7 Freelance Journalist Resume Examples for 2024

Freelance journalist resumes require a focus on writing experience, published work, and areas of expertise. This article includes proven resume examples and advice on presenting your skills and achievements. Learn how to highlight relevant experience, showcase your portfolio, and structure your resume for success.

  Compiled and approved by Grace Abrams
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best freelance journalist resumes.

  • Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes use numbers to show results. Include metrics common to this job, such as article view counts, social shares, publication reach, and engagement rates. Numbers make your impact clear.

  • Include Relevant Skills From Job Descriptions: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are SEO, AP Style, WordPress, Google Analytics, and Adobe Creative Suite. Choose skills you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Trend Towards Multimedia Storytelling: More journalists are using multimedia elements. Highlight skills like video production or podcasting to stand out.

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Position your educational background

As a hiring manager, I recommend you to position your education effectively on a resume. If you are new in the field of freelance journalism or have recently finished a journalism degree or related course, place your education section before your work experience. This will show employers that your recent academic training is the most current and relevant aspect of your professional development.

For those with substantial freelance journalism experience, your work history should take precedence. Your education can then follow to provide context and background, especially if it is in a field that enhances your reporting and writing skills, such as political science or economics. Always ensure your most relevant qualifications are easy to find and at the forefront of your resume.

Breaking into journalism

Start by building a strong portfolio. Include links to published articles and personal blogs in your resume. This shows your writing style and proficiency.

Networking is essential. Attend industry conferences and join journalism groups on social media platforms. Mention any industry memberships in your resume. This demonstrates your engagement and commitment to the field.

Ideal resume length

Keep your resume concise, aiming for one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. As a freelance journalist, this means including your strongest and most recent work. Prioritize showcasing your most impactful articles, the range of your reporting skills, and diverse publication platforms. Highlight collaborations and key interviews that align with the role you are seeking.

If you have ample experience stretching beyond a decade, consider extending to two pages. Here, focus on depth, including significant investigative pieces or series, high-profile assignments, and leadership in journalistic projects. Always remember to maintain enough white space for readability and to use a layout that naturally guides the reader through your career timeline and accomplishments.

Gaining credibility

Consider adding a section for quotes or testimonials from editors or readers. This can provide external validation of your work and reliability.

Highlight any niche areas you specialize in, like technology or politics. This helps employers match your skills to their needs and shows you have depth in specific topics.

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