Hearst UK logo

Junior Writer (Prima)

Hearst UK
Full-time
On-site
London, City of, United Kingdom
✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Junior Writer (Prima)

πŸ”Ή Company: Hearst UK

πŸ”Ή Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full time

πŸ”Ή Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-04-29

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 0-2 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days per week in the office)

πŸš€ 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.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Pitching and writing news stories for online and print platforms

βœ… Creating engaging entertainment and lifestyle articles for various traffic sources

βœ… Building and managing the weekly newsletter

βœ… Contributing to social media output and brand events

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

βœ… Responding to reader inquiries and assisting with general office duties

βœ… 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.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£20,000 - Β£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.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” 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.

πŸ“Š 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.

πŸ’Ό 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.

πŸ› οΈ 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.

πŸ‘” 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.

πŸ“ˆ 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.

πŸ“ 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.

πŸ“Œ 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.