EXPERT ANSWER
Dec 18, 2018 - 02:58 PM
The way to get a job writing for The Onion is to show:
1. You are an outstanding writer
2. Your writing is exceptionally appealing to its reader demographic
3. Your writing reads especially well on a laptop or mobile screen
4. You have the potential to bring in a lot of money through your writing
The Onion is first and foremost a media company, and therefore content is king. Your application and writing samples need to demonstrate that you can consistently produce the kind of top-tier content one would expect from a highly influential media company. Your writing must show total mastery of satire, comedy, and pop culture memes.
It’s not enough to have a wicked sense of humor and a gift for words. Your writing needs to demonstrate that you also have the potential of being an effective digital marketer. One of the reasons The Onion looks at so many writing samples is they want their writers to become some of the biggest influencers in the digital media world, whose work “travels” extensively across devices.
Like any media company,The Onion makes money running ads. It relies on its writing talent to help its advertisers create the same kind of compelling content that entices readers to click on a satirical headline. So, don’t forget your ultimate audience. In The Onion’s own words, they are “young, educated, employed, conspicuously consuming, influential, highly social and utterly engaged.”
1. You are an outstanding writer
2. Your writing is exceptionally appealing to its reader demographic
3. Your writing reads especially well on a laptop or mobile screen
4. You have the potential to bring in a lot of money through your writing
The Onion is first and foremost a media company, and therefore content is king. Your application and writing samples need to demonstrate that you can consistently produce the kind of top-tier content one would expect from a highly influential media company. Your writing must show total mastery of satire, comedy, and pop culture memes.
It’s not enough to have a wicked sense of humor and a gift for words. Your writing needs to demonstrate that you also have the potential of being an effective digital marketer. One of the reasons The Onion looks at so many writing samples is they want their writers to become some of the biggest influencers in the digital media world, whose work “travels” extensively across devices.
Like any media company,The Onion makes money running ads. It relies on its writing talent to help its advertisers create the same kind of compelling content that entices readers to click on a satirical headline. So, don’t forget your ultimate audience. In The Onion’s own words, they are “young, educated, employed, conspicuously consuming, influential, highly social and utterly engaged.”
Aug 07, 2018 - 11:55 PM
If you're looking to get a writing job at The Onion, click the "Jobs" link at the bottom of their homepage. This takes you to the Fusion Media Group website, which owns the satirical news outlet. Scroll down and you'll see two tabs. There's one labeled "US-based Jobs" and the one is for Budapest-based jobs. Click the applicable tab and you'll end up on a job listings page.
Next, search the database. Type "The Onion," into the search box. You may also filter your results by job type, job category, location, and so forth. All available job openings will appear in the results.
You can get your foot in the door with The Onion's apprenticeship program. It's offered all year round in two six month increments. Because this is a Chicago-based company, that's where you'll work, if hired. The position requires solid administrative skills and strong writing chops.
To apply, you'll need a resume. Include a one-paragraph cover letter explaining your experience. Also, write 25 Onion-style headlines, three original written news briefs, and five feature jokes. Compile everything into one word document. Next, submit it by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.
If they like what they see, they'll give you a call. Before you apply, make sure you read the job description thoroughly. This will ensure you meet all the qualifications.
Next, search the database. Type "The Onion," into the search box. You may also filter your results by job type, job category, location, and so forth. All available job openings will appear in the results.
You can get your foot in the door with The Onion's apprenticeship program. It's offered all year round in two six month increments. Because this is a Chicago-based company, that's where you'll work, if hired. The position requires solid administrative skills and strong writing chops.
To apply, you'll need a resume. Include a one-paragraph cover letter explaining your experience. Also, write 25 Onion-style headlines, three original written news briefs, and five feature jokes. Compile everything into one word document. Next, submit it by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.
If they like what they see, they'll give you a call. Before you apply, make sure you read the job description thoroughly. This will ensure you meet all the qualifications.
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