I have used WordPress.org for years for dpresident.net. More recently, I started some websites on WordPress.com. One day, I came across a job posting for Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com. I read the requirements to apply for a job as a Happiness Engineer. I visited the site several times within the next two weeks, so much so that I got a popup encouraging me to apply. A little creepy sure, but that’s the nature of cookies so I took the advice and applied!
The Application Process
I don’t remember what the date was when I first applied, but it precipitated a sequence of events:
Jan 17 – Invitation to complete a small assignment from the perspective of a user at WordPress.com
Jan 23 – Invitation to join Automattic on Slack.
Jan 24 – Chat with someone from the hiring team on Slack.
Jan 24 – Answer follow-up questions after the chat and answer sample support questions.
Jan 30 – Have a follow-up chat, followed by an invitation to have a trial, which I accepted (of course)!
I was given a choice of 2 start dates. Given that I had a trip planned to London during the first option, I chose to start my trial April 4. This also gave me time to find some podcasts on WordPress, finish my freelancing projects and brush up on my CSS skills.
The Trial
During the 4 weeks of my trial, my buddy gave me daily feedback. By doing the same job as other Happiness Engineers, I could find out if I enjoy the job and let my buddy, trial lead, and colleagues see me at work to determine if I’m a good match for the company. I spent time learning, supporting users by email and chat, and working with colleagues in Slack. I wrote daily reflections, developed my CSS skills, learned problem-solving skills and worked with colleagues. When I was stuck solving a problem, colleagues supported me in Slack, helping me find the relevant resources and teaching me different problem solving approaches. This gave me an authentic picture of what it’s like to work as a Happiness Engineer. It felt a bit overwhelming at first because there is so much information available but I decided to embrace it. I learned a lot in the process and learned from my mistakes to avoid making them again.
Summary
Working at WordPress.com, I learn about features and tools that support my own blogging and help other users improve their sites. I’ve gained valuable knowledge about how WordPress.com works, met some nice people, helped many more, and continue to build confidence in my ability to provide support. After working with teachers and students for many years, I find that I feel quite patient with new users and enjoy helping them. I try to keep a good attitude and remember my frustrating customer support experiences to be able to empathize with our users.
At the end of my 4 weeks trial, I was recommended to HR. HR was away at a meetup so it took a couple of weeks before we could have a chat. Once we completed the chat, the HR Wrangler offered a full-time position. I start full time on June 15!
Automattic is hiring. Visit Work with Us to see the open positions.
Congratulations! Hope you love it.