Drupal – One of the most preferred content management systems of this year.

It is open-source, flexible, powerful, and scalable. Everything a business requires to grow and expand.

However, the challenge comes when you plan to hire Drupal developer.

Yes, finding a skilled professional who has worked with the latest Drupal 9 is not that easy.

You will find a lot of Drupal experts who have worked on version 7 or 8. But, ever since the creators of Drupal have announced the end of support for these versions, Drupal 9 has become an industry norm.

Moreover, Drupal 10 is almost at the corner. It is launching on Dec 14, 2022.

So, it is necessary to hire the right Drupal expert or agency. Someone who knows Drupal 9, and be able to learn Drupal 10 when required.

This is why, in this blog post, we have shared – 10 things you should consider before you hire a Drupal developer.

However, before we begin, let us tell you the variations of Drupal developers. There are different types of Drupal developers. Each has its unique responsibilities and skills.

• Drupal site builder: This professional uses Drupal’s admin UI to build responsive eCommerce sites. They know Drupal’s admin points and click process. They are not very familiar with writing or editing custom codes.

• Drupal theme developer (Frontend developer): This professional should be familiar with frontend languages like HTML 5, CSS 3, and JavaScript. They work on the UI/UX, theme, and frontend functionalities of your Drupal site.

• Drupal module developer (Backend developer): This professional should be familiar with PHP, and other server-side languages. Their work is to connect the frontend with the backend for seamless API and database operations.

• Full stack Drupal developer: As the name suggests, this professional knows the complete Drupal web development. From site building to custom code, frontend to backend, they can be hired to handle all your Drupal requirements.

Now, let’s take a look at the checklist you need to have before committing to a full-time Drupal expert:-

1) Knowledge

A good Drupal programmer should be familiar with many different modules and plugins that can be used in Drupal CMS development. They should know how to use these modules correctly for the specific needs of the project.

2) Experience

The experience of a developer defines the knowledge. The more experience a Drupal developer has, the more they know how to use their skills to offer Drupal development services. Theoretical exposure is not very useful until you know where to use it. Practical exposure is essential for every Drupal developer.

3) Innovation

When looking for a Drupal developer for your website, it is important to check the person’s skills and see if they are innovative. This will ensure that you get a unique and well-made website.

4) Technical skills

A Drupal developer should know languages like PHP, MYSQL, and JQuery. These are necessary for developing a Drupal project. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable about modules and plugins.

5) Cognitive ability

Developers need to be able to learn quickly. They don’t need to know everything, but they should be willing to learn and understand new concepts quickly. A Drupal developer should have a learner’s attitude. This is important when they will need to learn the upcoming Drupal 10.

6) Management

Developers often have more than one task to handle at a time. It is important to know how to manage your time so that one can complete all the tasks as per the deadlines. A Drupal developer also needs to know how to prioritize and complete tasks based on the client’s needs and the project requirements.

7) Testimonials

See what other people have said about the developer and its work. This is the best way to know how good the Drupal developer is. Previous clients can tell you about the developer’s professionalism and work ethic.

8) Communication skills

Having good communication skills is very important for developing good solutions. A Drupal developer needs to be able to understand the client’s requirements clearly in order to create a good solution.

9) Collaboration capacity

A Drupal developer should be able to work well with other people on the team. They need to have a good attitude and be willing to cooperate in order to make the project successful. This will help avoid any internal disputes.

10) Availability

Discuss the availability of the developer before assigning a project to them. Talk to the programmer about what times are good for you and what times they are available. This is because there are some cases where the developers were not available as per the client’s requirement due to a difference in time zones or other reasons.

Final advice

Finding a Drupal 9 developer could be a tough task, but you can meet your requirements with a Drupal development service agency.

Yes, if you couldn’t find a reliable developer, you can talk to a Drupal agency. These service agencies have dedicated Drupal experts in-house.

They will be available at flexible pricing models. Moreover, they will work according to your time zone, your requirements, your budget, and your ideas.

And, if you require any assistance after the completion of your project, they will be available for you on demand.

So, what are your plans? Hire a Drupal developer or an agency? Share your thoughts in the comments below.