In the grand landscape of web development, Vue.js has emerged as one of the most sought-after frameworks for application development. As you embark on the journey of hiring a Vue developer, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of what the role truly entails. Herein lies the importance of the following 12 insights, garnered from experience, to guide you through this process.

• Understanding Vue.js: At the outset, one must comprehend the essence of Vue.js. It's a progressive JavaScript framework, utilized for building user interfaces. Unlike other monolithic frameworks, Vue allows the developer to adopt its library gradually, starting from only a few features and gradually expanding to additional functionality as required.
• Competency in Core Technologies: A proficient Vue developer should not only be adept with Vue.js, but also demonstrate strong skillsets in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript- the foundational trinity of web development.
• Knowledge of Single-Page Applications (SPAs): Vue is well-suited for crafting SPAs, which are web applications that dynamically update a single HTML page as the user interacts with the app. SPAs offer a smoother, more responsive user experience akin to a desktop application.
• Proficiency in Components and Composables: Vue's architecture is based on a system of reusable components, a method of encapsulating parts of a webpage into small, self-contained units. A Vue developer should be capable of creating and managing these components effectively. Additionally, with the advent of Vue 3, the introduction of the Composition API has led to the concept of composables, which provides a more flexible way to share logic between components.
• Experience with Vue Router and Vuex: Vue Router is the official router for Vue.js, used for creating multi-page applications. Vuex, on the other hand, is a state management pattern and library for Vue applications. A proficient Vue developer must be well-versed in using both these tools elegantly.
• Understanding of Testing and Debugging: A developer's job isn't just about writing code; it's about ensuring the code works as expected. This involves rigorous testing and debugging. Familiarity with testing frameworks like Jest or Mocha, and debugging tools like Vue Devtools is crucial.
• Performance Optimization Skills: In the realm of web applications, performance is paramount. A Vue developer should understand performance bottlenecks and should be adept at techniques like lazy loading and asynchronous components to optimize application performance.
• Backend Integration Knowledge: A Vue application often communicates with a backend service. Knowledge of backend technologies and ability to handle API integrations is an essential aspect of a Vue developer's skillset.
• Stay Abreast with the Latest Version: Vue.js is evolving rapidly, and a competent Vue developer should stay updated with the latest additions and changes in the framework.
• Soft Skills: Beyond technical prowess, a developer should possess good communication skills for effective collaboration, problem-solving skills for tackling unexpected challenges, and a passion for continuous learning in this ever-evolving field.
• Check Their Portfolio: A developer’s previous work serves as a testament to their skills and experience. Review their portfolio to assess their competency and see if their work aligns with your project requirements.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Given the multi-faceted nature of web development, a Vue developer should be open to adapting new technologies, tools, or practices that could enhance the development process or the final product.

In conclusion, hiring a Vue developer isn't just about their proficiency in Vue.js alone. It's about a holistic evaluation of their technical skills, understanding of auxiliary technologies and tools, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to new developments. Having this comprehensive understanding will enable you to make a more informed decision and ensure the success of your projects.