Editorial Assistant

Sifted is looking for an editorial assistant to join our fast-growing team covering the world of European startups and scaleups. 

The role will offer an apprenticeship in all aspects of modern journalism. The successful candidate will be involved in everything from newsletter and podcast production to writing articles and creating infographics. You will be a core part of the editorial team, working closely with (and being managed by) the editors and receiving mentorship from a friendly team of journalists with experience at outlets like the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Politico, Dagens Industri and Courier Magazine. 

We strongly encourage anyone from an underrepresented background to apply for this role. No formal qualifications are required to apply, apart from the right to work in the UK. We’re first and foremost looking for people who are curious and eager to learn — and have the skills and aptitudes outlined below.

About Sifted

Sifted is a new media platform, backed by the Financial Times, reporting on the world of technology and startups in Europe. Three years after launching, our high-quality journalism is a must-read for many founders, investors and people working in startups across the continent.

Our team of reporters, based across Europe, aren’t chasing the latest funding announcements or product releases; plenty of other sites have got that covered. We are telling the stories that should be told — big startup trends, compelling company profiles and the everyday lessons that come from growing a business and messing up along the way.

We also raised £4m last year to do more of what we do, even better, which includes expanding our editorial team. 

What will you be doing?

You will be working closely with the whole editorial team — and the editors Amy, Eleanor and Tom in particular — to help Sifted run a tight ship. 

That will involve: 

  • Researching, writing and uploading articles
  • Writing, uploading, proofing and scheduling newsletters
  • Creating and editing charts and infographics 
  • Photo sourcing and editing
  • Developing and updating internal databases 
  • Helping the editors manage the content calendar 
  • Joining editorial and wider team meetings 

What skills do you need?

  • Have a keen eye for detail 
  • Have excellent written and spoken English
  • Enjoy the challenge of keeping several plates spinning at the same time and are good at prioritising your time
  • Are proactive and self-starting 
  • Communicate clearly and with confidence 
  • Can write to deadline with flair and personality
  • Are keen to learn more about the startup/tech industry
  • Have an interest in social media and digital publishing

What are we like to work for?

We’re friendly, hard-working and passionate about what we do. We care deeply about our journalists’ career progression and offer lots of learning and development opportunities. We have a flat management structure, collaborate across disciplines and everyone has an impact across many areas of the business. We value feedback, honesty and clear communication. 

What we offer

  • Salary of £25k
  • Options equal to 10% of your salary
  • Shiny new tech equipment — we’re a Mac shop generally but are open to whatever suits your needs
  • £1,000 annual learning budget to spend on personal development
  • Regular team workshops on everything from data visualisation to media law and SEO best practice 
  • 25 days of annual leave plus the usual public holidays and the ability to work from abroad for 4 weeks out of the year
  • Flexible working — the option to work at home 2-3 days per week, with 3 in-office days preferred to start with while you learn the ropes and get to know the team 
  • Regular team lunches and seemingly endless snacks
  • Regular team socials — pub quizzes, dinners, theatre trips, rounders tournaments…

Location

Our office is in Shoreditch in London. 

Application and interview process

1/ Send us your CV, a cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for the role and some ideas for Sifted (more details below)

2/ A screening interview with one of our lovely people team, where we can learn more about each other and make sure you have all the prerequisites to join our team

3/ Meet our digital editor Tom to discuss your application and the role in more detail

4/ Do a short writing and proof-reading task to show us how you will approach the role and your future responsibilities

5/ Second interview with editors Amy and Eleanor to discuss your task and learn more about Sifted’s editorial team

How to apply

Click here to apply. 

Please also share:

  • 3 ideas for stories you would love to write for Sifted
  • One idea for a new product or story format Sifted should try