How to write a Drupal developer job description

Great Drupal developers make fast, easily navigable websites built upon the content management system (CMS) Drupal.  When you’re looking to add developers to your team, a poorly crafted job description can leave you sifting through applicants who don't match your technical needs. It also increases the chance of hired developers leaving when they realize the role isn't what they expected.

An effective job description helps you hire Drupal developers with the right technical and soft skills to work well in your company.

This guide offers you all the tools you'll need to craft a Drupal-specific job description that will catch the eye of exceptional talent, including a template you can use as a basis for it.

What is a Drupal developer?

A Drupal developer is an expert in using the open-source CMS Drupal to build and maintain websites and web applications. These pros are well versed in Drupal's central coding language, PHP, and know how to use its features to construct a website that fits your goals.

Drupal developers often create website themes, bolster website security, and write custom features for Drupal websites. For more details, check out our article on what a Drupal developer does.

Key skills to look for in Drupal developers

Though every Drupal developer position will have its unique requirements, there are some key skills common to most roles:

• Technical experience using Drupal: A deep understanding of Drupal's architecture, themes, and modules.

• PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript expertise: These core programming languages are necessary for Drupal development.

• SQL knowledge: The ability to manage databases effectively.

• Version control systems: Familiarity with tools like Git for code tracking.

• Problem-solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues and come up with efficient solutions.

• Soft skills: Good communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

• SEO best practices: Basic understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) to optimize websites for search engines.

How to write an effective Drupal developer job description

Emphasize Drupal-specific technical requirements

While it's a given that you're looking for candidates with skills in PHP, HTML, and JavaScript, don't forget to spotlight the Drupal-specific skills you need. For example, mention expertise in Drupal's module development, theming, and API integrations. Doing so weeds out general developers and attracts those who specialize in Drupal.

Highlight the importance of content management

Drupal is often used for building complex, content-heavy websites. Make it clear that you’re looking for candidates who understand content architecture and can integrate Drupal with other content management tools and platforms.

Discuss performance optimization

Drupal developers need to be able to optimize site performance so websites feel responsive to visitors. Ensure your job description mentions the necessity for candidates to be well versed in Drupal's performance-enhancing techniques.

Include API and third-party integration skills

Drupal often serves as a back-end framework that requires API and third-party integrations. Point out that candidates should have experience connecting Drupal with other services, like the CRMs or e-commerce systems your company uses.

Separate must-have from nice-to-have qualifications

Be explicit about which skills are non-negotiable and which ones are bonuses. For example, Drupal 10 experience could be a must-have but experience with Drupal plugin development merely a nice-to-have. Ask your current team for a list of essential skills for the role and base your job description on those.

Drupal developer job description template

Company introduction

In this section, talk briefly about your company's culture and mission, along with the kinds of projects you generally work on. This lets Drupal developers know the sort of environment they’d be stepping into. Highlight any unique features of your company, such as offering a high level of autonomy or promoting a work-life balance.

Benefits of working with your company

Here, list what makes your company a great place for a Drupal developer. Highlight perks like flexible hours, professional development opportunities, or cutting-edge technologies you use. Remember, top talents are often drawn to companies that invest in their employees.

Drupal developer job brief

[Company name]

Job Title: [For example, Junior Drupal Developer or Drupal Theme Developer]

Reports to: [For instance, Head of Web Development]

Position type: [Full-time, part-time, on-site, remote, or hybrid]

[Salary and compensation details]

Drupal developer responsibilities

• Creating and customizing Drupal themes and modules to fit project needs

• Implementing API integrations and performing third-party service integrations

• Working closely with content teams to ensure a practical, visually appealing, functional, and intuitive website

• Optimizing Drupal website performance and implementing security best practices

• [Other responsibilities based on your specific needs]

Drupal developer requirements/qualifications and training required

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, web development, or a related field

• Proficiency in PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Drupal-specific coding practices

• Familiarity with version control systems like Git for efficient collaboration and code management

• Working knowledge of testing environments, ensuring quality and performance

• [Other qualifications based on your specific needs]

5 things to avoid when writing a job description for a Drupal developer

When writing a job description for a Drupal developer, there are five common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Vague project scope: This makes it difficult for candidates to gauge if they're the right fit, leading to wasted time for both parties during the interview process. Clearly define the prospective Drupal developer’s responsibilities and tasks. This could be front-end or back-end development, theming, module creation, or troubleshooting Drupal website issues.

2. Ignoring version specificity: Drupal has different versions, each with its own quirks and features. Failing to mention the Drupal version you're using can attract candidates with expertise in a different version.

3. An overwhelming list of requirements: Avoid creating a laundry list of requirements that may be unrealistic or unattainable for most candidates, as this can put them off applying.

4. Forgetting soft skills: Besides technical skills, Drupal developers should have strong critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities. Overlooking such soft skills can result in a technically competent yet uncollaborative team member, affecting team dynamics and project success.

5. Not discussing migration skills: Drupal sites often need to migrate from older versions to newer ones. Not specifying the need for experience in Drupal migration could result in candidates being unprepared when your site needs to upgrade. You would then need additional time and resources to train the developer or find a new one specialized in migrations.

Next steps: Attracting and assessing Drupal developer candidates

After preparing your job description and posting it to relevant job boards, it's time to assess the candidates you receive. For a comprehensive hiring strategy, consider using TestGorilla's suite of relevant tests: 

• Drupal 2 test

• PHP (Coding): Entry-Level Algorithms test

• HTML5 test

• CSS test

These tests help you assess a candidate's technical skills. We recommend pairing these with our personality and culture tests for a complete picture. 

For more insights on evaluating developer candidates, check out our guide to assessing front-end developer skills.

Drupal developer job description FAQs

What does a front-end Drupal developer do?

A front-end Drupal developer focuses on building and styling the user interface of a Drupal website. They work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Drupal-specific theming to make the site functional and visually appealing.

What is the average salary of a Drupal developer?

The average salary for a Drupal developer can vary widely depending on experience and location. In the US, it usually ranges from $75,000 to $124,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. 

TestGorilla helps you find the best Drupal developers

By writing a great job description, you'll attract candidates who can help your projects succeed. 

For the next steps in your hiring process, use TestGorilla to assess each candidate. Our platform provides targeted tests explicitly designed for Drupal development, and you can also evaluate candidates' personality traits, cognitive abilities, and situational judgment. The right combination of these tests ensures that you're not just hiring for hard skills but for a well-rounded candidate fit for your team.

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