With a new Hyrule Warriors game and an official Legend of Zelda movie on the way, things are gearing up around here at Zelda Universe! We’re looking for new team members to help keep up with the demand. Are you active on social media? Do you want to make a positive difference? Do you get excited whenever you see new things happening online and people talking about Nintendo and Legend of Zelda? Do you have an insatiable desire to dig into the facts and geek out about Zelda? We want to hear from you! We are seeking out volunteer News Writers, News Editors, and Social Media Staff. Zelda Universe is one of the largest and longest running online Legend of Zelda fan communities. If keeping up with the latest on everything Zelda and sharing positive news about gaming sparks passion inside you, Zelda Universe is a great place to do that. Read on to find out how you can take the first step to consider joining the News and Social Media Teams.
NEWS TEAM: WHAT TO EXPECT
Zelda Universe is looking for News Writers and News Editors.
As a News Writer, we want you to write quick, snappy news articles about The Legend of Zelda and Nintendo that are timely, informative, and fun. You have a sense of urgency and a good knack for spelling, grammar and format. Attention to detail and checking sources for accuracy as fast as reasonably possible are also important. As a News Writer, you will work together with other members of the News and Publications Teams. You might help out in other Publications areas too as the need arises, such as writing an occasional Feature or a Column piece. The News Team is an excellent starting point at Zelda Universe. Many of our Zelda Universe staff members started out as News Writers and advanced into other positions or spread out into other Publications areas.
Sometimes, you will have the opportunity to write articles about gaming events like Nintendo Directs and live game demonstrations! These special events often happen at short or no notice, but are exciting to cover and are great for building a resume. If you want to travel to these types of events as a reporter, you certainly can but it is not required. The only things required to start as a News Writer are a computer, a stable internet connection, and a good grasp of the English language. News Writers use Word Press, Slack and ClickUps software to get things done but if you do not know how to use those don’t worry. We will set up your own accounts and teach you! The News Writer reports to the News Editors and Lead News Editor.
As a News Editor, your goal is to do everything the News Writer does and help out other writers in the Publications Teams. You help edit their articles and publish them to the site in addition to writing your own. The News Editor has excellent command of the English language. You see potential inside every article, and can shape a rough draft much like a potter transforms a piece of clay. (For Link to break, of course.) You have good organizational skills, which are important for using Zelda Universe’s filing systems. As a News Editor, you set a good example as a Team leader. You enjoy seeing News Writers grow. You understand the value of constructive feedback in writing. Sometimes, you will need to coach News Writers with constructive feedback, but you always do so in private and with respect. The News Editor reports to the Lead News Editor and other Zelda Universe Leaders. Social media posting knowledge is also helpful, but not required.
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM: WHAT TO EXPECT
Zelda Universe is looking for Social Media Team Members.
As a Social Media Team Member, you will help generate fun ideas for social media posts and post and schedule them timely as needed through our social media software Buffer. You may need to generate some posts on the fly for important video game announcements. You thrive in fast-paced environments. Ideally, you enjoy making fun memes and graphics, too. The Social Media Team works closely with the Publications departments through Slack to help them get the word out whenever new articles get published to the site. You will also work closely with the Zelda Universe Media Teams to help get the word out whenever new Zelda Universe content like Dubs projects and News Announcements are published to YouTube. Working knowledge of social media platforms like Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, and / or BlueSky are highly recommended. Online social skills, public relations skills, and etiquette are a plus and will help you “read the room” during key social events with audience post interactions. Previous knowledge of Buffer and Slack are not required, we will teach you how to use them! Social Media Team Members report to the Zelda Universe Leaders.
GENERAL FAQ
Q: HOW DO THE TEAMS OPERATE AT ZELDA UNIVERSE?
A: All the Zelda Universe Publications Teams use a software called ClickUps to coordinate article drafts, projects, and ideas. The News, Columns, and Features Teams each has its own ClickUps board. We will set you up in ClickUps, too. Each time you write an article, the first thing you do is claim a card in ClickUps so everyone in the Team knows what’s going on.
We use the instant messaging software Slack as the primary form of internal communication across our teams. Slack is similar to Discord or Skype in format and is user-friendly even if you never heard of it before. If you can send text messages, you can use Slack. We are a fun-loving group of fans at heart! A number of Zelda Universe staff members have been around a good while. We love new people! We’re happy to help you get your “dungeon map” and your bearings. Cross-pollinating shenanigans are encouraged.
Q: WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?
Every News Writer, Editor, and Social Media Member needs a computer with a working internet connection and a browser / operating system that is able to update to the latest version of Slack. (This Slack web page breaks it down into more specific details.) Otherwise, that’s it! A smartphone that can also download the Slack, ClickUps, and Buffer mobile apps are helpful, but not required.
Q: SOUNDS GREAT! I REALLY WANT TO APPLY BUT I DON’T HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE. WILL I STILL BE CONSIDERED?
A: Yes! While we’re interested in seeing any previously published works or articles applicants may have, there are still many ways you can demonstrate your abilities. You can send us website links, social media screenshots, blogs, essays, fictional works, (yes, even fanfiction!) or any piece you can think of.
Still short on samples? That’s okay! We are very interested in seeing any mock articles or posts you can produce for Zelda Universe. If you need a prompt, we’ll give you one! Just take a look at our previously published articles on the home page to get a feel for our format, set your arrow on your bowstring and give it a shot.
Q: BUT WHAT IF I HAVE A JOB AND / OR TAKE CLASSES? CAN I STILL APPLY?
A: Yes, absolutely! As long as you feel confident enough to take on the position, we strongly encourage you to apply. Zelda Universe is entirely volunteer operated. Being one of the largest fan communities in the world, many of our members have grown with the site and are in diverse backgrounds and walks of life. Some of us juggle jobs, school assignments, obligations, and families of our own, but we’re still here simply because we can’t stop talking about The Legend of Zelda and we love doing what we do for our community.
Q: OKAY, YOU CONVINCED ME. WHAT ARE THE PERKS OF JOINING ZELDA UNIVERSE?
There are two common reasons why people join our team: for fun and experience.
For fun: Writing is always fun, and so is sharing what you wrote. If you’re a Legend of Zelda fan who loves to share their thoughts in a creative way, writing for Zelda Universe is the perfect way to do that. There is an endless variety of different topics to let your imagination run wild writing about.
For experience: As one of the oldest and largest Legend of Zelda communities out there, Zelda Universe has thousands of regular readers and social media followers. If you’re looking to gain some experience in the writing and media fields, this is an opportunity to practice your skills and learn how to report, interview and write content for a large audience. It’s a great way to experiment with different forms of writing and discover your narrative voice. It’s also a good opportunity to learn important software skills and see the journalism, writing and video game industries from a professional perspective.
Building a resume and portfolio of work is essential for those seeking work in all writing-centered and creative fields, and our staff is more than happy to help you improve your writing as you go. The more you write, the more confidence you will gain and feel good about your craft to meet your personal goals.
Q: JOINING ZELDA UNIVERSE SOUNDS LIKE FUN! BUT WHAT IF I’M NOT INTERESTED IN WRITING OR SOCIAL MEDIA?
That’s no problem! There are still plenty of other areas you can consider helping out in, such as graphic design, art, event organization, streaming, video content, web development, forums and more. Just send us an email to jobs@zeldauniverse.net and put “Volunteer Opportunities” the Subject Header.
Q: I’M INTERESTED IN APPLYING BUT I’M JUST TOO BUSY AT THE MOMENT. CAN I APPLY AT ANOTHER TIME?
Of course! We accept new volunteers all year round. If you want to volunteer at a later time, just send us an email to jobs@zeldauniverse.net when you’re ready.
Q: I APPLIED BEFORE BUT DID NOT GET A RESPONSE / GET ACCEPTED. SHOULD I TRY AGAIN?
You certainly can. Whether it’s for the same type of position or if you want to try something else, simply send an email to jobs@zeldauniverse.net with the desired position in the subject line and follow the “How to Apply” directions above. It’s worth another shot!
Q: I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION THAT HASN’T BEEN ADDRESSED HERE.
If there is anything else you would like us to clarify regarding the positions described here, please send us an email to jobs@zeldauniverse.net with the subject line “Application Question.”
Thanks for reading, and best of luck to all of our applicants!
