Techssocial | After taking a closer look at different surveys of 2017, we came to the conclusion that WordPress is still considered among the most popular CMS’s to date. Now, have you ever wondered why WordPress enjoys such adoration and popularity? It’s simply because of its ability to confer simple usability and provide high-quality features to websites of all types- and that momentum only grows.
In case, if you are looking to build a robust web application, WordPress as a platform could turn out as the best fit for you. Whether you are planning to choose a WordPress developer or not? Here I would like to mention a few essential questions to ask and some advanced concepts to take into account.
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A piece of advice on Technical interviews
Before we get deep into the questions and answer session, one needs to understand that technical interviews are notorious for gotcha-style questions and irrelevant white boarding exercises. The following post avoids such kind of style and structure. Instead, I have outlined few general yet crucial concepts which I personally believe any WordPress developer should know. After working for several years in a WordPress development company, I have been in countless interviews, be it in terms of applicant or conductor. According to my experience, the best candidates are the ones who can articulate intelligent options and defend them using live examples or the ones from their past experience. However, Pair-programming relevant examples or discussion is my preferred format but here we will stick to the Q&A portion.
Questions & Answers
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What is WordPress? How is it different from other CMS’s?
No matter how simply may the question sound, it’s worth asking the candidate. Here you further ask to state an informed opinion about the platform, i.e. WordPress as well as any competing alternatives. Basically, such questions are designed to test a candidate’s know-how about the Content Management System at large while also pressing for specifics on what makes WordPress a cut above.
Besides, by comparing and contrasting the CMS with other alternatives, the candidate will not only able to demonstrate a deep understanding but also position himself as a strong contender.
I even ask some follow-up questions such as:
- Why would you choose WordPress over another technology? For example, WordPress v/s Magento
- Can you explain some pitfalls one might encounter when developing an eCommerce site with WordPress?
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Are there any disadvantages of using the platform? If yes, what are they?
Everything comes with its own pros and cons and WordPress is no exception. I choose professionals who understand the platform thoroughly, embraces both the good side and bad side. There are numerous disadvantages such as:
- Using several plugins can make a website heavy to load and run.
- PHP knowledge is required to do the modification or changes to the WordPress website.
- There are times when software needs to be updated with the current browsers and mobile devices. Updating of WordPress version leads to loss of data so it requires the backup copy of the website.
- Modifying and formatting the graphic images and tables is difficult.
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Can you name different types of gadgets present in the WordPress dashboard?
Asking questions about different types of gadgets whether or not the candidate can state an informed opinion towards the platform and defend it based on personal experience. Some of the basic points that must be covered are:
- Dashboard Menu
- Screen Options
- Welcome
- Quick Draft
- WordPress News
- Activity
- At a Glance
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Where to place to insert the google analytics Code?
Candidates especially carrying adequate amount experience on WordPress can speak about some specific procedures like this. Google analytics code is something that must be added in every page so that one can receive tracking report for all the pages.
As per google, you should add “Google Analytics code” just before the closing of “head” for better results. (https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1008080?hl=en)
In WordPress, when we are using some theme for displaying your website. there might be textbox in the admin section, to add the “Google Analytics” code for tracking purpose.(May OR may not available in your current theme)
- What is the difference between a Page and Post in WordPress?
WordPress is that it’s easy to use and flexible enough for just about anything. And if someone wants to succeed then he or she must be well aware regarding these questions. Both Page and Post are content types in WordPress. As a blogging platform bloggers use Posts as their content type. Posts are based on time in which they are created or updated and are listed in chronological order by default; and the latest posts on the top. About us, contact us, privacy policies and others pages with many times static content can be included as pages in WordPress. Besides, they aren’t user interactive as posts are.
You may also like: WordPress vs BlogSpot: Which is a Better Blogging Platform
Final Verdict
Interviewing a WordPress developer involves much more than just testing in terms of knowledge. One must even ask about other nuances more closely related to the project or job in question.
I hope I have covered all the basic talking points.
Rakesh Patel is Marketing Manager at eTatvaSoft – web, ecommerce & mobile app development company in India. He writes about Technology Trends, Leadership and many more things about IT services and enabled people to learn about new technologies through his online contribution.
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