📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Writer, Beauty & Personal Care
🔹 Company: The New York Times
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Journalism & Writing
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing short-form stories and reporting on popular products or trends in beauty and personal care
- Collaborating with Wirecutter's beauty and personal care team to complement existing coverage
- Working with social and newsletter teams to create engaging content for various platforms
- Conducting original research and interviews with experts in the field
- Maintaining content for retail events and seasonal projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of beauty and personal care products, trends, and ingredients, as well as the ability to translate complex information into engaging, accessible content for a wide audience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research, report, and write articles related to Wirecutter’s coverage areas, focusing on style
✅ Ensure accuracy and timeliness of quick-turnaround content that is rooted in Wirecutter’s deeply-reported guides
✅ Work with social and community teams to respond to reader feedback and questions
✅ Request product samples and process their return
✅ Call experts and review academic journal articles and other scientific data; methodically scan user reviews and forums to find what matters to readers
✅ Collaborate with editors to conceive new content and formats and move ideas from pitch to promotion, and also work with creative teams to produce visuals to support articles
✅ Maintain content for retail events (i.e., Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday), curated Wirecutter deal events, and other seasonal projects
✅ Attend trade shows and product news events to build contacts and expertise in relevant topics
✅ Perform related work as assigned
✅ Demonstrate support and understanding of The New York Times’ value of journalistic independence and a commitment to its mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world
✅ Report to the Supervising Editor
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong research, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 2+ years of writing experience at a major publication, media company, or service journalism outlet
Required Skills:
- Proven passion for style and beauty products
- Knowledge of SEO from an editorial perspective and understanding of how to use web analytics data to make editorial decisions
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with all levels of management
- Task management skills and experience working through multiple rounds of edits
Preferred Skills:
- 2+ years of experience doing original reporting and research for features or how-to guides
- Experience covering products or services, especially involving hands-on or lab testing
- Experience collaborating with a visuals or photo team on art and content packaging
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, relevant experience and a strong portfolio may be considered in lieu of formal education.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The annual base pay range for this role is between $75,316.80 and $82,000 USD
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Employee discounts on New York Times products and services
Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days per week in the Long Island City office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles at The New York Times and may vary depending on factors such as experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The New York Times is a leading global news organization, known for its independent, deeply reported journalism that fuels a healthy and engaged society.
Company Size: The New York Times has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large, diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1851, as The New-York Daily Times
Company Description:
- The New York Times is committed to seeking the truth and helping people understand the world through independent, deeply reported journalism.
- The company offers a wide range of products and services, including print and digital newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and live events.
- The New York Times is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the global community it serves.
Company Specialties:
- Investigative journalism
- Breaking news coverage
- In-depth analysis and opinion pieces
- Multimedia storytelling and interactive features
Company Website: https://www.nytco.com/
ASSUMPTION: The New York Times is a large, established organization with a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and independence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Supervising Editor
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with an expectation to work 2-3 days per week in the Long Island City office
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to senior writer or editor roles within Wirecutter or other New York Times brands
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from experienced journalists and editors
- Chance to develop expertise in a specific beat or topic within the beauty and personal care industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the organization and develop expertise in their field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Long Island City, Queens
Office Location(s): 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with a rich history and diverse neighborhoods
- The Long Island City office is conveniently located near public transportation and offers easy access to Manhattan
- The area is known for its growing arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to waterfront parks and green spaces
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days per week in the office)
ASSUMPTION: The Long Island City office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and research skills
- Knowledge of beauty and personal care products and trends
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team
- Understanding of The New York Times' journalistic mission and values
- Adaptability to a hybrid work environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include specific examples of your writing and research work, preferably in the beauty and personal care industry
- Demonstrate your passion for style and beauty products, as well as your commitment to journalistic integrity
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company
ATS Keywords: beauty, personal care, writing, research, journalism, Wirecutter, New York Times, style, trends, products, collaboration, hybrid work
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications through their resume, cover letter, and interview performance.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Search engine optimization (SEO) tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Google Workspace (e.g., Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Independence and integrity in journalism
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and adaptability
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Accountability and excellence
Work Style:
- Fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements and remote work options
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a demonstrated passion for style and beauty products, and a strong understanding of the beauty and personal care industry?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
- Do you share The New York Times' commitment to journalistic independence and a mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with The New York Times' values and work style before applying to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Meeting tight deadlines for quick-turnaround content
- Managing multiple reporting projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with frequent changes and updates
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and maintaining productivity in a remote setting
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong time management, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a commitment to journalistic excellence and integrity.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on short-form journalism and collaboration with a discovery team within Wirecutter
- Similar roles may include staff writer, reporter, or editor positions at other publications or media outlets, with a focus on beauty and personal care content
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior writer or editor positions within Wirecutter or other New York Times brands, or transition to a different beat or coverage area
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a dedicated discovery team and contribute to Wirecutter's coverage of the beauty and personal care industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing a trend report on the growing popularity of clean beauty products and the science behind their claims
- Creating a how-to guide on achieving the perfect smoky eye or contouring technique
- Interviewing a leading dermatologist or esthetician about their favorite products and skincare routines
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of writing and research opportunities available in this role, from trend analysis and how-to guides to expert interviews and in-depth features.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role and how it fits within the Wirecutter team?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams within Wirecutter and The New York Times?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
- How does The New York Times support the growth and development of its writers and journalists?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and flexibility in a hybrid work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company, and demonstrate their interest and engagement in the application process.
📌 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 experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your writing and research work, preferably in the beauty and personal care industry
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
