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Commerce Writer

Forbes
Full-time
On-site
United States
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Commerce Writer

πŸ”Ή Company: Forbes

πŸ”Ή Location: United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Remote OK

πŸ”Ή Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 27, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote OK (within specified states)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Writing shopping content, including product guides, roundups, and reviews
  • Collaborating with section editors to support content creation across various topics
  • Participating in sales event coverage and optimizing content for search
  • Working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of product testing, research, and writing, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Write well-researched and authoritative articles per week across various categories, such as Parenting, Consumer Tech, Gear, Mattress & Sleep, Home & Kitchen, Fashion, Beauty, and Travel

βœ… Combine hands-on testing with research and interviews to create high-quality content that readers can rely on for purchasing decisions

βœ… Brainstorm and pitch stories as part of the regular ongoing content planning process

βœ… Participate in sales event coverage, including shifts over holiday weekends

βœ… Work with the business and SEO team to ensure content is fully optimized for search

βœ… Collaborate across teams and participate in virtual team meetings to contribute to Forbes Vetted’s positive, friendly culture

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working non-standard hours during sales events and may involve some weekend work.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 3+ years of writing experience covering products and topics in several of the categories covered by Forbes Vetted

Required Skills:

  • Impeccable writing, editing, and reporting skills
  • Strong understanding of SEO best practices
  • Hands-on product-testing and reviewing experience
  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
  • User-focused mindset and understanding of editorial independence

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with commerce writing and affiliate/commerce content strategy
  • Network of PR contacts and expert sources
  • Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is required for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 per year (estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level commerce writer in the United States)

Benefits:

  • Flexible work arrangements (remote within specified states)
  • Opportunity to work for a leading global media company
  • Potential for career growth and development

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the possibility of working non-standard hours during sales events

ASSUMPTION: Forbes offers competitive benefits packages, but the specific benefits for this role are not mentioned in the job description.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Forbes is a global media, branding, and technology company focused on news and information about business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and affluent lifestyles. The company publishes Forbes, Forbes Asia, and Forbes Europe magazines, as well as Forbes.com.

Company Size: Forbes has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Forbes was founded in 1917, with a rich history in journalism and business reporting.

Company Description:

  • Forbes is a leading voice for entrepreneurial success and free enterprise
  • The company offers a global platform for news, information, and insights on business, technology, and leadership
  • Forbes aims to offer employees the flexibility they need to be successful

Company Specialties:

  • Business
  • Finance
  • Investing
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Small Business
  • Cloud Computing
  • Security
  • and Management

Company Website: Forbes.com

ASSUMPTION: Forbes is a well-established and respected media company with a strong brand and global reach.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: The Commerce Writer will report to the Forbes Vetted Deputy Editor for general commerce.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote OK, but candidates must reside in one of the specified states.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Expanding writing skills across various categories
  • Developing expertise in commerce writing and affiliate/commerce content strategy
  • Potential for career advancement within the Forbes organization

ASSUMPTION: Forbes offers opportunities for growth and development, but the specific career path for this role is not mentioned in the job description.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Forbes has a physical headquarters in Jersey City, NJ, but this role is remote OK within specified states.

Office Location(s): Jersey City, NJ

Geographic Context:

  • The United States is a large and diverse country with various regions and cultures
  • The specified states for this role offer a mix of urban and rural environments
  • Working remotely allows for flexibility and the ability to live in various locations within the specified states

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the possibility of working non-standard hours during sales events

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to live in various locations within the specified states.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
  • Background check and reference verification
  • Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Writing and editing skills
  • Product testing and research experience
  • Understanding of SEO best practices
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Forbes' values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant writing experience and skills
  • Provide examples of your product reviews or articles, if available
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the role and Forbes' mission during the interview

ATS Keywords: commerce writer, product reviews, shopping content, SEO, affiliate marketing, content creation, collaboration, deadline management, user-focused, innovation

ASSUMPTION: Forbes uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help it pass through the system.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Content management systems (CMS)
  • SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
  • Product testing equipment (depending on the category)
  • Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the category and the content being created.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Independence
  • Objectivity
  • Integrity
  • Fairness
  • Respect

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Results-driven and deadline-focused
  • Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a strong understanding of product testing and research, and can you apply this knowledge to create high-quality content?
  • Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, and can you manage your time effectively?
  • Do you align with Forbes' company values, and can you demonstrate this during the interview process?

ASSUMPTION: Forbes values a strong cultural fit and looks for candidates who align with their company values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Meeting tight deadlines during sales events
  • Working with a wide range of products and categories
  • Adapting to changes in the media landscape and industry trends
  • Managing remote work arrangements and maintaining productivity

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are primarily related to the fast-paced nature of the work, the wide range of products and categories, and the remote work arrangement.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to other commerce writer positions, but may require more flexibility in covering various categories
  • Compared to other media companies, Forbes offers a global platform for news and information, providing more opportunities for exposure and growth
  • Career paths for commerce writers may include specializing in a specific category or moving into an editorial or management role

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other commerce writer positions, but the specific requirements and opportunities may vary depending on the company and industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Creating a comprehensive product guide for a specific category (e.g., consumer tech)
  • Writing a series of product reviews for a major sales event (e.g., Black Friday)
  • Researching and writing an in-depth article on a trending topic in one of the covered categories

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects for this role may vary depending on the category and the content being created.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the typical content planning process and how my ideas would fit into it?
  • How does Forbes support the growth and development of its commerce writers?
  • What is the team structure for Forbes Vetted, and how would this role fit into it?
  • How does Forbes ensure the quality and accuracy of its product reviews and recommendations?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process can help demonstrate your interest in the role and your understanding of the company.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant writing experience and skills
  • Provide examples of your product reviews or articles, if available
  • Prepare for the interview by researching Forbes and the role, and practicing common interview questions
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.