Application Guide
How to Apply for Quality assurance (QA) contractor
at The 19th
🏢 About The 19th
The 19th is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom focused on the intersection of gender, politics, and policy, with a mission to empower women and LGBTQ+ people through journalism. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values equity and inclusivity, and you'll be part of a small, collaborative team making a real impact.
About This Role
As the QA contractor, you'll be the guardian of quality across The 19th's digital products, ensuring that their journalism is accessible and bug-free for their audience. You'll not only execute manual tests but also build automated frameworks to streamline processes, directly improving the efficiency of the Product & Tech team and the experience of readers.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start by checking your project management tool for any new bugs or updates from the dev team. You'll spend a few hours executing manual test cases on new features, documenting any issues in the bug tracker, and then dedicate time to writing or refining automated test scripts to cover repetitive tasks. You'll also collaborate with developers via Slack to clarify expected behaviors and provide detailed reproduction steps for bugs.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The 19th Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years of hands-on QA experience, including both manual and automated testing of web applications.
- Is proficient in at least one automated testing tool (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, Playwright) and familiar with JavaScript or Python.
- Understands WordPress, CRM systems (like Virtuous), and marketing platforms (like MailChimp) to effectively test integrations.
- Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of creating comprehensive test plans and documentation independently.
- Can work effectively in a remote, part-time contract role, managing time across multiple projects.
📝 Tips for Applying to The 19th
Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of test plans you've created, bugs you've tracked, and automated frameworks you've built, quantifying results (e.g., reduced manual testing time by X%).
In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with any of the specific technologies listed (WordPress VIP, Virtuous, Fundraise Up, MailChimp) and how you've tested similar stacks.
Since the role is remote and part-time, demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate asynchronously, referencing any remote work experience.
Submit a portfolio or GitHub link showcasing your automated test scripts or QA documentation to provide concrete evidence of your skills.
Double-check the application deadline (August 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT) and submit your application well in advance, ensuring your documents are in PDF format.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express enthusiasm for The 19th's mission and explain how your QA skills can support their journalism.", 'Highlight your experience with both manual and automated testing, emphasizing your ability to build frameworks that reduce manual load.', 'Mention your adaptability to a small team and your proactive approach to improving QA processes.', "Show that you've researched The 19th by referencing a specific article or project they've done and how you'd ensure its quality."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read several articles on The 19th's website to understand their editorial focus and the importance of a bug-free user experience.
- → Research their tech stack by visiting their site (look for WordPress, VIP badges) and check public job posts or engineering blogs for insights.
- → Look up the CSO, Alexandra Smith, on LinkedIn to understand her background and leadership style.
- → Familiarize yourself with the tools mentioned (Virtuous CRM, Fundraise Up) to understand their typical functionality and potential QA challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention The 19th or the specific role – personalization is key.
- Overemphasizing manual testing without showing experience in automation, as the role explicitly requires building automated coverage.
- Neglecting to highlight your ability to work independently and manage your own schedule, which is critical for a remote contract role.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!