Application Guide

How to Apply for Writer

at Our World In Data

🏢 About Our World In Data

Our World in Data is a unique nonprofit publication that makes complex global problems accessible through data visualization and clear writing. Working here means contributing to evidence-based public understanding of critical issues like poverty, climate change, and health, with a mission-driven team that values rigorous research and clear communication.

About This Role

As a Writer at Our World in Data, you'll transform complex datasets and research into engaging articles for a general audience, collaborating closely with data scientists to create compelling visual narratives. This role directly impacts public understanding of global challenges by making data-driven insights accessible and actionable.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching global datasets on topics like pandemic preparedness or education access, drafting article sections with clear data explanations, and collaborating with data scientists to refine visualizations that support your narrative. You'll participate in editorial meetings to receive feedback and work iteratively to ensure articles are both accurate and engaging for a broad audience.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Our World In Data Is Looking For

  • A writer who can distill complex research on topics like global poverty or climate change into clear, engaging prose for non-experts
  • Someone comfortable interpreting datasets and statistical visualizations, able to collaborate with data scientists to ensure accuracy and narrative coherence
  • A researcher who builds evidence-based arguments, selecting the most relevant data to support clear, impactful storytelling
  • A team player who thrives on editorial feedback and enjoys iterative collaboration with editors and data specialists

📝 Tips for Applying to Our World In Data

1

Submit 2-3 writing samples that demonstrate your ability to explain data-heavy topics (like those on OWID's site) to a general audience

2

Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you translated research or data into accessible narratives

3

Familiarize yourself with OWID's visual style and mention how you'd adapt to their data-driven storytelling approach

4

Showcase collaboration examples, especially with data scientists or editors, to demonstrate teamwork skills

5

Reference specific OWID articles you admire and explain what makes their data communication effective

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Demonstrate your ability to write about complex global issues (e.g., inequality, health trends) for a general audience', 'Highlight experience collaborating with data professionals or editors on evidence-based content', 'Explain your process for selecting and framing data to build compelling, accurate arguments', "Express alignment with OWID's mission of making data on world problems accessible and actionable"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read 5-10 recent OWID articles to understand their tone, structure, and data integration style
  • → Explore their data visualization tools and interactive charts to see how they present complex information
  • → Review their research publications and methodology notes to understand their evidence standards
  • → Learn about their nonprofit model and mission focus on global problem-solving
Visit Our World In Data's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach writing an article about a dataset on global CO2 emissions for readers with no scientific background?
2 Describe a time you worked with a data scientist or editor to improve a data-driven narrative
3 How do you decide which data points to highlight when building an evidence-based argument?
4 What OWID article or visualization do you find most effective, and why?
5 How would you handle editorial feedback that challenges your data interpretation or narrative framing?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic writing samples without data or research components
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of OWID's specific focus on global problems and data communication
  • Overemphasizing creative writing without showing evidence-based argumentation skills

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Our World In Data!

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