A well-written journalist resume is essential to land a job in the competitive field of journalism. It is a crucial tool that can help you stand out from the crowd and showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. A strong journalist resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant experience, education, and skills.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive journalist resume writing guide that will help you create a standout resume. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right format and layout to crafting compelling headlines and bullet points. We’ll also provide you with examples of successful journalist resumes, so you can see what works and what doesn’t. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced journalist looking for a new challenge, this guide will help you create a resume that gets noticed by employers.
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How to Write a Journalist Resume That Stands Out?
Are you looking to land your dream job as a journalist? Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. Here are some key elements to include in your journalist resume:
- Professional Summary: This section should be a brief overview of your experience and skills as a journalist. It should highlight your strengths and what you can bring to the table.
- Work Experience: List your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Be sure to include the name of the company, your job title, and the dates you worked there. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
- Education: List your educational background, including the name of the institution, your degree, and the dates you attended. If you have any relevant coursework or certifications, be sure to include those as well.
- Skills: List any relevant skills you have that would make you a great journalist. This could include writing, editing, research, interviewing, and more.
- Awards and Honors: If you’ve received any awards or honors for your work as a journalist, be sure to include them in your resume. This will help you stand out from other candidates.
Now that you know what to include in your journalist resume, let’s take a look at some examples:
- Example 1: Professional Summary: Experienced journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth. Skilled in investigative reporting, writing, and editing. Work Experience: Senior Reporter, ABC News (2015-present). Education: Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of California, Berkeley (2011-2015). Skills: Investigative reporting, writing, editing, interviewing, and research. Awards and Honors: Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting (2019).
- Example 2: Professional Summary: Creative and detail-oriented journalist with a knack for storytelling. Work Experience: Staff Writer, The New York Times (2018-present). Education: Master of Arts in Journalism, Columbia University (2016-2018). Skills: Writing, editing, research, interviewing, multimedia storytelling. Awards and Honors: National Magazine Award for Feature Writing (2020).
By following these tips and examples, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a journalist resume that stands out from the crowd. Good luck!
What Recruiters Consider in Journalist Resume?
When reviewing resumes for Journalist positions, recruiters look for several key factors that can help them determine whether a candidate is a good fit for the role. These factors include:
1. Relevant experience: Recruiters want to see that you have experience in journalism, whether it’s through internships, freelance work, or full-time positions. They also want to see that you have experience in the specific type of journalism that the position requires, such as investigative reporting or feature writing.
2. Writing skills: As a journalist, your writing skills are crucial. Recruiters will look for evidence of strong writing skills in your resume, such as clear and concise language, proper grammar and punctuation, and a compelling writing style.
3. Knowledge of the industry: Recruiters want to see that you have a deep understanding of the journalism industry, including current trends, issues, and best practices. This can be demonstrated through your resume by highlighting relevant coursework, certifications, or industry-related experience.
Key Elements to Include in Your Journalist Resume
When creating your Journalist resume, it’s important to include key elements that can help you stand out to recruiters. These elements include:
- Professional summary: A brief statement at the top of your resume that summarizes your experience, skills, and career goals.
- Relevant experience: A detailed list of your relevant experience in journalism, including internships, freelance work, and full-time positions.
- Writing samples: Samples of your best writing work, including articles, blog posts, or other published pieces.
- Education: Your educational background, including any relevant coursework or certifications.
- Skills: A list of your relevant skills, such as strong writing skills, research skills, or proficiency in specific software or tools.
By including these key elements in your Journalist resume, you can demonstrate your qualifications and stand out to recruiters as a strong candidate for the position.
Journalist Resume Examples
As a journalist, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It needs to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements clearly and concisely. In this article, we will share four journalist resume examples to help you create a winning resume.
Journalist Chronological Resume Example – 1
CV Ello
123 Main Street
CVello Town, USA
(123) 456-7890
Objective: To obtain a position as a journalist at a reputable news organization where I can utilize my writing and reporting skills to inform and engage audiences.
Experience:
Reporter
CVello News
CVello Town, USA
January 2018 – Present
- Write and report on local news stories for print and online publications
- Conduct interviews with sources and gather information for articles
- Collaborate with editors and photographers to produce high-quality content
Intern
ABC News
New York, NY
June 2017 – August 2017
- Assisted reporters with research and fact-checking for news stories
- Transcribed interviews and press conferences
- Attended editorial meetings and contributed story ideas
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
XYZ University
CVello Town, USA
Graduated May 2018
The chronological resume template is a traditional format that lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is ideal for journalists who have a solid work history in the field. It allows you to highlight your career progression and demonstrate your growth as a journalist. In this example, the candidate has listed their work experience, starting with their current position as a reporter at CVello News. They have also included their internship experience at ABC News, which shows their dedication to the field and willingness to learn. The candidate has also included their education, which is important for entry-level journalists or those who have recently graduated.
Journalist Chronological Resume Example – 2
CV Ello
CVello Town, USA
(123) 456-7890
Objective: To obtain a position as a journalist at a reputable news organization where I can utilize my writing and reporting skills to inform and engage audiences.
Experience:
Reporter
CVello News
CVello Town, USA
January 2018 – Present
- Conduct interviews and research to write articles on local news and events
- Collaborate with editors and photographers to produce multimedia content for print and online platforms
- Develop and maintain relationships with sources and community members
Intern
ABC News
New York, NY
June 2017 – August 2017
- Assisted reporters and producers with research and fact-checking for news segments
- Transcribed interviews and press conferences for use in news stories
- Observed and learned from experienced journalists in the field and in the newsroom
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of XYZ
XYZ City, USA
September 2014 – May 2018
- Coursework included reporting, writing, ethics, and multimedia journalism
- Participated in student-run newspaper and radio station
- Completed internship for academic credit at local news organization
A chronological resume is a great option for journalists who have a solid work history in the field. This type of resume highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backwards. It’s a good choice if you have a consistent career trajectory and want to emphasize your growth and development as a journalist. In this example, the candidate has listed their work experience first, followed by their education. They’ve also included a clear objective statement at the top of the resume to give potential employers a sense of their career goals. Overall, this resume showcases the candidate’s skills and experience in a clear and concise way, making it easy for hiring managers to see why they would be a great fit for a journalism position at CV Ello.
Journalist Functional Resume Example – 1
CV Ello
CVello Town, USA
(123) 456-7890
Objective:
To obtain a position as a journalist where I can utilize my writing skills and experience to provide accurate and engaging news stories.
Summary:
Experienced journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering accurate and engaging news stories. Skilled in conducting interviews, researching, and writing articles for print and online publications. Proficient in AP style and knowledgeable in social media platforms.
Experience:
Journalist, The Daily News
CVello Town, USA
January 2018 – Present
- Conduct interviews and research to write articles for print and online publications
- Collaborate with editors and photographers to produce engaging news stories
- Develop and maintain relationships with sources to stay up-to-date on local news
- Utilize social media platforms to promote articles and engage with readers
Reporter, The Evening Post
CVello Town, USA
June 2016 – December 2017
- Wrote articles for print and online publications
- Conducted interviews and research to gather information for news stories
- Collaborated with editors and photographers to produce engaging news stories
- Utilized social media platforms to promote articles and engage with readers
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
CVello University
CVello Town, USA
Graduated May 2016
Skills:
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Proficient in AP style
- Knowledgeable in social media platforms
- Strong research and interviewing skills
This functional resume example showcases the journalist’s experience and skills in a clear and concise manner. The objective and summary sections provide a quick overview of the journalist’s goals and qualifications, while the experience and education sections provide more detailed information. The skills section highlights the journalist’s strengths and abilities. This resume template is perfect for journalists who want to emphasize their experience and skills in a functional format.
Journalist Functional Resume Example – 2
CV Ello
CVello Town, USA
(123) 456-7890
Objective:
To obtain a position as a journalist where I can utilize my writing skills and experience to provide accurate and engaging news stories.
Summary:
Experienced journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering accurate and engaging news stories. Skilled in conducting interviews, researching, and writing articles for print and online publications. Proficient in AP style and experienced in using various content management systems.
Experience:
Senior Reporter, The Daily News
CVello Town, USA
January 2018 – Present
- Conduct interviews and research to write articles for print and online publications
- Collaborate with editors and photographers to produce engaging news stories
- Develop and maintain relationships with sources to stay up-to-date on local news
- Use content management systems to publish articles online
Reporter, The Evening Post
CVello Town, USA
June 2015 – December 2017
- Wrote articles for print and online publications
- Conducted interviews and research to gather information for news stories
- Collaborated with editors and photographers to produce engaging news stories
- Used content management systems to publish articles online
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, CVello University
CVello Town, USA
Graduated May 2015
This functional resume example showcases the skills and experience of a journalist seeking a new position. The objective statement clearly states the candidate’s career goals, while the summary highlights their experience and skills. The experience section provides specific examples of the candidate’s work, including their ability to conduct interviews, research, and write articles for print and online publications. The education section shows that the candidate has a degree in journalism, which is relevant to the position they are seeking. Overall, this functional resume example effectively communicates the candidate’s qualifications and experience to potential employers.
Journalist Combination Resume Example – 1
John Doe
123 Main Street, CVello Town, USA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective:
To obtain a position as a journalist at a reputable news organization where I can utilize my writing, research, and communication skills to deliver accurate and compelling news stories.
Summary:
Experienced journalist with a proven track record of delivering high-quality news stories on a variety of topics. Skilled in conducting research, interviewing sources, and writing articles for print and online publications. Proficient in AP style and knowledgeable in social media platforms.
Professional Experience:
Senior Reporter, CVello News
CVello Town, USA | January 2018 – Present
- Conduct in-depth research and interviews to produce accurate and compelling news stories for print and online publications
- Collaborate with editors and photographers to ensure timely and visually appealing articles
- Manage social media accounts to promote articles and engage with readers
Reporter, Daily News
New York, NY | June 2015 – December 2017
- Reported on local news stories, including crime, politics, and human interest pieces
- Conducted interviews with sources and attended press conferences and events
- Wrote articles for print and online publications
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
New York University | September 2011 – May 2015
- Graduated with honors
- Completed coursework in news writing, reporting, and media law
Skills:
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Proficient in AP style
- Knowledgeable in social media platforms
- Strong research and interviewing skills
This journalist combination resume example showcases the candidate’s experience and skills clearly and concisely. The objective statement highlights the candidate’s career goals, while the summary section provides a brief overview of their experience and skills. The professional experience section lists the candidate’s previous positions and responsibilities, demonstrating their ability to produce accurate and compelling news stories. The education section highlights the candidate’s academic achievements, while the skills section showcases their proficiency in writing, communication, and research. Overall, this resume template is a great example for journalists looking to showcase their experience and skills professionally and effectively.
Journalist Combination Resume Example – 2
CV Ello
CVello Town, USA
[email protected] | 555-555-5555
Professional Summary
Experienced journalist with a passion for storytelling and uncovering the truth. Skilled in both print and digital media, with a strong background in investigative reporting. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and work collaboratively with editors and other team members. Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic newsroom.
Work Experience
Investigative Reporter
The Daily News
New York, NY
January 2018 – Present
- Conduct in-depth research and interviews to uncover stories of public interest
- Write and edit articles for print and online publication
- Collaborate with editors and other reporters to develop story ideas and angles
- Use social media and other digital tools to engage with readers and promote stories
Freelance Writer
The Huffington Post
Remote
June 2016 – December 2017
- Pitched and wrote articles on a variety of topics, including politics, culture, and lifestyle
- Managed multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously
- Developed relationships with editors and other writers to generate new opportunities
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
New York University
New York, NY
September 2012 – May 2016
- Graduated with honors
- Concentrated in investigative reporting
- Completed internships at The New York Times and NBC News
Skills
- Investigative reporting
- Writing and editing
- Social media management
- Research and analysis
- Deadline management
This combination resume example showcases the journalist’s work experience and education, highlighting their skills in investigative reporting, writing and editing, social media management, research and analysis, and deadline management. The professional summary provides a brief overview of the journalist’s background and career goals, while the work experience section details their experience in both print and digital media. The education section highlights the journalist’s academic achievements and relevant coursework, and the skills section summarizes their key strengths. Overall, this resume demonstrates the journalist’s ability to excel in a fast-paced newsroom environment and produce high-quality journalism.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Journalist Resume
As a journalist, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It’s essential to make sure that your resume stands out and showcases your skills and experience. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your journalist resume.
Do’s:
- Use action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your experience and accomplishments. This will make your resume more engaging and show that you are an active participant in your work.
- Highlight your skills: Make sure to highlight your skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This will show that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the role.
- Include relevant experience: Include relevant experience that showcases your skills and accomplishments. This will show that you have the necessary experience to succeed in the role.
Don’ts:
- Use generic language: Avoid using generic language that doesn’t showcase your skills and experience. This will make your resume less engaging and less likely to stand out.
- Include irrelevant information: Avoid including irrelevant information that doesn’t showcase your skills and experience. This will make your resume less focused and less likely to stand out.
- Forget to proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for errors and typos. This will show that you are detail-oriented and take pride in your work.
Conclusion
Your journalist resume is your first impression to potential employers. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience and stands out from the competition. Remember to highlight your skills, use action verbs, and proofread your resume for errors and typos. With these tips, you can create a resume that will help you land your dream job as a journalist.