Web Developer Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a Web Developer job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our Web Developer question bank of 25 questions, written for UK employers at mid-level level.

Eight Web Developer interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What does a typical day as a web developer involve?

Why they ask: They want to confirm you understand the mix of build, maintenance and client or stakeholder work.

2. How do you build a responsive website, and what is your approach to cross-browser testing?

Why they ask: Responsive delivery is expected of every web developer and frequently tested.

3. What are XSS, CSRF and SQL injection, and how do you protect a website from them?

Why they ask: Web security basics are essential for any developer building public-facing sites.

4. When would you use a CMS such as WordPress, and when would you build a custom solution?

Why they ask: Common practical judgement call, especially for agency and SME work in the UK.

5. How do you improve the speed of a slow website?

Why they ask: Performance affects UX, SEO and sales, so this is a common practical question.

6. What is the difference between GET and POST, and what other HTTP methods and status codes should a web developer know?

Why they ask: Core web fundamentals interviewers check quickly.

7. A client calls to say their website has been hacked and is redirecting visitors to another site. What do you do?

Why they ask: Realistic and urgent scenario involving security and communication.

8. Tell me about a website you built or rebuilt from start to finish and how you managed the project.

Why they ask: Shows end-to-end delivery and client handling.

A sample answer to question 1

What does a typical day as a web developer involve?

It's a mix of new builds and keeping existing sites healthy. I usually begin by checking monitoring and any overnight alerts or support requests, such as a form not sending or a plugin update that broke something. Then I move on to project work, which might be building a new landing page from a design, setting up a custom WordPress theme or integrating a payment or booking service. I test across browsers and devices, check accessibility and page speed, and push changes through a staging site before going live. Throughout the day I'm talking to designers, marketing colleagues or clients to clarify requirements and give updates in plain language. There's also routine work, like backups, security updates and SEO fixes. I enjoy the variety, because a web developer sees a project from idea to a live site that real people use.

Common mistake to avoid: Describing only coding; Ignoring maintenance and security

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions are on the Web Developer interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.