📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graduate Copywriter
🔹 Company: Autotrader
🔹 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (Graduate)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 fixed office days + 1 flexible office day per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Crafting compelling copy across various channels and campaigns
- Working as part of a creative unit and collaborating with diverse teams
- Producing original, intelligent, and creative work that captures Autotrader's unique identity
- Growing and developing skills within a supportive 2-year graduate program
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing skills and a passion for writing, with a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Produce creative, original, and intelligent copy that captures Autotrader's unique identity
✅ Work as part of a creative unit, crafting content across various channels and campaigns
✅ Collaborate with artworkers, video producers, and other teams to deliver high-quality creative outputs
✅ Contribute to the development and maintenance of Autotrader's tone of voice
✅ Work independently and as part of a team, producing the best work possible throughout the creative process
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on detailed briefs or casual conversations, depending on the project and team dynamics.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, Journalism, Creative Writing, or a related discipline)
Experience: No formal work experience required; relevant internships or personal projects are a plus
Required Skills:
- Strong writing skills with the ability to write engagingly at various lengths
- Demonstrable interest and passion for writing
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to receive, react to, and action feedback
- Comfortable working independently and with large groups of people across various levels
- Self-sufficient and confident, with a desire to grow, push boundaries, and challenge oneself
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in a creative or copywriting role
- Knowledge of the automotive industry
ASSUMPTION: While not required, familiarity with the automotive industry or relevant work experience could provide a head start in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £26,500 per year, with an additional 10% of salary awarded in shares each year
Benefits:
- 28 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays and half-day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve
- Employee pension contributions up to 7%
- Comprehensive private medical cover
- Enhanced family leave provisions
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
- Share-save options
- Access to 24/7 online GP and dentist
- Specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans, and more
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for entry-level copywriting roles in the UK.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Autotrader operates in the automotive marketplace industry, serving as a platform for vehicle buyers and sellers. The company is a heritage brand with a strong tech focus and a leading position in the UK market.
Company Size: Autotrader is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a supportive and collaborative work environment for graduates.
Founded: Autotrader was founded in 1977 and has since grown to become a well-established and trusted brand in the automotive industry.
Company Description:
- Autotrader is the UK's leading automotive marketplace, bringing together vehicle buyers and sellers
- The company offers a wide range of vehicles, from cars to e-bikes and caravans
- Autotrader is committed to untangling the complex car-buying journey and providing real choices for its customers
Company Specialties:
- Automotive marketplace
- Online advertising and marketing
- Data-driven insights and analytics
Company Website: careers.autotrader.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Autotrader's focus on people, diversity, and collaboration creates a vibrant and inclusive work environment for graduates.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (Graduate) with a clear career pathway to grow into a Copywriter role
Reporting Structure: The Graduate Copywriter will report to the Creative Studio Manager and work closely with the copywriting team and other creative units
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 fixed office days and 1 flexible office day per week, plus remote-first periods during summer and winter
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Copywriter role after completing the 2-year graduate program
- Expanding skills and knowledge within the creative and automotive industries
- Collaborating with diverse teams and working on various projects to gain experience
ASSUMPTION: The 2-year graduate program provides a structured path for professional growth and development within Autotrader.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Manchester city centre
Office Location(s): Number 1 First Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester M15 4FN, GB
Geographic Context:
- Manchester is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving creative scene
- The office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and amenities
- The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working options and remote-first periods
ASSUMPTION: The Manchester office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment for graduates, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and CV submission
- Phone or video screening with the Early Careers team
- Creative task or test, followed by a panel interview with the Creative Studio Manager and other team members
- Final stage: Assessment centre with various team members and stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing skills and creativity
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Autotrader's values
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the Graduate Copywriter role
- Showcase your passion for writing and creativity through your application materials
- Prepare for the creative task or test by familiarizing yourself with Autotrader's brand and tone of voice
- Research Autotrader's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit during the interview process
ATS Keywords: Writing, Copywriting, Creative, Advertising, Marketing, Automotive, Manchester, Graduate, Entry-level, Collaboration, Teamwork, Communication, Problem-solving
ASSUMPTION: The application process for the Graduate Copywriter role may vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the Autotrader team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Adobe Experience Manager)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the project and team requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Go our own way
- Work better together
- Dedicated to our customers
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Focus on continuous learning and improvement
- Flexible and adaptable to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace Autotrader's values of going our own way and working better together?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative and supportive team environment?
- Do you have a growth mindset and a desire to learn and improve continuously?
ASSUMPTION: Autotrader's company culture values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, creating an engaging work environment for graduates.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to feedback and making revisions to creative work
- Working with diverse teams and stakeholders with varying expectations and priorities
- Navigating the complexities of the automotive industry and its target audiences
ASSUMPTION: The Graduate Copywriter role may present unique challenges, but also offers ample opportunities for growth and development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to Junior Copywriter roles, the Graduate Copywriter position offers a structured 2-year program with a clear career pathway
- Autotrader's focus on the automotive industry provides unique insights and opportunities for graduates interested in this sector
- Graduates can expect to work on a wide range of projects and campaigns, gaining diverse experience in copywriting and creative production
ASSUMPTION: The Graduate Copywriter role at Autotrader offers a unique blend of structured development, industry-specific experience, and diverse project exposure.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating engaging and informative advertising copy for Autotrader's website and marketing materials
- Developing compelling headlines, slogans, and body copy for print advertising campaigns
- Writing scripts for radio advertisements or video content, showcasing Autotrader's unique brand voice
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the Graduate Copywriter may vary depending on the team's needs and the company's priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the Creative Studio team in the first few months of the role?
- How does the Graduate Copywriter role fit into the broader creative and marketing strategy at Autotrader?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the 2-year graduate program?
- How does Autotrader support work-life balance and employee well-being?
- What is the typical career progression for a Graduate Copywriter after completing the 2-year program?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to Autotrader's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through Autotrader's careers website
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the Graduate Copywriter role
- Prepare for the creative task or test by familiarizing yourself with Autotrader's brand and tone of voice
- Research Autotrader's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit during the interview process
- Follow up with the Early Careers team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
