In journalism, a clear and strong resume is your first chance to show your skills. This article will provide proven resume examples and strategic advice specifically for journalists. Learn how to highlight your experience, showcase your best work, and use industry jargon appropriately. Whether you are new to the field or experienced, these tips will help you present a good resume.
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Here's what we see in the best journalist resumes.
Show Impact With Numbers: Good resumes in this category show impact using numbers. Use metrics like
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Use Strong Action Verbs: Using strong action verbs makes your resume stand out. Examples include
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As a hiring manager, I look for where your education section is placed on your resume. If you are new to journalism or recently finished a journalism degree, your education should be at the top. This shows me you have fresh knowledge of the field. But if you have been a journalist for some time, list your experience first. Your hands-on work will speak louder than your degree.
For education specifics, highlight journalism-related coursework or projects. If your degree is in a different field, showcase any journalism education you have, such as workshops or certifications. Remember, it's not just the degree that counts, but also what you've learned that can help you in the job. Good education in areas like ethics, research, and media law is very useful for journalists. Make sure these are easy to see on your resume.
Include links to your published articles or a portfolio of your best writing samples. Employers want to see your writing style and abilities.
If you have a personal blog or other digital presence where you write regularly, include that as well. This shows your passion and dedication to the field.
You need to get the length of your resume just right. If you are starting out or if you have up to ten years of experience in journalism, aim for a one-page resume. This helps you show that you can prioritize information effectively, which is a key skill in journalism. For those with more experience, a two-page resume is acceptable, allowing you to detail your career while still being concise.
As a journalist, your resume should grab attention like a good headline does. Keep your best achievements and key skills on the first page. Make sure they stand out, so they catch the eye in a quick skim. You should showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas simply and clearly, a must-have skill for any journalist. Remember, shorter does not mean less experienced, and clarity is essential for good communication.
Emphasize any investigative journalism projects you've been part of. Detail the skills you used like research, interviewing, and fact-checking.
Mention any awards or recognitions for your investigative work. This can give you an edge in a competitive field.
When you apply for jobs, your resume might first be read by a computer system called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks for keywords and phrases to see if your experience is a good match for the job. To make sure your resume gets to a human, you need to know how to make it ATS-friendly.
Here are some tips to help you:
Your resume should show that you are the right match for a journalist role. Think about what skills and experiences are most important and include those. Keep it relevant to the job you want.
As you prepare your resume, focus on the specific skills that will show your strengths as a journalist. Remember, you don't need to include every skill listed, but choose those that best match your experience and the job you are applying for.
Include these skills in a dedicated section or weave them naturally into the experience section of your resume. This helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers use to filter resumes. Tailor your skills to the specialization you are aiming for, whether it's digital media, broadcast journalism, or print.
As a journalist, showing your impact with clear numbers on your resume helps employers see your value. Think about how your work has reached others and led to results.
Remember to estimate these metrics if exact numbers are not handy, but be ready to explain how you arrived at those figures if asked in an interview. Your goal is to show measurable success, which speaks louder than any adjective.
When you apply for a job, think about the size of the company. For smaller firms, like local newspapers or digital news startups, show that you can wear many hats. You might write, 'Managed social media accounts while also reporting on city council meetings.'
For larger companies such as The New York Times or CNN, highlight your expertise in a specific area. For example, 'Specialized in political journalism with a focus on international relations.' Big companies often look for people with deep knowledge in one area.
In any case, make sure to show that you meet the job's needs. Use clear language and short sentences that are easy to understand.