I'm Joining Automattic - Lumi Ciobanu ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[lumiciobanu.com]] - Full Title: I'm Joining Automattic - Lumi Ciobanu - Category: #articles - Document Tags: [[automattic]] [[career]] [[hiring]] [[xref]] - Summary: November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 - URL: https://lumiciobanu.com/im-joining-automattic/ After almost 10 years of freelancing, I’m joining Automattic – WordPress.com as a [DIFM (Do-it-for-me) Solutions Architect.](https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/difm-solutions-architect-at-automattic-4076031480/) 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. 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 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 for this moment. 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! **Lumi**, I'm Joining Automattic - Lumi Ciobanu, lumiciobanu.com, 01kap6bwvwf6mygrsnvbdrynz2.