ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. Employers use it to scan resumes for keywords and structure. For a News Producer, the ATS looks for skills, tools, and roles that match the job posting.

Optimize because the ATS can reject resumes for missing keywords or odd formatting. It reads plain text and parses section headers. It may skip content in images, tables, headers, or footers.

Follow these best practices:

• Use standard headers like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Include specific News Producer keywords such as rundown, live broadcast, field producing, AP style, booking, segment timing, ENG, Avid, Adobe Premiere, and FCC compliance.
• Use .docx or PDF. Avoid heavily designed templates.

Avoid complex formatting like columns, text boxes, and embedded images. Those elements often break parsing. Use simple bullet lists and short lines.

Pick readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Save a clean copy for the ATS and a styled copy for human readers if you must.

Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. For example, don’t replace "rundown" with "show plan" only. Another error is hiding key details in headers or images. Finally, omit tools or certifications that the job asks for and you have, like "Avid" or "FCC clearance". That lowers your match score.

Pick a clean, professional layout that highlights your editorial work and credits. Use a reverse-chronological layout so hiring managers see your recent shows, duties, and outcomes first. That layout scans well for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and makes your experience easy to follow.

Keep length tight. One page fits entry-level and mid-career producers. You can use two pages if you have many credits, awards, and directing or producing credits on major broadcasts.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Keep margins at least 0.5 inches. Use consistent line spacing and 8–12pt paragraph spacing so your resume breathes on the page.

Use clear headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Credits, Education, Skills, Awards. Put show titles and outlets in bold, then list dates and your role. Use bullet lists for responsibilities and one-line bullets for achievements with numbers where possible.

Avoid complex columns, heavy graphics, or embedded images. Those elements can break ATS parsing and hide critical info. Limit color to one accent for headings. Use simple section dividers or white space to separate sections.

Watch these common mistakes: long paragraphs that hide results, inconsistent date formats, and dense blocks of text. Don’t use nonstandard fonts or tiny text to force content onto one page. Proofread credits and spell outlet names correctly.

Make each line earn its place. Show how you raised ratings, reduced rundown time, or managed breaking news. Keep it tight, readable, and truthful.

Why a tailored cover letter matters

A tailored cover letter shows you understand the News Producer role and the newsroom. It complements your resume and lets you explain editorial choices and production strengths. You can show real interest in the outlet and link your work to their audience.

Key sections

• Header: Put your contact details, the employer name, and the date.
• Opening: Name the News Producer job, show enthusiasm for the outlet, and state one top qualification or where you found the posting.
• Body: Connect your experience to the job. Highlight editorial judgment, live show directing, scripting, or rundown building. Mention one or two projects, tools like ENPS or social analytics, and give numbers for impact.
• Closing: Reiterate interest, state confidence you can contribute, ask for an interview, and thank the reader.

How to write each paragraph

Start with a clear opening sentence. Say why you want this specific role at this specific company. Keep the energy up and avoid vague praise.

In the body, focus on two to three points. Show a relevant project, a measurable result, and the skills you used. Use simple terms and one technical term per sentence.

End with a short closing paragraph. Restate interest and ask to speak about how you can help meet editorial goals.

Tone and tailoring

Write like you would to a mentor. Keep it professional, confident, and warm. Customize each letter. Pull phrases from the job description and mirror the outlet's voice. Avoid generic templates and repeat details from your resume only when you add context.

You're aiming for News Producer roles where clarity and speed matter. Recruiters scan resumes fast, so small errors cost you airtime. Focus on clear story impact, concrete metrics, and clean formatting to show you can run a newsroom shift.

Below are common pitfalls news producers make. Each item shows a bad example and a quick fix you can apply right away.

Writing a News Producer resume means showing your editorial judgment, technical skills, and leadership on-air and behind the scenes. These FAQs and tips help you highlight story selection, rundown creation, and team management so hiring managers see your impact quickly.