HOW TO PREPARE FOR OUR HIRING SEASON
In two weeks we start hiring for Dreamworldgirl Zine’s second issue! 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. If you have questions, 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. 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 all of our employees are women or NB individuals in their early to mid-twenties. 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)
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Our layout designers all have 1+ year of experience with either Canva, the Adobe Creative Suite, or both. This is a requirement; familiarity with any other software or “IRL” zine-making is a plus.
Layout designers have probably the strictest deadlines. You should emphasize your time management skills and ability to follow directions well.
As of right now, Dreamworldgirl Zine uses Mixam to print our issues. Even if you’re not familiar with it, it might be good to read up on the software beforehand.
PHOTO COORDINATOR
Our photo coordinators will be much more involved going forward. They’ll be required to shoot at least one photoshoot 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. We do have equipment distribution centers available to us, so you might be able to check out things like lighting.
You must be an on-site applicant: based in LA or Boston/able to commute to one of these cities.
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.
READER
Our readers are tasked with reading all 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).
BLOG WRITER
Our blog writers are responsible for writing one non-fiction piece a week for the blog. All applicants must be a college/university student or recent graduate.
Experience with the Google Suite is a requirement.
You should know how to do image sourcing, social copy drafting, article formatting, and other standard tasks for online publishing.
Blog writers are also occasionally invited to virtual press conferences for Universal Music Group, where they will interview famous artists and then do write-ups. This might also be the case for brands. Experience interviewing strangers is highly encouraged.
Often blog writers will also get to choose and dream up their own pieces for the week. We are looking for creative individuals who have niches and also have a lot to say. Whether it’s in your cover letter or application, make sure to tell us about your hobbies, passions, and why you love writing.
STYLIST
Our stylists are responsible for assisting the EICs in building the aesthetic for Dreamworldgirl photoshoots, primarily by styling our models.
Stylists 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 in 1-2 weeks’ time.
You must be an on-site applicant: based in LA or Boston/able to commute to one of these cities.
As the stylist you and Daphne, one of Issue 02’s EICs, will guide and mentor the fashion intern, who will work under you. Any leadership experience is a plus.
INTERNSHIPS (unpaid)
MARKETING INTERN
Our marketing interns support the marketing director and EICs in various initiatives to increase brand awareness, promote services and engage with the community. We are looking mostly for people who can do graphic design, video editing, digital marketing and content creation, but experience with market research is appreciated.
Super traditional and minimalist marketers won’t appeal as much to us as quirky, whimsical or Y2K-based marketers. Cater your portfolio to show off the more colorful and fun things you’ve worked on.
Marketing interns need to be super organized and able to work quickly, both independently and with a team.
Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.,) is necessary.
Marketing interns are often asked to brainstorm engagement posts and creative ideas; think about what makes you unique and what you could bring to our zine.
DESIGN INTERN
Our 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 interns assist with Dreamworldgirl Zine’s fast-paced editorial department; they help select pitches, edit print and blog pieces, and occasionally write for the blog.
Editorial interns must be enrolled in a college/university or have graduated within the past six months.
Editorial interns that have experience with non-fiction are preferred.
Typos in your application or cover letter is a red flag, so double check before submitting.
Bilingualism or multilingualism is not a requirement, but appreciated.
FASHION INTERN
Our fashion interns assist the staff stylist and EICs in building the aesthetic for many of our Dreamworldgirl photoshoots, which often includes styling and creative direction.
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 in 1-2 weeks’ time.
A strong understanding of fashion history and current trends is highly appreciated.
MAKEUP INTERN
Our makeup interns assist the EICs in building the aesthetic for Dreamworldgirl photoshoots, primarily by performing makeup artistry on models.
Interns must be comfortable doing makeup on our models and creating a cohesive look that aligns with the theme of the shoot. Though you won’t be required to do every shoot, you should be present and enthusiastic about the ones you are assigned to.
You must be an on-site applicant: based in LA or Boston/able to commute to one of these cities.
Makeup interns must be able to provide their own makeup tools.
Being able to work with different skin tones is necessary.
Makeup interns should be able to replicate and create new looks.
MUA experience is necessary.
The goal for most shoots is to stay under four hours; strong organizational and time management skills are a must.
MEDIA MANAGEMENT INTERN
Our media management interns assist in running and updating many of our social media platforms, such as X/Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, ChillSubs, etc.,
We are looking for someone tech-savvy who is passionate about our mission.
Experience with public relations work is appreciated.
If you have any experience monitoring emails, and updating calendars, note it.
Talk about why you love the Internet!
