20 WordPress Developer Interview Questions and Answers

You just got an interview for a WordPress developer position—congratulations! Now it’s time to get ready and make sure you ace the interview.

Answering common questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications is essential. But there are also some unique questions that hiring managers may ask specific to the job of being a WordPress developer. We’ve rounded up some of those questions here so you can come prepared and show off your WordPress knowledge.

1. What experience do you have developing custom WordPress themes and plugins?

WordPress is a great platform for developing websites and applications, but it takes a certain level of expertise and experience to be able to create custom themes and plugins. This question is designed to help the interviewer gauge your skill level and determine if you have the necessary experience to be successful.

How to Answer:

Start by providing a brief overview of your experience with WordPress development. Be sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on, as well as any courses or certifications you have related to WordPress development. Then, provide specifics about the custom themes and plugins you’ve developed. Discuss how you approached each project, what tools you used, and the results you achieved. If possible, provide examples of the work you’ve done so the interviewer can get a better understanding of your skill level.

Example: “I have three years of experience developing custom WordPress themes and plugins. I’ve developed several custom themes for clients, using HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, and PHP. I’ve also created a few custom plugins to extend the functionality of existing themes. For example, I recently built a plugin that allowed users to easily add custom fields to their posts. I also took an online course in WordPress development to further my knowledge and stay up-to-date with best practices.”

2. Describe your process for troubleshooting a WordPress website issue.

WordPress developers need to have a strong understanding of the WordPress platform and how it works. This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to understand the steps you use to identify and solve problems, as well as how you approach the troubleshooting process. It also allows the interviewer to gauge your knowledge of the WordPress platform and its capabilities.

How to Answer:

Start by describing the steps you take to identify a WordPress website issue. Talk about how you use debugging tools and other resources to find out what’s causing the problem. Then, explain your process for resolving the issue. This could include using plugins or code snippets to fix the issue, as well as any troubleshooting techniques you’ve used in the past. Finally, talk about how you test the website after the issue is resolved to make sure it works properly.

Example: “My troubleshooting process for a WordPress website issue starts by understanding the problem. I’ll read through any error messages and research what may have caused them. Once I’ve identified the source of the issue, I will look at the code to determine if there is anything that needs to be changed or updated. If so, I can quickly make the necessary changes and test to ensure the issue is resolved. Additionally, if I’m unable to find the cause of the issue, I’ll reach out to other developers or consult documentation to help me resolve it.”

3. Are you familiar with the latest version of WordPress and its features?

WordPress is one of the most popular web development platforms and it’s constantly evolving. The interviewer wants to know that you’re up-to-date with the newest features and changes in WordPress so that you will be able to effectively develop and maintain websites built with the platform.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should be able to talk about the latest version of WordPress and its features. You should also mention any other web development platforms that you are familiar with as well as your experience working with them. Additionally, you can talk about how you keep up-to-date with the changes in WordPress so that you can stay on top of the latest developments.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with the latest version of WordPress and its features. In my current role as a WordPress developer, I have been building websites using this platform for over five years. I stay up-to-date on all the changes in WordPress by regularly reading blogs and attending web development conferences. Additionally, I am also well-versed in other popular web development platforms such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.”

4. How do you ensure that a WordPress site is secure from malicious attacks?

WordPress is a popular platform for website development, but its popularity also makes it a frequent target for malicious actors. Interviewers want to be sure that you know how to protect a WordPress site from threats, since security is a critical part of any website. They’ll want to know the steps you take to ensure a site’s security, such as using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, keeping plugins and themes up to date, and using a web application firewall.

How to Answer:

Talk about the steps you take to secure a WordPress site. This could include using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, keeping plugins and themes up to date, implementing an SSL certificate, monitoring for malicious activity, and using a web application firewall. You can also mention any security measures that you have personally implemented on sites in the past. Be sure to emphasize your understanding of the importance of website security and how it affects user experience.

Example: “I take website security very seriously, so I always start by ensuring that all passwords are strong and unique. Additionally, I use two-factor authentication to further protect user accounts. I also make sure that all plugins and themes are kept up to date, as outdated software can be a major source of vulnerabilities. Furthermore, I frequently monitor for malicious activity and implement an SSL certificate to ensure that data is encrypted when transmitted over the web. Finally, I always recommend using a web application firewall such as Sucuri or Cloudflare to provide additional protection against attacks.”

5. Explain how you would optimize a WordPress website for speed and performance.

Website speed and performance are essential for a great user experience. An interviewer is likely to ask this question to gauge your technical knowledge and determine whether you understand the best practices for optimizing a WordPress website. Your answer should include a few key points, such as caching, minifying the code, and using a content delivery network.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should start by explaining the importance of website speed and performance. You can then discuss some of the key steps for optimizing a WordPress website, such as caching, minifying the code, using a content delivery network (CDN), compressing images, and leveraging browser caching. Additionally, you can mention that it’s important to regularly check the website’s speed and performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Pingdom. Finally, you can explain how you use these techniques in your own work and provide examples of successful optimization projects you have completed.

Example: “Website speed and performance are essential for a great user experience, so I always prioritize these aspects when optimizing WordPress websites. My process typically includes caching, minifying the code, using a content delivery network (CDN), compressing images, and leveraging browser caching. Additionally, I regularly check the website’s speed and performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Pingdom to identify any areas that need improvement. I’ve successfully used this process on several projects in the past, and I believe my skills would be an asset to your organization.”

6. Do you have any experience working with WooCommerce or other e-commerce platforms?

E-commerce is a huge component of any website built with WordPress. An interviewer will want to assess your experience with this type of platform to determine if you’re the right fit for the job. They’ll be looking for an understanding of the technology, as well as a knowledge of the design and user experience considerations that come with building an e-commerce website.

How to Answer:

If you have experience working with WooCommerce or other e-commerce platforms, it’s important to discuss the details of your experience. Talk about what projects you worked on and how you implemented the platform. If you don’t have any direct experience, talk about your understanding of the technology and demonstrate how you would go about learning the platform if hired for the job.

Example: “I have extensive experience with WooCommerce and other e-commerce platforms. I’ve built several websites for clients that needed to be able to accept payments online, including a subscription service for a small business. I understand the user experience considerations that come with building an e-commerce website, from setting up product pages to making sure the checkout process is secure and easy to use. If hired, I would bring my knowledge of the technology and design best practices to ensure a successful launch.”

7. What strategies do you use to test a WordPress website before launching it?

Launching a website is a big responsibility, and a lot can go wrong if it’s not done properly. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of testing for errors and potential compatibility issues before the site goes live. Do you use automation tools? Do you have a checklist? What kind of user feedback do you solicit? How do you handle bug reports? Your answer should demonstrate that you have a system in place to ensure a smooth launch.

How to Answer:

You should provide a clear outline of the strategies you use to test WordPress websites before launch. This could include things like running automated tests, testing for cross-browser compatibility, and soliciting user feedback. You should also explain any processes you have in place for handling bug reports and other issues that may arise. Finally, be sure to mention any tools or resources you use to help with the process.

Example: “Before launching a WordPress website, I always run automated tests to check for any errors or compatibility issues. I also do manual testing in multiple browsers and solicit user feedback from beta testers. Additionally, I have a checklist of items that must be checked off before launch. When it comes to bug reports, I use tools like Slack and Trello to track them and ensure they are addressed quickly and thoroughly. Finally, I make sure to review the site with an SEO audit tool to optimize its visibility.”

8. Have you ever worked with multilingual websites in WordPress?

Multilingual websites are becoming increasingly more common, and companies often need developers who can work with these websites. This question helps the interviewers gauge your experience with WordPress, as well as your ability to work with multilingual websites. The interviewer wants to be sure you have the necessary skills and experience to handle the job.

How to Answer:

If you have experience with multilingual websites in WordPress, be sure to mention it. Talk about the specific challenges and successes you had while working on these sites. If you don’t have any direct experience, talk about what you know about multilingual websites and how you would approach building one in WordPress. You can also mention any related experience you have that could help you succeed in this role, such as knowledge of other languages or an understanding of different cultures.

Example: “Yes, I have worked with multilingual websites in WordPress before. I built a multilingual website for an international client using the WPML plugin. I had to make sure that all of the content was translated correctly, and that the website was optimized for different languages and cultures. I also had to ensure that the website was optimized for search engines in different languages. I believe my experience with multilingual websites makes me a great fit for this role.”

9. What techniques do you use to make sure a WordPress website is SEO friendly?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a key component of any website and something a WordPress developer should know how to implement. An interviewer asking this question is looking to understand your methodologies, such as using keywords and meta descriptions, creating internal and external links, optimizing images, and more. Knowing how to make a website SEO friendly can help a business attract more visitors, so it’s important for a WordPress developer to understand the basics of SEO.

How to Answer:

You should be prepared to answer this question by explaining the techniques you use to make sure a WordPress website is SEO friendly. Some of these include using keywords in titles and content, creating internal and external links, optimizing images, creating meta descriptions, and submitting sitemaps to search engines. You can also explain how you use plugins or other tools to help optimize your websites for better visibility on search engine results pages.

Example: “I use a variety of techniques to make sure a WordPress website is SEO friendly. For starters, I use keywords throughout the titles and content of the website to help it rank higher in search engine results. Additionally, I make sure to create both internal and external links to help improve the website’s visibility. I also optimize images to make sure they’re not too large, as this can affect page loading speed. Finally, I create meta descriptions and submit sitemaps to search engines to help make sure the website is indexed properly. I also use plugins and other tools to help optimize the website for better visibility.”

10. What are some of the best practices for writing clean, maintainable code when developing a WordPress theme or plugin?

Understanding and being able to implement best practices when writing code is essential for any WordPress developer. This question is designed to test your knowledge of how to write efficient and maintainable code, which is important for any WordPress project. The interviewer wants to know that you are familiar with the best practices and can use them to develop a high-quality WordPress theme or plugin.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should discuss some of the best practices for writing clean, maintainable code when developing a WordPress theme or plugin. Some of these include using semantic HTML and CSS, DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) coding principles, utilizing object-oriented programming techniques, making use of WordPress APIs, and following WordPress coding standards. Additionally, you can mention that it is important to document your code and test it thoroughly before releasing it.

Example: “When developing a WordPress theme or plugin, I always strive to write clean, maintainable code that follows best practices. I believe in using semantic HTML and CSS, DRY coding principles, object-oriented programming techniques, and WordPress APIs. I also make sure to follow WordPress coding standards and document my code. Additionally, I always test my code thoroughly before releasing it to ensure that it is bug-free and functioning as expected.”

11. Describe your experience with debugging and resolving conflicts between different WordPress plugins.

WordPress developers are expected to be able to work with multiple plugins and themes to create a functioning site. This question is designed to test your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. It’s important to show that you can debug and troubleshoot issues that arise between different plugins, as this is an essential part of the job.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should explain the steps you take to debug and resolve conflicts between WordPress plugins. Talk about how you approach a problem, such as researching solutions online or asking colleagues for help. You can also discuss any specific tools or techniques that you use when debugging, such as the Developer Tools in Chrome or Firebug. Finally, talk about a time when you encountered a conflict between two plugins and how you were able to successfully troubleshoot it.

Example: “I have extensive experience debugging and resolving conflicts between WordPress plugins. Whenever I encounter a conflict, the first thing I do is research the issue online to see if there are any known solutions. I also ask my colleagues for help if needed. I’m familiar with the Developer Tools in Chrome and Firebug, which are helpful for debugging issues. I recently encountered a conflict between two plugins and was able to successfully resolve it by disabling one of the plugins and then re-enabling it. I also took the time to read the documentation for both plugins to better understand how they interact with each other. In the end, I was able to find a solution that worked for both plugins.”

12. What challenges have you faced while developing a WordPress website?

WordPress is a powerful tool, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and can present unique challenges for developers. This question is a great way for interviewers to get a sense of how you approach problem-solving, as well as the types of issues you’ve encountered in the past. It will also give them an idea of the skills you have in the WordPress platform.

How to Answer:

Be sure to provide specific examples of challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. This could include anything from troubleshooting a plugin issue, developing custom code to meet a client’s needs, or creating an efficient workflow for website maintenance. It’s important to emphasize that you were able to find a solution to the problem, so make sure you explain in detail what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “I recently encountered a unique challenge while developing a website for a client who needed to display a large number of images in a photo gallery. I had to figure out a way to optimize the loading time of the page without sacrificing the quality of the images. I took the time to research the available plugins and ended up creating a custom solution that allowed me to compress the images without sacrificing the quality. I was able to complete the project within the timeline and the client was very pleased with the results.”

13. How do you handle requests for changes to an existing WordPress website?

WordPress is a popular choice for website design and development, and it’s important for a potential employer to know that you can handle requests for changes to an existing website. They’ll want to know that you can efficiently and effectively make the requested changes while maintaining the integrity of the website’s design and functionality. They may also ask about how you would handle a request for a completely new website so that they can get an idea of your process for managing a project from start to finish.

How to Answer:

Start by explaining your process for making changes to an existing website. Do you start by researching the current code and design? How do you go about testing the changes once they’ve been made? Are there any tools or techniques that you use to ensure that the changes don’t cause any unintended issues? Be sure to explain how you communicate with clients throughout the process so that they understand what is happening and why it is taking time. Finally, explain how you document your work so that future developers can easily pick up where you left off.

Example: “When I receive requests for changes to an existing WordPress website, I start by researching the code and design of the site. I then make the requested changes and test them to make sure they don’t cause any unintended issues. I also communicate with the client throughout the process to keep them updated on the progress and ensure that any questions they have are answered. Once the changes are complete, I document my work so that future developers can easily pick up where I left off.”

14. What tools do you use to manage a WordPress project?

WordPress is a powerful platform, but it can be a challenge to manage. An experienced WordPress developer should be able to handle different tools and processes to ensure a successful project. These tools might include version control systems, task management software, debugging tools, or automated testing tools. Knowing how to use these tools can be essential to successful project management.

How to Answer:

Talk about the tools you use to manage a WordPress project. This could include version control systems like Git, task management software such as Trello, debugging tools like Chrome DevTools or Firebug, and automated testing tools like Selenium. You should also explain how you use each tool and why it is important for successful project management. Talk about any challenges you have faced while using these tools and how you overcame them.

Example: “I use a variety of tools to manage a WordPress project. I use version control systems like Git to track changes and collaborate with other developers. I use task management software like Trello to assign tasks, prioritize tasks, and track progress. I use debugging tools like Chrome DevTools and Firebug to identify and fix bugs. I also use automated testing tools like Selenium to ensure a high level of quality in the code. I have experience with all of these tools and have been able to use them to successfully manage WordPress projects. I am always looking for new tools to make my projects more efficient and effective.”

15. How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies related to WordPress development?

Knowing the latest trends and technologies related to WordPress development is essential for staying ahead of the competition and delivering the best products. This shows that the candidate has a passion for their work and is willing to go the extra mile to stay up to date with the latest development trends. It also shows that the candidate is committed to continuously learning and improving their knowledge and skills.

How to Answer:

The best way to answer this question is by providing concrete examples of how you stay up to date. For example, you can mention reading blogs and articles related to WordPress development, attending conferences or workshops, participating in online forums and discussion groups, following influencers on social media, etc. You should also emphasize any certifications or courses that you have taken to expand your knowledge of WordPress development.

Example: “I stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies related to WordPress development by reading blogs and articles, attending conferences and workshops, participating in online forums and discussion groups, and following influencers on social media. Additionally, I have taken several courses and certifications related to WordPress development to further expand my knowledge. I believe that staying up to date is essential for delivering the best results and I’m always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the curve.”

16. What strategies do you use to keep track of all the tasks involved in a WordPress project?

WordPress development is a complex process that involves multiple steps and tasks. You need to be able to keep track of all the tasks you need to complete and the subtasks associated with them. This question is designed to assess your organizational skills and how you prioritize tasks. It also helps the interviewer understand how you manage a project and the resources you need to complete it.

How to Answer:

You should explain the strategies you use to stay organized and on top of your tasks. Do you use a project management tool such as Trello or Asana? Or perhaps you prefer pen and paper? Maybe you have developed your own system that works best for you. You can also talk about how you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and how you break down big projects into smaller subtasks. Finally, don’t forget to mention any tools or resources you use to help you keep track of all the tasks involved in a WordPress project.

Example: “I use a combination of tools to keep track of all the tasks involved in a WordPress project. For project management, I use Trello, which is great for breaking down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks. I also make sure to keep a detailed list of all the tasks I need to complete and prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. I then use a calendar to plan out my workflow and keep track of deadlines. Finally, I use a combination of Google Docs and Google Sheets to store all the information associated with the project, such as client contact information, project notes, code snippets, and more.”

17. How do you approach creating user-friendly interfaces for WordPress websites?

WordPress developers need to be able to create interfaces that are both visually appealing and easy to use. It’s important for the interviewer to understand your process for doing this, as well as the techniques you use to make sure the user experience is top-notch. By understanding your approach to developing user-friendly interfaces, the interviewer can get a sense of your design process and skills.

How to Answer:

Start by explaining the importance of creating user-friendly interfaces. Talk about how you focus on making sure that users can easily navigate a website and find what they’re looking for quickly. Describe your process for designing an interface, such as researching best practices, understanding the target audience, sketching out ideas, prototyping, and testing. Finally, explain the techniques you use to make sure the user experience is top-notch, such as using clear labels, providing helpful feedback, and ensuring consistency across pages.

Example: “Creating user-friendly interfaces for WordPress websites is essential for providing a great user experience. I approach this process by first researching best practices and understanding the target audience. I then sketch out ideas, prototype them, and test them with users. To make sure the user experience is top-notch, I use techniques such as clear labels and helpful feedback, as well as ensuring consistency across pages. I also use tools such as heat maps and analytics to track user behavior and make changes as needed.”

18. What methods do you use to back up a WordPress website?

This is an important question for any WordPress Developer because the security of a WordPress website is the top priority. Knowing how to back up a website is essential for any developer and this will help the interviewer understand how familiar you are with the process. The interviewer will want to know the methods you use to ensure a reliable and secure backup solution, as well as the steps you take to ensure the website is restored properly in the case of a disaster.

How to Answer:

The best way to answer this question is to explain the steps you take when backing up a WordPress website. You should include any methods or tools you use, such as plugins, FTP clients, and cloud storage solutions. Explain what data you back up (e.g., code, media files, databases) and how often you do it. Finally, talk about your process for restoring the backup in case of an emergency.

Example: “I use a combination of plugins, FTP clients, and cloud storage solutions to back up a WordPress website. I make sure to back up the code, media files, and databases on a regular basis, usually once a week. I also use a plugin to automate the process and make sure everything is backed up properly. In the case of a disaster, I can restore the backup quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the website is up and running again as soon as possible.”

19. How do you handle client feedback during the development process?

This question allows the interviewer to understand how you work with clients. Working with clients is a big part of the development process, so it’s important to be able to handle their feedback and changes in a timely and professional manner. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle client feedback and work through it in a collaborative and productive way.

How to Answer:

Start by explaining how you typically handle client feedback. Talk about any processes or systems that you have in place to ensure that all feedback is documented and addressed in a timely manner. You can also talk about how you work with clients to ensure that their needs are met while still meeting deadlines and staying within budget. Finally, emphasize your ability to be flexible and adaptive to changing requirements and client feedback throughout the development process.

Example: “I understand that client feedback is an important part of the development process. To ensure that all feedback is documented and addressed in a timely manner, I have a system in place where I document all client feedback, track progress, and provide regular updates. I also work closely with clients to ensure that their needs are met while still meeting deadlines and staying within budget. I’m also flexible and adaptive to changing requirements and client feedback throughout the development process. This allows me to deliver high-quality results that meet the client’s expectations and deadlines.”

20. What steps do you take to ensure a WordPress website is accessible to people with disabilities?

Accessibility is an important factor in website design, and most employers want to ensure that WordPress developers are aware of and understand the importance of creating accessible websites. The interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates that you understand the need to make websites accessible to people with disabilities and are comfortable implementing the necessary steps to ensure a WordPress website adheres to accessibility guidelines.

How to Answer:

When answering this question, you should emphasize the steps that you take to ensure a WordPress website is accessible. This includes things like using semantic HTML tags, providing text alternatives for images and videos, testing for color contrast, and creating keyboard-accessible navigation menus. You can also mention any experience you have working with accessibility tools such as screen readers and voice recognition software. Finally, be sure to talk about your commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest accessibility standards so that you can provide the best possible user experience.

Example: “I take several steps to ensure that the WordPress websites I develop are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes using semantic HTML tags to create a logical structure, providing text alternatives for images and videos, testing for color contrast, and creating keyboard-accessible navigation menus. I also have experience working with accessibility tools such as screen readers and voice recognition software. I understand the importance of creating an accessible website, and I’m committed to staying up-to-date on the latest accessibility standards so I can provide the best possible user experience.”