Blog
April 20th, 2008
After an outpouring of interest, in last week's post about JavaScript Jobs, I've gone about and set up a free site dedicated to JavaScript Jobs, which can be found here:
http://jobs.jsninja.com/
It's pretty basic, for now. I used the Open Source jobberBase software (which uses jQuery!) so it was pretty easy. All jobs go through a simple moderation process, so I hope that the signal-to-noise will be decent.
The important thing, however, is that it's completely free to both post and apply for jobs. I want to see more consulting/freelance/"quick hack" gigs - and those are the ones that can't afford a large fee (why pay $100 when the job will only cost $200?). At this point I'd much rather have a community build up around this than to profit off of it - so enjoy!
Here's an RSS feed that you can subscribe to, of all the jobs, as well: 
You may notice the URL used for this job board - being located on jsninja.com. This is where my upcoming book will, eventually, be released. I'm placing this job board there because I want to start building a community of JavaScript hackers. One part of that is jobs and work (an other is community - such as a forum - and the rest is education - which I hope to seed with my book).
For now the Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja Book site is pretty much just a splash page - with an awesome ninja (drawn by my brother Steve - he's available for illustration work, contact me if interested). Expect lots more to come.
Tags: book, javascript, jobs
14 Comments on 'JavaScript Ninja Jobs'
April 18th, 2008
I've set up a job board, which can be found here: JavaScript Ninja JavaScript Jobs.
Just a quick post, in a follow-up to this one on JavaScript Jobs: I still have a ton of JavaScript jobs sent my way (all the way from simple contract work up to full-blown expert-level developer positions), would there be any interest in a dedicated RSS feed/blog/Mailing list of new listings that get sent my way? I just need a more efficient way of disseminating the posts that I get, but I'm not interested in doing it if there isn't general interest. Thoughts?
Tags: javascript, jobs
40 Comments on 'Feed of JavaScript Jobs?'
February 15th, 2008
I've had the pleasure of interviewing a number of people to work for Mozilla and plenty of developers for the jQuery core team. There's a lot that I've learned about what makes a good candidate and I'd like to point it out, as it's generally quite different from most organizations looking to hire. Also, even between the two Open Source projects, the qualifications for a good candidate shift wildly - however there's a lot that's quite similar, and should be outlined.
Education, grades in school, extracurricular activities, and age have very little bearing on what makes for a good candidate. None of those have ever been a factor in any of my choices for an interviewee.
We've had contributors to jQuery aged all the way from 15 to 65. Stuart was hired by Netscape to work on the Mozilla project straight out of high school (which was actually detailed in the documentary Code Rush). Age is rarely relevant, as long as you can produce good code and work well with your teammates.
I don't think education has ever been a deciding factor, for me, in an Interview. Due to my location (in Boston) I end up talking with lots of MIT students (both under-grad and graduate). It's almost a given that their grades are good and that they've done well in all the required classes. This means that everyone knows Scheme, Java, and some C++ - which doesn't help you tremendously when shooting for a position developing the Firefox frontend (which is JavaScript, CSS, XUL - maybe a pinch of C++ - and is generally what I interview candidates for). Because of this I tend to look for candidates who've put a lot of effort into extra research positions or side projects.
I'm always surprised by the number of irrelevant extracurricular activities that people put on their resumes - and the number of "awards" they've received. These mean virtually nothing to me. I'm glad that you competed in a virtual robot battle competition, but how does that effect your ability to create good JavaScript code? This ends up weighting very poorly against outright experience.
Conversely, experience and initiative have a huge amount of power over an applicant. If you're able to demonstrate that you've devoted large amounts of time to building side projects (especially when they're Ajax-y web applications - PHP, Ruby, Python, Perl - all good). Since most of the people that I talk to for Mozilla are coming from MIT they all end up being amazingly similar. The deciding factors for a candidate come down to how they've gone beyond the basic program and excelled. This is especially important since good web development skills aren't seemingly taught in the MIT curriculum, which is a shame.
Location and native language can matter, depending on the project. Mozilla, for example, is a highly distributed organization, however some teams (like the platform team) tend to work mostly in Mountain View, CA. Additionally, due to frequent meetings and communication, being able to speak and understand English is incredibly helpful. On the other hand, for jQuery, location is not a factor at all. The jQuery team has only met once (and there's some team members whom I still haven't met). Much like Mozilla, we're distributed across the globe - Germany, Florida, China, California, Romania, Colorado, Australia, and on, but we don't have a central base. Being able to speak English is much less of a concern for us - we're more open to letting your code speak for itself.
Manning the booth at a recent MIT Career Fair.
Since I end up looking at, primarily, most candidate's JavaScript skills I tend to break down the topic into a couple areas:
JavaScript Language: Good knowledge of the language - an understanding of its functional aspects and prototypal inheritance are usually the most that I can hope for.
Cross-Browser Code: Writing effective cross-browser code is incredibly difficult and can be a good way of marking a proficient JavaScript developer. One of my favorite questions to figure this out is "What is your favorite cross-browser bug?" - either the candidate has like 20 answers or doesn't know what I'm talking about.
Testing: Having test-backed code is pretty common in software development but still in its relative infancy in the land of JavaScript. Developing JavaScript tests, using a test suite - or even having written your own suite - score big.
For Firefox Frontend Engineers, in particular, I also tend to look at the two other core aspects: CSS and XUL.
CSS: It's surprisingly easy to weed out people who do, or don't, know CSS. Ask the question "What's the syntax for making all paragraphs on a page red." If they aren't able to give you some combination of "p color colon red" then it's time to move on. If they handle that then it's good to explore CSS property manipulation in JavaScript, making sure they have a good grasp of that.
XUL: By far the most challenging skillset to find. Oftentimes when I actually interview a candidate that has XUL knowledge they're more proficient than I am. However, most people aren't familiar with XUL so I tend to explore topics like XML, XPath, XSLT, and SVG. Having good knowledge of any of those is a big win.
If nothing else it should be noted that I care a lot about hands-on experience, especially when it comes to JavaScript and web-related technologies. Showing that you've proven yourself through hard work is immensely more valuable than having gotten good grades in some un-related programming class. I tend to think that this emphasis on producing real results is sort of the cornerstone of Open Source development and is one reason why I am especially happy to be completely immersed in it.
By the way, at Mozilla, we're always
looking for awesome developers. If you're a top-notch web developer, maybe you should consider taking the leap into Firefox development. The territory is completely familiar (JavaScript, CSS, XML) but the output is absolutely different: An application used by over 150 million people. Tell them I sent you and I'll put in a good word for you.
Tags: jquery, javascript, jobs, mozilla
23 Comments on 'Interviewing for Open Source'
January 26th, 2008
The jobs listed here have been relocated to the new JavaScript Ninja JavaScript Jobs board.
While I'm not, currently, looking for any extra work (a full-time job and writing a book will slow you down a bit) I'm frequently forwarded job openings that I would like to pass on to others.
Generally speaking, these jobs fall into a couple areas: 1) Are JavaScript-related (either jQuery or general Ajax). 2) Are within the New York/New England area or are remote contract jobs. If you have a job posting that you'd like me to relay, feel free to contact me and I'll try to push it on.
jQuery Contract Position
Dave Merwin (dmerwin at orcasinc.com) says that he needs some help with "a small but cool project that I want to do in jQuery." Contact him if you're interested.
Boston Interface Design - JavaScript, jQuery, Python
Mark Soper (mark at alluviallabs.com) says:
Alluvial Labs is building Alluvio, a web application for collaborative investment research. The main need is for someone who knows how to make a professional and usable interface aesthetic. We also have lots of opportunity for the work to evolve into development: javascript/jquery, python, etc.
jQuery Plugin Development
Ryan Graf (ryanjgraf at gmail.com) says that:
I'm looking for an experienced developer with jQuery that can help with some work on a plugin (edit-in-place stuff). We've been working on an existing plugin provided by another contributor and have basically re-written the entire plugin to add a lot of extra functionality. We're now facing some interesting cross browser issues with IE6/Safari that have been difficult to debug.
JavaScript/Ajax Writer
Scott Delap (scott at clientjava.com) says:
InfoQ.com (which I'm the lead RIA/JavaScript editor of) is looking for a couple news writers to cover JavaScript and Ajax (for things like say ... JQuery). We'd want them to cover JavaScript and Ajax in general of course in a not too biased manner. Time commitment starts at around 1 post (30/45 minutes a week) and is paying at a competitive rate per post. Here are a few examples of the types of coverage we shoot for: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
NYC - Senior JavaScript Engineer
Brian Vinay (brian.vinay at talentbridge.net) is looking to fill a position with Heavy.com. He provides more details:
Heavy’s engineers develop the next-generation technologies for discovering, delivering, and monetizing premium video for millions of consumers. We’re looking for outstanding front-end engineers who want to define the next generation of user interfaces for internet-based video and advertising.
We are hiring senior JavaScript / HTML / CSS software engineers to write cross-browser code for these web applications, for both internal and external use. We are looking for well-rounded developers who know how to create beautiful, lightning-fast interfaces that work at Internet scale… but who can also develop prototypes quickly. You should have a good understanding of, and practical experience with, creative web design using open standards.
Requirements:
* BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or equivalent.
* Strong JavaScript skills and object oriented design experience, including working knowledge of jQuery, Prototype, Scriptaculous
* Good artistic taste. You will be relentless about elegant CSS layout, tight JavaScript code, all with strict and clean HTML
* Significant experience implementing user interfaces for consumer web services
* Experience with PHP, MySQL and ActionScript is a plus
* Knowledge of user interface design, XML web services and agile development methodologies desired.
* Ideally, you truly love what you do and have a web site to showcase your favorite work.
Ajax Freelance
Brandon Mullins (brandon at bookmesh.com) is looking for someone to help finish the Ajax of Book Mesh:
All of our AJAX images are designed, and the site is 95% completed. However, we are in need of locating a very talented and responsible AJAX pro to work as a direct consultant and freelancer to the BookMesh team, to begin with immediately fixing the kinks in our AJAX functionality (doesn’t work in IE at all, needs to be centered and tidied-up in Firefox & Safari). This same person will be able to stay on board as a freelancer after this small initial task for any and all client-side scripts that we will need, including various Javascript-based feature implementations.
These initial AJAX needs will not take much time at all (~ 7-10 hours), and there may be lots more work in the coming future for the selected freelancer.
Boston - Web Designer
Aaron White (wyrmwood at gmail.com) is looking for a web designer and includes a full description of the position.
NYC - jQuery Developer
Matthew Greenhouse (mgreenhouse at colspace.com) is looking for "any developers that are familiar with jquery and looking for work, ideally in NYC."
Portsmouth, NH - Web Designer
Jeff Leombruno (leombruno at gmail.com) is looking for:
...a high end developer/scripter type person. If you know anyone who might fit that role and would be interested in working in Portsmouth, NH, please feel free to pass along my email address. We're looking for someone with experience who can jump right into developing complex UI's using xhtml/css/js or flash/actionscript/flex type technologies. We do use jQuery here, of course, as well as YUI for some of our more complex interfaces.
Los Angeles - Senior UI Developer
Danny Archambault (darchambault at concorde-inc.com) is looking to fill a senior UI developer position:
Skills: Ajax CSS Photoshop JSP HTML sony Job description: UI Developer / Specialist: A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a team on a complex-phased new technology medium sized web projects. Responsible for developing the user interface for a complex web application with a lot of data entry screens, workflows, views and reports.
Deliverables will include:
* Low-tech mockups using Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel or Visio
* HTML Prototypes with functioning Javascript and data interactions
* Flex application development to support the back-end development
Seattle - User Experience Developer
David Golightly (davidgo at zillow.com) points to a a job posting at Zillow:
We have an opening in Seattle at Zillow.com for a User Experience Developer, eg. JavaScript + HTML template ownership, that we've been looking to fill for over 6 months with no luck. We've interviewed dozens of candidates, but we can't seem to find people in Seattle who have a JavaScript focus. Considering your large fan base, it would be great if you could put a word in for us, as this would be a golden opportunity for the right kind of person - that is, someone who can play a browser like a violin. While we use YUI here, I have great admiration for the principles of jQuery and would love it if we could find someone with a jQuery background. We've got some large, fun, JavaScript-intensive projects coming up over the next year+, now if only we could find a JS fanatic to build them!
NYC - Senior-level Web Developer
Mauvis Ledford (mauvis atkickapps.com) wrote to mention a job at KickApps:
KickApps the premiere white-label social networking company is looking for a Senior-level Web Developer with a core interest in JavaScript / CSS / HTML. We use jQuery here. Must be able to work or relocate to our Manhattan office. Great pay, generous benefits. See our website for more information.
Let me know if this post is, at all, useful to those reading it. If it's not the case then I probably won't attempt it again, but it is nice to pass these on, at least (especially to those looking or some extra JavaScript or jQuery work).
Tags: jobs, ajax, jquery, javascript
8 Comments on 'JavaScript Jobs'
August 8th, 2005
I'm looking for a Javascript/Design Guru to help get some applications off the ground.
If you can look at Prototype (http://prototype.conio.net/) and say "That's cool, but I can do better!", or you can scoff at the designs on Stylegala (http://stylegala.com/) and CSS Vault (http://cssvault.com/) - then this job is for you!
Knowledge of the following is a must:
- Advanced Object Oriented Javascript
- Ajax (Asynchronous Javascript and XML)
- XHTML
- Advanced, Modern, Design Capabilities
- Advanced CSS
Big Plus:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Knowledge of Microformats
- Knowldge of Social Networks
If you are primarily Javascript OR Design-Oriented - let me know, as I may still have some work for you.
This job will be on a part-time/contract basis - most likely telecommuting. Pay will determined by your skill level and previous experience.
Apply for this Job Here OR email me.
Tags: illustrator, html, xml, xhtml, design, css, jobs, ajax, javascript, adobe
17 Comments on 'Wanted: Javascript/Design Guru'
July 6th, 2005
Jobazaar is a new take on combining tagging with auction-style job sites. The premise for the site is that an employer makes a post offering up a job, prospect employees join and post their bid onto the job. This is all virtually identical to a number of other job-bid websites - a popular one being Rent-A-Coder. I'm going to review, first, the concept of job bidding and then the value added by this web site.
Job Bidding Personally, I really dislike job bidding. It may seem like a 'great way' to find work, considering that there are so many jobs listed (on popular job sites), but the truth is that in order to actually win a job you have to drop your total bid to a demeaning level. I find that for jobs that I would normally contract out to about $25/hour end up being close to minimum wage, instead - which is highly impractical. Personally, I feel that blind 'auctions' really are a better way to acheive a better result - since no one can know what the lowest bid is, no one can undercut it.
Jobazaar Differences The main difference between Jobazaar and any other job-bidding web site lies in the fact that it uses tags as a categorization system, and I'm not entirely sure if it works as intended. Application developers seem to be missing the fact that tagging does not make for a good 3rd party categorization system. It's good for finding your own items because you're the one writing the tags. You may say 'web' and 'perl', I may cay 'cgi' and 'lamp'. The advantage to having a strict categorization, like what Rent-A-Coder has, is that you know exactly where the jobs are that you want (for example 'Perl > CGI > Databases').
The two aspect of Jobazaar that I like is the fact that you can track job postings in your newsreader, using rss, and that they have a public blog available, soliciting feedback. Both of these are incredibly useful - and a smart decision.
In a nutshell, I don't think that Jobazaar adds that much value to the typical job-bid model, available elsewhere on the Internet, to warrant its existence. Unless it begins to gather a serious userbase (which it doesn't have, at this time), it may be too late for it to work at all.
Tags: jobazaar, programming, review, jobs, tags, tag, business, bid, auction
3 Comments on 'Jobazaar Review'
May 21st, 2005
A topic that has intrigued me, lately, is the freedom that some companies are giving to their employees - 'allowing' them to explore some topics that interest them (and yet, still benefit the company) and not just menial product-upgrades.
Probably the most widely known instance of this freedom is Google's 20% Time. Google allows their engineers to explore topics that interest them and yet are still related to the overall goals of Google. Products like Orkut, Google Movies, and other handy add-ons have come out of this.
The next case that I became aware of was the Atlassian Fedex Day. Even though it has nothing to do with Fedex directly, they're goal was to give the engineers a day to develop some new products, using new technologies, and ship them on the same day.
Finally, and probably my most favorite, the JotSpot Hackathon. JotSpot provided their engineers with pizza, drinks, and candy throughout the day, in turn creating handy add-ons which they felt would be of use. A lot of neat Ajaxy things came out of this which will greatly benefit the end-user.
It definitely seems that these freedoms (especially the all day hackathons) bring the employees together and allows them to have some fun with their otherwise drab working environment. This is something that I'm going to keep in mind as I start getting my company off the ground.
Tags: google, freedom, jobs, employee, business
3 Comments on 'Employee Freedom'
