This guide explains how companies can connect with inexperienced Drupal developers for their IXP Initiative engagements. There are two approaches: posting a job on jobs.drupal.org using the IXP category, or working with an existing trainee.

Overview: Two Options for Finding IXP Developers

Companies can find IXP developers through two different paths:

  • Option A: Create job posting → Request coupon → Post on jobs.drupal.org → Interview candidates → Select IXP developer
  • Option B: Work with existing trainee → Have them register directly as IXP User

Choose the option that best fits your situation and hiring needs.

Option A: Job Posting Process

Use this option when you need to find and recruit an inexperienced developer through the public job board.

Step 1: Create a Job Posting in Your Company Group

  1. Log into the IXP platform at https://drupal-ixp.site/
  2. Navigate to "My Company" → Your company name
  3. Click the blue button "Request a coupon for job @ drupal.org"
  4. Fill out the job posting form:
    • Title: Enter your job posting title
    • Request Coupon: Toggle this ON to request a free posting coupon
    • Coupon field: Leave this empty (IXP reviewers will fill this automatically)
  5. Click "Save" to create your job posting request

Important Notes About the Coupon Process

  • When you toggle "Request Coupon" ON, an IXP reviewer will be notified
  • The reviewer will assign a coupon to your job posting
  • The coupon will automatically appear in the "Coupon" field - do not touch this field
  • You'll receive notification when your coupon is approved and ready to use

Step 2: Post Job on jobs.drupal.org

  1. Once your coupon is approved, go to jobs.drupal.org
  2. Log in with your drupal.org credentials
  3. Click "Post a Job" and use your approved coupon for free posting
  4. Select "IXP" as the job category (not Front End, Back End, etc.)
  5. Include IXP Initiative information in your job description
  6. Complete and publish your job posting

Screenshot Placeholder: [jobs.drupal.org job posting form showing IXP category selection]

Step 3: Interview and Select Candidates

  1. Review applications from interested developers
  2. Conduct interviews based on your company's criteria and needs
  3. Select the developer who best fits your mentorship program
  4. Notify your selected candidate about next steps

Step 4: Have Selected Developer Register

  1. Send your selected developer to https://drupal-ixp.site/user/register
  2. Have them select "IXP User" as their role
  3. They will not see a Company Name field (only Company Admins see this)
  4. They must accept the Terms of Service checkbox
  5. Their account will need manual approval by the IXP team (1-3 business days)
  6. Wait for their approval notification before proceeding to add them to your company group

Option B: Direct Trainee Registration

Use this option when you already have a developer on your team or have identified someone through other means.

Step 1: Identify Your IXP Developer

Choose a developer from your team or network who would benefit from the IXP Initiative mentorship program.

Step 2: Have Developer Register Directly

  1. Send your developer to https://drupal-ixp.site/user/register
  2. Have them select "IXP User" as their role
  3. They complete the registration form (Company Name field not visible to them)
  4. They must accept the Terms of Service checkbox
  5. Their account will be flagged for manual approval (1-3 business days)
  6. No job posting or coupon process needed

Step 3: Skip Job Posting Process

Since you already have your developer identified, you can skip the entire coupon request and job posting workflow. This saves time and allows you to move directly to adding them to your company group once they're approved.

Adding Your IXP Developer to Your Company Group

Regardless of which option you used, once your IXP developer is approved, you must add them to your company group.

Group Addition Process

  1. Wait for notification that your IXP developer's account is approved
  2. Log into the IXP platform
  3. Navigate to "My Company" → Your company name
  4. Click the blue button "Add a member or IXP user"
  5. In the "User" field, search for your IXP developer by name or username
  6. Select them from the search results
  7. Do NOT check the "Admin" role (IXP Users should remain regular members)
  8. Click "Save" to add them to your company group

Verifying Group Membership

After adding your IXP developer, you should see them listed in your Members table with:

  • Their real name
  • Role showing as regular member (not Admin)
  • Join date and last updated information

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Option A (Job Posting) Issues

  • Coupon not assigned: Check that you toggled "Request Coupon" ON and wait for IXP reviewer assignment
  • No qualified applicants: Consider adjusting job description to emphasize learning opportunity
  • Selected candidate doesn't register: Follow up with clear instructions and timeline expectations
  • Wrong job category: Make sure to select "IXP" category on jobs.drupal.org, not other categories

Option B (Direct Registration) Issues

  • Registration problems: Ensure they select "IXP User" role and accept Terms of Service
  • Account not approved: Wait full 1-3 business days and check spam folder for approval emails

Group Addition Issues

  • Can't find IXP developer in search: Verify they completed registration and received approval notification
  • Wrong role assigned: IXP Users should NOT have Admin role in the company group
  • Developer can't access company content: Confirm they appear in your Members table after addition

Next Steps

Once your IXP developer is successfully added to your company group, you can begin the engagement process:

  • Engagement Management Guide - Create and manage the mentorship engagement
  • Review the IXP Initiative requirements and prepare for bi-weekly progress reporting

Support

For questions about finding IXP developers, ask in the #ixp-fellowship channel in Drupal Slack.