Being a competent web developer requires you to have strong knowledge in your field. This includes knowing how to use many different browsers and understanding the differences between them. To employers, a developer who knows how to solve cross-browser compatibility issues is a definite plus. Therefore, you should know how multiple browsers work, even if you have a primary browser that you normally use for surfing. The question about which browser you use helps recruiters determine how conversant you are with the various types of browsers.
Now What?
There’s no need to worry if you’re not familiar with every single web browser out there. You can still prepare ahead of time and provide a good answer to this question. Below are some tips you can use to be more confident when answering this question:
Stay up to date. Even if you’ve been a web developer for quite some time, the fact is that that learning never stops. Since technology is rapidly developing, you must prepare for the changes in the web arena. If there’s a recently released browser out there, feel free to explore it to get to know its pros and cons.
You can also read blog sites that are related to your profession. Nowadays, there’s definitely no excuse when it comes to acquiring information. Use the power of the Internet to keep up with the changes in web browsing technology.
Research. Make an effort to study different kinds of browsers, and know how to use the toolbars and plugins as well. This will help you decide which browsers work best for certain issues and may help you solve browsing problems more easily when you encounter them.
Make a list. Grab a pen and paper and list all of the browsers that come to mind. Sort them out according to your liking, making the last browser as your least favorite. Write down all the pros and cons of each browser together with all the toolbars that you know how to use in each. Doing this helps you be more confident when answering this question during the interview.
Practice. Of course, studying will be of no use if you don’t apply it. Download all of the browsers so you can get a feel for how each one works. This is quite helpful, especially if you want to answer the question with ease and confidence.
Using different kinds of web browsers will definitely give you an advantage over other web developers. Don’t waste time – start learning all you can about web browsers. You’ll thank yourself in the end once you get the job offer you’ve always wanted.
