Recruiter's Glossary

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ESM

Term from Web Development industry explained for recruiters

ESM (ECMAScript Modules) is a modern way of organizing and sharing code in web development. Think of it like a standardized filing system for JavaScript code that helps developers break down their work into smaller, manageable pieces. It's the newer, more efficient replacement for the older system called CommonJS. When you see ESM mentioned in a resume, it usually means the developer is familiar with modern JavaScript development practices and knows how to build websites using current best practices.

Examples in Resumes

Migrated legacy codebase to ESM format, improving code maintainability

Built new features using ECMAScript Modules for better code organization

Implemented ESM architecture in Node.js applications for improved performance

Typical job title: "JavaScript Developers"

Also try searching for:

Frontend Developer JavaScript Developer Web Developer Node.js Developer Full Stack Developer Software Engineer

Where to Find JavaScript Developers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you explain the benefits of ESM over CommonJS to a team?

Expected Answer: A senior developer should explain that ESM offers better performance through static analysis, cleaner syntax for importing/exporting, and is the standard way of sharing code in modern JavaScript. They should also discuss migration strategies and backward compatibility considerations.

Q: What strategies would you use to implement ESM in a large existing project?

Expected Answer: Should discuss gradual migration approaches, tools for compatibility, handling mixed module systems, and ways to ensure smooth transition without breaking existing functionality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between ESM and CommonJS?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that ESM uses 'import/export' syntax instead of 'require', supports static analysis, and is the standard way of handling modules in modern JavaScript.

Q: How do you handle async operations in ESM?

Expected Answer: Should explain top-level await support in ESM, dynamic imports, and how to structure code for better loading performance.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic syntax for importing and exporting in ESM?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic import/export statements, named exports, default exports, and how to import specific parts of a module.

Q: How do you include ESM in a web project?

Expected Answer: Should explain the use of type='module' in script tags, basic file organization, and how to use import statements in browser-based JavaScript.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic import/export syntax
  • Simple module organization
  • Understanding of modern JavaScript
  • Basic web development concepts

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Advanced module patterns
  • Build tool configuration
  • Performance optimization
  • Module bundling and deployment

Senior (4+ years)

  • Architecture planning
  • Migration strategy development
  • Build system optimization
  • Team training and best practices

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of modern JavaScript concepts
  • Unfamiliarity with basic import/export syntax
  • Lack of experience with build tools
  • No knowledge of module bundling concepts

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