📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Writer, Beauty & Personal Care
🔹 Company: The New York Times
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Journalism & Media
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Writing in-depth guides and short-form posts on beauty and personal care products
- Conducting rigorous testing and research to evaluate products
- Collaborating with editors and other departments to create engaging content
- Responding to reader feedback and questions
- Attending industry events and trade shows to build contacts and expertise
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the beauty and personal care industry, as well as excellent writing and research skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and managing multiple projects and deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research, report, and write long-form guides and short-form posts on beauty and personal care products
✅ Conduct detailed research, including gathering data, organizing it in spreadsheets, and probing for inaccuracies
✅ Request product samples and process their return
✅ Call experts and review academic journal articles and other scientific data
✅ Collaborate with editors to conceive new content and formats and move ideas from pitch to publish
✅ Collaborate with photo, video, and illustration departments to produce visuals to support guides and short-form articles
✅ Partner with discovery and audience teams to identify trends and outside experts worth profiling
✅ Work with the community team to respond to reader feedback and questions
✅ Work with the affiliate team to resolve stock issues on recommendations
✅ Work with the operations team on product orders and testing plans
✅ Attend trade shows and product news events to build contacts and expertise in relevant topics
✅ Demonstrate support and understanding of The New York Times' value of journalistic independence and commitment to its mission
✅ Report to the Editorial Director
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and a willingness to challenge marketing claims and industry norms.
🎯 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:
- Excellent communication and task management skills
- Knowledge of SEO from an editorial perspective and understanding of how to use web analytics data to make editorial decisions
- Ability to work through multiple rounds of edits and balance several reporting projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Firm grasp of the beauty and personal care product landscape and understanding of industry trends
- Ability to apply a skeptic's eye to marketing claims and a commitment to reporting, accuracy, and ethics
Preferred Skills:
- An inherent skepticism of marketing claims and a commitment to reporting, accuracy, and ethics
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a background in beauty and personal care journalism or a strong portfolio of relevant work will be prioritized.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,316.80 - $82,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous time off policies
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for occasional deadlines
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is based on industry standards for similar roles at The New York Times and may vary depending on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Newspaper Publishing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1851
Company Description:
- The New York Times is a global news organization dedicated to delivering truth and understanding at a time of unprecedented change
- The company's mission is to seek the truth and help people understand the world
- The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce
Company Specialties:
- Journalism
- News Reporting
- Digital Media
- Print Media
Company Website: http://www.nytco.com/careers
ASSUMPTION: The New York Times is a well-established and respected news organization with a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and independence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Editorial Director
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for occasional deadlines
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to senior writer or editor roles
- Opportunities to work on special projects and initiatives
- possibility to expand coverage areas or specialize in a specific topic
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within The New York Times' journalism division.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative newsroom environment
Office Location(s): 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with a thriving arts and culture scene
- The Times' headquarters is located in Midtown Manhattan, near Times Square and other major attractions
- The office is easily accessible by public transportation
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for occasional deadlines
ASSUMPTION: The Times' office is located in a bustling, centralized part of New York City, offering easy access to amenities and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Writing test or sample assignment
- In-person or video interview with the editorial director and other team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and research skills
- Industry knowledge and expertise
- Cultural fit and alignment with The New York Times' mission and values
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Include links to your portfolio or published work
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to journalism and your thoughts on the beauty and personal care industry
ATS Keywords: Beauty, Personal Care, Writing, Research, Journalism, The New York Times, SEO, Collaboration, Editing, Product Testing, Trend Analysis, Audience Engagement, Journalistic Integrity, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Inclusivity
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and qualifications through a writing test or sample assignment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and content management systems, as well as familiarity with SEO tools and social media platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Independence
- Truth
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Inclusivity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced, dynamic newsroom environment
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture
- Strong emphasis on journalistic integrity and independence
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to journalistic independence and integrity?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative newsroom environment?
- Do you have a firm grasp of the beauty and personal care product landscape and understanding of industry trends?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with The New York Times' values and commitment to journalistic integrity during the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure newsroom environment
- Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple departments and teams
- Adapting to changes in the media landscape and industry trends
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong communication, time management, and adaptability skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other staff writer or reporter positions in the beauty and personal care industry, but with the added benefit of working for a prestigious news organization
- Compared to other roles in the industry, this position offers opportunities for career growth and development within a well-established and respected news organization
- This role may have more competitive compensation and benefits packages compared to similar positions at smaller or startup organizations
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique benefits and challenges of working for a large, established news organization compared to smaller or startup organizations in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Writing an in-depth guide on the best skincare products for sensitive skin
- Creating a short-form post on the latest trends in hair care products
- Conducting a product test and review of a new line of makeup
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of writing and research skills required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
- How does this role fit into the broader journalism division and the company as a whole?
- What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the organization?
- How does the editorial team support and collaborate with other departments, such as photo, video, and illustration?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through The New York Times careers site
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Include links to your portfolio or published work
- Prepare for a writing test or sample assignment
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
