WordPress is an open-source, free platform for creating websites. In more technical terms, WordPress is a PHP-based content management system (CMS) that employs a MySQL database. It is one of today's most straightforward yet powerful tools for constructing blogs and websites.
WordPress was established in 2003, and current data on content management system usage indicates that it now powers 43% of all websites, from blogs to business websites, portfolios, forums, and online stores. WordPress powers both the website's back end (where users log in to make modifications or add fresh content) and the front end (the visible part of the website that visitors observe in their browsers).
While you’ll typically need a specialized WordPress developer to build a robust, high-traffic business website, WordPress is also user-friendly and adaptable, making it easy for team members to upload content independently without contacting and waiting for a webmaster to complete the task.
If your company is looking to hire a WordPress developer, finding a prospective candidate can be challenging without the time, resources, or technical knowledge of the position. This guide provides a template to help you craft a compelling job description to hire a top-notch WordPress developer.
WordPress Developer Job Description Template
Concisely describe your job requirements, what you’re looking for in a WordPress developer, and the tasks your new developer will perform after you hire them. Be clear and precise, so candidates know what to expect from your job opportunity; this will help attract the right candidates and turn away candidates who aren’t a great fit.
Job Overview
In the WordPress developer role, you will be responsible for coding websites, testing, performing quality assurance, developing fixes, and creating custom plugins. To succeed in this role, you will need a strong understanding of WordPress and a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript (JS), PHP, and MySQL. Additionally, you should be comfortable with responsive design, creating a local server stack, configuring debugging, and using WordPress application program interfaces (APIs).
WordPress Developer Responsibilities
Full-stack WordPress developers can handle a website's front end and back end. That said, most WordPress developers specialize in either frontend or backend programming. It’s crucial, then, to thoroughly examine the resume and portfolio of each candidate before hiring a dedicated WordPress developer, or you could end up with someone who isn’t the right fit.
This section is one of the most important in your job posting, so consider it carefully, including all the essential skills your ideal candidate should have. Here are some responsibilities you may want to include:
- Write core code and troubleshoot WordPress core files to maintain your website’s most crucial functionalities without any downtime
- Design and implement your website’s user interface (UI) or front end, including page layouts, navigation menus, and buttons
- Test and debug your website in a WordPress development environment, which requires the knowledge of how to create a local server stack using MAMP, XAMPP, Varying Vagrant Vagrants (VVV), or Docker
- Program and manage your website’s back end, including APIs and databases
- Optimize pages for search engine optimization (SEO)
- Ensure your website is compatible and optimized across different browsers
- If you are an agency: design and create professional, functional websites to communicate client brands, products, and services
WordPress Developer Qualifications
If you have any must-haves, include them here. While some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field, industry experience and a portfolio proving knowledge of the required technology are often enough when you’re looking for a developer.
- Professional experience as a WordPress developer
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript (JS), PHP, and MySQL
- Experience with debugging tools such as Query Monitor and Debug Bar
- Knowledge of code versioning tools, including SVN, Git, and Mercurial
- Solid grasp of website architecture and aesthetics
WordPress Developer Skills
WordPress developer jobs require three primary skills: soft, hard, and technical. Look for the skills listed below.
Soft Skills
If your candidate doesn’t have the “people skills” you’re looking for, it may be difficult for them to fit into your company culture and communicate effectively with your clients or customers. To avoid that situation, screen for the soft skills listed below:
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- The ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking
- The ability to work on a team
- The capacity to explain technical projects and concepts to people who lack technical proficiency
Hard Skills
Hard skills are ones that your candidate can easily demonstrate. Some examples include:
- Fluency in English
- Knowledge of non-WordPress technologies the role may occasionally require, e.g., Salesforce, Invoca, and various content delivery networks (CDNs)
Technical Skills
Look for the following technical skills:
- JS
- JSON
- CSS
- PHP
- MySQL
- HTML
- Debugging tools such as Query Monitor and Debug Bar
- Code versioning tools such as SVN, Git, and Mercurial
- Photoshop
- Google Webmaster Tools
Compensation and Benefits
When crafting job descriptions, it’s essential to include salary information or a salary range, aligning it with the experience level you’re looking for. A competitive benefits package is pivotal in attracting top talent and emphasizes your commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.
Company Information
Include a concise section highlighting your company's values, mission, unique qualities, and reasons prospective candidates want to work for you. This section serves as a compelling introduction to your company’s culture and purpose. By showcasing your distinct identity and aligning with candidates' values and aspirations, you can attract top talent who are skilled and passionate about your organization's vision.
Hire a WordPress Developer Developer With Revelo
Finding and hiring candidates can be a daunting and time-consuming process. Revelo can help. We can match you with highly skilled WordPress developers aligned to your time zone and thoroughly vetted for technical skills, soft skills, and English proficiency. We’ll also manage payroll, benefits administration, taxes, and local compliance adherence so that you can focus more on core business functions and less on paperwork.
Contact us to start building your development team today.
