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. Do you get excited whenever you see new things happening online and people talking about Nintendo and Legend of Zelda? Do you want to make a difference? Do you have an insatiable desire to dig into the facts and geek out about Zelda? We want to hear from you!
Zelda Universe is seeking out volunteer News Writers. We’re 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 more to find out how you can take the first step to consider joining the News Team.
NEWS TEAM: WHAT TO EXPECT
Zelda Universe is looking for News Writers.
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. They’re usually only a couple paragraphs long. (But if you like to write them longer, that’s okay!) 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 News, Publications, and Social Media Team members. 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 in person 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 teach you and set up your own accounts! The News Writer reports to the News Editors and Lead News Editor.
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. The Social Media Team uses Buffer to schedule posts. We will set you up in ClickUps. 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. If you wish to help post News on social media, we will set you up in Buffer too but this is not required.
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 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, 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 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. Most 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?
That’s no problem! There are still plenty of other areas you can consider helping out in, such as video content, social media, graphic design, art, event planning, streaming, web development, forums and more. Just send us an email to volunteer@zeldauniverse.net to tell us what you would like to do 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 volunteer@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 volunteer@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 volunteer positions described here, please send us an email to volunteer@zeldauniverse.net with the subject line “Application Question.”
Thanks for reading, and best of luck to all of our applicants!
