What to Expect During a Trial

1. Master P2 Communication

Communication is oxygen at Automattic, and P2 is the lifeblood of the company’s information. Remember the mantra: “P2 or it didn’t happen.” While Slack works well for immediate conversations, any discussion containing decisions or updates should be documented on P2. When you have Slack discussions, summarize your findings in a P2 post to ensure visibility and permanence. For Slack interactions, use your designated hiring channel (hi-NAME) rather than direct messages whenever possible, as this allows the hiring team to follow your thought process.

2. Format Your P2 Effectively

While you don’t need to spend excessive time polishing your P2 posts, demonstrating technical aptitude through clear formatting and smart style choices makes your content easier to navigate. Pay attention to details in your posts, as this is one of the most important skills for an Automattician. Consider adding summaries at the top of longer posts. Use clear headings, and ensure your writing is accessible to everyone. Remember to use inclusive language and avoid “insider” terms or acronyms without explanation.

3. Manage Your Time Wisely

Track your hours carefully for payment purposes and provide timely updates about your progress. Define a timeframe for completing your trial and aim to commit to it. Don’t worry if you miss self-imposed deadlines; Automattic values autonomy and wants to see how you organize your work. What matters most is proactively communicating any delays or blockers. The standard trial typically takes 25-40 hours for non-Happiness roles, so plan accordingly.

4. Engage With Your Trial Lead

You’ll be assigned a trial lead, who will be your main point of contact throughout the process. This person is familiar with your project and can direct you as you work through tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions about Automattic, the team, or communication practices. Be mindful of time zones and understand how your hiring team is geographically distributed. The trial is designed not only to assess your skills but also to help you determine if Automattic is the right fit for you.

5. Embrace Feedback and Company Values

Automattic has a strong feedback culture, and your trial lead will provide feedback throughout your trial. This feedback is designed to help you succeed and give you a taste of how things work at the company. Review Automattic’s creed and demonstrate the values that resonate with you during your trial. The trial process evaluates not just your technical skills but also your communication style, documentation quality, thought process, and ability to work in an asynchronous, distributed environment.

Remember that the trial is paid at a standard rate of $25 USD per hour, regardless of the role you’re applying for. This compensation has no relation to your future salary if hired.