Junior Staff Writer in London

Junior Staff Writer in London

London Full-Time 28000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Haymarket Media Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create engaging content for a leading HR magazine and contribute to various media channels.
  • Company: Join Wonderly, part of Haymarket, known for its innovative and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and health cash plans.
  • Other info: Collaborate with industry professionals and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your journalism career with hands-on experience in a dynamic editorial team.
  • Qualifications: A passion for writing and some relevant experience or qualifications in journalism.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.

  • Overview
  • Brand: Wonderly - CIPD
  • Reporting To: Content Lead
  • Hybrid: 3 days a week in the office, 2 days remote
  • Employment: Permanent (full-time)

ABOUT THE JOB

Working within the CIPD People Management editorial team in Wonderly

People Management’s award-winning magazine, produced by Wonderly, a division of Haymarket, on behalf of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), has a circulation of nearly 140,000, and a daily email newsletter that reaches 120,000 subscribers, while our digital content is increasingly multi‑channel.

People Management, one of the UK’s most popular business brands, has an exciting vacancy for a junior staff writer, ideally suited to a new journalism/NCTJ graduate looking to take the first step in their career, or someone with relevant experience looking to carve out a career in B2B journalism.

The Role

The Junior Staff Writer will produce accurate, engaging and best-practice-led editorial content for People Management’s audience of HR professionals and business leaders.

Working across digital, email, social media and print channels, the role will contribute to the daily news cycle, research and pitch ideas, and develop longer‑form content for the quarterly magazine.

With support and guidance from experienced editorial colleagues, the Junior Staff Writer will build their knowledge of the HR function, develop their journalism skills and establish a network of relevant professional contacts.

Responsibilities

  • Research and write accurate, engaging and timely daily news articles under the guidance of the News Editor.
  • Monitor relevant news, current affairs and developments within the HR function and wider arena of work and employment,, identifying potential stories and contributing ideas to the editorial pipeline.
  • Conduct research and interviews with relevant sources, checking facts and ensuring content meets People Management’s editorial standards.
  • Research and write longer‑form digital and print features as required.
  • Adapt content and writing style appropriately for different channels, formats and audiences.
  • Digital publishing and audience engagement
  • Build and schedule the daily email newsletter using the relevant publishing software.
  • Support the publication and promotion of editorial content across People Management’s social media channels.
  • Ensure published content is accurate, clearly presented and appropriately formatted for the relevant platform.
  • Develop an understanding of audience interests and use available insight to support the development of relevant content.
  • Relationships and editorial development
  • Attend relevant events and develop professional contacts within the HR and wider business community.
  • Work collaboratively with editorial colleagues, contributing ideas and supporting the effective delivery of content across different channels.
  • Respond constructively to editorial feedback and apply guidance to continually improve the quality of work.
  • Develop knowledge of People Management’s audience, subject matter and editorial approach.
  • Editorial administration
  • Monitor the editorial inbox, responding to or forwarding enquiries as appropriate.
  • Maintain accurate records and supporting information relating to assigned stories and content.
  • Undertake relevant editorial administration and provide reasonable support to the wider team when required.
  • Key Relationships

The Junior Staff Writer will report to the Content Lead and work closely with the News Editor and Staff Writers to research, pitch and produce content for the daily news cycle.

The role will also collaborate with the Editor, Deputy Editor and wider People Management editorial team to produce longer‑form print and digital content and support the delivery of the editorial schedule.

The Junior Staff Writer will develop effective professional relationships with CIPD stakeholders, external contributors, interviewees, PR contacts and members of the wider HR community where relevant to their work.

Skills / Experience / Knowledge / Minimum Criteria

  • Knowledge
  • Understanding of the principles of accurate, balanced and responsible journalism.
  • Understanding of digital journalism, social media and how content is adapted for different channels and audiences.
  • Awareness of the importance of fact-checking, copyright and appropriate attribution of sources.
  • Interest in news, current affairs and the issues affecting workplaces, employees and organisations.
  • Interest in developing knowledge of the HR and business sectors.

Skills

  • Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging content.
  • Strong research and fact‑checking skills.
  • Ability to identify potential stories and contribute relevant editorial ideas.
  • Good interviewing and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to communicate with a range of contacts.
  • Excellent attention to detail, including strong spelling, grammar, proofreading and editing skills.
  • Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to respond constructively to feedback and apply editorial guidance.
  • Good digital skills and confidence learning newsletter and content‑management systems.
  • Excellent communication and collaborative working skills.

Experience

  • A relevant journalism qualification, such as an NCTJ‑accredited qualification or degree, or equivalent skills and experience.
  • Some experience of researching and producing written content, gained through study, student media, work experience, internships, freelancing, voluntary work or employment.
  • Examples of written work that demonstrate an interest in journalism and the ability to communicate clearly.
  • Some experience of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.

About You

  • Curious and interested in news, current affairs and the issues affecting people and organisations.
  • Enthusiastic about developing a career in journalism.
  • Collaborative and willing to contribute to the wider work of the editorial team.
  • Proactive in researching stories and suggesting ideas.
  • Receptive to feedback and keen to learn from experienced colleagues.
  • Adaptable and comfortable working across different subjects, formats and channels.
  • Organised, reliable and accountable for delivering work to agreed deadlines.
  • Professional and confident when communicating with colleagues and external contacts.
  • Committed to accuracy, fairness and high editorial standards.
  • Inclusive and respectful in your approach to colleagues, contacts and subject matter.
  • What Success Looks Like
  • Consistent delivery of accurate, engaging and well‑researched editorial content.
  • Content that meets People Management’s editorial standards and reflects the needs and interests of its audience.
  • Reliable delivery of work against agreed briefs and deadlines.
  • Regular contribution of relevant and original ideas to the editorial pipeline.
  • Continued development of knowledge of the HR sector, People Management’s audience and relevant subject matter.
  • Constructive use of editorial feedback and continued development of journalistic skills.
  • Effective contribution to the daily newsletter, digital channels, social media and print magazine.
  • Positive collaboration and contribution to the wider editorial team.
  • Development of appropriate professional contacts within the HR and business community.
  • Additional Information

Why work with us at Haymarket?

Haymarket Media Group values its people and strives to shape a better future with remarkable content.

From paid content and subscription services; to integrated advertising and content marketing packages.

We deliver market‑leading branded experiences that inspire great decisions.

From data and digital information solutions to live events, awards and professional education services.

Our benefits include

Our Company benefits

  • 25 days holiday per year excluding bank holidays (increasing 1 day per year of service up to 30 days)
  • Work from anywhere in the world for up to 3 weeks of the year with our ‘Work from Anywhere’ days
  • Flexible working hours (core hours from 10-3) allowing you the flexibility to adapt your work schedule to your personal commitments
  • Generous contributory pension scheme
  • Health Cash Plans: With our health cash plans, you can access a range of healthcare benefits, including coverage for medical expenses, dental care, optical services, and more
  • Disability Confident Employer

We are a Disability Confident employer and offer guaranteed interviews to all disabled applicants who meet the above minimum criteria.

To be considered as part of this initiative, please ensure you indicate if you have a disability when applying for the post.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at

More about Haymarket

Working here means being part of a commitment to shaping a better future.

As a proudly Certified B Corp, we are part of a global movement of businesses acting as a force for good.

Haymarket Impact is focused on making a positive difference globally, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and intertwined with an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This commitment to balancing profit with purpose is deeply embedded in our culture, reflected in our values of Integrity, Respect, Creativity, Innovation, and Expertise.

We invest heavily in our people.

From professional development and internal training to mentorship and coaching.

Our certified Disability Confident status has fostered an environment where all employees feel supported, valued, and can ask for workplace adjustments without fear of judgment.

Our valuable partnerships for good globally mean colleagues are always up for taking on a new charitable challenge, utilise their volunteering day and go out of their way to support their local communities.

We know how important a healthy work‑life balance is too.

Our flexible hours and hybrid working model means employees are expected to be in the office at least three days a week and can work remote for the remaining two.

This means we thrive together when we collaborate in person, fostering stronger connections and creativity, but still allowing for flexibility outside of those times.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to ensuring all candidates have the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, or disability.

In line with our dedication to fairness and transparency, we are also proud to be a We Show the Salary employer, pledging to always include pay details on our job adverts.

Join us and be part of award‑winning teams and a culture that is truly unique - a place to grow, feel inspired, build a brilliant career and make a difference.

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Junior Staff Writer in London employer: Haymarket Media Group

Join a dynamic team in Twickenham as a Delegate Sales Executive, where your sales skills will shine in a fast-paced environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer 25 days of holiday that increase with service, flexible working hours, and the unique opportunity to work from anywhere for up to three weeks a year. Our inclusive culture and commitment to equal opportunities make us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Haymarket Media Group

Contact Details:

Haymarket Media Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Staff Writer in London

Get Involved in Local Journalism

Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.

Showcase Your Work Online

Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.

Stay Updated on the Industry Trends

Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Haymarket Media Group!

Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities

Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Haymarket Media Group, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Staff Writer in London

Strong Writing Skills
Research Skills
Fact-Checking Skills
Interviewing Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.

Tailor Your Application for Haymarket Media Group:When applying for the Junior Staff Writer role at Haymarket Media Group, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!

Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Haymarket Media Group produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!

How to prepare for a job interview at Haymarket Media Group

Show Off Your Writing Skills

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.

Master the Art of Storytelling

During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.

Know the Current Media Landscape

Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.

Convey Your Passion and Drive

As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Haymarket Media Group. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.