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Full Stack Developer - Main Region

Full Stack Developer jobs

What does a Full Stack Developer do?

A Full Stack Developer is a developer or engineer that has a comprehensive understanding of the two components of web development, namely, front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side). It is common for people to specialise in one of the two, but a Full Stack Developer is proficient in both web design and web development. They are responsible for the design of user interactions on a website or application and its foundations. This includes the development of servers and databases.

What skills does a Full Stack Developer need to have?

As suggested by the job title, a Full Stack Developer must have expertise across several IT functional areas. The role is a hybrid of a Front-End Developer and Back-End Developer. Each phase requires an alternate set of specific skills with a Full Stack Developer having to master both ends to be successful. They are outlined below:

Front-End Developer

A Full Stack Developer must possess a wide variety of skills but there are several which are considered essential. A comprehensive knowledge of HTML and CSS allow Web Developers to add and manage web content along with customising the design of the front end so that it is visually appealing.

In-depth knowledge of JavaScript is vital, as is an understanding of concepts such as React and Angular. JavaScript is one of the most widely used languages for writing front-end code and includes an array of features and functions that help create responsive pages. The layout, design, functionality, and engagement are critical to the user experience. By displaying essential front-end skills, a Full Stack Developer can drive performance and align business intent which are key to helping achieve organisational goals.

Back-End Developer

There is more to a user interaction than what the user sees, and it is what is behind those interactions where back-end development shines. The back-end of a page, application or software is pivotal to creating a seamless user experience and begins with programming.

A Full Stack Developer is expected to have extensive knowledge with respect to programming languages such as Java, , JavaScript, Typescript, React, and Node. Using these languages, and others, a Full Stack Developer should be able to structure code, categorise files, form databases and perform computational tasks. This is the web architecture aspect of development and one that a Full Stack Developer is expected to excel in.

Moreover, it is the Full Stack Developer who is responsible for troubleshooting aspects and identifying areas of improvement. Those with experience providing training and support to other team members will be well positioned. A blend of patience, creative vision and attention to detail will keep you in good stead.

Full Stack Developer job responsibilities

Liaise with other stakeholders including design teams to translate samples into front-end code
Develop visually appealing and engaging front-end website architecture
Collaborate with UI/UX to ensure ideal visual elements and user interactions are created
Optimise experience by maintaining responsiveness across all platforms including desktop, mobile and applications
Utilise HTML and CSS skills to add web content and style website
Create, maintain and monitor back end development using comprehensive knowledge of key programming languages (Java, JavaScript, Node, React, etc)
Experience using JavaScript libraries and frameworks
Design, understand and manipulate database queries through the use of database technology (MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle etc)
Create and maintain security and data protection protocols

Skills and experience employers are looking for

As more people develop their skills across front-end and back-end development, employers are turning to Full Stack Developers to provide holistic solutions for their organisations. The hybrid nature of the role means that employers are looking for a variety of skills, which include but are not limited to:

Core Skills
- Mindset
- Communication
- Project Management
Technical Skills
- Programming
- Design
- Networks/Databases

Core Skills

We have found that employers are looking for certain character traits. Full Stack Developers who have a creative vision and analytical mindset have performed well according to employers. Those who have displayed good time management skills and have looked to expand their knowledge through additional education are preferred.

With a Full Stack Developer covering a wide range of areas, communication skills are high on the priority list of employers. Those with experience forming effective relationships with other stakeholders such as designers and engineers are in high demand. Moreover, experience in managing critical projects will not be overlooked. This emphasises that a Full Stack Developer should be familiar with a wide range of communication platforms and project management software such as Git, GitHub or Stack Overflow.

Technical Skills

A never-ending list of programming languages, software and tools makes this an area where you can stand out. Despite employers expecting a fundamental understanding of common languages such as Java, JavaScript, React, Node, etc; those with broader knowledge will be afforded additional opportunities. Many organisations use specific languages on their platforms, and we suggest that as a Full Stack Developer, you master one or two languages rather than have a basic knowledge of many.

Full Stack Developers who possess fundamental design skills are highly sought after. Any understanding of UX and UI design is considered premium knowledge. The same applies for any experience working alongside these teams and others during the design phase. There is also the expectation that Full Stack Developers are experts in relational databases with those who have experience with APIs to be favoured over others.

What type of employers hire Full Stack Developers?

We are seeing a genuine spike in the demand for Full Stack Developers .Their wide range of skills and comprehensive knowledge of web development have made them a high priority for employers. Here are just some of the industries who are aggressively hiring Full Stack Developers:

Information Technology – The opportunities in IT are limitless for Full Stack Developers. From web development to software, there is no shortage of roles available in this space.
Retail – With high turnover in online retail, the demand for Full Stack Developers is significant. These organisations are turning to web developers to provide a stable platform and improve their user experience to boost sales.
Financial Institutions – As the financial industry continues to shift online, these large institutions are looking to employ in-house Full Stack Developers to provide holistic solutions in the pursuit of achieving organisational goals.
Digital Agencies – This deserves a separate mention as Full Stack Developers can sometimes earn a premium from such employers. Many digital agencies provide complete solutions to clients which include website/application design and maintenance, as well as content solutions.

Some of the other industries offering Full Stack Developer jobs include education, manufacturing, logistics, public sector, telecommunications, and an array of consultancy firms.

Technologies that a Full Stack Developer uses

Front End Languages: HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Back End Languages: C, C++, Java, Python, PHP, .Net, Ruby
Databases: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB etc
Project Management: Git, GitHub or comparable
JavaScript Frameworks: React, Node, Angular, Backbone, Ember, Vue etc
Communication Platforms: Email, Slack, Teams, Zoom, Google Meets etc
General Software: MS Office or equivalent
Other: Cloud platforms and technologies such as AWS, Frameworks (API and mobile)

We recommend that you list all software or tools that you are proficient in on your resume as they may help you stand out to employers in a specific industry.

How much do Full Stack Developer’s earn?

Thanks to a comprehensive skill set we are seeing the average salary of Full Stack Developers continue to rise. The money a Full Stack Developer can at times exceed those who focus on only front-end or back-end development. For our latest guide on typical Full Stack Developer salary packages, please refer to our Hays Salary Guide.

How to become a Full Stack Developer in Australia

The most common starting point for a Full Stack Developer is a bachelor’s degree in computer science or Software Development. Outside of tertiary qualifications, you can also begin with a Certification or Diploma that focuses on Software Development. You may also do short courses online or in the classroom to learn the basics of design and coding in this area.
Gain specific experience by finding your niche. Although a Full Stack Developer requires a variety of skills, your base knowledge should focus on one of two languages. For instance, Java and Python.
Once you have developed a genuine strength on one end, build the other. The base of most web development is JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Focus on developing your knowledge in these areas.
Enhance your resume by getting accreditation for your skills and furthering your education through additional courses. Staying up to date with new software and technologies is critical as it can also provide additional opportunities.
Build a network. This can be done through your employment or other online communities. Attending meetups and conferences are also a great means to improve your knowledge and broaden your professional networks.

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