Okay, let’s cut the fluff for a second. If you’re out here trying to build a solid product and want it to work the way users expect—it needs to be fast, responsive, and not crash every second—you’re probably thinking of React. And with that comes the challenge: finding good ReactJS developers.
They’re out there. But it’s not always easy to tell who knows their stuff and who just watched a few YouTube videos and added them to their resume.
Here’s how to figure it out—plain and simple.
Why Is React Such a Big Deal?
Honestly? Because it makes developers’ lives easier. React lets you break your interface into little pieces (components), so instead of repeating yourself, you build something once and reuse it everywhere.
Also, performance is solid. Thanks to something called the virtual DOM (don’t worry if that sounds weird), apps built with React are fast. Like, fast.
And if you want to build mobile apps too? React Native lets you use a lot of the same knowledge (and sometimes code) for Android and iOS. That’s a huge deal if you’re trying to get a product off the ground without hiring two separate teams.
What React Developers Do
People think React developers are just front-end folks who make things look pretty. Sure, they do that, but there’s more going on.
If you’re hiring, make sure they can:
- Build clean, reusable UI pieces
- Make your app responsive (so it works on phones, tablets, whatever)
- Connect your app to APIs or a backend
- Catch bugs and fix them without breaking everything else
- Collaborate with others (designers, backend, etc.)
React people wear a lot of hats, and the good ones do more than just write code. They think about users. They test things. They keep stuff from falling apart when you scale.
The Skills That Actually Matter
- Knows modern JavaScript (ES6+, let/const, arrow functions, etc.)
- Understands how React components work
- Has used Redux or Context API to manage state
- Can test their code (even a bit—using Jest or something)
- Comfortable with responsive design (Flexbox, Grid, media queries)
It’s also a good sign if they’ve worked with build tools like Webpack or Vite. But honestly, if they understand the fundamentals and can explain why they’re doing something, that’s better than just checking off buzzwords.
Don’t Ignore Soft Skills
Here’s the thing: your dev might be super smart, but if they can’t explain what’s going on or they ghost your Slack messages—good luck.
Look for someone who:
- Communicates clearly (not just tech talk, actual updates you can understand)
- Is proactive (fixes stuff or brings up issues before users complain)
- Likes to learn (React changes often—someone stuck in 2018 won’t cut it)
If you’re working with a team or across time zones (very common in the USA), this stuff matters even more.
What About Agencies or Developer Platforms?
You don’t have to do this alone. Some people go with a ReactJS development company or platforms like Developer Per Hour to avoid the whole hiring mess. Makes sense—less time sifting through random resumes, more time building the thing.
These platforms usually have pre-vetted devs who know their way around React, and can jump into your project without hand-holding.
That said, always have a chat with the person you’re hiring. Ask questions. Give them a small task. Make sure they’re a good fit.
Ongoing Maintenance
A lot of people think, “Okay, cool, app is launched, let’s move on.” Nope.
Tech doesn’t sit still. Browsers change, devices change, your users will definitely find edge cases you didn’t plan for. That’s why good developers also handle maintenance well.
The best React people won’t just build the app and vanish—they’ll keep it stable, fast, and up to date as your product grows.
Final Word
React is great. But React in the wrong hands? Not so much. Take the time to hire React developers who know their stuff and know how to work with people.
Don’t get lost in buzzwords. Focus on:
- Real-world experience
- Clear communication
- Willingness to grow with your product
And if you’re in a hurry or want someone experienced from day one, a trusted service like Developer Per Hour can help you skip the drama and just get started.
At the end of the day, it’s not about building fast—it’s about building smart.
