Working hard to be invisible.

That is what a good front-end engineer does.

If you want to read all about how to get a job as an invisible person in Japan, read on dear Front End Developer.

This is Thu Tran.

She is a tech recruiter in Tokyo working with major Japanese clients hiring Front End Developers.

I spoke with Thu Tran to learn everything you need to know about being a Front End Developer in Japan.

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started.

What is a FrontEnd Engineer?

A Front End Engineer works with designers to bring visual concepts to life, ensuring that web applications are both functional and visually appealing.

They create the user interface and experience, implementing designs, testing, and maintaining the front end of websites or applications.

Responsibilities

Collaborating with Designers: Work closely with designers to develop and refine the website’s design, ensuring it is feasible and functional.
Developing New Features: Continuously add and improve features on the website.
System Maintenance: Solve system-related issues and perform regular maintenance.
Authentication Systems: Develop and improve systems for secure user authentication.
Testing: Implement end-to-end tests using tools like Playwright and Cypress to ensure the web application runs smoothly.

What are the requirements to make this your life?

Requirements

Every Front End Engineer should be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Depending on the company, you may also need to know frameworks and libraries such as React.js, TypeScript, and Angular.

Technology Stack

Frontend: TypeScript, Node.js, Next.js, React
Other Tools: GitHub, Confluence, JIRA, Slack

Proficiency

Minimum 3 years of experience in production-level front-end development.
Strong experience with Node.js (minimum 3 years).
Experience in team-based software development, including design and code reviews.

Here are the 5 skills that Thu said you should focus on to get a job.

5 Skills That Will Make You Stand Out

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (3-5 years):
- Importance: These are foundational skills for any front end position.
- How to Build: Work on various projects to gain experience and handle more complex tasks.
Strong Portfolio:
- Importance: Demonstrates your ability to develop and design functional and visually appealing websites.
- How to Build: Ensure your portfolio is clear, functional, and well-designed.
Japanese Language Skills:
- Importance: Essential for communication with other departments and designers.
- How to Build: Take online courses, watch Japanese media, and join language learning circles.
Client-Facing Skills:
- Importance: Shows your ability to communicate effectively and handle client requirements.
- How to Build: Gain experience through freelancing or client-facing tasks at work.
Collaboration:
- Importance: Necessary for working with designers and other teams.
- How to Build: Engage in team projects and actively seek feedback.

What is the career path?

Career Progression

Starting as a Front End Engineer can lead to various career paths. With experience, you can advance to roles such as:

Software Engineer: Gain more knowledge about back-end development.
Tech Lead: Lead a team of engineers and oversee projects.
Manager: Move into managerial roles, overseeing larger projects and teams.

Ready to apply? Use this link to reach out to us!

Before you do, here are some tips from Thu to help you land the job.

Tips for Landing the Job

Resume Tips

Experience: Clearly state your years of experience and the technologies you’ve worked with.
Tech Stack: List your familiarity with each programming language and tool.
Projects: Detail your contributions to each project, being specific about what you implemented.
Summary: Provide a summary at the beginning of your resume, highlighting your tech stack and experience.
Tailor Your Resume: Adjust your resume to match the job description, focusing on the desired profile and required experience.

Interview Tips

Know the Company: Research the company's departments, products, and tools.
Prepare in Japanese: Be ready to interview in Japanese if required.
Motivation: Clearly articulate your motivation for joining the company.

FAQ

Is there remote work AVAILABLE FOR FRONTEND ENGINEERS IN JAPAN?
Yes, most engineering roles offer remote work options.
WHAT IS THE Tech stack USED FOR THIS POSTION?
Commonly used technologies include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and React.js.
WHAT ARE THE Work time HOURS FOR FRONTEND ENGINEERS IN JAPAN?
Flexible working hours are typical.
WHAT IS THE Salary RANGE FOR A FRONTEND ENGINEER IN JAPAN?
Salaries range from ¥6 million to ¥10 million annually.