At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging shopping guides and reviews while optimising content for SEO.
- Company: Join The Independent, a pioneering digital news publisher with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, diverse team culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and independent thinking.
- Why this job: Shape consumer coverage for BuzzFeed and HuffPost while making an impact in the digital space.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEO, copywriting, and a passion for shopping trends.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future.
About the role: Independent Media is looking for an experienced and knowledgeable shopping writer to help drive growth, quality and affiliate performance for BuzzFeed and HuffPost. The ideal candidate will be passionate and confident in covering all shopping verticals – from parenting and beauty to tech and home. The role will play a strategic role in shaping consumer coverage for both HuffPost and BuzzFeed.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
- Pitch, write and update buying guides, reviews and product-led features while adhering to best editorial, affiliate and SEO practices.
- Proactively secure exclusives for new launches.
- Monitor retailers and brands for deals that will be of interest to the different audiences, and cover when commissioned.
- Complete daily SEO updates of evergreen content and proactively identify articles to update if/when rankings drop.
- Work with the audience and commercial teams and editors to strategise around editorial categories, analysing traffic and affiliate performance, using GA4, Domo and Trackonomics, to spot further opportunities.
- Generate new ideas for engaging audiences and promoting content on social media and other platforms.
- Suggest new tenancy opportunities to the commercial team based on existing relationships with brands and retailers.
- Film content for social and the site.
Essential skills and experience:
- SEO
- Copywriting
- Copyediting
We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone. We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here.
Shopping Writer employer: The Independent
Independent Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Social Media Manager, you will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse audience across multiple platforms while contributing to meaningful journalism and content creation. With a commitment to employee growth and development, Independent Media offers a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and the exploration of new ideas, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shopping Writer
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at The Independent!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like The Independent, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Shopping Writer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for The Independent:When applying for the Shopping Writer role at The Independent, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what The Independent produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within The Independent. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
