“Automattic’s hiring process is done entirely over Slack and for the duration of the whole process I was added to a private slack channel (#hi-darren-ethier) where all the interviews and follow-up discussions happened.”
Automattic builds WordPress.com and other products that democratize publishing, commerce, and communications. We’re a globally distributed team working from over 90 countries, united by our passion for open source, great user experiences, and the web’s future.
We believe exceptional work comes from autonomy and flexible environments. We pioneered distributed work long before it became widespread, focusing on output rather than hours logged.
We actively seek colleagues from varied backgrounds, recognizing that diverse perspectives enhance our products and make them accessible to a wider audience. We support internal Resource Groups formed by Automatticians who share characteristics or experiences, and we’re dedicated to increasing representation from underrepresented groups in tech through our inclusive hiring practices.
The Hiring Process
Application
Submit your resume and cover letter. We evaluate your skills, experience, and alignment with our culture. Depending on the role, you might see fields to submit a resume, cover letter, and a few application questions. Make sure to dedicate time and effort to all aspects of your application. Our team places strong emphasis on thoughtful cover letters and thorough responses to application questions. Once you submit your application, it goes straight to a recruiter or a hiring manager for review. If you don’t see a job opening that matches your skills, experience, and interests, you can still share your information with us via our interest form.
Candidate FYI
If you’ve advanced in the hiring process, you’ll be invited into our candidate portal, where you’ll see and experience the Automattic hiring process. There you can check out team members, and view in a single, central place all the other important content you’ll need as the process continues. Candidates are presented with short pulse surveys at the end of each stage. We care what you think, and hope you’ll respond to these surveys to help us continually improve our candidate hiring experience.
Initial Interview
Slack: Automattic’s first application step often includes a Slack Interview—essential for evaluating text communication skills in our distributed company. When preparing: log in early, take time with responses, bring questions, and consider whether this communication style suits you. Note that “Friendly Raccoon” helps create channels but won’t conduct your interview. For more helpful information and tips on the Slack Interview, see Jerry’s tips for text-based interviews.
Zoom: Certain Automattic positions require more verbal communication, so we use 30-60 minute Zoom interviews for these roles. During these conversations with recruiters or hiring team members, you’ll discuss your experience and career goals. Come prepared with specific examples of achievements and learnings that demonstrate your fit for both the position and our company.
Practical Test
For some roles, you’ll next complete a paid project that simulates actual work. This replaces traditional technical interviews and allows you to demonstrate your abilities in a realistic setting. Engineering applicants complete a code test with an assigned buddy who reviews work and answers questions. Tests involve modifying existing code like WordPress plugins. We evaluate problem-solving, design skills, and communication, not specific platform knowledge. Take the time you need; most candidates finish in a couple days spread over approximately one week.
The Trial
Qualified candidates complete a paid 5-40 hour project using real work to evaluate mutual fit. Your hiring team provides feedback throughout. This hands-on assessment is mandatory for all positions, as we believe actual collaboration best determines compatibility. An Executive Lead Interview may follow as the final step, where you can discuss your background and learn more about Automattic.
After a successful trial, the hiring team submits a recommendation including your profile, feedback, and work summary to the CEO for final approval (taking days to a month). If approved, HR will contact you regarding compensation and start date based on your role and experience. Upon acceptance and paperwork completion, the onboarding team will prepare you for your first day at Automattic.
What We Value
Excellent Communication: As a distributed company, we rely on clear, thoughtful written communication.
Autonomy and Self-Direction: We trust team members to manage their work without micromanagement.
Continuous Learning: We value curiosity and willingness to develop new skills.
Diverse Perspectives: We build better products when our team represents diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
Open Source Ethos: We believe in transparency and giving back to the community.
When applying to Automattic, it’s important to research our products and values to ensure a strong alignment with our mission. Showcase relevant projects and contributions that highlight your skills and how they connect to the role you’re pursuing. In your cover letter, demonstrate excellent communication skills — clear, thoughtful writing is highly valued here. Be prepared to discuss how you work independently, manage your time effectively, and stay motivated without direct supervision. Finally, highlight any experience you have with distributed teams or remote work, as collaboration across time zones is a key part of how we operate.
“The more we thought about why some hires succeeded and some didn’t, the more we recognized that there is no substitute for working alongside someone in the trenches. So we gradually changed our approach.“
“The most significant shift [from other companies] we’ve made is requiring every final candidate to work with us on a contract basis.”
— Matt Mullenweg, CEO
YouTube Playlists – Employee Video Intros
Watch the YouTube playlists below to see some current employees and friendly faces chatting about life at Automattic.
“I started at Automattic on November 20, 2019, and it’s an incredible place to work. I’m constantly impressed by my coworkers’ kindness, intelligence, and compassion.”
A few teams at Automattic have created their own resources and guides to document their specific recruiting processes. Some teams have also put together informational blogs about their projects and teammates. If you’re applying for one of the roles below, follow the links to learn more!
