Digital Agency Jobs

DAJ

Search for your dream agency role

Trusted By

Getting a job in PHP

Getting a Job in PHP: Where to Start, What to Know & How to Stand Out

So, you’re thinking about getting a job in PHP? Good choice.

PHP gets a bit of stick sometimes, but the reality is: it’s everywhere. It powers around 75% of the web, including huge platforms like WordPress, Laravel, Magento, and Drupal. In other words — there are loads of jobs.

The challenge? Knowing where to start, what skills to focus on, and how to stand out in a sea of developers all vying for the same roles.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to land your next PHP job at an agency or tech company, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Straight-talking. No fluff. Just real advice that actually helps.

Why PHP is Still a Smart Career Choice

Let’s get this out of the way: no, PHP isn’t dead. It’s not going anywhere. In fact, some of the busiest agencies in the UK (including the ones hiring on Digital Agency Jobs) still rely heavily on PHP.

Here’s why:

  • It’s fast and widely supported
  • It’s great for backend work, especially with MySQL
  • There’s an enormous codebase out there to build on
  • Frameworks like Laravel have modernised the experience
  • It powers massive CMS platforms like WordPress and Magento

What Skills Do You Actually Need?

Getting a job in PHP isn’t just about writing echo statements and fiddling with foreach loops. Employers want people who can solve problems, write clean code, and work well in a team — especially in agency settings where time and budget matter.

✅ Core PHP skills

You need to understand the basics inside and out — variables, loops, functions, arrays, sessions, cookies, and file handling. And not just theoretically. You should be able to build something useful with them.

✅ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Most modern PHP codebases are OOP. Understanding classes, inheritance, interfaces, and design patterns (like MVC) is essential, especially if you’re working in frameworks like Laravel or Symfony.

✅ Familiarity with a PHP framework

Laravel is the big one. If you can build apps in Laravel, you’ll instantly stand out. Other useful ones: Symfony, CodeIgniter, and Slim.

✅ Database knowledge (usually MySQL)

You should know how to interact with a database using SQL, PDO, or Laravel’s Eloquent ORM. Normalisation, indexing, and migrations are terms you’ll hear often.

✅ Version control (Git)

If you’re not using Git, you’re probably not going to land an agency job. It's non-negotiable. Learn how to push, pull, merge, resolve conflicts, and use branches.

✅ Composer and dependencies

Modern PHP projects rely on Composer for package management. If you’re not using it yet — start.

✅ Understanding of RESTful APIs

Most modern applications use APIs — whether that’s internal microservices or third-party platforms. You’ll need to know how to make and handle API requests, authenticate, and parse responses.

Optional but Great to Have:

  • Basic DevOps (think Docker, CI/CD pipelines, deployment strategies)
  • Front-end familiarity (you don’t need to be a designer, but knowing your way around HTML, CSS, and maybe Vue.js is a bonus)
  • Test-driven development (TDD)
  • Familiarity with headless CMS setups or JAMstack

Where to Find PHP Jobs

There are loads of places to look, but the key is to look where the good jobs actually are. Big boards are great for volume. Niche boards (like ours at DAJ) are better for relevance and connections.

How to Stand Out When Applying

It’s a competitive market out there — especially for junior and mid-level roles. So how do you get your CV (and your name) noticed?

  • Build a portfolio – show real projects
  • Push code to GitHub – let your code do the talking
  • Tailor your CV – highlight what matters
  • Write a solid cover letter – short, honest and direct
  • Be ready to talk about code – they’ll ask!

Entry-Level PHP Jobs: What to Expect

If you’re applying for junior or graduate PHP jobs, here’s what most companies look for:

  • Solid understanding of the basics
  • Some form of project work — freelance or self-started
  • A good attitude and hunger to learn
  • Basic version control, debugging, and problem-solving skills

Freelance vs. Full-Time: Which One's Better?

If you’re just starting out, a full-time role at an agency or tech company is the best way to grow. Freelancing is great once you’ve got some experience, but going solo straight away can be overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Getting a job in PHP is absolutely doable — whether you're self-taught, a bootcamp grad, or just pivoting into dev work. Focus on the right skills, build real projects, and apply smart (not just wide).

📬 Want fresh PHP jobs delivered to your inbox?
Subscribe to the DAJ newsletter and get weekly updates from the best digital agencies hiring in the UK.