How to Write an Outstanding Journalism Resume

1. Journalism Resume Format
2. Journalism Resume Objective
3. Journalism Resume Skill List
4. Journalism Resume Writing Tips
5. Journalism Resume Examples
6. Journalism Resume Templates
7. Journalism Resume Templates Comparative Table
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Journalism can be a dream job for many as it presupposes extensive communication and research skills, writing capabilities, dealing with topical social and political issues, traveling, and sometimes even risk. This sounds rather captivating especially for individuals who have such qualities as curiosity, fearlessness, honesty, loyalty, and a desire to express themselves publicly. When one, especially if he or she is a student who wants to get a journalist job or an experienced professional who desires to get into some well-known media, they will need a decent and outstanding resume. In this article, we’ll review journalism resume format, its main objective, primary skills to list, writing tips, samples, and templates.

Journalism Resume Format

When applying for a job that revolves around writing and reporting, what and how your resume communicates requires the highest level of proficiency. In this way, to prepare a reporter's resume, one should work to make it a perfect piece of writing that is properly formatted. The best CV format overall follows most resume types. Meanwhile, your skills to convey information, namely what you can do and why you are the best candidate for the role, will be assessed right from the starting point, from your resume. Thus, if your CV doesn’t sound impressive, the main information is not highlighted, or achievements are unclear, the potential employer will think the same of your ability to handle articles, reporting, and so on. Start with an emphasis on your name at the beginning, and then contact information, with email and telephone as obligatory communication channels. Follow with the professional summary, major skills, work experience, education, and then hobbies and interests. The basic format should be as follows:

• Name
• Contacts
• Objective/Professional Summary
• Skills
• Work Experience
• Education
• Hobbies and Interests

Journalism Resume Objective

As a journalist you know that to reach the audience, you need to set the objective of your writing. This also relates to journalism resume writing. The objective is the primary thing the HR or direct employer views in your resume file. In this way, you should emphasize the main points here, list your major advantages as a professional, achievements, what you are proud of in your career, and what your goals are. For instance, if you are an entry-level journalism resume, you need to focus more on your education, interests, and personal qualities which will make you a good candidate, and professional aspirations. Another example, if you are a skilled reporter and need to attract attention to your perfect news reporter resume, list your main achievements in the past workplaces, awards, and well-known news companies you worked with.

Journalism Resume Skill List

There are some basic skills that are highly demanded in a journalist's job. Here is the journalism resume skills list which will help you be noticed by special programs and employers.

• Degree in journalism. This is, of course, the primary requirement, but in fact not obligatory if you have a degree in political science, sociology, or other cross-discipline fields.
• Communication skills. A good journalist should be ready to open the closed doors and to collect information by all means possible. In this way, the ability to talk effectively and to find an approach to various people is a must for a reporter.
• Investigation capabilities. Even though you are not Sherlock Holmes or Lieutenant Columbo, you should have the passion to find out the truth, details, to conduct the evidence search, to analyze and collate information.
• Knowledge of modern journalist tools and techniques. Technology has intertwined all spheres of human life, including the sphere of journalism. If you are aware of the innovative programs and tools, you will be ahead of the rest.
• Storytelling skills. This is among the primary journalism skills resume requirements. If you know how to interest the reader or the viewer from the first seconds, you can engage the audience in the story you tell, even if it takes only a minute, then you have a better chance to become a demanded journalist.
• Proactivity and confidence. This is closely correlated with effective communication skills. You need to be very active, think rapidly, and make confident decisions.
• Time management skills. This quality is needed in nearly every sphere, but when dealing with deadlines for articles, news, or other media material, this skill is topical.

Journalism Resume Writing Tips

• Do not overload the resume with excessive tables, columns, fonts, and other design means. Let it be minimalistic though comprehensive in the contents.
• You are encouraged to use active verbs rather than passive or impersonal, which will put an emphasis on your proactivity, self-confidence, and show responsibility for your actions.
• News reporter resumes should emphasize the projects you worked with and which types of news you represented.
• Follow your resume with a cover letter directed towards the specific company you are applying to, which will show your interest in the vacancy.
• Concentrate on your achievements rather than responsibilities and duties performed at a particular place.
• Include samples of your work, whether this means articles, video, or audio reportage, news, or other journalism materials.
• If you own some nominations, awards, or grants in the sphere, you definitely shouldn’t hide them.

Journalism Resume Examples

Relevant resume samples can be found on resume and job portals throughout the web. Here is a good thoroughly structured resume sample that follows the basic principles and tips for a winning journalism resume.

Amanda Pitt

Philadelphia, MN 55401| Phone 111-111-111| Email [email protected] | LinkedIn URL

Objective

A talented and creative journalist with 6 years of experience in news reporting, high-quality research, and storytelling. Proven history of achievement in the industry. Possess excellent reporting and interviewing skills and prominent writing techniques. I have extensive experience in reporting across a variety of platforms, including print, television, and online social media.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communicative capabilities
• Detail-oriented with strong research and analytical skills
• Strong computer proficiency skills, Word, Excel, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, WordPress, Publisher, social media
• Fluent in English, French, and Italian
• Time-management skills

Work Experience

Staff Reporter

March 2008 – November 2014

• Published an online daily blog devoted to reporting news about the local area’s music, culture, and food scene
• Interviewed community members for potential story ideas and feature writing assignments related to the arts and entertainment community
• Recognized by the regional journalist association as a top online blogger for the year with an audience that had more than doubled within six months

Staff Reporter

February 2005 – March 2008

• Reported on assigned story ideas from an editor about crime and policing in the metro area and sought additional topics by using the police scanner
• Revised and edited news stories as they were written to continue to meet the publication’s high level of standards for reporting
• Achieved several awards for top reporting skills and writing in the local area and nationally

Education

Philadelphia University, Bachelor in Journalism, 2004

Hobbies and Interests

I engage in professional screenwriting, one of my great passions, which polishes my writing and storytelling skills. I am also interested in crime investigation and attend courts to find out more about the cases and to extend the skills in the sphere.

Journalism Resume Templates

If you always strive for excellence and need a professional touch to your resume, then consider TM journalism resume template collection. Here are some great journalist resume samples for you to have an idea of what it looks like and what benefits it has.

Journalist Resume Template 

You’ll get a well-designed perfect template that you can customize in accordance with your requirements. It is accompanied by the same style cover letter to send your potential employers. The files are 100% editable and print-ready.

Clark Walker - Writer & Journalist Resume Template 

This piece has a journalist resume template, a cover letter, and a business card in one common style. This layout will make sure your skills and qualifications are represented in the best way.

Hanna Richmond Resume Template

This outstanding template is ATS friendly, which means it will beat applicant tracking systems and increase your chances of being noticed. What’s more, a free business card template included.

Amity Peter - CV Resume Template

Professionally organized and perfectly designed resume and cover letter. It is represented in two color variations and is fully ready to print.

Raymond Roberts Resume Template 

This is a clean journalism resume template, in which you can adjust colors upon your wish. It is responsive and looks excellent.

Journalism Resume Templates Comparative Table

Here, you can view which features are there in the templates and which ones are best for you.

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