After almost 10 years of freelancing, I’m joining Automattic – WordPress.com as a DIFM (Do-it-for-me) Solutions Architect.
This role involves a mix of creativity, efficiency and troubleshooting. I’ve spent years focused on productivity and efficient processes, so I was really happy to find a role at Automattic that values exactly the way I work.
A Change I Didn’t Plan
It wasn’t my plan to have a full-time job, but I had a deep desire to slow down the workload. I’ve also been quietly craving being part of a team for many years. And Automattic was on my secret wishlist.
I stumbled on the job announcement on a Facebook group dedicated to agencies. When I read the role description, I realized it matched my skills and strengths perfectly. I hesitated to apply because it was a extremly busy period for me, and because the impostor syndrome was very vocal. It was my daughter who pushed me: Why not? And I couldn’t say NO to her, particularly for this challenge. So I applied. Without any expectations.
The Interview Process
A few days later, I got a message from the hiring team: they wanted to visit my website, but it was down. Oh my! What a bad experience, exactly in an important moment! Quickly, I checked the logged error file, and fixed it!
After a day or two, I got an invitation to do the Criteria Assessment – a quick test of measuring cognitive abilities like problem-solving. I completed it and didn’t think about this application.
A few days later, another email popped into my inbox: the invitation for the technical assessment!
The technical assessment consisted of a web design challenge and a few technical support questions. I enjoyed doing it, and I learned something totally new: I was able to create something beautiful in a very short amount of time! This was really powerful to discover.
After submitting the Technical Assessment, I didn’t have any expectations for the result and got back to my work – launching a big project.
Right after launching my project, I had the Zoom interview with the hiring manager and the team lead. I prepared carefully for this discussion. The interview just flew by. I was a bit shy, but overall I enjoyed talking about my working process. I did my best, and I went back to my work.
Quickly after the interview, I was asked to provide three referrals who could be contacted. I asked a few clients I had worked closely with recently, and they were happy to help me. Until that moment, I hadn’t told anyone about this interview.
The next day I was invited for the trial period. I couldn’t believe it was real and not just a dream!
The trial
The trial consisted of a few challenges, including creating two website builds. I put on hold every other freelancing projects and focused only on the trial work. It took me eight days to complete it. I enjoyed the whole process and learned new things.
Right after submitting the last challenge, I received the invitation for the last interview. It was a pleasure to talk about the trial experience and the lessons learned.
The last step was the discussion with the HR person, and I had to wait a bit until it was scheduled.
Waiting…
This was the most difficult part. The time felt suspended between a new potential future and returning to my freelance projects. A painful silence, but still better than rejection. It became a moment for self-reflection: is it really what I’d like to do from now on?
It was about 2 weeks of waiting when I had the final discussion with the HR person, and I received the offer.
Overall, the whole process took almost 8 weeks from the moment I applied, until the moment I had the contract signed. The whole process was very smooth, and the team was friendly along the way. I had no hesitation this is the best opportunity I’ve been lucky to have.
A new beggining
I’ll start my new role on December 1st. I’m so excited for this new experience, and I’m looking forward to enjoying it!
