What the role involves
Build web backends and maintain business systems. Show framework experience alongside SQL, queues and secure handling of user input.
Skills to highlight
- PHP
- Laravel
- Symfony
- SQL
- PHPUnit
For PHP developer vacancies, start with PHP, Laravel and Symfony. Match the exact stack to the employer and support every claimed skill with a project, decision or measured result.
What to show in your portfolio
A web service with background jobs, migrations and authorization tests.
For a PHP developer portfolio, explain why you chose PHP and Laravel, show how the result was verified and document one limitation or trade-off. Share only material you may publish.
Find the right level
Junior
Show the fundamentals of PHP and Laravel in a small finished project such as: A web service with background jobs, migrations and authorization tests Explain setup, tests and what you changed after feedback.
Middle
Demonstrate independent delivery as a PHP developer: turn a requirement into a working result, handle edge cases involving Laravel and Symfony, and support the solution after release.
Senior
Show ownership of architecture, risk and team decisions around PHP, Laravel, Symfony. Explain impact, operational limits and how you helped other specialists make better decisions.
What to prepare for an interview
Build a short story around your example: A web service with background jobs, migrations and authorization tests Be ready to connect the result to the following areas rather than only defining terms.
- Prepare one PHP developer example where PHP changed a design, debugging or validation decision.
- Prepare one PHP developer example where Laravel changed a design, debugging or validation decision.
- Prepare one PHP developer example where Symfony changed a design, debugging or validation decision.
- Prepare one PHP developer example where SQL changed a design, debugging or validation decision.
- Prepare one PHP developer example where PHPUnit changed a design, debugging or validation decision.
How to approach your job search
- Search for PHP developer roles and compare responsibilities, not only the title. Include Python developer, Java developer, C# developer when the vacancy overlaps those areas.
- Adapt your CV to the vacancy using accurate evidence for PHP, Laravel and Symfony; remove technologies you cannot discuss in depth.
- Prepare the portfolio example “A web service with background jobs, migrations and authorization tests” as a concise problem–action–result story and record the questions you receive in interviews.
Before you apply
Which skills matter most for a PHP developer?
Start with PHP, Laravel and Symfony, then compare the employer’s product and stack. The strongest CV names fewer skills but connects each one to evidence.
What can replace commercial PHP developer experience?
A finished and reviewable project can demonstrate useful evidence. A strong starting example is: A web service with background jobs, migrations and authorization tests Label personal, academic and open-source work accurately and state your own contribution.