job opening for a writer [x-posted]

[heatray5d]

We're losing our Playskool packaging copywriter in two weeks.

This means we need a new one, to avoid the rest of our Editorial staff being crushed under the added workload.

I'm not entirely certain the brands for which this position is responsible. Included would be most of Hasbro's preschool and infant lines, as well as a few new and interesting things like TJ Bearytales. Also, you'd get to write for things like the famous Darth Tater. How can you resist?

You can't.

This is a high-stress, deadline intensive job that requires a high degree of interpersonal skill and negotiating talent. No one here looks over your shoulder or holds your hand, which means you are left alone to manage your schedule. You would be expected to marshall an immense amount of information, and you would be treated as an expert on everything from Trademark Law to My Little Pony fandom. The work atmosphere is very friendly, and the people here are reasonably cool.

Hasbro is a fairly insular community, which means if you aren't willing to at least take sips from the Kool-Aid cup, you may not make it here. Think of it as going to a high school where everyone likes you.

The job location is Pawtucket, RI (I take the train from Cambridge and it's awesome).

Responsibilities include all packaging and instructions copy, as well as regular forays into collateral copy assets like web sites and advertisements.

The boss is a cool lady who always has candy.

My guess at the salary range is ~40K, plus very generous benefits (including a pension).

If you or someone you know is interested, send questions/a resume and cover letter to me at flee at hasbro dot com.

Comments

[talesinsdaughtr.livejournal.com]

If only I was finishing up an English degree ;)

[iterum.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Probably not, but hmmm.

[rojagato.livejournal.com]

Please apply. Do it for the children.

[iterum.livejournal.com]

I'm just not sure I have the right skill-set (schedule management?), and more importantly, taking an unrelated full-time job in the near future would mean effectively abandoning my degree. Not quite ready for that step.

[heatray.livejournal.com]

schedule management?

It's a lot easier when other people are waiting for you to finish your job so they can do theirs.

[heatray.livejournal.com]

I'd really enjoy having you around here, and you'd be very good at this job, but as you mention in a later comment, it could functionally end your degree. This work can be very creatively draining - working on comic books and such is difficult enough for me when I get home, I can't imagine what it would be like to do this for eight hours a day and then go home and work on a Classics thesis.

So I know you're looking for work, and as I said, you'd be good at this job, but your thesis should be your priority (I think).

[panzerkunst.livejournal.com]

Candy?

[heatray.livejournal.com]

Yes. She has a big, black cauldron in her office that is always full of candy. She's a good witch.

[lightcastle.livejournal.com]

You can get there from Cambridge? (How about Somerville.)

Not 100% sure of it, but am looking for work and do have a writerly background.

Also, am a giant 3 year old.

water_childe sent me.

How far off from this line of work originally can I be and still give it a shot?

[heatray.livejournal.com]

Depends where you are in Somerville. One of the locations I recently looked to move was Sullivan Square (Orange line or bike to Back Bay - easy). Right now I just ride my bike to Back Bay from Central, hop on the train, and fall asleep. The commute is a dream. If you ride, Somerville won't be too hard, but driving is always an option too.

We generally tend to look for a few years experience in some compositional background. The writers here are as diverse as former journalists, technical writers, web site editors, and corporate newsletter scribes. I've got the most advanced degree (MFA) of any of the writers, and almost didn't get the job because of it. They're looking for a college graduate with any kind of writing experience. Copyediting skills are also vital.

More important is a familiarty and passion for the products. If you want to give the job a shot, go to Target or a toy store (or Wal-Mart if you're having a self-hating day) and look at the Playskool line. Find somethin there to feel passionate about, and write a cover letter from that perspective.

If you've done any kind of professional writing, you're probably qualified.

Also, would I have met you anywhere?

[labellemargaux.livejournal.com]

Have ya heard of anything available in the usability realm? I wouldn't mind playing with toys 8 hours a day. ;)

No, seriously...My background is more technical, but the experience I've raked up could put me in line for a lot of different things. I've/I am a UI designer, technical writer, QA lackey, usability/client experience engineer, and marketing rep.

...just wonderin'....

[heatray.livejournal.com]

I haven't but there may be openings now and again in our Quality Assurance department.

You could also easily enough do the copywriting job, with your tech writing experience.

Check out the hasbro website for job openings. If you see something you like, I'll try and find a person to hand deliver your resume to.