Did you know 79.2% of websites online rely on PHP to some degree? As the backbone of countless web projects today, PHP plays a pivotal role. Yet, the hiring process often proves to be an uphill battle. You're not alone if you are tired of the extended recruitment timelines or frustrated by the scarcity of quality PHP developers.
It's an overwhelming process if you don’t know what to look for. While platforms like Toptal do the heavy lifting, we understand that budget constraints can limit such options.
Here's what you will learn after reading the blog.
PHP is a well-known computer programming language, mostly known for developing dynamic websites and web applications. Rasmus Lerdorf created PHP in 1994, which was later expanded by a large community of developers.
But why is PHP so beneficial for businesses compared to other technologies? Let’s find out.
A skilled PHP developer is a master of various languages like HTML, CSS, and JS, which helps him build a dynamic website that ensures a smooth user experience according to users' needs.
PHP developers play an essential role in all stages of every web project. Here are some key responsibilities of a PHP developer for the project:
Now that we understand the role of a PHP developer let’s delve into -
Specialized PHP developers bring several skills to the table that directly impact revenues. For instance, a PHP developer with extensive e-commerce experience can help you significantly improve and optimize your product page and website performance so that your customers can buy more.
There’s a massive advantage to hiring dedicated developers. They can help you save significant costs during the entire development cycle. Here’s how.
Dedicated PHP developers are problem-solving heroes. They can fix any technical issues with ease, ensuring high performance. For example, they can help you solve website glitches quickly, resulting in less downtime, more profit, and boosted website efficiency.
Web development comes with its share of risks, including malware attacks, unexpected downtimes, bugs, etc. A skilled PHP developer can handle such issues and reduce business risk by ensuring that your site's security remains intact.
A dedicated PHP developer helps businesses reduce uncertainty in project delays. For example, a PHP developer ensures he handles important software updates smoothly, reducing business downtime.
Now that we have learned about the PHP developer's roles and responsibilities and how they contribute to business, let's look at how we can hire the best PHP developers.
There are several ways to find a good PHP programmer, and you will have to opt for sources that best meet your requirements.
Job portals have always been a popular medium to hire PHP developers. However, there are downsides to it. You might receive thousands of applicants, which entails a tedious resume short-listing process.
Some popular job portals are:
There are also dedicated platforms like Toptal, which will do the entire screening process for you, but this usually costs more.
Social media platforms are also good ways to find PHP developers. Platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit have thousands of qualified PHP candidates looking to be hired. However, this, too, has a lengthy screening process.
These are specialized agencies that have a vast database of developers. The developers are screened already, and business owners can hire good quality PHP developers directly. The benefits of going through this route are long-term cost savings, instant hiring, etc.
It is essential to lean on the approach that meets your business requirements. For example, if you want to hire a PHP developer urgently, it's best to go through dedicated agencies, even though it will cost more. You can go through social media and job boards with a dedicated HR team and time.
A PHP developer must have excellent technical skills, including PHP web development, HTML, CSS, JS database management, optimization, debugging, etc. Please also refer to our roles and responsibilities of the PHP developers section above to get an idea.
You can also gauge the technical skill set of PHP developers through the list of technical questionnaires we have prepared.
Technical questions to check the capabilities of the PHP programmer:
Experience in the industry is a huge plus, as the PHP developer will be acquainted with industry challenges. For example, if you work in the health industry, PHP developers who understand rules and regulations and the health system's architecture will adapt more quickly than those who don't. Here, portfolios can act as a good qualifier.
You must seek strong communication skills if you need developers to work on a client-oriented project. A PHP dev with solid communication skills will be able to understand client needs, provide timely updates, and address client queries effectively.
To have a competitive advantage, your business, in its growth journey, will often adopt several new technologies. Hence, looking for candidates who can quickly adapt to new technologies is essential. A PHP developer with agile development skills is a huge plus.
Developers' salary expectations broadly vary based on region. Compared to Asian developers, US and UK developers will charge almost twice. So, keep in mind the regions that meet your budget expectations.
Below, we have given hourly rates of PHP developers varying by region.
The median rate in North America, the New Zealand region, lies between $81 and 100, whereas for Asian regions, it's between $61 - 80.
Hiring a seasoned PHP developer can be challenging if you need to know what to look for. In the above guide, we have highlighted all the key areas you should focus on while hiring the best PHP programmer. A skilled PHP developer will help you build a scalable web application that meets business and user needs.
If you wish to forgo the candidate vetting process and get the best PHP talent to work on your projects, Clarion Technologies is here to help you. We go through the recruitment, interview, and vetting process to handpick the best PHP programmers so businesses such as yours can quickly get started with PHP development and harness its benefits to further your business goals,
So, take the lead and hire seasoned and dependable PHP developers to transform your idea into reality.
The average median rate of a PHP website developer starts from $60/hour. However, rates vary based on region.
Look for strong PHP programming skills, proficiency in frameworks (e.g., Laravel), experience in database management, and familiarity with front-end technologies.
Incorporate coding assessments, technical interviews, and request code samples or project showcases to evaluate problem-solving skills.
PHP frameworks enhance development efficiency. Seek developers with experience in popular frameworks (e.g., Laravel) and assess their understanding during interviews.
Continuous learning is crucial. Ask about participation in conferences, courses, and open-source projects to gauge a candidate's commitment to staying current.
Prioritize effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Look for candidates who can articulate ideas clearly, provide feedback, and adapt collaboratively.