabilities, and overall soft skills. You’ll want to ask specific, work-related questions that explore the developer’s reliability, emotional intelligence, and ability to handle feedback constructively. These inquiries can shed light on how their skills and personality traits have played out in real-world professional settings.

4. Cultural fit assessment: This assessment is a tool to find not just skilled Next.js developers but top talent who share your company’s vision and approach. Questions designed to uncover their motivations and work ethic can reveal how well they might adapt to your organizational culture. Hiring a nearshore developer who is well-suited to your organizational culture can significantly influence workplace harmony and team dynamics.

Read more: 10 Essential Soft Skills for a Nearshore Software Developer

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Next.js in 2024?

The price of hiring Next.js developers is influenced by many factors, including:

1. Experience level — As in any field, the more skills and experience a specialist has, the higher their value is.
2. Region of hiring — If you live in the USA, the hourly rate of a Next.js developer will be much higher compared to hiring nearshore Latin American Next.js developers.
3. Project complexity and scale — A simple project such as developing a one-page application will take less time, while a large and complex project like an e-commerce store with robust security measures can take years to develop. So, if the project is complex, you will have to pay more, mainly because you will require a highly skilled Next.js developer.
4. Engagement model — Collaboration models determine how Next.js developers work with clients, how they communicate, and, of course, how they are compensated. In-house development where the Next.js developer is co-located in your office is the most expensive model while staff augmentation through a third-party IT service provider offers a more cost-effective solution.

Highest cost location: North America

Experience Level of Next.js Developer	USA Hourly Rate	Canada Hourly Rate
Junior	$49	$41
Middle	$58	$61
Senior	$75	$71

Location with favorable prices: Latin America

Experience Level of Next.js Developer	Colombia Hourly Rate	Costa Rica Hourly Rate
Junior	$25	$26
Middle	$39	$50
Senior	$45	$68

Hire Nearshore Next.js Developers and Engineers Faster with Next Idea Tech

Fill the skill gaps on your team with talent specialists or build your own dream team of experts with our staff augmentation service. Next Idea Tech connects you with a pool of pre-vetted, highly skilled Next.js developers and engineers in Latin America.

Part of our success has to do with asking the right questions: Will this person thrive in this environment? Will they fit with the team and company culture? Will they be empowered to reach their professional career goals? 

We understand the urgency of finding the right talent quickly. That’s why we offer a streamlined approach:

• Reduced Time to Hire: Our efficient vetting process cuts through the noise, presenting you with qualified candidates that match your specific needs.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Access top talent at competitive rates compared to traditional hiring methods.
• Seamless Integration: Benefit from a nearshore advantage with minimal time zone disruption and strong cultural alignment within the Americas.
• Focus on Innovation: Free up your internal resources to focus on core business activities while we handle the talent acquisition.

To find out more about working with Next Idea Tech and how we can help with hiring Next.js developers, get in touch with us today.