📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Features Writer, Cosmopolitan (FTC)
🔹 Company: Hearst
🔹 Location: London, City of, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Media Production
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-02
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (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
- Generating traffic-driving stories and must-read features across various topics
- Working collaboratively and flexibly across the whole Cosmopolitan brand
- Pitching and writing across sections such as News & Politics, Factual Entertainment, Sex & Relationships, and Health & Wellbeing
- Uploading and self-publishing articles using a CMS
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the Cosmopolitan audience and a passion for news and pop culture to create relevant and engaging content.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create engaging digital content and contribute to the print magazine process
✅ Generate traffic-driving stories and must-read features across various topics
✅ Work collaboratively and flexibly across the whole Cosmopolitan brand
✅ Pitch and write across sections such as News & Politics, Factual Entertainment, Sex & Relationships, and Health & Wellbeing
✅ Upload and self-publish articles using a CMS
✅ Conduct interviews and track down case studies and experts
✅ Write quickly while retaining legal safety and factual accuracy
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 a great story
- Experience using data and analytics to inform content creation
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline pressure
- Experience tracking down case studies and experts and conducting interviews
- Confidence uploading and self-publishing articles using a CMS
- Deep understanding of the Cosmopolitan audience, tone, and topics of interest
- Passion for news and pop culture
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a print magazine environment
- Knowledge of SEO best practices
- Experience using social media platforms to promote content
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role or relevant transferable skills may also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (pro-rata for part-time or fixed-term employees)
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
- Spend a charity day with your favourite good cause
- Life assurance and pension scheme
- Regular socials and more!
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Features Writer role in London. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hearst UK is a leading premium publisher in the UK, operating in the media production industry.
Company Size: Hearst UK has 10,001+ employees globally, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Hearst was founded in 1887 by William Randolph Hearst and has since grown into a global, diversified information, services, and media company.
Company Description:
- Hearst UK is home to iconic media brands such as Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Country Living
- The company is committed to using its influential brands to reflect the world it wants to live in, respecting, protecting, representing, and uplifting the voices and opinions of all people
- Hearst UK fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation, with a commitment to building a sense of true belonging within the organization
Company Specialties:
- Magazines
- Digital media
- Entertainment
- Publishing
- Business media
- Cable
- Radio
- Real estate
- Syndication
- Marketing
Company Website: http://www.hearst.com
ASSUMPTION: Hearst UK's diverse portfolio and commitment to inclusivity make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and purpose-driven work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior position, offering the opportunity to lead on projects and mentor junior team members.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Features Writer will report directly to the Features Editor and work closely with the Features Team, Digital Team, and other departments as needed.
Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid basis, with employees working from the office for four days a week and remotely for one day.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a permanent role or a more senior position within the Features Team or wider Hearst UK organization
- Expanding skills and knowledge through working on diverse projects and collaborating with various teams
- Gaining experience in both print and digital media, as well as across different sections of the Cosmopolitan brand
ASSUMPTION: The fixed-term nature of this role may limit long-term career progression within Hearst UK, but it offers valuable experience and the opportunity to prove oneself for a permanent position.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hearst UK's London office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities.
Office Location(s): 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, US
Geographic Context:
- London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving media industry
- The office is located in the heart of Manhattan, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and cultural attractions
- London's time zone (GMT) may require some flexibility for collaboration with international teams
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to manage their time effectively between office and remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- In-person or video interview with the Features Editor and/or other members of the Features Team
- Final interview with the Features Director or another senior member of the Hearst UK team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing samples and portfolio
- Interview questions focused on news and pop culture knowledge, Cosmopolitan audience understanding, and writing skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Hearst UK's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your range and versatility as a writer
- Prepare for interview questions by researching recent news and pop culture trends, as well as Cosmopolitan's content and audience
ATS Keywords: Cosmopolitan, Features Writer, Digital Content, Print Magazine, News & Politics, Factual Entertainment, Sex & Relationships, Health & Wellbeing, CMS, Writing, Pop Culture, News
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the volume of applicants and the specific needs of the hiring team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content Management System (CMS)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and technologies is expected, and specific software or platforms may be introduced during the onboarding process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Quality
- Collaboration
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
- Passionate about news and pop culture, with a keen eye for a great story
- Committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and legal safety
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest news and pop culture trends?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and maintain high standards of accuracy?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with a team to create engaging content?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with Hearst UK's values and work style to ensure a good cultural fit.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic media environment with changing priorities
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing office and remote work effectively
- Maintaining high standards of accuracy and legal safety while working quickly
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage their time effectively to overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Features Writer position in other media organizations, but may offer unique opportunities to work across both print and digital platforms
- Compared to other senior writing roles, this position may have a stronger focus on digital content creation and traffic generation
- Career progression may involve moving into an editorial management role or specializing in a specific section of the Cosmopolitan brand
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in other media organizations to better understand the market and competition for this type of position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating a series of news-driven features that generate significant traffic and engagement for the Cosmopolitan website
- Pitching and writing a long-form print feature that showcases your unique perspective and writing style
- Conducting a series of interviews with experts in the field of health and wellbeing to create a comprehensive guide for Cosmopolitan readers
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role, but may not be representative of the specific projects assigned during the FTC period.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall Features Team and Cosmopolitan brand strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the wider Hearst UK organization?
- How does Hearst UK support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- What is the typical career path for a Senior Features Writer at Hearst UK?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are intended to provide a better understanding of the role, the team, and the company, but candidates should also prepare questions tailored to their specific interests and concerns.
📌 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 experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio of writing samples that demonstrate your range and versatility as a writer
- Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
