I recently completed the application process for the DIFM Solutions Architect — WordPress Website Designer position at Automattic. This blog post provides a professional summary of the assessment process, my technical deliverables, and actionable insights gained from the experience.

Application Summary

Position: DIFM Solutions Architect — WordPress Website Designer
Application Channel: Automattic Careers Portal
Assessment Format: Technical assignment with multiple components
Outcome: The process concluded at the technical assessment stage, but the experience provided strong insights for future growth.

After successfully completing the initial criteria assessment, I was invited to the second stage — a technical website-building assignment — which I completed and submitted as outlined below.

Technical Assignment Requirements

The assessment required candidates to:

1. Build a multi-page website using the native WordPress Gutenberg block editor
2. Provide written responses to WordPress technical support questions
3. Record a video walkthrough demonstrating site functionality and client handoff procedures
4. Document build time with detailed activity breakdown

Deliverables Submitted

Website Build

• Multi-page responsive website built exclusively with WordPress Gutenberg (no third-party themes or plugins)
• Custom reusable block patterns including headers, feature sections, testimonials, and footers
• Accessibility standards implemented (semantic heading structure, alt text, keyboard navigation)
• Build completed in under three hours

Technical Documentation

• Written responses to troubleshooting scenarios in support-style format
• Clear instructions for common WordPress maintenance tasks
• Client-facing documentation for site management

Video Walkthrough

• Recorded demonstration of site architecture
• Client handoff guidance covering content updates and site maintenance
• Overview of reusable components for future scalability

Time Tracking

• Detailed build log documenting: planning, pattern development, content implementation, styling, quality assurance, and final delivery

Self-Assessment and Growth Opportunities

While the technical execution met professional standards for high-volume DIFM work, I’ve identified specific areas for refinement in future assessments:

Communication Efficiency

The video walkthrough could benefit from tighter scripting and more concise verbal delivery. In time-sensitive evaluations, communication clarity carries equal weight to technical proficiency.

Presentation Standards

Under competitive assessment conditions, granular details in visual polish and UX consistency become differentiating factors. I’m implementing enhanced final-review protocols to address this.

Support Communication Style

My written responses would benefit from a more conversational, empathy-driven tone that better reflects customer support best practices.

These observations represent process optimization opportunities rather than technical capability gaps.

Professional Development Plan

I’m implementing the following improvements:

Scripted Video Communications
Developing 90–120 second presentation scripts for video walkthroughs to ensure clarity, confidence, and professional delivery.

Timed Build Practice
Conducting regular timed exercises (3–5 page builds) to increase production speed while maintaining quality standards.

Pattern Library Development
Creating a comprehensive library of tested block patterns and starter templates for common website architectures.

Quality Assurance Protocol
Implementing a standardized pre-submission checklist covering spacing consistency, interactive states, accessibility requirements, and microcopy review.

Support Writing Development
Practicing customer-facing technical writing with emphasis on clarity, empathy, and actionable guidance.

Core Competencies Demonstrated

• Gutenberg Expertise: Advanced proficiency in WordPress native block editor for rapid, maintainable website development
• Systems Thinking: Design and implementation of reusable patterns and templates for scalable production workflows
• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on maintainability, clear documentation, and client empowerment
• Continuous Improvement: Active commitment to refining both technical execution and professional presentation

Closing Statement

This assessment provided valuable calibration insights for high-stakes technical evaluations. I remain confident in my technical capabilities and committed to excellence in both execution and communication.

I welcome opportunities to discuss my WordPress build methodology, demonstrate timed-build capabilities, or share examples from my pattern library.

If you’ve gone through a similar process or work with Gutenberg at scale, I’d love to connect and exchange insights.