10 Essential Skills to Look For When Hiring Freelance Web Developers

Ralph Sanchez

Web Developer

Frontend Engineer

Fullstack Engineer

Squarespace Website Design

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Visual Studio Code

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10 Essential Skills to Look For When Hiring Freelance Web Developers

Finding the right freelance web developer can make or break your project. Whether you're building a simple website or a complex web application, the skills your developer brings to the table directly impact your success. While the benefits of hiring freelance developers are clear—from cost savings to specialized expertise—knowing what skills to look for is equally important.

This guide breaks down the essential technical and soft skills you should evaluate when hiring freelance web developers. We'll also explore practical ways to assess these skills during your hiring process. And if you're ready to start your search, check out our guide on writing an effective job description for freelance web developers to attract the right talent from the start.

Core Technical Proficiency: The Foundation of Web Development

Every successful web project starts with a developer who has mastered the fundamentals. These core technical skills form the backbone of web development and are absolutely essential for any freelancer you're considering.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Think of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as the holy trinity of web development. HTML provides structure, CSS brings style, and JavaScript adds interactivity. Any developer worth their salt needs to be fluent in all three.

HTML might seem basic, but a skilled developer knows the difference between just making something work and writing semantic, accessible code. They understand when to use a <section> versus a <div>, and why it matters for both SEO and screen readers.

CSS expertise goes beyond changing colors and fonts. Look for developers who understand modern CSS features like Grid and Flexbox, can write maintainable stylesheets, and know how to optimize for performance. They should be comfortable with CSS preprocessors like Sass or Less, which help manage larger projects more efficiently.

JavaScript proficiency separates good developers from great ones. Modern web development relies heavily on JavaScript for everything from simple form validation to complex single-page applications. Your ideal candidate should understand ES6+ features, asynchronous programming, and how to write clean, efficient code that doesn't slow down your site.

Understanding of Web Development Frameworks and Libraries

Raw coding skills are important, but today's web development landscape revolves around frameworks and libraries. These tools help developers work faster and create more robust applications.

For front-end development, React continues to dominate the market, but Angular and Vue.js have strong followings too. Each has its strengths—React offers flexibility, Angular provides a complete solution, and Vue.js strikes a balance between the two. Your developer doesn't need to know all of them, but they should be expert-level in at least one.

Back-end frameworks are equally important if you need server-side development. Node.js allows JavaScript developers to work on both front and back end, creating a seamless development experience. Python developers might prefer Django or Flask, while Ruby enthusiasts lean toward Ruby on Rails. The specific framework matters less than the developer's ability to use it effectively.

What really counts is understanding the principles behind these frameworks. A developer who truly understands component-based architecture, state management, and routing can adapt to new frameworks quickly. This flexibility becomes crucial as your project evolves or if you need to integrate with existing systems.

Responsive Design Skills

Mobile devices account for over half of all web traffic today. If your site doesn't work well on phones and tablets, you're losing customers. That's why responsive design skills are non-negotiable.

A skilled developer approaches responsive design as a core principle, not an afterthought. They start with mobile-first design, ensuring the site works perfectly on small screens before scaling up. They understand breakpoints, fluid grids, and flexible images.

Beyond the technical aspects, look for developers who understand the user experience implications of responsive design. They should know that mobile users have different needs and behaviors than desktop users. Touch targets need to be larger, navigation patterns change, and performance becomes even more critical on mobile networks.

Testing across devices is another crucial skill. Your developer should be familiar with browser developer tools, online testing platforms, and the importance of real-device testing. They should also understand progressive enhancement—building a solid foundation that works everywhere, then adding advanced features for capable browsers.

Specialized Technical Skills: Matching Expertise to Project Needs

While core skills are essential for every project, specialized skills become important depending on your specific needs. Understanding these specializations helps you find developers whose expertise aligns with your project requirements.

Back-End Development and Databases

If your project involves user accounts, dynamic content, or complex business logic, you need strong back-end skills. Back-end developers work with the server-side of applications, handling data processing, authentication, and communication between your website and databases.

Database knowledge is crucial here. Developers should understand the difference between SQL databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL and NoSQL options like MongoDB. Each has its place—SQL databases excel at structured data and complex relationships, while NoSQL databases offer flexibility and scalability for certain use cases.

API development is another key back-end skill. Modern web applications often need to communicate with other services or provide data to mobile apps. Look for developers who understand RESTful API design principles and can create secure, well-documented endpoints. Experience with GraphQL is a bonus, as it's becoming increasingly popular for flexible data fetching.

Security knowledge is paramount for back-end developers. They should understand common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting, and know how to prevent them. Experience with authentication systems, encryption, and secure data handling practices protects both your business and your users.

Front-End Development and UI/UX Principles

Front-end specialists focus on what users see and interact with. While they need strong technical skills, the best front-end developers also understand design principles and user psychology.

A good front-end developer can take a design mockup and bring it to life exactly as envisioned. But a great one can also spot potential usability issues and suggest improvements. They understand that a beautiful design means nothing if users can't figure out how to use it.

Look for developers who understand basic UX principles like visual hierarchy, consistency, and feedback. They should know why buttons need to look clickable, why form errors should appear near the relevant field, and how loading states improve perceived performance.

Performance optimization is another crucial front-end skill. Your developer should understand lazy loading, code splitting, and image optimization. They should be familiar with tools like Lighthouse and know how to interpret and act on performance metrics. A fast-loading site isn't just nice to have—it directly impacts your search rankings and conversion rates.

Content Management Systems (CMS) Knowledge

Many businesses need websites they can update without calling a developer every time. That's where CMS expertise becomes valuable. WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it the most common CMS request. But Drupal, Joomla, and newer headless CMS options each have their place.

WordPress expertise goes beyond installing themes and plugins. Look for developers who can create custom themes, develop plugins, and optimize WordPress for performance and security. They should understand the WordPress ecosystem, including popular page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg, and know when to use them versus custom development.

For more complex needs, Drupal offers powerful content modeling and multi-site capabilities. Joomla strikes a balance between WordPress's ease of use and Drupal's power. Headless CMS options like Strapi or Contentful separate content management from presentation, offering more flexibility for modern web applications.

The key is matching CMS expertise to your needs. A simple blog might only need basic WordPress skills, while a multi-language corporate site might require deep Drupal knowledge. Your developer should be able to recommend the right CMS for your needs and have the skills to implement it properly.

Version Control Systems (e.g., Git)

Version control might seem like a technical detail, but it's actually fundamental to professional web development. Git has become the industry standard, and any serious developer should be comfortable using it.

Basic Git skills include creating repositories, committing changes, and pushing to remote servers. But look for developers who understand branching strategies, can resolve merge conflicts, and write clear commit messages. These skills become crucial when working with teams or maintaining long-term projects.

GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket add collaboration features on top of Git. Your developer should be familiar with pull requests, code reviews, and issue tracking. These platforms also offer continuous integration and deployment features that can streamline your development process.

Version control isn't just about collaboration—it's about professionalism. A developer who uses Git properly can roll back problematic changes, experiment safely with new features, and maintain a clear history of project evolution. It's also essential for debugging, as developers can pinpoint exactly when and why issues appeared.

Essential Soft Skills for Freelance Success

Technical skills get the job done, but soft skills determine how smoothly the process goes. When hiring freelancers, these interpersonal abilities often make the difference between a stressful project and a successful partnership.

Effective Communication Skills

Communication might be the most important skill for freelance developers. Unlike in-house team members, freelancers can't rely on casual office conversations to clarify requirements or share updates. Every interaction needs to be clear and purposeful.

Good communicators explain technical concepts in plain language. They don't hide behind jargon or assume you understand implementation details. When they encounter problems, they present options rather than just pointing out obstacles. They ask clarifying questions before starting work, saving time and preventing misunderstandings.

Regular updates are another hallmark of strong communication. You shouldn't have to chase your developer for progress reports. Look for freelancers who proactively share updates, whether through daily standups, weekly summaries, or project management tools. They should also be responsive to your messages, even if just to acknowledge receipt and set expectations for a detailed response.

Written communication skills matter too. Developers need to document their code, write clear emails, and sometimes create user guides. Poor writing skills can lead to confusion and wasted time throughout the project.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Web development is essentially professional problem-solving. Every project brings unique challenges, from browser compatibility issues to unexpected API limitations. The best developers see these challenges as puzzles to solve, not roadblocks to complain about.

Strong problem-solvers break complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. They research multiple solutions, weigh pros and cons, and can explain their reasoning. When plan A doesn't work, they already have plan B in mind. They also know when to ask for help rather than spinning their wheels on a problem outside their expertise.

Look for developers who can share specific examples of problems they've solved. How did they approach the challenge? What resources did they use? How did they validate their solution? These stories reveal both technical competence and problem-solving methodology.

Creativity in problem-solving is equally valuable. Sometimes the best solution isn't the obvious one. Developers who can think outside the box might suggest architectural changes that prevent future issues or find elegant workarounds for platform limitations.

Time Management and Organization

Freelancers juggle multiple clients, deadlines, and priorities. Without strong time management skills, your project could fall behind schedule or receive rushed, subpar work. The best freelancers treat deadlines as promises, not suggestions.

Effective time managers start by setting realistic expectations. They understand how long tasks actually take, including testing and revisions. They build buffer time into estimates rather than promising unrealistic delivery dates. When delays are unavoidable, they communicate early and present solutions.

Organization skills go hand-in-hand with time management. Look for developers who use project management tools effectively, maintain clean code repositories, and document their work clearly. They should be able to quickly find and reference previous work, speeding up similar tasks in the future.

The ability to focus is increasingly important in our distraction-filled world. Developers who can enter deep work states produce higher quality code in less time. They know when to check messages and when to silence notifications for focused coding sessions.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Web development evolves at breakneck speed. Frameworks that were cutting-edge two years ago might be outdated today. The best developers embrace this constant change rather than resisting it.

Adaptable developers stay curious about new technologies without chasing every trend. They can evaluate whether a new tool genuinely solves problems or just adds complexity. They're willing to learn new frameworks or languages when projects require it, seeing it as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Look for evidence of continuous learning in their background. Do they contribute to open source projects? Attend conferences or complete online courses? Write blog posts about new technologies? These activities show a commitment to growth beyond just collecting paychecks.

Adaptability also means adjusting to your work style and project needs. Some clients prefer detailed specifications, while others work more collaboratively. Some projects have fixed requirements, while others evolve through user feedback. Flexible developers can succeed in various environments without forcing their preferred approach.

How to Assess These Skills During the Hiring Process

Knowing what skills to look for is only half the battle. You also need effective ways to evaluate candidates and separate genuine expertise from impressive-sounding resumes.

Reviewing Portfolios and Past Work

A developer's portfolio provides the most direct evidence of their capabilities. But don't just look at the pretty pictures—dig deeper into the technical implementation and project context.

Start by checking if the showcased sites are still live and functional. Click through different pages, test forms, and resize your browser window. A truly skilled developer creates sites that still work well months or years after launch. If sites are broken or offline, that's a red flag about either technical skills or professional follow-through.

Pay attention to code quality by viewing page source or using browser developer tools. While you might not understand every detail, you can spot signs of professionalism. Is the code well-organized with clear naming? Are images optimized for web use? Does the site load quickly? These details reveal a developer's attention to quality.

Ask specific questions about portfolio pieces. What was their role in the project? What challenges did they overcome? What would they do differently today? Genuine contributors can discuss details enthusiastically, while those exaggerating their involvement often give vague answers.

Technical Assessments and Coding Challenges

While portfolios show past work, technical assessments reveal current abilities. The key is designing assessments that reflect real project work rather than abstract puzzles.

Consider starting with a small paid test project that mirrors your actual needs. For example, if you need WordPress customization, ask them to create a simple custom plugin or modify a theme. This approach tests both technical skills and working relationship dynamics.

Live coding sessions can be valuable but need careful handling. Some excellent developers freeze under observation, while others might excel at talking through problems but produce messy code. If you use live coding, focus on problem-solving approach rather than syntax perfection. Allow candidates to use their normal tools and reference documentation.

Code reviews offer another assessment angle. Provide a sample of problematic code and ask candidates to identify issues and suggest improvements. This tests their ability to work with existing codebases and communicate technical feedback constructively.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral questions reveal how developers handle real-world situations. Instead of hypothetical scenarios, ask about specific past experiences. Their answers demonstrate both soft skills and professional maturity.

"Tell me about a time when project requirements changed significantly mid-development." This question reveals adaptability, communication skills, and client management abilities. Look for developers who stayed solution-focused rather than dwelling on frustration.

"Describe a bug that took you longest to solve." This probes problem-solving skills and persistence. Strong candidates will explain their debugging process, what they learned, and how they prevent similar issues now.

"How do you handle situations where a client asks for something you believe is a bad idea?" This question tests communication skills and professional judgment. The best developers can explain technical concerns in business terms and offer alternative solutions.

"What's the most recent technology you learned, and why?" This reveals their approach to continuous learning. Look for specific examples and genuine enthusiasm about expanding their skills.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Mix of Skills

Hiring the right freelance web developer requires looking beyond a simple checklist of technologies. The best developers combine strong technical foundations with specialized expertise relevant to your project. They communicate clearly, solve problems creatively, and manage their time effectively.

Remember that perfect candidates rarely exist. Instead, focus on finding developers whose strengths align with your project needs. A developer with solid fundamentals and excellent communication skills can often learn specific technologies faster than a technical wizard who can't explain their work or meet deadlines.

Take time during the hiring process to assess both technical and soft skills thoroughly. A slightly longer hiring process that finds the right fit saves time, money, and stress compared to rushing into a poor match. Use portfolios, assessments, and behavioral questions to build a complete picture of each candidate.

Most importantly, trust your instincts about working relationships. The best freelance partnerships feel collaborative rather than transactional. When you find developers who combine the right skills with a compatible working style, nurture those relationships. They become invaluable partners in growing your business through technology.

Your next web project's success depends on the developer you choose today. Use these guidelines to evaluate candidates thoroughly, and you'll build not just a website, but a foundation for digital success.