How to hire a Magento 2 developer

Talented Magento 2 developers craft excellent online shopping services using the Magento 2 e-commerce platform. When you hire a skilled candidate in this field, you can expect a high-performing online store that boosts revenue. 

However, employing someone who's not up to par can be disastrous, leading to suboptimal site performance, lower customer retention, and a great deal of wasted time and resources.

Avoiding this pitfall starts with knowing what to look for in your candidates and how to evaluate them thoroughly.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know, from skill requirements and sourcing tactics to effective candidate testing methods and common mistakes to avoid.

What you need to know before hiring a Magento 2 developer

Take on board these critical details to ensure a smooth hiring process.

Skillset specifics

Magento 2 developers need a unique blend of skills. On top of general programming languages like PHP and JavaScript, they should also be proficient in technologies used extensively in Magento development, including XML, Composer, and the Zend Framework. 

Knowing your project requirements can help you focus on relevant skills like theme customization, extension development, or API integrations.

Compensation range

Competitive pay is key to attracting top talent. Conduct market research to understand the average salary for Magento 2 developers in your area or industry. Websites like Glassdoor and Indeed can provide salary insights. For example, according to Glassdoor, US Magento developers receive a yearly salary between $90,000 and $156,000. 

When finalizing compensation, consider experience level, certifications, and additional benefits.

Magento 1 vs Magento 2

There are significant differences between Magento 1 and Magento 2, ranging from architecture to user experience. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when hiring for Magento 2 roles. For more details on identifying the kind of developer you need, check out our article on hiring a Magento developer for your company.

Magento 2 vs Adobe Commerce

Magento 2 and Adobe Commerce are two different versions of the same e-commerce platform. To clarify, Adobe Commerce is a more advanced and feature-rich version of Magento 2. 

Magento 2 Open Source is free, while Adobe Commerce is a premium, paid-for e-commerce system with on-premises and cloud-based options. If you use Adobe Commerce, choosing developers with specific experience in this Magento variant makes sense.

Company size considerations

Company size plays a role in the skills you should look for in a Magento 2 developer. In a small company, the developer may need to wear multiple hats, from backend development to basic search engine optimization (SEO). 

In contrast, larger organizations may have the luxury of specialized roles. Determine what you need based on your company size.

Personality and cultural fit

Hard skills aren't everything. Look for soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These traits are often overlooked but can make or break project success. Consider how well a candidate fits with your company culture, as this can also greatly impact collaboration and the work environment.

Skills and qualifications to look for in a Magento 2 developer

To help you filter the best candidates, consider this carefully crafted list of hard and soft skills tailored for Magento 2 developers.

Hard skills

• Magento 2: A deep understanding of Magento 2 is fundamental for any customization or problem-solving you'll need.

• PHP programming: Magento 2 is built on PHP. Strong PHP skills are critical for backend development and creating the core functionalities of your online store.

• Front-end technologies: Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is crucial for designing the user interface and customer experience.

• Database management: Proficiency in MySQL ensures the candidate can handle data efficiently, which is essential for inventory management and handling customer data.

• Custom module development: The ability to develop custom modules allows for the creation of specific features unique to your online store, giving you a competitive edge.

• E-commerce understanding: Familiarity with key e-commerce metrics and SEO can help optimize the online shopping experience and improve sales.

• Version control: Experience with Git can make it easier to collaborate and track progress.

• API integration: This is key for connecting various services like payment gateways or shipping to your online store.

• Performance optimization: Skills here ensure a fast and smooth user experience, which can directly impact sales.

Soft skills

• Problem-solving: Your online store will face unique challenges. A developer who can quickly find effective solutions is invaluable.

• Communication skills: Developers must be able to effectively discuss projects with both technical and non-technical team members.

• A keen eye for detail: Small errors can create big issues, like security vulnerabilities or payment errors. Attention to detail helps to avoid them.

• Adaptability: A developer who can adapt to new technologies or consumer trends will help keep your business ahead of the game.

• Teamwork: A team player can collaborate well with others to achieve results more efficiently.

• Time management: Managing time well is important for launches, updates, and problem-solving. Good time management ensures projects stay on track.

• A customer-centric mindset: Understanding the needs and behaviors of your customers can shape a more effective, user-friendly online store.

Where to find skilled Magento 2 developers

If you're looking to hire Magento 2 developers, you may find the search slightly daunting due to the niche nature of their skill set. The talent pool for this specific role is small and the competition is fierce. Here's how to overcome talent scarcity and where you can look.

• Industry forums and communities: Magento's community forums, and websites such as Stack Overflow are rich in talent. Here, developers frequently answer technical questions and show off their skills. To connect, you can directly message those who impress you or post a job listing detailing what you're looking for.

• Tech job boards: Websites such as UpWork and Indeed offer filters to help you find Magento 2 specialists. To tap into this resource, post a job listing tailored to the skills you need or directly contact candidates with profiles that match your requirements.

• Social media channels: LinkedIn can be an effective tool for finding talent. Create targeted job ads to show up in the feeds of professionals with Magento 2 experience. Also, join Magento or e-commerce-focused groups and engage in discussions to identify potential candidates.

• Networking: Don’t underestimate the power of your professional network. A friend or colleague may know just the right person for your needs. Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups related to Magento or e-commerce to expand your network and potentially meet skilled developers.

3 creative ways to find Magento 2 developer candidates

By stretching your talent search beyond conventional methods, you increase the odds of finding a Magento 2 developer who fits your specific needs.

• Remote talent: Don't limit your search to your local area. Websites like Remote.co and We Work Remotely specialize in remote job listings. Post your job requirements to tap into a global pool of candidates.

• Hackathons: Organize or sponsor a hackathon focusing on e-commerce or Magento challenges. Keep an eye out for standout participants and approach them about opportunities during the networking portions of the event.

• Open source contributions: Look at open-source projects related to Magento. The contributors are often deeply skilled and open to job opportunities. You can connect by leaving comments on their contributions or by finding their contact details in their profiles.

How to select the best Magento 2 developer candidates

A balanced mix of technical and personality tests can make choosing the best developer easier. TestGorilla offers skills-based testing that is highly relevant to Magento 2 roles. Let's break the process down into steps.

Step 1: Start with a pre-interview test

Start your selection process with pre-interview testing. This helps you get an unbiased view of candidates’ skills and potential. The Magento 2 test is a great place to begin. It evaluates key Magento 2 skills that are crucial for the role.

Step 2: Add personality tests to the mix

Understanding how a candidate fits into your company culture is equally important. Use personality tests like the Enneagram or 16-Types test. These tests give insights into a candidate's character traits and working styles.

Step 3: Custom questions for business-specific needs

No two businesses are alike and you may have some specific technical or behavioral questions you want to evaluate your candidates on. So, add custom questions to your test to make it more relevant to your company's needs.

Step 4: Schedule one-way video interviews

Enable applicants to answer your Magento 2 interview questions through one-way video interviews. Candidates can use their preferred device to record responses at a time that suits them, making the process flexible and efficient.

By following these steps, you'll identify candidates with the right technical abilities who align with your company's values and culture. For more information, check out our guide on assessing a Magento 2 developer's skills.

Common mistakes to avoid when hiring a Magento 2 developer

When you're in the market for a Magento 2 developer, there are pitfalls you need to avoid. Here are six mistakes that are especially relevant for this role.

1. Not testing for Magento 2 coding standards: Magento 2 has a unique set of coding standards and best practices. If you don't assess these, you risk hiring a developer who might write inefficient or insecure code. Use a specific test that measures expertise in Magento 2 coding standards.

2. Not evaluating familiarity with Magento 2 extensions: Your developer should know how to work with key Magento extensions like Mageplaza and Omnisend. Include Magento 2 and JavaScript tests in your assessment that evaluate this knowledge.

3. Ignoring experience with Magento's versioning: Magento 2 undergoes regular updates. Ensure your candidates know how to navigate between different versions by including relevant questions in your skills test. For example, you could ask the candidate to list the steps they would take to upgrade a Magento 2.3 website to 2.4 without affecting the live site.

4. Forgetting about security concerns: In Magento development, safeguarding customer data and preventing unauthorized access is vital. Make sure you evaluate how well a candidate understands and can implement Magento-specific security measures. For instance, you could ask how they would make sure the search option on a Magento site is safe from SQL injection attacks.

5. Overlooking Magento's unique debugging methods: Unlike general web development, Magento 2 has its own debugging tools and methods like X-Debug and N98-Magerun. Make sure your candidates are comfortable using these tools by including relevant tests and custom questions in your skill assessments.

6. Ignoring soft skills and cultural fit: Magento 2 development isn't just about coding; it also involves teamwork, problem-solving, and fitting into your company's culture. Make sure to assess these softer aspects through personality and culture-add tests.

Start hiring the best Magento 2 developers with TestGorilla

Finding a skilled Magento 2 developer demands focusing on their technical know-how, interpersonal abilities, and the right sourcing channels. You should weigh their technical proficiency, career background, and flexibility to meet changing project requirements.

TestGorilla simplifies your hiring workflow, helping you easily identify developers well-versed in Magento 2. The platform offers thorough pre-employment testing, which aids in unbiased and skill-centric candidate selection from the start.

To find a developer aligned with your project goals, sign up for a free TestGorilla plan today.