Journalism Resume Examples & Templates
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Journalism Resume Examples and Templates
Junior Journalist Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong keyword alignment
The resume includes industry-specific terms like 'investigative research', 'digital storytelling', and 'SEO optimization'—all directly tied to the Junior Journalist role. These keywords align with both human recruiters and ATS screening for investigative and digital media skills.
Quantifiable achievements in work experience
Metrics like '50+ articles published' and '35% increased engagement' provide concrete evidence of impact. These numbers align with the job's focus on measurable digital storytelling outcomes and investigative productivity.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Missing multimedia-specific tools
While 'video editing' is listed, the resume lacks specific software names (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects). Adding these would strengthen the digital storytelling section for a media-focused role.
Education section lacks relevance to job requirements
The NDR internship mention is brief. Expanding on how this experience developed audio/visual storytelling or newsroom collaboration skills would better connect academic training to the Junior Journalist role.
Journalist Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong work experience with measurable impact
The candidate’s experience includes leading award-winning investigations that resulted in national policy reforms and boosting digital subscriptions by 45%. These results showcase their ability to drive change and adapt to digital trends, which aligns well with a journalist’s role in shaping public discourse.
Relevant and targeted skills section
The skills listed—such as investigative reporting, editorial writing, and digital storytelling—directly match the core competencies of a journalist. Including ethical reporting standards also addresses a key concern in modern journalism, enhancing credibility with hiring managers.
Clear and concise summary statement
The introduction succinctly highlights 10+ years of experience, award-winning status, and expertise in political and social reporting. It clearly positions the candidate as a thought leader capable of driving impactful stories across multiple platforms.
Effective use of action verbs
Phrases like 'Led award-winning investigation' and 'Uncovered corporate corruption' use strong, active verbs. This creates a sense of initiative and aligns with the proactive nature required in investigative journalism roles.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Skills section lacks technical specificity
While the skills section is relevant, it could include tools like SEO platforms, content management systems (e.g., WordPress), or data analysis software (e.g., Tableau) commonly used in journalism. Adding these keywords would better align with ATS requirements for digital-focused roles.
Education section could highlight specialized training
The Master’s degree in Journalism mentions a thesis on media manipulation but doesn’t emphasize certifications in digital forensics or data journalism. Including these would strengthen the candidate’s technical credibility for investigative positions.
Work experience could include more audience impact metrics
The Mediapart role mentions '20+ exclusive interviews' but lacks metrics on reach or engagement (e.g., 'reached 1 million readers'). Adding these would demonstrate the broader influence of the candidate’s work, a key expectation for journalists.
Personal details section is underdeveloped
Having only an email and phone number limits visibility of the candidate’s portfolio or professional network. Adding a LinkedIn URL or portfolio link (e.g., Himalayas) would provide hiring managers direct access to their published work.
Senior Journalist Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
strong award recognition
The resume highlights prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize and Edward R. Murrow Award. These accolades immediately establish credibility and align with expectations for a senior journalism role requiring proven excellence.
quantifiable impact metrics
Key achievements include measurable outcomes like 35% increased engagement from data-driven storytelling and 2M+ weekly readers for a climate series. These numbers demonstrate clear impact, which is critical for senior-level journalism positions.
clear leadership demonstration
Mentions of leading 5-person teams and creating mentorship programs showcase leadership skills. Senior journalists are expected to manage teams and develop talent, making these details highly relevant.
industry-specific keywords
The skills section includes terms like 'multimedia storytelling' and 'investigative reporting' directly tied to senior journalism roles. This aligns with both ATS requirements and hiring managers' expectations for technical expertise.
How could we improve this resume sample?
vague multimedia description
The 60 Minutes feature mention is strong but lacks specific details about the investigative methodology used. Adding process-oriented details would better demonstrate the candidate's investigative journalism techniques.
uneven metric consistency
While some roles include strong metrics (2M+ readers), others only mention qualitative results. Adding quantifiable outcomes to all experience sections would create a more cohesive impact narrative.
missing platform-specific skills
The skills list lacks specific digital tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, data visualization software) increasingly important for modern investigative journalism. Including these would strengthen technical credibility for senior roles.
limited publication context
Op-ed and series descriptions don't explain their editorial significance. Briefly noting how these pieces influenced policy discussions or public awareness would better connect achievements to senior-level impact requirements.
Editor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
effective use of quantifiable results
The work experience highlights measurable outcomes like 'increased website traffic by 60%' and 'reduced content turnaround by 40%'. These stats directly show the candidate's impact on editorial efficiency and digital performance, which are key metrics for an Editor role.
strong editorial leadership examples
Managing a team of 8 editors and directing workflows for 15+ publications demonstrates leadership experience. The mention of 'agile editorial processes' aligns with modern editorial management practices valued in senior Editor positions.
clear keyword alignment
Skills like 'SEO Optimization', 'Content Curation', and 'Editorial Project Management' match common requirements for Editor roles. These keywords would help the resume pass applicant tracking systems.
How could we improve this resume sample?
personal details placement
Contact information appears at the bottom rather than the top of the resume. For better readability, phone/email should be in the top section to make contact easy for hiring managers.
education section format
Education dates are listed with years only (2013-2015), but month details would add clarity. Including GPA or honors (if above 3.5) would strengthen this section for competitive Editor roles.
himalayas profile reference
While innovative, the 'himalayas' social media link is unconventional for Editor positions. Consider replacing with LinkedIn or a digital portfolio link to show professional network and work samples.
Senior Editor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantifiable results in work experience
The work experience section uses clear metrics like '140% increase in digital subscriptions' and '35% reduction in content production time'. These numbers directly demonstrate leadership impact and operational improvements essential for a Senior Editor role.
Relevant content strategy keywords
Skills like 'Content Strategy' and 'Digital Publishing' align with the target job title. The resume also mentions 'SEO Best Practices', a key requirement for modern editorial roles focused on online content optimization.
Clear team leadership examples
Experience mentoring 15+ editors and managing cross-departmental teams shows leadership capability. This matches the 'leading content teams' requirement in the job description.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Limited technical tools listed in skills
The skills section lacks specific digital publishing tools (e.g., CMS platforms, audience analytics software). Adding tools like 'WordPress' or 'Google Analytics' would strengthen ATS compatibility.
Work experience could better connect to content strategy
While metrics are strong, some descriptions focus on process improvements rather than content strategy. Adding how workflows directly impacted editorial quality or audience engagement would better align with the role.
Education section lacks strategic relevance
The Master's in Digital Media Management is relevant, but the education section could include specific courses or projects related to content strategy or digital publishing leadership.
Managing Editor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong leadership experience
You've led a team of 15 writers and editors, showcasing your ability to manage and inspire a diverse group. This experience is crucial for a Journalism role, as effective editorial leadership drives content quality and team productivity.
Quantifiable achievements
Your use of specific numbers, like a 30% increase in audience engagement and doubling organic traffic, clearly illustrates your impact. These metrics demonstrate your effectiveness in enhancing content strategy, which is vital for a Journalism position.
Relevant skills highlighted
You've included essential skills like Content Strategy and SEO Optimization, aligning well with industry demands. This targeted skills section helps position you as a strong candidate for Journalism roles that require both creative and technical expertise.
Compelling intro statement
Your summary effectively conveys your experience and value, emphasizing your dynamic approach and focus on audience engagement. This sets a positive tone for the rest of your resume, making a strong first impression for a Journalism role.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific job title alignment
While your resume mentions your roles, explicitly stating 'Managing Editor' in the summary could strengthen the connection to the target Journalism role. This alignment helps immediately signal your fit for the position.
Skills section could be more detailed
The skills section includes broad terms but could benefit from specific tools or platforms related to Journalism, like 'Adobe Creative Suite' or 'WordPress.' Adding these would enhance ATS compatibility and show your technical proficiency.
Work experience could use more context
Your work experience lists impressive achievements, but adding context for each role could enhance understanding. Briefly describing the scope of each position would help illustrate your career progression in Journalism.
Education details could be expanded
While you mention your degree, adding relevant coursework or projects related to Journalism could highlight your academic background further. This additional detail reinforces your qualifications for the field.
Editor-in-Chief Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear impact with metrics
You quantify major achievements like growing monthly unique visitors by 45% and boosting digital revenue by 60%. Those metrics show editorial and commercial impact. Hiring teams for Editor-in-Chief roles look for numbers that prove audience growth and revenue gains, and you give them concrete evidence.
Broad cross-platform leadership
Your experience covers print, web, social and multimedia production. You describe leading 120 staff and launching cross-functional newsroom models. That breadth matches an Editor-in-Chief role that requires managing editorial strategy across platforms and teams.
Strong investigative and editorial credibility
You highlight multi-year investigations that led to national inquiries and policy reforms. You also show data journalism and cross-border projects. Those items demonstrate the journalistic weight and editorial judgement an Editor-in-Chief must bring.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more specific to the employer
Your intro reads strong, but it stays general. Tailor it to El País by naming newsroom priorities you can solve, like audience retention or Spanish-market growth. Give one sentence that ties your skills to their editorial goals.
Skills section lacks tool and platform keywords
You list high-level skills like 'Digital Publishing & SEO' but skip tools and CMS names. Add keywords like WordPress, Google Analytics, Chartbeat, or newsroom CMS names. That boosts ATS hits and shows hands-on experience.
Experience descriptions could show more tactical detail
Your bullets show outcomes but hide the how. Add one-line tactics, like specific editorial processes you introduced, A/B tests you ran, or subscription models you launched. Recruiters want to see the steps behind the results.
1. How to write a Journalism resume
Breaking into journalism can be tough, especially when you're up against many candidates with similar backgrounds. How can you create a resume that truly stands out? Hiring managers look for clear evidence of your reporting skills and impact on audiences, rather than just a list of past jobs. Unfortunately, many job seekers often emphasize their job titles instead of showcasing their achievements and contributions.
This guide will help you craft a resume that highlights your unique experiences and storytelling abilities. You'll learn to turn basic responsibilities into engaging narratives that reflect your impact, like transforming "Wrote articles" into "Authored 20 investigative pieces that increased readership by 40%". We'll focus on key sections like your resume summary and work experience. By the end, you'll have a polished resume that captures your professional journey.
Use the right format for a Journalism resume
When crafting your journalism resume, you typically want to go with a chronological format. This structure highlights your work experience in reverse order, making it easy for employers to see your career progression. You might consider a functional format if you're pivoting from another field or have gaps in your employment. A combination format can also work if you have a mix of relevant experience and skills to showcase. Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using clear sections and avoiding complex graphics or tables, which can confuse software that scans resumes.
Here are some common formats:
- Chronological: Best for steady career progression.
- Functional: Great for career changers or those with gaps.
- Combination: Useful for highlighting both skills and experience.
Craft an impactful Journalism resume summary
Your resume summary should quickly communicate your experience and skills. If you're an experienced journalist, use a summary that highlights your years in the field, specialization, key skills, and a notable achievement. If you're new to journalism or transitioning from another field, consider an objective statement that outlines your career goals and relevant skills. A strong summary formula is: ~'[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This gives hiring managers a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table.
For example, an experienced journalist may focus on their extensive reporting background, while someone new to the field might highlight their education and relevant internships.
Good resume summary example
Experienced journalist with over 7 years in investigative reporting. Skilled in data journalism, multimedia storytelling, and social media engagement. Winner of the National Press Club Award for Best Investigative Report.
This works because it clearly states years of experience, specialization in investigative journalism, relevant skills, and a notable achievement that sets the candidate apart.
Bad resume summary example
Journalist looking for new opportunities. Passionate about writing and reporting.
This fails because it lacks specific details about experience, skills, and achievements. It doesn’t provide enough information to grab a hiring manager’s attention.
Highlight your Journalism work experience
When listing your work experience, stick to reverse chronological order. Clearly state your job title, company name, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, starting each with a strong action verb. Showcase your impact by quantifying your achievements whenever possible—it's more compelling to say 'Increased audience engagement by 30%' than 'Responsible for audience engagement'. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure your bullet points to highlight your contributions effectively.
For journalism roles, focus on metrics that demonstrate your writing impact, like readership growth, article shares, or awards won.
Good work experience example
• Developed and published over 50 investigative articles, increasing website traffic by 40% and earning the Best Article of the Year award from Miller, Stokes and Beier.
This works because it clearly shows the action taken, the result achieved, and provides a measurable impact that highlights the candidate's effectiveness.
Bad work experience example
• Wrote articles for the local newspaper and covered various topics.
This fails because it’s too vague and lacks quantifiable results. It doesn’t showcase the candidate's unique contributions or impact.
Present relevant education for a Journalism
In your education section, include your school name, degree, and graduation year. If you’re a recent graduate, make this section more prominent and consider adding your GPA, relevant coursework, or honors. For those with more experience, this section can be less prominent, often omitting GPA. Relevant certifications, like journalism or media certifications, can be included here or in a dedicated section to boost your credentials.
Make sure the formatting is consistent and clear, so hiring managers can quickly see your academic background.
Good education example
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of California, 2020. Graduated with Honors; coursework in Investigative Reporting and Multimedia Journalism.
This works because it clearly states the degree, school, graduation year, and relevant coursework that aligns with the journalism field.
Bad education example
Bachelor’s Degree, University of California.
This fails because it lacks specific details about the degree earned, and doesn’t provide any context that could support the candidate's qualifications.
Add essential skills for a Journalism resume
Technical skills for a Journalism resume
Soft skills for a Journalism resume
Include these powerful action words on your Journalism resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Journalism
Consider adding sections for projects, certifications, or volunteer experience that relate to journalism. These can show your initiative and depth in the field. For instance, if you've worked on a special report or have relevant volunteer work, include that to demonstrate your commitment and skills.
Good example
• Project: 'Voices of the City' – Led a community reporting project highlighting local issues, resulting in increased public engagement and a feature in the local news.
This works because it illustrates a project with a clear impact, showcasing leadership and community involvement relevant to journalism.
Bad example
• Volunteered at a local charity event.
This fails because it’s too generic and doesn’t connect directly to journalism or provide details that show the candidate's relevant skills or contributions.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Journalism
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are tools that employers use to sort and filter resumes. They scan for specific keywords and can easily reject resumes that don't meet their criteria. For a journalism role, optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial because it helps ensure your application gets seen by hiring managers.
To make your resume ATS-friendly, start with standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Naturally incorporate keywords from job descriptions for journalism roles, such as 'reporting', 'editing', 'content creation', or specific software like 'Adobe InDesign' and 'WordPress'. Avoid complex formatting like tables or images that ATS may not read correctly.
Use readable fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman and save your document in a .docx or PDF format. Some common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords, relying on formatting that ATS may misinterpret, and omitting important skills or certifications relevant to journalism.
ATS-compatible example
Skills:
- Investigative Reporting
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Adobe InDesign
- SEO Writing
Why this works: This skills section is clear and includes keywords relevant to journalism. It uses standard formatting and highlights important skills that ATS will recognize.
ATS-incompatible example
Skills:
- Excellent at storytelling
- Proficient in various media formats
- Uses advanced word processing tools
Why this fails: This skills section uses vague phrases instead of specific keywords. It doesn’t include essential terms like 'reporting' or 'editing', which ATS looks for, making it less effective.
3. How to format and design a Journalism resume
When crafting a journalism resume, choose a template that showcases your writing skills and creativity while remaining professional. A clean, reverse-chronological layout works best, as it highlights your most recent experiences first. This structure improves readability and ensures that hiring managers see your relevant work right away.
Keep your resume to one page for entry-level positions or two pages for seasoned journalists with extensive experience. Be concise and focus on key achievements. Remember, hiring managers often skim resumes, so clarity is crucial.
Opt for professional fonts like Calibri or Arial in sizes 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Ensure good white space and consistent spacing, which makes your resume easy to read. Avoid using overly creative designs that may confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS) and clutter your layout.
Avoid common mistakes like using complex templates with columns, excessive colors, or non-standard fonts. These can lead to a cluttered look or make your resume difficult to parse by ATS. Stick to clear section headings to guide readers through your document.
Well formatted example
Jovan Langworth V
Journalist
123 Main St, City, State, 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | email@example.com
Experience
Staff Writer - Lang, Schowalter and Schuppe
June 2020 - Present
- Wrote and edited articles on local and national news.
- Conducted interviews and research to ensure accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of State, 2020
This format highlights clear headings and structured content, making it easy to read and ATS-friendly.
Poorly formatted example
Opal Friesen
Journalist | 123 Main St, City, State, 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | email@example.com
Experience:
- Wrote articles for various publications.
- Conducted interviews.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism - University of State, 2020
This layout, while decent, uses a less structured format that may confuse ATS and lacks sufficient white space, making it harder to scan quickly.
4. Cover letter for a Journalism
Writing a tailored cover letter for a journalism position is key to showcasing your unique voice and passion for storytelling. This letter complements your resume, allowing you to express genuine interest in the role and the media outlet.
Start with your header, including your contact information and the date. Then, in your opening paragraph, mention the specific journalism position you’re applying for, share your enthusiasm for the role, and highlight your most compelling experience or where you found the job listing.
In the body paragraphs, connect your experience to the job requirements. Highlight key projects, specific journalism skills like investigative reporting or multimedia storytelling, and relevant soft skills such as communication and adaptability. Tailor your content to the specific outlet and position, using keywords from the job description.
- Header: Include your contact info and the date.
- Opening Paragraph: Clearly state the job title, express enthusiasm, and mention a key qualification.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience to the job. Use specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest, express confidence, and include a call to action.
Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout the letter. Customizing your letter for each application is crucial; avoid using generic templates.
Sample a Journalism cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the Journalism position at The New York Times, as advertised on your careers page. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to uncovering the truth, I believe I would make a valuable addition to your team.
In my previous role at The Daily Chronicle, I covered a range of topics including local politics and community events, producing engaging articles that increased our readership by 30% over six months. My investigative piece on city budget allocations not only won the Best Investigative Report award but also sparked community discussions that led to increased transparency in local government.
Additionally, my skills in multimedia storytelling have allowed me to create compelling content across various platforms. I am proficient in video editing and social media management, ensuring that my stories reach a wider audience. My ability to work collaboratively with editors and fellow journalists has always helped in creating a cohesive narrative.
I am truly excited about the opportunity to contribute to The New York Times’ legacy of quality journalism. I am confident that my skills and passion align well with your needs. I would love the chance to discuss my application further and explore how I can support your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Journalism resume
Writing a strong resume for a journalism position is crucial. You need to showcase your writing skills, storytelling ability, and attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes can help you stand out to potential employers.
Avoid vague job descriptions
Mistake Example: "Responsible for writing articles and covering news events."
Correction: Be specific about your contributions and achievements. Instead, write: "Wrote and published over 50 news articles on local and national events, receiving positive feedback from editors for clarity and thoroughness."
Generic applications
Mistake Example: "I am a journalist looking for a position where I can apply my skills."
Correction: Tailor your resume to the specific job. For example, say: "Seeking a journalism position at The Daily News to leverage my investigative reporting skills and passion for uncovering community stories."
Typos and grammar errors
Mistake Example: "I have experience in editing and writting articles for various publications."
Correction: Proofread your resume multiple times. A corrected version could be: "I have experience in editing and writing articles for various publications."
Overstating experience
Mistake Example: "Served as lead reporter for a major news outlet for five years."
Correction: Present your experience honestly. Instead, say: "Worked as a reporter for three years at XYZ News, focusing on local politics and community issues."
Poor formatting for readability
Mistake Example: "John Smith, 123 Main St, johndoe@email.com, (555) 555-5555, Objective: To find a job."
Correction: Use a clean, professional format. A better format would be: "John Smith
123 Main St
johndoe@email.com
(555) 555-5555
Objective: To secure a journalism position where I can contribute my writing and reporting skills."
6. FAQs about Journalism resumes
Creating a strong resume for journalism positions is key to landing interviews. Focus on showcasing your writing skills, relevant experience, and any unique projects that set you apart in this competitive field.
What skills should I highlight on my journalism resume?
What skills should I highlight on my journalism resume?
Prioritize skills like:
- Strong writing and editing
- Research abilities
- Interviewing skills
- Familiarity with digital media
- Social media proficiency
Tailor these to match the specific journalism role you're applying for.
What's the best format for a journalism resume?
What's the best format for a journalism resume?
Use a clean, chronological format. Start with your contact information, followed by a summary, skills, experience, and education. Make sure it's easy to read and visually appealing.
How long should my journalism resume be?
How long should my journalism resume be?
Keep it to one page unless you have extensive experience. Highlight only the most relevant roles and skills to keep it concise.
Should I include my portfolio on my resume?
Should I include my portfolio on my resume?
Yes! Include a link to your portfolio or samples of your work. This shows potential employers your writing style and versatility.
How do I address gaps in my journalism employment history?
How do I address gaps in my journalism employment history?
Be honest about gaps. You can mention freelance work, volunteer projects, or relevant courses taken during that time. Focus on how you stayed engaged with journalism.
Pro Tips
Showcase Your Best Work
Include links to your best articles or multimedia projects. This provides proof of your skills and helps employers see your voice and style.
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like 'reported', 'edited', or 'interviewed'. This makes your accomplishments stand out and sound impactful.
Customize for Each Job
Tailor your resume for each application. Highlight experiences and skills that align with the job description to show you’re a perfect fit.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Journalism resume
Creating a strong Journalism resume can really set you apart in the field. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Use a clean, professional format that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, focusing on what matters most for journalism roles.
- Employ strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact.
- Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems by weaving in job-relevant keywords naturally.
Remember, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression. Consider using resume-building tools or templates to get started!
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