Title: The Stark Reality of SEO Job Applications: Insights from the Field
In my recent venture into the world of SEO job applications, I’ve encountered some surprising and, frankly, alarming observations. This week has been quite an eye-opener for me, as I took a closer look at the websites of potential employers.
Typically, my process involves a quick visit to their site, diving into the page source, and running a few tests with tools like Page Speed Insights. What I’ve found is nothing short of astonishing:
- A staggering 22 seconds dedicated to JavaScript execution.
- A mind-boggling 35 seconds on the main thread.
- An excessive 9 seconds just to load the largest contentful paint.
- An overwhelming 11 seconds attributed to third-party code.
- And let’s not forget the 13 separate stylesheets being requested for just one page!
These findings could go on indefinitely. It makes me wonder, is this the kind of chaos that professionals at SEO agencies are routinely confronted with?
While I pride myself on being seasoned in the field, the state of these websites has left me almost speechless at the thought of discussing them in an interview. Phrases like “complete disaster” come to mind, but perhaps that’s not the most diplomatic way to address potential employers.
To clarify, I’m not a newcomer to the scene; I have experience in-house and have worked alongside numerous development teams. I fully recognize the intricacies and challenges that come with improving site performance. However, I just couldn’t ignore this rampant disarray in website architecture.
If this is indicative of what many agencies are up against, it raises some critical questions about industry standards and best practices. What steps can we take to prioritize site optimization and ensure that our efforts truly benefit users? I’m eager to hear insights from others in the field. Let’s connect and discuss!
One response to “Lessons learned from applying to SEO positions”
It’s great to see you shedding light on the often-overlooked state of SEO agency websites. Your findings reflect a critical reality many of us face in the industry. The disconnect between what agencies preach and what they practice is not only concerning but highlights a significant opportunity for improvement.
One area worth discussing is the emphasis on internal audits and ongoing education within SEO teams. It’s not uncommon for agencies to become caught up in client work, neglecting their own digital properties. Establishing a culture of regular performance assessments and sharing insights from tools like Page Speed Insights could cultivate a mindset focused on optimization across all projects.
Additionally, involving developers in the SEO conversation can bridge the gap between technical limitations and SEO objectives. Regular collaboration sessions focused on improving speed and performance can lead to better outcomes and ensure that both teams are aligned in achieving the same goals.
Lastly, sharing success stories and data from past optimization efforts can inspire an industry-wide shift towards embracing best practices. Encouraging agencies to showcase improvements could foster accountability and generate a ripple effect of enhancements across the digital landscape.
I’d love to hear more perspectives on strategies that can be implemented to address these challenges effectively!