How To Prepare For Our Fourth Hiring Season
Written by Daphne Bryant
Image courtesy of Izzy Mei
In one week hiring for Dreamworldgirl Zine’s fourth issue begins! This is super exciting for us, and we know it’s exciting for you all too; here’s a guide on how to best prepare for your application and potential interview.
GENERAL RULES
Check all of the requirements and details for each position before you apply to the one(s) you want. These requirements will be available on the website on October 2nd @ 11:59 PM EST! If you have questions beforehand, or during the hiring season, just ask!
Don’t forget to include your first name, last name, what role(s) you’re applying for, your resume and your cover letter in your email application. If a portfolio is required or encouraged, we recommend sending that over too! Failure to do so lessens your chances of getting an interview.
Speaking of resumes/portfolios, have an interesting one. Make sure it shows off all that you can do, or at least the most relevant things.
Survey our social media and website before you apply and/or before your interview. Get a feel for our zine’s vibe; during your interview we might ask questions related to Dreamworldgirl’s aesthetic, because we are looking for applicants who get what we do.
If you do get an interview, be present, be on time and be yourself. We are a small, fun zine and almost all of our employees are women or NB/trans twenty-somethings. This is not your typical job interview, so don’t stress too much, even though it is still important that you are professional and eager.
TIPS FOR EACH POSITION
STAFF (paid, stipend-based)
PHOTO COORDINATOR (BOSTON)
Our photo coordinators are basically our staff photographers, plus they help out with photo coordination and print selection. They’ll be required to shoot at least three photoshoots for the season, and will also help schedule shoots and develop the creative direction for them. 2+ years of photography experience is required, as is having your own camera and whatever other materials you need to shoot. For Boston we do have equipment distribution centers available to us for free, so you might be able to check out things like tripods, lighting, etc.,
You must be an on-site applicant: based in Boston/able to commute into the city.
You must also be comfortable giving articulate feedback/critiquing photo submissions.
It’s not a requirement to have experience with editorial photoshoots, but it’s definitely a plus as that is the majority of what we do visually.
VIDEOGRAPHER (LA)
Our videographers are brought on as staff to head the video department. They’ll be required to film at least three videoshoots or events for the season, and will also help develop the creative direction for these projects. 1+ years of photography experience is required, as is having your own camera and whatever other materials you need to shoot.
You must be an on-site applicant: based in LA/able to commute into the city.
Experience with magazines or zine culture is definitely a plus, as is experience with editing (although we do have a separate Video Editor on staff already).
READER
Our readers are tasked with reading all assigned prose and poetry submissions for the print zine. You must be able to read and give feedback quickly and holistically, while remaining unbiased.
Readers should be comfortable and familiar with poetry, fiction and nonfiction.
We love for our readers to come from diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Whether it’s in your cover letter or application, make sure to show us who you are and why you would be a beneficial addition to our team (aka, plug your BIPOC, queer, female, neurodivergent identity, etc., because we actually care).
INTERNSHIPS (unpaid)
LAYOUT DESIGN INTERN
Our layout design interns collaborate with our layout design team to publish the next print/digital issue. You’ll be working on real projects and be asked to help build our culture and design practice with us.
Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.,) is necessary.
As with all the internships, cater your portfolio to show off design skills that align with our aesthetic or have a similar vibe.
You must be comfortable with critique and have an understanding of the magazine publishing process.
Know your favorite typography.
Familiarity with zines as a medium is a plus.
EDITORIAL INTERN
Our editorial intern will assist with Dreamworldgirl Zine’s fast-paced editorial department; you’ll help edit print and blog pieces, and occasionally write for the blog.
It is preferred that the editorial intern is either enrolled in a college/university or recently graduated.
Editorial interns that have experience with non-fiction are preferred.
Typos in your application or cover letter is a major red flag for this position, so double check before submitting.
Bilingualism or multilingualism is not a requirement, but appreciated.
FASHION INTERN (BOSTON AND LA)
Our fashion interns assist the staff stylist and EICs in building the aesthetic for many of our Dreamworldgirl photoshoots, which often includes styling, creative direction and casting.
You must be an on-site applicant: based in LA or Boston/able to commute to one of these cities.
Fashion interns must be comfortable outsourcing clothes that align with a shoot’s theme (either from their own closet or the thrift), and putting together cohesive looks often in 1-2 weeks’ time.
A strong understanding of fashion history and current trends is highly appreciated.
PACKAGING DESIGN INTERN (LA)
Our packaging design intern will assist in the creation of product packaging for zines and merch.
We are looking for someone with graphic design and packaging experience; if you’ve ever run your own clothing brand or small business before, you’ll certainly stand out in your application.
Experience with different materials and mockup-making is appreciated.
If you have any experience with shipping, note it.
BRAND PARTNERSHIPS INTERN
Our brand partnerships intern will assist in building relationships with other brands for mutual benefit, as well as research, coordinate and track collaborations, campaigns and sponsorships (this includes grants and events).
We are looking for someone really outgoing and in-the-know, someone who already has connections with different brands and businesses that would make sense for a DWG collaboration. AKA if you don’t have an extensive network and/or bubbly personality, this role might not be for you.
A degree or experience in marketing, business or public relations is appreciated.
If you have any experience monitoring emails, and updating calendars, note it.
Talk about your favorite brands, as well as brands that you think would be great for DWG to work with!
