📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Local Services Writer
🔹 Company: Yahoo
🔹 Location: United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Writing & Editing
🔹 Date Posted: April 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating best-of guides and help articles related to local businesses
- Covering various local service categories with passion and authority
- Writing, editing, and publishing articles using Yahoo's CMS
- Pitching creative story ideas based on research
- Working in a fast-paced, goal-driven team environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of local services and a passion for creating engaging content that builds trust with users.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Cover various local service categories in the U.S. with passion and authority and build expertise in one or all coverage areas.
✅ Write, edit and publish a variety of well-researched and sometimes sourced local service-focused articles
✅ Pitch timely, creative story ideas based on research that align with Yahoo Local’s mission
✅ Work on strict deadlines
✅ Utilize Yahoo’s CMS to build new articles and update content
✅ Willingness and ability to build on existing expertise in local service markets and establish new skills and knowledge in additional local service sectors
✅ Stay abreast of evolving user interests
✅ Utilize SEO best practices to optimize content for search engines and improve content performance
✅ Quickly learn and utilize Yahoo Local’s style and voice
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to work well under tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: At least one year of experience covering local businesses or services, and 2-4 years of experience writing commerce-focused, help and how-to, and/or review content
Required Skills:
- Exceptional copywriting and editing skills
- Comfort working within a CMS to build and update content
- Strong analytical and organizational skills and an aptitude for attention to detail
- Team-player mindset and willingness to pitch in on any project to help get the job done
- Obsessed with reader experience, always looking to inform and engage our readers
- Strong editorial judgment, knowledge of standards & style
- Passion for learning new things and covering subjects outside of immediate comfort zone
- Ability to create authoritative content in areas you may not be a true expert in
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with SEO best practices
- Familiarity with Yahoo's CMS
- Knowledge of local service markets
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience covering local services and a strong portfolio of commerce-focused content will be most competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $56,250 - $117,500/yr (based on experience and location)
Benefits:
- Healthcare
- 401k
- Backup Childcare
- Education Stipends
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work unconventional schedules, including weekends and holidays around major commerce events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a writer with 2-5 years of experience. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as location and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Yahoo is a technology company that serves as a trusted guide for hundreds of millions of people globally, helping them achieve their goals online through its portfolio of iconic products. For advertisers, Yahoo Advertising offers omnichannel solutions and powerful data to engage with its brands and deliver results.
Company Size: Yahoo has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Yahoo was founded in 1994 and has since grown into a global company with a strong presence in the technology industry.
Company Description:
- Yahoo serves as a trusted guide for hundreds of millions of people globally, helping them achieve their goals online through its portfolio of iconic products.
- For advertisers, Yahoo Advertising offers omnichannel solutions and powerful data to engage with its brands and deliver results.
- Yahoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that strengthens the company and deepens its relationships with users.
Company Specialties:
- innovation
- internet
- technology
- advertising
- media
- consumer services
- search
- user experience
- SEO
- online advertising
- and internet marketing
Company Website: Yahoo Inc.
ASSUMPTION: Yahoo's focus on innovation and user experience makes it an attractive company for candidates seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-career writers with 2-5 years of experience in covering local services and creating commerce-focused content.
Reporting Structure: The Local Services Writer will report directly to the Yahoo Local editorial team.
Work Arrangement: This role is either fully remote or can be performed at one of Yahoo's offices across the US. Occasional in-person attendance may be required.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding expertise in additional local service sectors
- Developing skills in SEO and content optimization
- Potential career progression to senior writing or editorial roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the Yahoo Local editorial team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Yahoo offers flexible hybrid work options, with the opportunity to work remotely or at one of its offices across the US.
Office Location(s): Yahoo has offices in New York, NY, and other locations across the US.
Geographic Context:
- The United States is the primary market for this role, with a focus on covering local services in various regions across the country.
- The role may require occasional travel to attend in-person events or team sessions.
- The United States offers a diverse range of local services and businesses, providing ample opportunities for content creation.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work unconventional schedules, including weekends and holidays around major commerce events.
ASSUMPTION: The flexible work arrangement and remote-friendly culture at Yahoo make it an attractive option for candidates seeking a balance between work and personal life.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Writing test or sample article assignment
- Final interview with the Yahoo Local editorial team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Understanding of local services and market trends
- Ability to work well under tight deadlines
- Cultural fit with Yahoo's values and work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience covering local services and creating commerce-focused content.
- Provide examples of your best work, demonstrating your ability to create engaging and informative articles.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to SEO and content optimization during the interview.
ATS Keywords: local services, writing, editing, commerce, SEO, content management, research, attention to detail, creativity, user engagement, story pitching, market knowledge, fast-paced environment, learning
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on writing and editing skills and a deep understanding of local services.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Yahoo's CMS
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Yahoo's CMS and SEO best practices will be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- User-focused
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and goal-driven
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Flexible and adaptable
- Results-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for creating engaging and informative content about local services?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, goal-driven team environment?
- Do you have strong writing and editing skills, with a deep understanding of local services and market trends?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are passionate about local services and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment will be a good fit for Yahoo's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining a high level of productivity
- Staying up-to-date with evolving user interests and market trends
- Occasional travel for in-person events or team sessions
- Working in a remote or hybrid environment, which may require self-motivation and strong communication skills
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, a passion for learning, and effective communication with the Yahoo Local editorial team.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on local services and commerce-focused content creation.
- Industry-specific context: Yahoo's focus on user experience and innovation sets it apart from other companies in the technology industry.
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the Yahoo Local editorial team, with potential progression to senior writing or editorial roles.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their interest in local services and commerce-focused content creation when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating a comprehensive guide to the best local plumbers in a major US city
- Writing a step-by-step guide to hiring a reliable roofer for a home renovation project
- Developing a series of articles on the latest trends in home improvement and the local service providers driving innovation in the industry
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of content creation opportunities available in this role, from comprehensive guides to timely and trend-focused articles.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Yahoo Local editorial team?
- How does Yahoo support the professional development and growth of its writers?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a remote or hybrid environment for this role?
- How does Yahoo measure the success and impact of its local services content?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the Yahoo Local editorial team?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the work environment, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within the Yahoo Local editorial team.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience covering local services and creating commerce-focused content.
- Prepare a writing sample or portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create engaging and informative articles on local services.
- Be ready to discuss your approach to SEO and content optimization during the interview.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
