I am a huge WordPress fan. I’ve used it since 2008, and it’s still my go-to Content Management System despite its quirks. I really want to integrate it to my site, but it needs a proper web server and a database to function.

Prior to focusing on my website to create content, I used different free hosting services to have a WordPress website. Everything was running smoothly except having a secured website, which is a paid service. I also encountered issues when upgrading some plugins because not all providers use the latest PHP version.

After a few months, I called it quits in using WordPress and focused on the JAMStack route for my website. Mathias Biilmann, CEO of Netlify, coined the word “JAMStack” which stands for JavaScript, API, and Markup. It means that websites doesn’t necessarily rely on the back-end server and can be on the client side.

How did I knew about the Happiness Engineer

At the end of January 2020, I quit my job in Cebu City and moved back to my hometown, Davao City, to be with my mom. She’s getting old, and it will be an issue if she’s left alone in the house. I really don’t have a choice since I’m an only child.

I started using WordPress again at February 2020. At that same month, I was browsing Automattic when I saw the Happiness Engineer position in their “Work With Us.” However, it was unavailable that time, and I’ll have to bookmark the page if there’s an opening in the future.

I used WordPress again on February 2020. During the same month, I was browsing Automattic and I saw the position via their Work With Us. At that time, there was no vacant position and it displayed to bookmark the page in case there will be an opening in the future.

About two days ago, I visited the site again and there was indeed an opening. The next day, I submitted my application.

Two days after I bookmarked, I visited the website again and there was an opening. I submitted my application the next day.

What is a Happiness Engineer?

From Automattic:

As a Happiness Engineer, you love helping people.

Transforming publishing on the web is no small task. Our goal is to build relationships based on trust which results in happy, passionate, loyal customers and colleagues. We do this through listening to their needs and guiding them to the fullest use of the products we offer. We are looking for people with the right mix of compassion, writing skills, and technical knowledge to get the job done.

As a Happiness Engineer, your job is to: make people happy. Think of it as a Technical Support Representative in a call center scenario. We all know that most websites nowadays are powered by WordPress. Not all are adept at using it. It’s your job to guide them in using the product and resolve any issues they have. It’s also your job to report any bugs so that they will be resolved.

Aside from helping and making people happy, you also build a community of support by sharing knowledge and helping team members around the world.

Requirements

Being a Happiness Engineer requires:

• Proficiency with WordPress, HTML, and CSS, along with a strong support philosophy.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with a knack for taking technical language and making it understandable.
• A passion for solving tough problems and proposing elegant solutions.
• An ability to learn and adapt so that you can help teach others.
• Patience, grace, and a sense of humor.

They also require:

• Great communication skills.
• Self-driven work ethic.
• Curiosity and the desire to learn.

The application

I submitted my application on Sept. 19, 2020 (PHT). You need to submit a cover letter along with your CV. To increase your chance of being hired, answer the scenarios they provided.

Application Feedback

I received feedback on Sept. 30th, but unfortunately, I didn’t make it in the application process. They had a very competitive talent pool and they decided to move forward with the other candidates. They didn’t elaborate on which part I failed, but I guess it would be with my previous experiences. I’ll try again next time there’s an open position.

Content update:

• Updated wordings for 2022