March 2, 2020

NZ React Native expert? You’re in high demand.

6 min read

Most of us have a smart phone with apps on it these days. At least some of these apps directly help make our lives easier, be it making a bill payment, getting local news, or finding the nearest gas station. The user experience of web and mobile apps is critical and a mobile app developer contributes to making these experiences as useful as possible.

A poor mobile app or web experience isn’t just frustrating for users, but can hurt a brand and businesses require their digital interfaces to be fast, secure and easy to use. That’s why investment in good mobile development is being prioritised by digital teams across New Zealand and abroad.

As with many skills, the local IT industry is experiencing a shortage of mobile and web app development experts. All industries from banking to transport, health to hospitality are demanding more skills to make their online interfaces with users better. The demand is outpacing the availability of skills, a trend we expect will continue for the near future.

If you are a developer with React/React Native skills, or want to learn new front end development skills, there are plenty of work opportunities in New Zealand for you.

What is React and React Native?

So, for readers who haven’t come across it before, what is React?

Developed by a Facebook software engineer, React (or ReactJS) is a Javascript web framework that is used to build front end interfaces. Building on this, React Native uses native components (as opposed to web-based ones with ReactJS) and is used for crafting mobile apps (such as those for iOS and Android), along with web-based single page applications.

Think of Facebook on a computer – there is a lot happening on-page; messages, alerts, sharing, liking, playing video – features are frequently added to the social media platform. React’s development initially came from a need to handle all this user input without having to constantly reload the entire page.

Using React Native to build a mobile application allows great efficiencies. Rather than building the app via iOS or Android specific kits, React Native allows developers to share a large percentage of the code for both platforms. React Native comes with modules and components that can be used as building blocks of a mobile app, and are already designed to improve performance.

For employers, React Native’s component-based approach makes it easier to run development project with web-style agile sprints. This also allows better continuity of mobile app projects, that may involve different developers throughout. Better efficiencies allow for either a more affordable project or more time spent on user features.

Examples of React Native in the wild

React Native is everywhere. Facebook’s own app is built using React Native. Instagram, too uses React Native to ensure a seamless, fast loading UX. But also consider these other industry leaders who’ve used the framework at some stage: UberEats, Skype, AirBnb, Tesla, Pinterest and many others, all have used React Native for different functionalities. But these large companies have sizeable development teams all demanding good performance, compatibility and collaboration.

What skills does the React Native developer have?

React is, by many accounts, one of the simpler frameworks to learn for developers with existing knowledge of Javascript.

There are some skills that make a good React Native mobile app developer, these include:

Ability to develop for both iOS and Android natively – apps built with React Native will often require the team to use those platforms’ own languages such as Apple’s Swift.
A good understanding of JavaScript and ReactJS specifically. Knowing the limitations and rules of React is essential to clean, fast, quality apps.
Being comfortable with the client’s team and showing understanding of their business requirements.
Creative thinking – sometimes functionality of an app to meet a certain need will need some out-of-the-box ideas, or even more learning.
Ability to test and debug the app through different stages of development.

Remember, becoming a successful React Native developer, like other front end skills, is not just about coding ability. It is really important that you have good people skills in this role – businesses take a very close interest in their mobile apps and will require that their ideas or concerns are listened to and clearly communicated.

If you’re a junior developer who is interested in React Native work, or want to become an attractive candidate in the job market, put yourself in as many client-facing meetings as possible with your existing employer. Learning how to connect business needs with technical approach is invaluable.

Where in NZ are there specific React needs?

The short answer – everywhere. Tech-led businesses are no longer simply relegated to the largest cities, and app developers can be in demand across all parts of the country. But right now in late 2019, our team is experiencing a noticeable shortage of React Native skills in Auckland. This is prompting businesses to look outside the country. If you are already in Auckland and looking for mobile app development work, we want to hear from you.

Hamilton and Tauranga continue to grow as digital-led business hubs. Our team have noticed an increased demand for React Native developers in this part of the country. If you are local to these areas, we strongly suggest to keep an eye out for roles or chat to us for anything upcoming that might not be listed yet.

We are excited to see more IT roles come available in more parts of the country as this can enable talent to stay local and enjoy their lifestyle and a good career.

NZ looking overseas for React Native talent.

Recruiters and businesses alike have noted the shortage of React experts for both contract and permanent work. In fact, New Zealand companies are often looking outside the country to fill this need. While recruiting global talent is part and parcel of the IT industry and has the upside of bringing in different points of view and rich experiences into projects and teams, we believe that more needs to be done to connect our aspiring and experienced local developers to the skills demands of the industry. A good combination of home-grown and overseas React Native talent will be positive for businesses and the industry as a whole.

These seeds can be planted as early as high school age. Those with an interest in pursuing a career in IT should be armed with as much knowledge of the sector’s job market, to help them make a decision on their education and areas of focus. Recruiters, businesses, government, tech media and tertiary institutes can play a part in sparking interest to generate more talent.

Big opportunity for IT professionals in NZ to up-skill in React Native

But what about existing developers who are looking for a change or who want to up-skill? Well, given ReactJS’ close relationship to Javascript, there is a wide range of development backgrounds that could take to this framework relatively quickly and add value in a dedicated role.

Front-end developers who are particularly interested in mobile apps are strongly encouraged to have React Native in their tool box. And of course, any existing mobile app developers that are experienced with iOS or Android app development are strongly encouraged to learn React Native, as you will be a more attractive prospect in the job market.

Want to know more about React Native job opportunities?

A React Native developer enjoys variety in their job – client contact, design, UX, coding, problem solving and more. If you are an existing mobile app developer with React Native experience and looking for something new – there may be opportunities out there right now. Upload your CV and our team can chat to you further about roles in this space.

If you are currently studying IT, looking for a career in the industry or an existing developer seeking a change, we can suggest pursuing React Native and mobile app development.

Have any questions about React Native work available in New Zealand? Get in touch with our friendly team.

Absolute IT

February 14, 2020

Handy hints for writing your next IT job Cover Letter

7 min read

Cover letters come in so many shapes and sizes – we’ve all got different writing styles. Some job seekers find the whole process of writing a cover letter a bit of a chore. And it isn’t easy, especially when you’re applying for multiple positions.

But the reality is that cover letters, along with CVs are often the first impression a potential employer has of you. With popular vacancies, this can mean an engaging cover letter can elevate your application above others. In this article we’ll cover off a few areas of cover letter writing that can make the process easier and allow you to communicate your suitability for a role more effectively.

Avoid generic letters

Writing one letter for all jobs you apply for may seem like a great way to be efficient, but unfortunately employers can tell. How? Lack of content about the specific job, no tying in of skills to the requirements of the position and no understanding of the company in question.

When an employer reads a cover letter that is ‘cookie cutter’ they will immediately question the genuine interest you have in their position. This is likely to put your application at the bottom of the pile.

So how can you reduce time spent on cover letter writing? Well, ideally you do write bespoke letters for each role. But you may find that there is a certain template or format you can use to at least have the structure standardised.

Consider an outline:

Friendly Intro and stating what you’re applying for
What piqued your interest about the role and the company as a whole
How the requirements of the vacancy align with the experience you bring
Specific background about you that could apply to the role – not just experience but information about you that could identify you as a culture fit etc.
Where you could possibly take the role and additional things you’d bring.
Interested to learn more/chat further
Professional conclusion

If you have the cover letter structured in a standard way you can spend more time writing an engaging pitch as to your fit for the role.

Address the hiring manager personally

This is the start of a conversation (hopefully), so rather than talk to a company, write for the reader. You can find out who the hiring manager is usually within the job listing. If it’s not listed there, a bit of investigation of the company website may give you an idea. If you haven’t found a name after trying everything, you may wish to write ‘Hiring Manager’ or something similar – it’s rare you’ll be unable to source the name.

Writing to someone makes a cover letter more personal and allows you to ask questions and suggest further discussion more naturally in the writing. If you are indeed a good fit, it’s likely the person you’ve written to will call you on the phone and keep the conversation going.

It’s about your fit for the role – not the other way round

Sometimes job seekers will put all the focus on themselves and their own history, neglecting to tie this experience back to the role. Your CV should give the employer a good idea of you but the cover letter is a chance to connect this to the needs of the position. Try to avoid wording like “this job would suit me because I like a results-focused environment” and rather phrase it as “I really identified with [BUSINESS]’s emphasis on results, and believe my work style would complement your values well”.

You’re selling yourself to the employer at this stage. Once you’re in the interview process and shortlisted, there will be an element of the business selling to you, too.

Get to the point and don’t go over a page

Cover letters that are more than a page can make the hiring manager take a deep breath.

We’re sure you’ve got plenty to say but the purpose of a cover letter should really encourage further discussion on the phone or in person. Get straight into your suitability and interest in the position from the start. If you think you need to explain more about your experience, then ask yourself – is this information better for my CV?

Usually it is!

Don’t duplicate what’s on your CV

Which leads us nicely into a common pitfall – simply stating what the employer can already read from a CV. Your cover letter can reference experience outlined in your CV, but avoid going into specific dates and details.

Remember:

CV is about you
Cover letter is about the job

Keep this in mind and you should be okay. Make the CV and cover letter compliment each other – they’ll be read in tandem so read both together before sending.

Be professional but be yourself

It’s really important to be professional and respectful in your cover letter. Overly-familiar can turn potential employers off as rightly or wrongly, written communication is often taken as indicative of your in person manner.

In saying this, you want your cover letter to reflect who you are. It’s an opportunity to show some of your personality and employers will appreciate letters that read well.

Be professional in your cover letter by:

Ensuring you address the letter to the hiring manager
Spell everything correctly, especially the hiring manager’s name!
Checking grammar and structure flow.
Avoiding overly familiar or colloquial wording.

Bring personality to your cover letter by:

Using expressive language (although don’t overcook enthusiasm where it reads as artificial).
Sharing how you feel about the industry, company, line of work or indeed the role itself.
Having a genuine introduction and conclusion.
Sharing where you’re at in your current job search, e.g. “I’ve just returned from the UK on a working holiday and am looking to settle back into New Zealand and join a forward thinking company.”

In summary? Show respect but authenticity in your cover letter.

Honesty is the best policy

Much like we covered in our CV mistakes article, telling an inaccurate story about who you are and what you bring is a recipe for disaster. Don’t feel the need to use your cover letter to explain skills gaps either, as your CV will be an accurate reflection of what you bring. Employers will know what gaps there are, but may be willing to consider you anyway due to what skills you do have.

If you aren’t genuinely interested in the job or feel that your skills align well, we’d recommend that you don’t claim they do – and even question whether you should bother applying. After all, you want to find a role that you’re happy working in. Being honest isn’t just for the employer’s benefit, it’s for your long term happiness too!

Get someone to read it first

Writing a letter is one of those things where you can often read it back the way you intended it to read – and not necessarily how it actually does read. Share you cover letter with a trusted friend or family member who you know has a good grasp of English and if possible, letter writing. You may even know someone who receives job applications frequently who can read it and give you useful feedback on how it might be received.

A fresh set of eyes is always a good idea at this important stage of the job application process!

If you’re unsuccessful, ask for feedback on your cover letter

We don’t always get through to the next stage. This can be due to many things, but sometimes it’s just a case of someone out there being a better fit.

Many businesses will gladly provide some feedback if you are courteous about asking for it. Rather than ask ‘why didn’t I get the job’, request some feedback around how your CV and Cover Letter presented and if there’s something you could improve for future applications. You won’t always get feedback but it’s worth a shot – that advice could be invaluable!

Still unsure? Chat to our team

If you’re looking for an IT role, but not sure how to craft a cracking cover letter, feel free to get in touch with our team at Absolute IT. We’ve helped talented IT professionals get their cover letters into shape for 20 years.