WordPress Developer Job Description—Useful Tips & Tricks
23.08.2022
Want to learn how to write a compelling WordPress developer job description? You've come to the right place! If you want to attract great employees, your job descriptions matter. You wouldn’t want qualified candidates to skip applying to your company because they misunderstand what you’re looking for in a new hire. Nor do you want a flood of unqualified candidates to apply because your job ad is too vague.In this article, we'll give you a detailed overview of what requirements, responsibilities, and skills should be included in your job post to attract the best talent. To simplify your process, we’ve also provided a free WordPress developer job description template for you. Let's go!
What Does a WordPress Developer Do?
Before getting into the details of writing a job description, it helps to first take a closer look at what a WordPress developer does in their day-to-day work. That way, you can create a job ad that appeals to candidates while aligning with your staffing needs.
In general, a WordPress developer designs and implements websites for companies using the WordPress content management system. In all, 43% of websites run on WordPress, according to W3 Techs. So, there’s a good chance your company already uses WordPress and needs a developer to manage an existing site. Or, maybe you’re looking to have a WordPress developer migrate your site to WordPress or create it from scratch.Some websites can be created by non-developers through more intuitive platforms like Squarespace. Yet those often lack the degree of customization that’s possible with the WordPress platform. A great WordPress developer can help you get your site running exactly how you want.Doing so may also include the creation and implementation of various WordPress themes and plugins. To work on this, a candidate should have a thorough knowledge of front-end WordPress development and preferably back-end as well. Specifically, their programming skills should include web programming basics such as PHP, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
A skilled WordPress developer should also have a good understanding of graphic design, as well as experience with various marketing tools and software such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEO and PPC campaigns. They don’t necessarily need to be experts in these other areas, but it can help to have familiarity so that these tools can be integrated into your site and managed effectively.All in all, a top-notch WordPress developer should be able to create an appealing, user-friendly website that perfectly matches your design and functional needs.
Below we have compiled a short list of the most important skills of a WordPress developer.
WordPress Developer Skills:
- Programming know-how in PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
- Experience with WordPress themes and plugins
- A sense for graphic design in terms of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
- Familiarity with integrating and managing marketing tools (e.g. Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEO, PPC)
- Knowledge about API integrations (e.g. Zapier, Twilio)
- Knowledge about debugging tools (e.g., Firebug, Chrome Inspector)
- Understanding of code versioning tools (e.g. Git, SVN, and Mercurial)
How to Write a WordPress Developer Job Description
A clear and concise job posting is key to attracting highly qualified talent. So, recruiters must first clarify with the hiring manager which skills are required for the job and should thus appear in the WordPress developer job description.
Make sure to focus on the most important job details and skills you’re looking for. A job advertisement that is too long often comes across as off-putting and overwhelming. To keep the job listing focused, consider the following six points:
First Things First: The Job Title
Every job description should start with a short and precise job title. Try not to overthink it. A title like “WordPress Ninja” might sound fun, but it’s not as descriptive as something like “Senior WordPress Developer.” Plus, you don’t want to miss out on job candidates who search by keyword, so state exactly what you’re looking for, including the seniority level.To make the job advertisement inclusive, please do not forget the (m/f/d) after the job title. This generally stands for male, female, and diverse; it signifies that your company is an inclusive workplace.
Sell Your Company
Start your WordPress job advert with a brief introduction of your company, including details of your unique working culture or other selling points. Remember, you’re not the only one doing the choosing. Job candidates also need to select which companies they’re interested in. So, explain what makes your company special. Aim to keep this description to 3-4 sentences max. You don’t want to bore the applicant or seem too braggy, but rather entice them to work with you.
…And Sell the Job, Too!
In another 3-4 sentences, give an overview of the tasks that await your candidate as a WordPress developer in your company. Cut to the chase so that after reading this concise description, the job seeker knows exactly what to expect when they start at your company. At the same time, you can make the short description exciting. Explain why it’s a great opportunity, such as if the developer will have the ability to lead the creation of a new website or will work with a team of other experienced developers they can learn from.
Most Importantly: Add Job Responsibilities
In this next, probably most important section of any job description, start by listing the specific job tasks/responsibilities in bullet points. Start with the most important general tasks first and then go into detail towards the end. Make the list no more than 8 bullet points total.
What Do You Expect? Include Job Requirements
In this section, mention all the professional and academic qualifications required for the job in bullet points. You can start with the "Must-Haves" and add some "Nice-to-Haves" at the end. These can refer to technical aspects of the job as well as soft skills, like being able to work as part of a team. Again, try to limit this section to 8 bullet points total.
Be clear about what you expect. If some qualifications aren’t mandatory to apply, specify that. Otherwise, you could scare good candidates away before they even get to the interview stage.
Last But Not Least: Perks & Benefits
Of course, your WordPress developer job description should not be without a list of perks and benefits. List all the notable advantages a candidate can expect from working at your organization. This should include more than just free snacks around the office. Try to stand out from other companies and show your candidate what you have to offer, whether that’s flexible scheduling, mentorship opportunities, health and wellness perks, etc.If you’re comfortable sharing, you could also specify the WordPress developer salary range you’re offering. That can help weed out candidates that aren’t aligned with your budget.
WordPress Developer Job Description Template
Following the six sections above can help you figure out how to write a good WordPress developer job description. But if you want even more of a head start, use the following customizable template to create your job advertisement.
Simply leave out points that are irrelevant to what you’re looking for, or add points that you think are important. Include all relevant technical skills or other information anywhere you see { }. Remember, always keep it short and sweet!
WordPress Developer Job Description: Free Template
{WordPress Developer (m/f/d)}
{Company} strives to create a healthy and mutually appreciative work environment where everyone feels valued. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and believe this is a critical factor in our success. We also strive to support our employees in their personal and professional journeys, whether that’s with professional learning courses or our mental health program.
Join our team of motivated professionals and become our new {WordPress Developer (m/f/d)}! Your main tasks will include designing and implementing client websites that are both functional and engaging. You will be responsible for both back-end and front-end development, including the creation of WordPress themes and plugins. We expect you to have a good eye for aesthetics, a strong understanding of the latest industry trends, and solid communication and content management skills.
{WordPress Developer} Responsibilities
- Being the first point of contact for everything WordPress related
- Creating and designing the front-end of our clients’ websites
- Designing and managing the back-end of our clients’ websites, including database and server integration
- Hosting regular meetings with our clients to discuss the design and functionality of their websites
- Creating WordPress themes and plugins
- Conducting website performance testing and troubleshooting
- {Add other relevant responsibilities here, aiming for a maximum of 8 bullet points total}
{WordPress Developer} Requirements
Must-haves:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or similar field
- Proven track record and {3} years of experience as a WordPress developer
- Knowledge of technologies and programming languages including {CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and jQuery}
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
- {Add other relevant must-haves here}
Nice-to-haves:
- Ability to understand CSS changes and their effects
- Knowledge of how to use {RESTful APIs and formats JSON, XML}
- Experience in developing user interfaces for websites and/or web applications
- Marketing skills, such as {SEO, PPC, Google Ads, etc.}
- {Add other relevant nice-to-haves here}
Perks & Benefits
- Flexible working hours and remote work
- Personal and professional development through external courses, workshops and networking events
- A mental health program
- Regular team events
- Support for company pension scheme
- Employee discounts and many other benefits
- {Add other relevant perks & benefits here}
Once you've adapted this WordPress developer job description template to your specific wants and needs, you can post it on various job boards as well as your company's website. Soon enough, you’ll start attracting qualified applicants!
WordPress Developer Job Description FAQs:
Remember that the job description is the first impression you will make on a future candidate, so you want to do whatever you can to make it appealing. We hope that with all our tips, you are now ready to write the perfect WordPress developer job description and draw in top talent!
If you still have questions about hiring WordPress developers, take a look at the questions and answers below.
Q1. Does my company need a WordPress developer?
Basic WordPress features are relatively easy to use, but it still often makes sense to hire a full-time WordPress developer. If you want to get the most out of the platform and stay on top of website changes, consider employing experienced WordPress developers with backgrounds in Computer Science or similar areas. A good WordPress developer can help you go beyond the basics of WordPress and customize websites to your liking.
Q2. Is a WordPress developer a web developer?
A WordPress developer is a type of web developer proficient in using WordPress. Ideally, a WordPress developer knows both front-end and back-end web development, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Therefore, a WordPress developer usually has a background in Computer Science (or similar) and can be classified as a web developer.
Q3. Is learning WordPress worth it in 2022?
Considering that nearly half of all websites run on this CMS, learning how to use WordPress in 2022 is generally worth it. Many different types of companies are looking for WordPress developers to help them create and manage their websites, so it’s a valuable skill to have. If you can learn details like being able to create and implement WordPress themes and plugins, you can help companies create better websites that support business growth.