1 min lesson

The single most impactful word in the JD's skill list is SolidJS

Use "Almost every front-end candidate knows React" to describe the practical rule.

The single most impactful word in the JD's skill list is SolidJS. Almost every front-end candidate knows React. Far fewer can speak fluently about signals-based reactivity. Naming it explicitly tells you Cursor values that mental model - and it's a place where a few days of real study visibly moves you ahead of the pool.

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Advanced table

You don't have to be a Solid expert

Axis: Reactivity unit
React (most candidates): Component re-render
SolidJS (the differentiator): Fine-grained signal

Axis: Mental model
React (most candidates): Re-run the function, diff the VDOM
SolidJS (the differentiator): Track dependencies, update only what changed

Axis: State primitive
React (most candidates): Hooks (useState/useEffect)
SolidJS (the differentiator): Signals + createEffect/createMemo

Axis: Reconciliation
React (most candidates): Virtual DOM diffing
SolidJS (the differentiator): No VDOM; compiles to direct DOM updates

Axis: Why Cursor cares
React (most candidates): Baseline fluency
SolidJS (the differentiator): Performance model that fits a fast desktop UI

Axis	React (most candidates)	SolidJS (the differentiator)
Reactivity unit	Component re-render	Fine-grained signal
Mental model	Re-run the function, diff the VDOM	Track dependencies, update only what changed
State primitive	Hooks (useState/useEffect)	Signals + createEffect/createMemo
Reconciliation	Virtual DOM diffing	No VDOM; compiles to direct DOM updates
Why Cursor cares	Baseline fluency	Performance model that fits a fast desktop UI

You don't have to be a Solid expert - but being able to explain signals vs. hooks is a cheap, visible edge.

Finally the nice-to-haves. They won't sink you if absent, but they tip a close call: Electron / native UI / cross-platform desktop experience and a developer-tools or IDE background. If you have either, lead with it - it maps directly onto the product surface.

Now turn this into a plan. Don't read the skill list and nod. Score yourself 1–5 on each axis, then spend your prep on the lowest numbers, weighted toward whatever a specific stage will test.

Skill: Unassisted coding (no AI)
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Phone screen
If weak, do this: Practice mediums by hand, autocomplete only, timed

Skill: React + CSS polish
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Build round
If weak, do this: Rebuild a real component to 100%, including motion

Skill: SolidJS / signals
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Phone/build
If weak, do this: Build one small Solid app; explain signals vs. hooks aloud

Skill: Web animation
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Build round
If weak, do this: Tune one interaction: easing, spring, FLIP, 60fps

Skill: Design-system thinking
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Portfolio
If weak, do this: Prepare a component-API story with variants + a11y

Skill: Taste / critique
Rate yourself 1–5: __
Where it's tested: Portfolio, trial
If weak, do this: Form specific opinions on real Cursor surfaces

Skill	Rate yourself 1–5	Where it's tested	If weak, do this
Unassisted coding (no AI)	__	Phone screen	Practice mediums by hand, autocomplete only, timed
React + CSS polish	__	Build round	Rebuild a real component to 100%, including motion
SolidJS / signals	__	Phone/build	Build one small Solid app; explain signals vs. hooks aloud
Web animation	__	Build round	Tune one interaction: easing, spring, FLIP, 60fps
Design-system thinking	__	Portfolio	Prepare a component-API story with variants + a11y
Taste / critique	__	Portfolio, trial	Form specific opinions on real Cursor surfaces

Fill the blanks honestly. The lowest score is your next study session.

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Optional practice