We’re looking for volunteers to help us write and publish new guides, as well as updating older guides on our website. If you love Zelda and are looking for an excuse to replay some of your favorite games, then consider joining our Guides Team!

If you’re interested, read on for our comprehensive FAQ and to find the application at the end.

Guides FAQ

Q: How does the Guides Team at Zelda Universe operate?

All of the content you see on the Zelda Universe home page is published using WordPress. If you’ve never used WordPress before, it is very easy to learn and we can run you through the whole process. You do not need to set up your own WordPress account; we’ll be setting you up with your own WordPress account specifically for Zelda Universe.

We use an instant messaging application called Slack for the majority of our teams’ communication. If you’ve never used Slack before, it works similarly to Discord or Skype, with various channels for each team.

We also use Trello and Tettra to coordinate all of our drafts, projects, and ideas. Each team has its own Trello board and Tettra folder. Again, we’ll set this up for you and you will receive an invite to our Trello boards.

The Guides Team is broken up into three positions: writers, recorders, and designers. Volunteers will need to be able to dedicate time on a regular basis and maintain communications with our team on Slack. The Guides Team works on large-scale written projects, so applicants must be able to work in teams for an extended period of time.

• Writers are responsible for writing original guides directly into WordPress. They must have a solid grasp of English grammar. Some knowledge of WordPress is a plus, but training will be provided.
• Recorders are responsible for playing through and recording the game to capture all required screenshots and/or video clips. They will be expected to follow the written guide and provide visual content as necessary to coincide with the guide.
• Designers are responsible for modifying the text guide to fit in with the appropriate formatting. They will need to upload screenshots and/or video clips into the guide where appropriate. Editing may also be required for correct grammar and spelling and may modify the text or elements to improve the guide.

Q: What equipment will I need?

Writers:

• Writers will likely need access to older Zelda games and Nintendo consoles.
• A computer and an internet connection.

Recorders:

• Recorders must be able to provide their own capture equipment and have copies of Zelda games at the ready.
• A computer and an internet connection.

Designers:

• A computer and internet connection.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please send us your application to jobs@zeldauniverse.net with the subject header “Guides [Writer/Recorder/Designer] Application.”

Please include:

• Your name
• Your age
• Your resume (or an overview of your qualifications and work experience)

Please also provide at least one of the following:

• Samples (articles, blogs, essays, fictional works, etc.)

It may take us a little while for us to select the most suitable applicants, so please don’t feel discouraged if we don’t respond straight away. It may take up to a week or longer before we select you.

General FAQ

Q: I love to write/stream but I don’t have much past experience. Will I still be considered?

Yes! While we’re interested in seeing any previously published works, articles, or video editing abilities applicants may have, there are still many ways you can demonstrate these abilities. You can send us any blogs, essays, fictional works, original video content, or any other pieces you are proud of.

Q: I am interested in joining the team, but I am nervous about taking this step and/or I am very anxious in general. Would this be a problem?

Not at all! The Zelda Universe staff is an incredibly friendly and approachable group of people, with Zelda fans of all ages. We’re all willing to make new friends, and we are all more than happy to answer any questions and help you to make the best articles possible. As long as you love Zelda, you have nothing to worry about.

The majority of our communication is through Slack (our instant messaging service of choice), and we don’t require anyone to speak to us through a headset or appear in a video call if they don’t want to.

Q: My time is limited and I’m not sure I can commit. How much am I expected to contribute?

We understand that, as volunteers, you are donating your free time to support the website. We respect this, and we realize that there will be times when life gets in the way and you may need to take a break. We won’t impose targets on you or set you a minimum output per week — just do what you can! We only ask that you remain in consistent contact with us and let us know if your availability might drop.

Q: What are the perks of working for Zelda Universe?

Zelda Universe has thousands of regular readers and social media followers, and you will gain large exposure for your work as a result. You will have a huge platform to establish a respectable body of work for yourself.

Experience is essential for those seeking work in the video game journalism industry, and our staff is more than happy to help you improve your writing as you go. We have had a number of Zelda Universe staff members go on to gain amazing positions in the industry, including jobs at Nintendo.

We also regularly promote our most committed staff members with editor roles. Those with leading roles on the site are often given the chance to attend E3 with the Zelda Universe team.

Q: I’m not interested in this position, but I would still like to contribute to Zelda Universe in some way. Are there any other positions available?

While we’re primarily looking for members to join our Guide team at the moment, there may be other positions available on our Volunteer page. If you prefer writing long-form, in-depth articles on Zelda, you can apply for the Features team, for example.

There are also many non-writing-related opportunities at Zelda Universe, including design, media, and development positions.

Q: I have another question that hasn’t been addressed here.

If there is anything else you would like us to clarify regarding the position(s) described here, please send us an email to jobs@zeldauniverse.net with the subject line “Application question.”

Q: I applied before but was not accepted. Should I try again?

Definitely! Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t make the cut before. Give it another shot.

We’re very professional about what we do here, but we also have a ton of fun while doing it! We have a highly talented and very friendly team ready to welcome you.

Thank you for reading, and best of luck to all of our applicants!