Appying for staff at a Website
So, you want to apply for staff for this really cool site? Maybe you even tried before, but were turned down? Possibly you even want to apply down here and heard (and yes these rumors are true) that its EXTREMELY hard to get onto our staff. So, how do you make the most of your talents and get onto that awesome site? Obviously, this is just going to help you write your application and figure out how you should act. I can't just zap you with the "good-graphic-maker" wand or get you a potion for super tutorial writing skills. I'm not really going to touch on your actual talent, I am going to assume that you got it if you want to apply for staff. This is, obviously, no garuntee since every site owner has different ideas of the "perfect" staffer. And a different level of desperate-ness xD.
Learning to Read
*gasp* I have to read!?!? you think. Yes. I know it comes to a shock to many, but it tends to be a requirement to join a site. Heck, even getting to the site requires to ability to read -- or to copy a row of letters you see somewere. Point is, you need to read. You can? Great! You just mastered art numbero uno. The problem? Now you get to use it. This means, for whichever site you want to apply read the regulations. This means, if the rules say "we are not looking for News Posters" maybe you shouldn't apply to be a news poster. If the rules say "Give 3 samples" you need to give 3 samples. Did I get the point across? Yay! Sorry, but half the applications I get seem to fail here and, well, lets just say they annoy Kathrin.
Learning to Speak
Now, most apply for staff pages tend to have some sort of form to fill out. Never leave any field blank and never try to apply for something without samples. Good manners and spelling count. Answering each question that asks for more than a list with 2 or more sentences also makes your application more attractive. Simple things like that, we have all learnt this before at some point or another. Thats all pretty easy, isn't it?
The tricks
That was all good and well, but I bet you managed to figure out that much by yourself. This is were it gets interesting. Often, a site owner will test your charactor. They will decline your application to see how you handle it. If you flip out and start cussing at them, chances are no matter how awesome your graphics or whatever are, they will be glad they declined. If you handle it well, they might tell you that it was just a test and ask you to join their crew. Remember, this is not the ONLY reason that you may be rejected, so don't feel offended if it was a real rejection. Most people incharge of the staff applications on the higher end sites get these constantly. Yours needs to stand out. If applying for a graphic position -- why not make you entire application a graphic? Or if you want to be a writer, how about you show a sample tutorial? A news poster applicant should always write a news sample for the day.
Other things to keep in mind
Of course, different things are important to everyone. If a site says in the news or anywere on the front page "LOOKING for staff!!!" then chances are the owner is relitivly desperate. This is, in a way, good for you. It will make getting that staff position a LOT easier. However, it will also be pretty likely that the site is not exactly best quality. Your best bet is going for an established site -- you do not want to join up on a site that no one knows and only lasts a few days.
Its also a safe bet to try and make sure that your graphics or whatever are in the style similar to the general site level. Do not apply for co-owner, unless the site specifically is asking for one. You may find yourself becoming co-owner if the owner likes you and feels you are responsible ;).
Afterword
That being said, obviously I know these tricks since I wrote the guide. However, I would still appreciate it if some of the people who apply down here stick a little more effort into these things. I will seriously freak if I get another "It says on your site that your not looking for news posters, but will you make an exception for me?!?" or "OMG I WANT TO BE ADMINISTRATOR ON UR SITE!!".. Seriously guys xD. Also, effort is good, but its not going to get you talent. So if you get a rejection, just take it as a tip to maybe practice more. Make sure you read all the tutorials you can and try as many new things as possible.
Feel free to contact me with any questions ;)
~ Kathrin