Interview with PHP+MySQL developer

Anon

I am in charge of hiring new Php/MySQL developers in a team and was wondering how (before hiring) can I test the applicants about their real knowledge. SQL code test or case study...

Please can someone help me in that task?

Anon

Francois,

My suggestions in this area would be to get your existing PHP/MySQL developers(if you have any) to write a set of scripts designed to solve a problem that potential employees would be likely to encounter, but to intentionally write bugs into the code. This test would be to have the interviewee indentify the problems and suggest solutions. The other option would be to email the interviewee the spec's a day or two before their scheduled interview, have the interviewee write the scripts and then get existing employees to evaluate them. For a final interview you could have them write a script set they've not had the opportunity to preview. Just a couple quick ideas.

Cheers,

Geoff A. Virgo

Anon

Dear Geoff,

Thank you so much for this answer (I really appreciate),

Unfortunately I don't have at the present time any php developpers on site. Do you thing it would be possible to obtain a test script somewhere?

Again thank you for your time.

Francois Roux

Anon

Francois,

I sure it wouldn't be too hard to get someone to write a script or two which would fulfill the testing environment you're trying to create for interviewing purposes. However, as to where to get such a beast.... I unfortunately cannot suggest any one particular site or individual who can help you out. You may get some offers of help if you posted a request on this site. Alternatively, if you have some C or Java developers on site you might be able get them to do some reading and come up with the scripts themselves. PHP is relatively simliar to those langauges so making the jump is pretty easy. I know that I didn't find it all that hard (the learning curve is amazingly quick). MySQL takes a bit more getting used to due to some querks of the database, for example the lack of nested sub-queries and the absence of foreign keys in the traditional sense. I'll keep my eyes open though, and if I see anything that may be helpful I'll forward it on to you if you'd like.

Cheers,

Geoff A. Virgo