Junior Writer (Prima)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Junior Writer (Prima)

🔹 Company: Hearst UK

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-29

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days per week in the office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Writing engaging content for Prima, a leading women’s lifestyle title
• Contributing to online, print, social media, and newsletter platforms
• Supporting the Deputy Editor in data-informed content decisions
• Assisting with brand events and reader inquiries
• Representing Hearst UK and its values

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for an enthusiastic journalist looking to grow their career in a dynamic publishing environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Pitching and writing news stories for online and print platforms

✅ Creating engaging entertainment and lifestyle articles for various traffic sources

✅ Building and managing the weekly newsletter

✅ Contributing to social media output and brand events

✅ Working with the Deputy Editor to track and interpret data for content decisions

✅ Responding to reader inquiries and assisting with general office duties

✅ Being an ambassador of Hearst UK and its values

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve additional duties based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A degree in Journalism, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in journalism or a related field

Required Skills:

• Proven writing skills for online platforms

• Understanding of writing for different traffic sources
• Passion for creating uplifting, relatable lifestyle content
• Positive, can-do attitude
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content management systems
• Knowledge of SEO best practices
• Familiarity with social media analytics tools

ASSUMPTION: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £20,000 - £25,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for entry-level journalism roles in London)

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days)
• Hybrid working (4 days per week in the office)
• Discounted gym membership
• Healthcare cash plan
• Charity day
• Life assurance
• Pension scheme
• Regular socials

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's skills and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hearst UK is a leading publisher in the book and periodical publishing industry, with a portfolio of iconic media brands such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Country Living.

Company Size: Hearst UK has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Hearst UK is part of the global Hearst Corporation, founded in 1887 by William Randolph Hearst. The UK division has a rich history and extensive market presence.

Company Description:

• Hearst UK is home to some of the world’s best-loved and trusted brands, creating stories with impact across print, digital, and events.
• The company circulates over 19.5 million magazines a year, reaches an average of 18.7 million UK digital unique users per month, and has more than 32.5 million follows via social media platforms.
• Hearst UK offers a range of memberships, events, licensed brand extensions, and consumer research services, including the coveted Good Housekeeping Tried & Tested accreditation.

Company Specialties:

• Magazines
• Publishing
• Media
• Digital media
• Licensing
• Accreditation
• Content marketing
• Data
• Experiential
• Commerce
• Purpose
• Performance marketing
• Advertising

Company Website: http://www.hearst.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK's diverse portfolio of brands and extensive market presence offer applicants a dynamic and engaging work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an early-career journalist looking to develop their skills and gain experience in a fast-paced publishing environment.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Writer will report directly to the Deputy Editor of Prima.

Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid basis, with employees working from the office four days per week.

Growth Opportunities:

• Gaining experience in writing for various traffic sources and platforms
• Developing data-informed content creation skills
• Building relationships with readers and industry professionals
• Potential career progression within Hearst UK's diverse portfolio of brands

ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent foundation for a career in journalism, with opportunities for growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hearst UK's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 30 Panton St, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving media industry
• The office is located in the heart of the West End, close to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• London offers excellent transportation links, with the office being easily accessible by tube, bus, and train

Work Schedule: The role operates on a full-time basis, with core hours of 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement and central London location provide a flexible and accessible work environment for employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• Face-to-face interview with the Deputy Editor and another team member
• Second-stage interview or trial day, depending on the role

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing skills and style
• Understanding of Prima's brand and audience
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Cultural fit and alignment with Hearst UK's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
• Provide examples of your writing work, demonstrating your ability to create engaging, relatable lifestyle content
• Research Hearst UK and Prima to show your understanding of the brand and its audience
• Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company

ATS Keywords: Junior Writer, Prima, Hearst UK, Journalism, Writing, Content Creation, Social Media, Data Interpretation, Event Support, Reader Engagement, Lifestyle Content

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing the candidate's writing skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the brand's values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content management systems (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, WordPress)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is not required, as training will be provided.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Innovation

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Hearst UK's core values, and how have you demonstrated these in your previous roles?
• How do you approach creating engaging, relatable lifestyle content for a midlife women's audience?
• How do you handle working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how their personal values, work style, and skills align with Hearst UK's company culture and the specific requirements of this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Meeting tight deadlines for multiple platforms and traffic sources
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Balancing office-based and remote work effectively
• Building relationships with readers and industry professionals

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other entry-level journalism positions in its focus on creating content for a midlife women's audience and working across multiple platforms
• Hearst UK's diverse portfolio of brands offers opportunities for growth and development not available at smaller publishers
• Career progression within Hearst UK may involve moving between brands or into different editorial or management roles

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider how this role's unique aspects and opportunities for growth align with their career goals and aspirations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a series of engaging lifestyle articles for Prima's online platform, targeting midlife women
• Building and managing Prima's weekly newsletter, optimizing open rates and click-throughs through A/B testing and data analysis
• Supporting the Deputy Editor in tracking and interpreting data to inform content decisions, contributing to Prima's digital strategy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, providing applicants with a clear understanding of the work involved.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into Prima's overall content strategy, and how can I contribute to its success?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within Hearst UK, and how can I take advantage of them?
• How does Hearst UK support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Hearst UK foster a culture of innovation and creativity, and how can I contribute to this as a Junior Writer?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions demonstrate the applicant's interest in the role, the company, and their own professional development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Hearst UK careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
• Prepare examples of your writing work, demonstrating your ability to create engaging, relatable lifestyle content
• Research Hearst UK and Prima to show your understanding of the brand and its audience
• Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company
• Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.