Senior Features Writer, Cosmopolitan (FTC)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Features Writer, Cosmopolitan (FTC)

🔹 Company: Hearst UK

🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Journalism & Writing

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-02

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

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

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating engaging digital content and contributing to the print magazine process for Cosmopolitan
• Generating traffic-driving stories and writing across various sections of the Cosmopolitan brand
• Working collaboratively and flexibly across the whole Cosmopolitan brand, with a focus on News & Politics, Factual Entertainment, Sex & Relationships, and Health & Wellbeing
• Pitching and writing for the print magazine, as well as contributing to social, video, and print long-reads

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the Cosmopolitan audience and a passion for news and pop culture to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Generate traffic-driving stories and must-read reactives, topical features, and op-eds for the Cosmopolitan audience

✅ Write quickly while retaining legal safety and factual accuracy

✅ Track down case studies and experts and conduct interviews for stories

✅ Upload and self-publish articles using a CMS

✅ Contribute to the print magazine process, pitching and writing across various sections

✅ Collaborate with the team to create engaging content across multiple platforms

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Proven track record of writing and uploading traffic-driving digital content for magazines, newspapers, or digital platforms

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing skills with a keen eye for storytelling
• Ability to use data and analytics to inform content creation
• Experience with CMS and self-publishing
• Strong news judgment and understanding of pop culture trends
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a magazine or digital media environment
• Familiarity with SEO best practices
• Knowledge of the Cosmopolitan brand and audience

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in women's lifestyle or news journalism may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for mid-senior level journalism roles in London)

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday (with the option to buy up to 5 additional holiday days)
• Hybrid working – Four days per week in the office
• Discounted gym membership
• Healthcare cash plan
• Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Regular socials and more!

Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed

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

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Hearst UK is a leading premium publisher in the UK, operating in the book and periodical publishing industry. They are home to iconic media brands such as Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan.

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

Founded: Hearst UK was founded in 1910 as the International Magazine Company, later becoming Hearst Magazines UK in 1991.

Company Description:

• Hearst UK is committed to creating quality content that resonates with audiences across multiple platforms
• The company values creativity, collaboration, and innovation, fostering a culture of true belonging
• Hearst UK is dedicated to using its influential brands to reflect a world that respects, protects, represents, and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people

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 commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion make it an attractive workplace for candidates seeking a dynamic and engaging environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with opportunities for growth and development within the company

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Features Director and works collaboratively with the Cosmopolitan editorial team

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with four days per week in the office and one day remote

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a permanent role or senior editorial position within the company
• Expanding skills and expertise through working on diverse projects and brands
• Gaining experience in print and digital content creation, as well as social, video, and long-reads

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in both print and digital content creation, as well as working across multiple sections and platforms.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with state-of-the-art facilities

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

Geographic Context:

• London, City of, United Kingdom
• Vibrant and multicultural city with a rich history and diverse cultural scene
• Excellent transportation links and access to amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between collaboration and remote work, catering to different work styles and preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-person or virtual interview with the Features Director and/or other members of the editorial team
• Final round interview, potentially including a writing test or task

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing skills and style
• Understanding of the Cosmopolitan audience and brand
• News judgment and pop culture awareness
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Showcase your passion for news, pop culture, and the Cosmopolitan brand in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your writing that demonstrate your ability to create engaging, traffic-driving content
• Research the company and its values to demonstrate your fit with their culture and mission

ATS Keywords: Senior Features Writer, Cosmopolitan, FTC, Writing, Digital Content, Data Analysis, Interviewing, CMS, Pop Culture, News, Factual Entertainment, Sex & Relationships, Health & Wellbeing

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the volume of applicants and the company's hiring needs at the time.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Analytics and data tools
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Inclusion
• Quality

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Passionate about news, pop culture, and the Cosmopolitan brand
• Committed to creating quality content that resonates with audiences

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Hearst UK's commitment to creating a world that respects, protects, represents, and uplifts the voices and opinions of all people?
• How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing collaboration and remote work?
• How does your personal work style fit with the collaborative and adaptable work environment at Hearst UK?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Hearst UK's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of news and pop culture
• Working in a hybrid environment, balancing collaboration and remote work
• Meeting the high standards and expectations of the Cosmopolitan brand

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome through strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to creating quality content that resonates with audiences.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other senior features writer positions in its focus on the Cosmopolitan brand and its unique audience
• Industry-specific context: The UK publishing industry is competitive and dynamic, with a strong focus on digital content and audience engagement
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company, with potential progression to permanent or senior editorial positions

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research the Cosmopolitan brand and its audience to understand the unique requirements and opportunities of this role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Creating a traffic-driving news story on a breaking pop culture event
• Pitching and writing a long-form feature on a relevant social or political issue for the print magazine
• Conducting an interview with a high-profile expert or case study for a health and wellbeing story

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from breaking news to in-depth features and interviews.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How would you describe the work environment and culture within the Cosmopolitan editorial team?
• What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?
• How does this role fit into the overall editorial strategy for Cosmopolitan, both in print and digitally?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company for this role?
• How does Hearst UK support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company, enabling them to make an informed decision about their application.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your writing that demonstrate your ability to create engaging, traffic-driving content
• Research the company and its values to demonstrate your fit with their culture and mission
• Follow up with the HR 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.