journalist personal statement cv

Journalist CV example

Journalist jobs are extremely rewarding, but it can be tough to land one in today’s market.

This guide contains an example Journalist CV and plenty of tips on how to create your own winning CV, so you can stand out amongst the other candidates and get the job you want.

Guide contents

Journalist CV example

• CV layout and format
• Your CV profile
• Work experience

Education section

CV templates 

This example CV demonstrates how to structure and format your own Journalist CV, so that it can be easily digested by busy hiring managers, and quickly prove why you are the best candidate for the jobs you are applying to.

It also gives you a good idea of the type of skills, experience and qualifications that you need to be making prominent in your own CV.

Journalist CV layout and format

The format and structure of your CV is important because it will determine how easy it is for recruiters and employers to read your CV.

If they can find the information they need quickly, they’ll be happy; but if they struggle, your application could be overlooked.

A simple and logical structure will always create a better reading experience than a complex structure, and with a few simple formatting tricks, you’ll be good to go.

CV formatting tips

• Length: While there’s no ‘official’ CV length rule, the majority of recruiters agree that less is more. Aim for two pages of A4 or less. This is just enough room to showcase your suitability to the role, without overwhelming recruiters with irrelevant or excessive content.
• Readability : Make sure your CV is easy to read and looks professional by applying some simple formatting tricks. Bullet points are great for making large paragraphs more digestible, while formatting your headings with bold or coloured text will help the reader to find the information they need, with speed.
• Design: Don’t waste time adding fancy designs to your CV. It generally adds no value to your application and may even end up distracting recruiters away from the important written content.
• Avoid photos: If your CV has photos , images or profile pictures, hit the delete button. They’re not needed and won’t add any value to your applications.

Quick tip: Formatting your CV to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. If you want to create an attractive CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

As you write your CV , divide and sub-head into the following sections:

• Name and contact details – Always start with these, so employers know exactly how to get in touch with you.
• CV profile – Add a short summary of your relevant experience, skills and achievements, which highlights your suitability.
• Core skills section – A 2-3 columned list of your key skills.
• Work experience – A detailed list of any relevant work experience, whether paid or voluntary.
• Education – An overview of your academic background and any training you may have completed.
• Hobbies and interests – A brief overview of your hobbies and interests, if they’re relevant (optional).

Now I’ll tell you exactly what you should include in each CV section.

CV Contact Details

Start off your CV with a basic list of your contact details. Here’s what you should include:

• Mobile number
• Email address – It’s often helpful to make a new email address, specifically for your job applications.
• Location – Share your town or city; there’s no need for a full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Make sure the information on them is coherent with your CV, and that they’re up-to-date

Quick tip: Delete excessive details, such as your date of birth or marital status. Recruiters don’t need to know this much about you, so it’s best to save the space for your other CV sections.

Journalist CV Profile

Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, so it’s essential to catch their attention from the get-go.

A strong introductory profile (or personal statement , for junior candidates) at the top of the CV is the first thing they’ll read, so it’s a great chance to make an impression.

It should be a short but punchy summary of your key skills, relevant experience and accomplishments.

Ultimately, it should explain why you’re a great fit for the role you’re applying for and inspire recruiters to read the rest of your CV.

Tips for creating an strong CV profile:

• Keep it concise: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
• Tailor it: Not tailoring your profile (and the rest of your CV) to the role you’re applying for, is the worst CV mistake you could make. Before setting pen to paper, look over the job ad and make a note of the skills and experience required. Then, incorporate your findings throughout.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid cliches: Focus on fact, not fluff. Phrases like “Committed and enthusiastic thought-leader” and “Dynamic problem solver” might sound fancy, but they’ll do nothing for your application. Not only do they sound cheesy, but they have no substance – stick to real skills and facts

Example CV profile for Journalist

What to include in your journalist cv profile.

• Summary of experience: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Journalist jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Essential qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Journalist qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: Struggling to write a powerful profile? Choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

In addition to your CV profile, your core skills section provides an easily digestible snapshot of your skills – perfect for grabbing the attention of busy hiring managers.

As Journalist jobs might receive a huge pile of applications, this is a great way to stand out and show off your suitability for the role.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and be made up of skills that are highly relevant to the jobs you are targeting.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your CV in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews.

Work experience/Career history

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your CV.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring your roles

Recruiters will be keen to gain a better idea of where you’ve worked and how you apply your skill-set in the workplace.

However, if they’re faced with huge, hard-to-read paragraphs, they may just gloss over it and move onto the next application.

To avoid this, use the simple 3-step role structure, as shown below:

Start with a solid introduction to your role as a whole, in order to build some context.

Explain the nature of the organisation you worked for, the size of the team you were part of, who you reported to and what the overarching purpose of your job was.

Key responsibilities

Follow with a snappy list of bullet points, detailing your daily duties and responsibilities.

Tailor it to the role you’re applying for by mentioning how you put the target employer’s desired hard skills and knowledge to use in this role.

Key achievements

To finish off each role and prove the impact you made, list 1-3 stand out achievements , results or accomplishments.

This could be anything which had a positive outcome for the company you worked for, or perhaps a client/customer. Where applicable, quantify your examples with facts and figures.

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

In your education section, make any degrees, qualifications or training which are relevant to Journalist roles a focal point.

As well as mentioning the name of the organisation, qualification titles and dates of study, you should showcase any particularly relevant modules, assignments or projects.

Interests and hobbies

The hobbies and interests CV section isn’t mandatory, so don’t worry if you’re out of room by this point.

However, if you have an interesting hobby , or an interest that could make you seem more suitable for the role, then certainly think about adding.

Be careful what you include though… Only consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Journalist, or transferable workplace skills.

There is never any need to tell employers that you like to watch TV and eat out.

Writing your Journalist CV

An interview-winning CV for a Journalist role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

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6 Journalism CV Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Ready to dive into the journalism industry this article will guide you on crafting a robust journalism cv. you'll see effective samples and templates to aid your own cv creation. understand what hiring managers search for and how to showcase your journalism skills. get smart tips, do's and don'ts to avoid typical pitfalls. it's time to put your journalism career in hyperdrive. let's make your cv shine..

Unleashing the power of words with precision, flair, and relentless pursuit of truth - that's journalism for you. As a media professional, you're a lens into the world's happenings, using your pen or keyboard as weapons of insight. But before you can capture news, you need to capture a recruiter's attention with a resume—or as our UK, European, or Australian friends might say, a CV—that expertly presents your key skills and talents. Starting out, journalists often cut their teeth in local newsrooms, reporting on community events and city council meetings. Yet, as their experience and portfolio grow, so do their opportunities: from investigative journalism to foreign correspondence. In 2024, the industry is about versatility. Journalists must pivot seamlessly between print, online, and broadcast, engaging audiences through gripping narratives and social media prowess. Inclusion of such evolving skills on your CV is essential now more than ever. Splitting hairs between a CV and a resume? In this field, it's quite simple. Yes, in some sectors CV refers to a longer document, especially for research or academic roles. But for journalism, it's just a different name - they are equal, interchangeable, and expected to be 1-2 pages max. Knit-pick about accuracy in your articles, not here. Steer the rest of your journey in this post, we will. Detailed CV templates aligned with 2024 trends, the must-have skills to highlight, and more are all on the docket. As an experienced hiring manager, the goal is to guide you in crafting a CV that effortlessly tells your professional story while tickling the recruiter's fancy.

Journalism CV Templates

Jump to a template:

• Print Journalist
• Broadcast Journalist
• Broadcast News Analyst
• Entry-Level Journalist

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Journalism CVs
• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Other CVs
• Similar Careers to a Journalism
• Journalism Resume Examples

Template 1 of 6: Journalist CV Example

As a journalist, your CV should reflect you as a storyteller. Your ability to craft compelling narratives is at the heart of this job. What's trending in journalism is multimedia skills - being able to weave text and visual content cohesively. Like all professions in the digital era, journalism is data-driven. This means showing your knack for interpreting data, bringing out patterns and insights, is now almost as critical as your writing skills. Your CV is a chance to sell these skills. It should not just list your qualifications and experience, but also narrate a story of your writing journey.

Tips to help you write your Journalist CV in 2024

   show your multimedia skills.

You should include examples of your multimedia journalism work on your CV. This could be a blog where you've incorporated videos and infographics, or an article where you've embedded interactive charts. This gives an employer a sense of your versatility, and how you can write for different mediums.

   Demonstrate data interpretation skills

Find a way on your CV to show your experience in data journalism. Perhaps you've written an article based on an analysis of a large dataset. Mention this, and briefly explain your process for finding and interpreting the data. This clearly indicates your ability to produce data-driven stories.

Skills you can include on your Journalist CV

Template 2 of 6: print journalist cv example.

As a print journalist, your CV is more than a document - it's your first draft. It's a showcase of your reporting skills, narrative prowess, and knack for sifting significant details from insignificant ones. With the shift towards digital spaces in the journalism industry, print journalists are expected to balance classic reporting methods with a certain fluency in digital tools, techniques, and trends. When creating your CV, consider this evolving landscape and make sure to demonstrate both your timeless journalistic skills and your adaptability to new ways of news distribution. Now, when we talk about a print journalist CV, think about it as a feature article about you. It's all about presenting complex information (your career progression, skills, achievements) in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Unlike in a news article, you're allowed - even encouraged - to let your personality shine through. This is journalism, so avoid embellishment. Stick to the facts and let your real-life achievements do the talking.

Tips to help you write your Print Journalist CV in 2024

   show off your story-telling capabilities.

Try to infuse some narrative structure into your CV. Start with a powerful summary that draws the reader in, follow with your career history as the main body, and end with your skills and qualifications as a conclusion. This demonstrates your ability to construct engaging narratives.

   Display digital proficiency

Even as a print journalist, it's essential to understand and be comfortable with digital platforms. Show that you can work with content management systems, digital research tools, and social media. Let potential employers know you're able to adapt and evolve along with journalism's digital shift.

Skills you can include on your Print Journalist CV

Template 3 of 6: broadcast journalist cv example.

A Broadcast Journalist role is a unique blend of news delivery and storytelling. As a hiring manager, I've noticed a shift towards digital platforms and multi-media skills. Therefore, it's crucial that you demonstrate your ability to adapt and grow within the ever-evolving media landscape. When crafting your CV, remember that it's your opportunity to showcase your passion for journalism, your technical skills, and your knack for finding and telling compelling stories. It's important to note that hiring managers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of ethics in journalism. So, your CV needs to reflect not just your abilities but also your awareness of the responsibilities and the integrity required in the world of broadcast journalism.

Tips to help you write your Broadcast Journalist CV in 2024

   show your technical versatility.

Beyond writing and reporting, broadcast journalism nowadays involves a wide array of skills from video editing to social media handling. Your CV should demonstrate your competence in using multimedia technologies and platforms, specifically those related to content creation and distribution.

   Prove your news judgment

A significant part of being a broadcast journalist is identifying stories that matter to your audience. Your CV should list specific cases where you've identified and developed pertinent and engaging news stories. Include any instances where your stories led to significant audience engagement or had a social impact.

Skills you can include on your Broadcast Journalist CV

Template 4 of 6: broadcast news analyst cv example.

In the ever-evolving world of broadcasting, a Broadcast News Analyst role is an exciting position that holds a lot of influence. You get to dive into a diverse pool of news stories, fine-tune your research skills, and use your analytical prowess to deliver news pieces that matter. Nowadays, companies are leaning towards digital transitions and utilizing social media platforms to reach wider audiences, so familiarity with these trends can put you ahead of the pack. Crafting your CV for such a role isn't just about listing your qualifications. It's about painting a vivid picture of your skills, experiences, and how they've equipped you to thrive under the pressures and pace of a dynamic newsroom.

Tips to help you write your Broadcast News Analyst CV in 2024

   showcase your digital proficiency.

As newsrooms go digital, it's vital that you demonstrate your experience with digital tools and platforms. This could be as simple as describing projects where you've used digital platforms to research, dissect news stories, or even distribute content.

   Highlight relevant communication skills

As a Broadcast News Analyst, your job entails presenting complex information in an understandable, engaging manner. In your CV, make sure to include instances that demonstrate your ability to simplify complex data and your competency in public speaking or presentation skills.

Skills you can include on your Broadcast News Analyst CV

Template 5 of 6: entry-level journalist cv example.

As an Entry-Level Journalist, your CV needs to shine both with potential and practical skills. Journalism is a constantly evolving field, with the rise of digital platforms ironing out more traditional methods, hence, your CV should reflect versatility and a willingness to adapt. You're not expected to have amassed a large portfolio yet, but showcasing involvement in relevant coursework or college publications can demonstrate your commitment to the profession. In this digital age, many journalism companies are looking for data analytics skills and multimedia competency. Thus, familiarity with SEO, analytics tools, and video editing software should be noted on your CV. It's essential to prove you can keep up with industry changes and trends.

Tips to help you write your Entry-Level Journalist CV in 2024

   showcase your writing and research skills.

Being a journalist, even at entry level, requires excellent writing and research skills. You could showcase your best writing samples, perhaps articles published in a school or local newspaper. Also, describe any in-depth research you conducted to produce your pieces.

   Detail your digital and technical skills

As the journalism landscape moves ever more into the digital realm, having technical skills will be a big plus. You should detail your competence with video and audio editing software, as well as your understanding of SEO principles and analytics tools.

Skills you can include on your Entry-Level Journalist CV

Template 6 of 6: entry-level journalist cv example.

An Entry-Level Journalist role is one where the art of storytelling meets the thrill of real-time news. You're expected to be curious, resourceful, and have a knack for translating complex information into relatable, digestible content. Lately, the media industry is leaning heavily towards digital platforms, so potential employers will be on the lookout for digital savvy candidates who can create engaging content for online audiences. When crafting your CV, remember there's an expectation for crisp, clear writing but also for demonstrating creativity and a strong grasp of current events. In the journalism world, accuracy is king, and your CV should be no exception. Think of your CV as your first byline - it's your chance to showcase your writing skills, your knowledge, and your unique perspective. Be aware, though, that unlike most jobs where the focus is on years of experience, in journalism, it's your clips - published works - that speak the loudest. So, in your CV, you need to effectively demonstrate your potential through your education, internships, and any relevant writing experience, even if it was unpaid.

   Showcase any digital media skills

In an era where news is consumed digitally, having skills like SEO, social media marketing, or video production can set you apart. Include these in the skills section, but don't just list; provide context where possible. For example, did you boost a blog's readership using SEO knowledge?

   Provide links to your clips

As an aspiring journalist, your published works hold weight. List any relevant writing experience and provide active links to your articles or blogs. But remember, choose quality over quantity. It’s better to link to a few high-quality pieces than several less impressive ones.

Skills For Journalism Resumes

In the newsroom of the job market, your Journalism CV is your headline story. It has to capture the essence of who you are, reflecting the core attributes of a seasoned journalist. To scoop up your dream job, pepper your CV with key skills that ring true with the job description. A blend of both hard and soft skills can help paint a full picture of your abilities. Powerful journalism needs strong researching, writing, editing and storytelling skills, as well as the ability to use specific software like Adobe InDesign. For example, under work experience, you could include: "Crafted engaging news pieces using strong writing and Adobe InDesign skills." Remember, your CV is the first interview. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. These systems look for key words and phrases from the job description. To beat the ATS, make sure your journalism CV mirrors the job ad closely - your relevant skills and experiences will get you past the automatic filter.

• Broadcasting
• Video Editing
• Current Affairs
• Online Journalism
• Breaking News
• Radio Broadcasting
• Social Media
• Radio Production
• News Writing
• Media Production
• Video Production
• Broadcast Television
• Storytelling
• Broadcast Journalism
• Digital Media

Skills Word Cloud For Journalism CVs

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Journalism job descriptions and CVs. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

Action verbs for journalism resumes.

"Spinning a Solid Story: Action Verbs for Journalism CVs" In the world of journalism, story is king. It's about chasing leads and crafting tales that keep readers fixed on every word. The trick is to mirror the spirit of your role in your CV language. Just as a journalist sparkles through every well-chosen word, your CV should too. It's time to make your CV tell a story using vibrant action verbs. Let's look at two examples. Instead of a line like "wrote articles on various topics", try "captured news stories on diverse beats." Bored with "conducted interviews"? Shake it up with "delved into insightful dialogues." By using lively verbs, your resume becomes a glimpse of your journalist's journey. So be bold. Choose words that paint pictures for the reader, making your CV an engaging narrative instead of just a dull duty list.

• Investigated
• Interviewed
• Broadcasted
• Coordinated
• Fact-checked
• Synthesized
• Transcribed

For a full list of effective CV action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

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Journalism CV Tips: How To Write A Journalist CV + Example

Just as your articles need to grab readers’ attention straightaway, any journalism CV must do that too… In this guide we’ll outline how to write a strong journalist CV.

A career in journalism is increasingly popular, according to Statista . There were 110,000 UK journalists in 2021, compared to 61,100 in 2011, reportedly.

Journalists are more likely to write for online formats than before. Now only 44% write for print newspapers while 52% work online, the Reuters Institute reports .

And younger generations are changing how people get their news. Televised current affairs is still popular overall – but teenagers are more likely to browse Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for news, according to Ofcom .

Here’s how to write a journalist CV. And if you’re looking for a journalist CV example, we can help with that too – near the end of this blog, we’ll share a sample format to help you make a start.

Starting your journalism CV

If you are just starting out as a journalist, or have been in the same role for several years, perhaps you haven’t written a CV in a long time. For a full overview and some general tips, here’s how to write a CV – our comprehensive guide .

You of all people know the importance of a strong headline. We’ve previously written about how to come up with perfect CV headlines – and how to end a CV the right way too.

There’s another principle of journalism that’s important to keep in mind when writing your CV – know your audience. Hiring managers have lots of CVs to read and may only spend a few seconds skimming through yours, so keep the layout simple and effective.

• Write a strong personal statement: Explain what you can bring to the table and why you’re unique. Focus on getting this part right – otherwise, the reader may not continue.
• Highlight your achievements: Describe your journalism career so far using specific details. Whether it was a full-time role or summer work experience, sell yourself.
• Mention your qualifications and hard skills: Some will likely be more relevant for the role than others, so tailor them to the job description .
• Lie on a CV – ever.
• Include personal details such as your marital status or age.
• Add references – provide them later in the application process if they ask.
• Put your photo on a CV in the UK.

Take care not to use generalisations on your journalism CV. In the next section, we’ll explore how to describe your career successes so far in specific detail.

Journalist CV skills

The job advertisements you’re responding to from LinkedIn and other sources will mention several soft or hard skills, either essential or desired.

Including a skills section is a quick way to show employers you have these. Alternatively, you can work your skillset into the personal statement and career experience sections.

While it will vary depending on the role, typical skills you’ll often see on a journalist job ad include:

• NCTJ qualification
• Finding exclusives
• Breaking news
• Storytelling
• SEO writing
• News-gathering
• Investigative research
• Content management
• Digital strategy
• Keyword research
• Data visualisation
• Video editing

Again, some of your soft skills will be more useful than others – decide which ones are most relevant for the specific role. Journalism soft skills often involve:

• Working independently and in a team
• Strong communication skills
• Capable of working to tight deadlines
• Perfect attention to detail
• Working under pressure

For your strongest skills, back them up with evidence to avoid making generalisations. Let’s explore how to do this.

Show your impact

For online journalism, use any metrics you have access to when demonstrating the impact of your writing.

If you can show how engagement has increased over time – likes, shares and so on – that will look good on your CV.

Include any relevant and impressive facts, figures or stats you can to showcase your successes.

Highlight your achievements and of course if you have any awards or accolades to talk about, that’s great.

This evidence will have more impact in the right context. Try using the STAR method to make sure your best achievements stand out.

Taking this into account, here are some excerpts from one of our journalist CV examples to get the ball rolling.

Journalism CV example

[Address] – [Phone number] – [Email address]

Personal Statement

Use a few lines to say who you are, what you can offer and your career aims. Show how you stand out and what makes you unique. Here’s a sample first sentence:

Multilingual investigative journalist with five years’ experience and a proven track record of increasing website traffic and online conversions.

If your skill section looks strong, include it here – otherwise, put it after your work history section. Tailor your skillset to the job description and use bullet points, for example:

• Investigative journalism
• Relationship building
• Interviewing senior contacts
• Shorthand – 100 words pm
• Fluent in German
• Fluent in Spanish

Work History

List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position – include the dates. 

Then, add bullet points, to describe your most relevant achievements or responsibilities – as an example:

[Role, company] [Dates]

• Served as lead reporter for the finance section and supervised two newsroom interns
• increased traffic by 60% and subscriptions by 15% during the last six months
• Secured three exclusive stories later picked up by UK national newspapers

Qualifications and Education

Start by including any relevant qualifications – e.g. from the NCTJ and so on. Then give your education details: 

• [Journalism qualification(s) obtained] [Dates]
• [University name, degree subject, grade] [Dates]
• [School name, A-Levels, grades] [Dates]
• [School name, GCSEs, grades] [Dates]

If you’re short of space on your journalism CV, this section is not essential. Any hobbies you include should strengthen your application in a relevant way, ideally.

References available on request

Final advice

You’ve written all about your achievements and passion for the job – don’t undo all that hard work by making a basic mistake.

It goes without saying, but you need very strong attention to detail for a journalism career and your CV is no different. Check it thoroughly to find any mistakes and fix them!

Remember, customise every CV to each company you’re applying to. Use their job advert, website, social media channels and any other relevant sources to adjust your application.

With this knowledge, you may want to tailor your personal statement or reword how you describe certain aspects of your work history. Then recheck your CV for any new errors you’ve made.

And if you’re going for a broadcast journalism role, we explain what a video CV is and debate whether you need one in this guide .

Summary: How to write a journalist CV

Highlight any unique skills you have and what makes you an impressive candidate, then build your CV around these points.

Take your time and make sure your personal statement has no filler, clunky grammar etc – these little touches can make all the difference when a busy hiring manager reads your CV.

We hope this guide has given you some ideas for putting together a journalism CV that does justice to your career so far.

For other careers, check out our blog . For example, here are our guides on how to write a:

• Architect CV
• Engineering CV
• Hospitality CV
• Personal assistant CV
• Care assistant CV
• Graphic design CV

If you need some help putting one together, look no further – we’re CV writing experts. We know how to write an outstanding journalism CV, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.

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• CV and Cover Letter
• How to write a journalist CV...

How to write a journalist CV (with example)

7 min read · Updated on October 13, 2022

Learn how to structure and write a winning journalist CV

Getting started on writing a journalism CV

You might be a well-seasoned war correspondent or a newbie striking out for the first time into the world of journalism. Whatever stage you're at in your career, communication is key for all journalists, and writing, using a high command of the English language, is second nature. But there is a very different technique required when it comes to writing a journalism CV. Follow the tips and tricks below, as well as the example journalism CV, on how to write a journalist CV to nab that next exciting role. Who knows where it will take you!

How to structure a journalism CV

You have anywhere between six and 10 seconds to make a good first impression on whoever is reading your journalism CV, so the structure and look of the document is vitally important.

As for length, one or two pages is ideal – one page if you are early on in your career; two pages for more experienced journalists. Stick to an easy-to-read font, at either 10 or 11 point, in black. And don't go overboard with colour. It's not necessary. You're aiming for a clean document that displays your skills and you certainly don't want them hidden behind fancy fonts, logos and colourful tables that detract from the main event.

Basic sections that you must include on a CV for journalism are:

Name and contact details at the top of the CV - but not in a header

Personal profile - normally about six lines long or between 80 and 100 words

Key skills - one or two words each and easy for the reader to immediately see where you excel

Employment history - with bulleted key achievements 

Education and qualifications - including the year you achieved the qualification

If you're at the beginning of your journalism career, you can showcase your enthusiasm for the profession by adding in any work experience you may have done. Any published blogs or other original writing, such as in university newspapers, can also be included.

Nowadays, there is no need to put 'references on request' at the end of a journalism CV, or any CV for that matter. It takes up valuable space and it is assumed that this process will happen at the interview stage. 

What are the skills of a journalist?

First and foremost, journalists need to be able to communicate concisely while building a rapport with people from all sorts of different backgrounds. Present this skill in the personal profile of your CV.

Interview technique is key - asking the right questions and often getting the answers you want! The ability to spot a story that will sell and crafting a news story that will resonate with readers, while writing in a pithy style, is paramount to your success. Both of these qualities are ideal to place in the Skills section (see the sample CV below). 

And learning shorthand. Yes, it might seem a bit outdated, now that you can easily record on your phone, but there are some places where you can't take a phone and the trusty notebook and pen is all you have. Getting up to a speed of about 100wpm is fundamental and once you have that certificate, add it into the Professional Development section.

How to write a personal profile for a journalism CV

Now that you've pinpointed the skills required, it's time to move on to the profile. This section of a journalism CV is likely to be the first section a reader will look at, so it needs to be impactful and comprehensive, yet succinct. You're a wordsmith. so use that to your advantage to create three or four sentences that sum you up as a professional journalist while incorporating your unique skills and USP.

Think of it like pitching an idea for a story to your editor, but instead of verbally, you're doing it on paper. At work, you strive to get across your enthusiasm for your idea in capsule form. The personal profile is the same, but it's all about you.

Steer away from using 'I' and write in the third person but without pronouns. For example, “Flexible and adaptable, builds effective working relations with colleagues and editors alike.”' It can feel strange to begin with but TopCV's  profile tips can help even further.

How to write a career summary for a CV for journalism

This section is normally the longest part of the CV and can take you onto the second page if you have a lot of experience to impart. Concentrate on the last 10 years of your working life and write in reverse chronological order with your job title, name of the publication you worked for and the dates.

Underneath is where you can expand on your role and write in more detail on your responsibilities and achievements. Were you instrumental in readership of the publication increasing, due to your in-depth and well-researched stories? Did you guide and support younger journalists?

If you've done a lot of freelancing, which is very normal practice for journalists, then all of the titles you've worked for should be included, the same as staff roles.

The main aim is to detail continued work, without any gaps, that shows progression.

How to write education and qualifications for a journalism CV

Education and qualifications should also be listed in reverse chronological order like the career summary. This is because you want your most recent qualifications to be viewed first. List the name of the educational establishment, the year the qualification was awarded, and the name and level of the qualification, if applicable. For more advice, read Education on your CV .

As a journalist, you might have exclusives or certain awards that you want to highlight, so remember to include them as they can truly demonstrate your abilities and make you stand out from the rest. You may even add a separate section for these!

Gaining the right qualifications from the outset can make a huge difference to how someone views your CV and job potential. If you have qualifications from the  NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) , the media industry's professional body which offers an array of industry-standard courses, diplomas and certificates, then you are well on your way to achieving that next role.

Overview of a journalism CV

Finally, check and double check grammar and spelling. That is vital for any CV but even more so for roles that rely on language and communication as much as journalism does. Have a look at the sample of a journalism CV below, which showcases experience, skills and qualifications. This demonstrates how to structure the CV to greatest effect so it is clear and informative while remaining succinct and easy-to-read. And then go for it!

Example of a journalist CV

Writing a CV for a journalism position is simple once you have an understanding of the structure and how to format it. However, if you are still unsure that you've highlighted your skills in the best way possible, a free CV review could help you to land your next journalism role.

Recommended Reading: 

The story of our CV makeover winner

Professional CV examples - from entry level to executive 

How to write a graduate CV like a seasoned pro

Related Articles:

What's the financial benefit of getting a professional CV rewrite?

How to write a marketing CV

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See how your CV stacks up.

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• • Analysed and interpreted complex political developments, providing comprehensive reports that increased readership by 20%.
• • Coordinated with digital teams to enhance political content across various platforms, resulting in a 35% rise in online engagement.
• • Cultivated a network of political insiders and leveraged relationships to break exclusive stories, boosting the company’s news profile.
• • Delivered in-depth political analyses during election season, which were cited by major news outlets, amplifying brand reach.
• • Devised a social media strategy for political reporting that grew our follower base on Twitter and Facebook by 50%.
• • Orchestrated a series of live interviews with key politicians, which garnered an average of 100,000 views per session.
• • Produced and presented weekly political segments for the regional news programme, increasing viewership by 25%.
• • Generated original story angles that highlighted regional political issues, leading to a 40% increase in story pick-ups by national outlets.
• • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop multi-format political stories that enhanced audience understanding of key issues.
• • Spearheaded coverage of local elections, elevating audience engagement metrics by 30%.
• • Conducted probing interviews with politicians and key stakeholders, which became reference points for other media reports.
• • Contributed to a 15% increase in circulation through exclusive political reportage and insightful analysis.
• • Handled live reporting during major political events, providing real-time content that spiked web traffic by 30%.
• • Developed engaging multimedia content that simplified complex political subjects for a broader audience.
• • Initiated a weekly political column that received high praise for clarity and depth, attracting a dedicated readership.

Journalist CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your journalist CV must showcase a robust portfolio of published work. This portfolio is the crux of your journalistic credibility. In addition to writing excellence, highlight your adeptness at meeting tight deadlines. Your CV should reflect your ability to thrive in a fast-paced news environment.

• CV Format Tips
• Summary or Objective?
• Experience on Your CV
• No Experience?
• Top CV Skills
• Education & Certifications
• Key Takeaways

Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your diverse reporting assignments while maintaining clarity and conciseness is a significant challenge for journalists. By delving into our guide, you'll discover strategies to distil your most impactful stories into compelling bullet points, ensuring your experience stands out to prospective employers.

• Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
• What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
• Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
• How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?

If you're writing your CV for a niche journalist role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:

• Acting CV Example
• Dance CV Example
• Film CV Example
• Theatre CV Example
• Model CV Example
• Performing Arts CV Example
• Cinematographer CV Example
• DJ CV Example
• Videographer CV Example
• Makeup Artist CV Example

Structuring your journalist CV layout: four factors to keep in mind

• Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
• Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
• Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
• Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your journalist CV.

Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.

Upload & Check Your CV

Drop your CV here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.

The top sections on a journalist CV

• Work Experience details showcase journalism expertise.
• Key Journalism Skills section highlights specific abilities.
• Education Backdrop proves academic foundation for reporting.
• Portfolio of Published Work exhibits professional writing.
• Awards and Honours validate recognition in journalism field.

What recruiters value on your CV:

• Highlight your ability to produce compelling content by showcasing your versatility in writing for different types of media, such as print, digital, broadcast, or social media, to demonstrate your adaptability to a range of journalistic formats.
• Emphasise your portfolio by including links to your published work or an online portfolio; this offers tangible proof of your writing skills and journalistic success to potential employers.
• Demonstrate your research skills by mentioning specific investigative projects you've worked on, as well as your ability to handle complex information and present it in an accessible manner.
• Detail your understanding of media law and ethics, which are critical in journalism, to assure employers that you can navigate these challenges competently and responsibly.
• Include any industry-specific tools or technologies you're proficient in, such as content management systems or multimedia editing software, to illustrate your readiness to work in a modern newsroom environment.

Recommended reads:

Reverse chronological cv: stuck in the past or future-proof.

• How to Choose The Best Font For Your CV (Tips & Examples)

Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning journalist CV header

The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:

• Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details , and not your current work email or telephone number;
• Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
• Don't include your CV photo , if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
• Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.

In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.

Examples of good CV headlines for journalist:

• Senior Political Correspondent | Expert in International Relations | NCTJ Certified | 15+ Years' Experience
• Award-Winning Investigative Reporter | Data Journalism Specialist | BA in Journalism | 12 Years in Newsrooms
• Multimedia Journalist | Social Media Engagement | MA in Multimedia Journalism | Bilingual (E/F) | 7 Years' Experience
• Broadcast Journalist | Prime Time News Presenter | Voice of the Year 2020 | Media Law Diploma | 10+ Years
• Environmental Journalist | Climate Policy Analyst | MSC in Environmental Science | 5 Years Field Reporting
• Foreign Affairs Journalist | Conflict Zone Coverage | Fluent in Arabic & Spanish | War Reportage Award 2021 | 8 Years

Choosing your opening statement: a journalist CV summary or objective

At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:

• Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements . Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
• Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for

CV summaries for a journalist job:

• Seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience specializing in political commentary and investigative reporting. Expert in multimedia content creation, with a track record of increasing readership for major newspapers through engaging storytelling and thorough research. Accomplished in winning the National Journalism Award for an in-depth analysis of local governance.
• Dynamic broadcast journalist with 15 years of experience delivering compelling on-air news segments for top networks. Skilled in live reporting, fluent in three languages, and adept at using social media platforms to enhance viewer engagement. Proud recipient of the Broadcaster of the Year award for an exclusive interview with a high-profile whistleblower.
• Former international human rights lawyer seeking to leverage a strong background in public policy and advocacy into a career in investigative journalism. Experienced in managing complex legal cases, with exemplary communication skills and a deep passion for uncovering the truth and informing the public. Eager to transition robust analytical and research expertise into impactful storytelling.
• Accomplished marketing executive aiming to transition into business journalism, bringing over 20 years of experience in leading successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. Equipped with a keen understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and financial analysis, determined to provide in-depth coverage and insights on economic developments and corporate strategies.
• Aspiring journalist with a recent First-Class Honours degree in Communications and a fervent commitment to pursue a career in environmental reporting. Eager to apply academic knowledge and internship experience in digital content creation to contribute meaningfully to coverage on climate change and sustainability movements, while continuously learning from seasoned professionals.
• Enthusiastic recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Journalism and New Media, aiming to launch a career in sports journalism. Determined to employ strong writing talents, multimedia skills, and a passion for sports to deliver engaging and factual content for a wide audience. Dedicated to growing as a professional by gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic newsroom setting.

Narrating the details of your journalist CV experience section

Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents . So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:

• adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
• Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.

Before you start writing your journalist CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.

Best practices for your CV's work experience section

• Summarise the scope of your reporting, such as covering local news, politics, or international events, and highlight any beats you're exceptionally knowledgeable in.
• Detail any exclusive stories or investigative pieces you've worked on, showcasing your ability to uncover and report on issues of public interest.
• Include audience engagement metrics, if available, to demonstrate the impact and reach of your published work, such as reader numbers or shares on social media.
• Mention any multimedia skills, such as video or podcast production, that you have utilised in storytelling to enhance the narrative and engagement.
• Quantify your experience by noting the number of articles written or contributions made to various publications to convey the extent of your writing capabilities.
• Describe any live reporting situations you've been involved in, highlighting your ability to deliver accurate information under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Reference any awards or recognitions received for your journalism, indicating your industry credibility and the quality of your work.
• List proficiency in content management systems and digital tools, demonstrating your adaptability and modern approach to journalism.
• Discuss your collaboration with editors, photographers, and other journalists to portray your teamwork skills and ability to contribute to a cohesive newsroom environment.
• Developed and pitched original story ideas leading to a 30% increase in feature pieces for the culture section.
• Investigated political corruption, resulting in a series that garnered the publication a regional journalism award.
• Regularly conducted interviews with key figures, expanding the publication's network and enhancing the credibility of content.
• Crafted compelling narratives for over 100 human interest stories, increasing readership among the 18-35 demographic by 20%.
• Initiated a successful weekly column focusing on environmental issues, elevating the publication's profile in green initiatives.
• Implemented a social media strategy that amplified content reach by 50%, boosting online engagement.
• Produced live reports from conflict zones that consistently rated highest amongst competing network segments.
• Facilitated a digital transformation by integrating multimedia content into traditional reporting, increasing digital audience by 40%.
• Collaborated with international correspondents to cover global events, enhancing the publication’s international reputation.
• Led a team of journalists in an undercover investigation that exposed a human trafficking ring and led to legislative changes.
• Launched a podcast series on local politics that reached the top 10 in news podcast charts within six months.
• Mentored junior reporters and interns, improving the quality of reporting and boosting team productivity by 25%.
• Spearheaded the transition to a digital-first newsroom, which doubled our online subscriber base to 100,000 in two years.
• Developed a content partnership with a leading data analysis firm to enhance the depth of economic reporting.
• Secured exclusive interviews with prominent figures in the technology sector, positioning the publication as a leader in tech news.
• Pioneered the use of interactive visuals in storytelling, leading to an increase in average page views per article by 35%.
• Directed a team that won the 'Best Reporting' accolade at the National Press Awards for a collaborative investigative project.
• Expanded the freelance contributor base by over 50 diverse voices, enhancing the breadth of perspectives covered.
• Conceptualized and led a multimedia project that mapped the impact of climate change across the UK, influencing public discourse.
• Gained proficiency in data journalism, using analytics to inform storytelling approaches and drive a 20% rise in content engagement.
• Nurtured partnerships with major non-profits, securing exclusive content and increasing the reference citations by other media entities.
• Launched a local investigative unit that contributed to a 25% rise in annual web traffic through in-depth community reporting.
• Facilitated a series of workshops that increased proficiency in mobile journalism among staff, improving on-the-ground coverage speed.
• Orchestrated the coverage of the 2024 elections with multimedia content that significantly outperformed competitor engagement metrics.

Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills

Your journalist CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:

• Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware) . List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
• People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems . Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.

Top skills for your journalist CV:

News Writing and Editing

Multimedia Storytelling

Investigative Reporting

Data Journalism

Social Media Proficiency

SEO Knowledge

Content Management Systems

Audio and Video Production

Photography

Fact-Checking and Research

Critical Thinking

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Communication

Time Management

Interviewing

Ethical Judgement

Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.

Further professional qualifications for your journalist CV: education and certificates

As you're nearing the end of your journalist CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:

• applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
• diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
• extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.

Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you . Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:

• CV Certifications - Tips, Examples & Template to Use in 2024
• How to Include CV Coursework on Your CV

Key takeaways

Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional journalist CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:

• Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
• Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
• Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
• List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
• Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.

Looking to build your own Journalist CV?

• CV Examples

Frequently asked questions about Journalist CVs

What's the ideal length for a journalist cv, how do i showcase my awards and recognition on my journalist cv, what soft skills are important for a journalist cv.

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Journalist CV

Maya has opted for the simple Wheaton template to display her creative prowess and ability to lead teams. She is actively seeking job opportunities to leverage her 10+ years of experience in delivering impactful news stories. She adeptly blends storytelling, editing, team management, and interviewing, and her career is marked by excellence in investigative journalism.

"Dedicated and seasoned Senior Journalist with over 10 years of experience in delivering compelling news stories to a diverse audience. Adept at on-the-spot reporting, conducting in-depth interviews, and producing engaging multimedia content. Natural leader with an excellent track record of leading teams and inspiring others while adhering to journalistic ethics."

Table of contents

How to Write a Top-notch Journalist CV in 2024 (Free Guide with Examples)

In today's digital world, your journalist CV is your ticket to success in the media field and is the first document employers see upon receiving your application. It plays a pivotal role in showcasing your communication and writing skills, whether you are a student , an experienced professional, or seeking a career change . Journalists are the storytellers, researchers, interviewers, and fact-checkers who work under tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

This article discusses how to create a simple CV that stands out and impresses recruiters. The key step to achieving this is making it applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly . Doing so ensures you stay attuned to the latest industry trends and meet the job's requirements. Read our step-by-step guide and open doors to the UK job market in 2023 and beyond.

Journalist CV example

Download this journalist CV sample in PDF

Maya Anderson is an experienced London journalist with a proven track record of delivering impactful news stories to a wide audience. She excels in the art of on-the-spot reporting, conducting interviews, and producing multi-channel content. As evidenced in the work experience section, she has a natural aptitude for leadership. She boasts an impressive history of guiding journalistic teams while upholding the highest standards of ethical journalism.

Get creative with your journalist CV now

What to include in a cv for a journalist.

Your CV is your first opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers, so it's crucial to ensure it's comprehensive, well-written, and accurate. While a journalist's CV is no different from other professions, some industry-specific information only pertains to journalists. If your CV already has core sections, you can add a link to your portfolio, awards, or memberships. Knowing what to include can help you write a good CV .

Types of journalists:

News Reporter

Investigative Journalist

Feature Writer

Political Journalist

Science and Health Reporter

Business and Financial Journalist

Entertainment Journalist

Sports Reporter

Foreign Correspondent

Photojournalist.

Refer to the CV writing process article for more information on how to tailor your CV.

When choosing sections for your CV, consider your specialisation within journalism. Doing so ensures it is relevant to a specific job while targeting the right keywords from a job post.

Showcase your personal profile on a journalist CV

As a journalism graduate , your personal profile should reflect your passion for storytelling, your commitment to factual and ethical reporting, and your versatility in adapting to the evolving media landscape. Highlight your ability to engage diverse audiences and your dedication to delivering accurate and engaging content that resonates with readers, viewers, or listeners.

Broadcast Journalist CV personal profile example

Experienced Broadcast Journalist with 7 years of experience, specialising in radio and television reporting. Proficient in delivering breaking news stories, conducting interviews, and producing engaging broadcasts. Proficient in live reporting, scriptwriting, and video editing. Adept at maintaining composure in high-pressure situations and adhering to ethical journalism standards to deliver accurate and compelling news content.

Freelance Journalist CV personal profile example

Versatile Freelance Journalist with 6 years of experience across various media outlets. Known for consistently producing high-quality articles, reports, and features on a wide range of topics. Effective communicator with a talent for adapting writing style and tone to meet client needs. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and exceed client expectations while maintaining a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Multimedia Journalist CV personal profile example

Multimedia Journalist with 5 years of experience covering diverse news stories across multiple platforms. Strong foundation in reporting, photography, and video production skill set. Proficient in capturing and editing content to create engaging and informative news packages. Adept at working independently and as part of a team to deliver compelling and informative news to a wide audience.

Read the personal profile on a CV article for more inspiration.

Display key skills for a journalist CV

List your skills in areas such as research, writing, editing, and video production. Demonstrate your proficiency in using tools and software commonly utilised in journalism. These may include content management systems, video editing software, and data analysis tools.

Showcase your skills in meeting deadlines, adjusting to various writing styles, and maintaining accuracy and integrity in your work. Effective written and verbal communication skills are also essential in this section.

Visit the skills on a CV article to find out more.

Write an achievements-based work experience for a journalist CV

Emphasise your hands-on experience in journalism roles such as Broadcast Journalist, Magazine Journalist, or Newspaper Journalist. Showcase your ability to research, investigate, and report on a variety of topics relevant to your field. Highlight your achievements in delivering impactful news stories, features, or broadcasts.

Even if you have little to no experience, you can mention any internships or freelance work, allowing you to build your portfolio and demonstrate your writing, editing, and interviewing skills. Additionally, consider taking apprenticeships , part-time jobs, or other relevant hobbies and interests .

Refer to how to write a CV with no experience for more information.

Example of work experience for a journalist CV

Broadcast Journalist, London News Channel, London, UK, 2023-Present

Work closely with producers, camera crews, and editors to plan, script, and produce news segments. Write and present news scripts for live broadcasts and conduct on-the-ground interviews, ensuring clarity and engaged storytelling. Participate in live on-air reporting, including field reporting during significant events, providing real-time updates, and conducting interviews with on-site witnesses and experts.

Increased viewer engagement by 30% using infographics and video clips in news segments.

Assisted in launching the channel's main morning show, which led to a 40% increase in viewers in the first three months.

Implemented a data-driven approach to news reporting, resulting in a 15% increase in website traffic and online audience engagement.

See the work experience in a CV article to learn more.

Highlight education on a journalist CV

Detail your educational background, including your journalism degree, the university you attended, and graduation date. If you pursued specialised courses or certifications in journalism, mention them to demonstrate your dedication to the field. If relevant, include any awards or honours received during your academic journey. Your education section should reinforce your foundation in journalism principles and practices.

Examples of education for a journalist:

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of London, London, UK, 2023

Master of Communication and Media Studies, University of Manchester, UK, 2022

Diploma in Broadcast Journalism, Cardiff University, Wales, UK, 2020

Including your grades is optional but can enhance your CV if you have the highest grades, especially if you're a recent graduate or changing careers.

Refer to the education on a CV article for more guidance.

Key takeaways

By utilising our top tips and a sprinkle of creativity, you can outrun the competition. This industry knowledge opens doors for your journalism career and prepares you for upcoming job interviews. Your success relies on creating a journalist CV tailored to specific roles, showcasing your relevant skills and career goals.

By learning to make an ATS-friendly CV and navigate the job market, you can eventually increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the interview. Your CV tells your story, helping you achieve your journalism goals and leaving a lasting impact on your writing.

Next steps?

If you're looking for a job, check out our CV templates and cover letter templates to impress at your next interview. Contact our CV Writing Services experts to get help proofreading and customising your CV for a specific job. For more resources, see the article on how to start a cover letter and how long should a cover letter be . 

What is a personal profile for a journalist CV?

A personal profile, also known as a summary or personal statement, is a brief section at the top of your CV. It briefly overviews your journalist's skills, experience, and career goals in four to six lines. Think of it as your elevator pitch to catch your recruiter’s attention.

How do I write a CV for a news reporter?

Focus on highlighting your relevant journalism experience, storytelling and research skills, and ability to stick to deadlines. Include details about your work relevant to news reporting, interviews, or other transferrable knowledge. Additionally, highlight your expertise in fact-checking and interviewing. 

See the writer and digital marketing articles for more examples.

What makes a good media CV?

A strong media CV showcases your skills and accomplishments effectively. It should include a clear summary, detailed work experience, relevant skills, and industry-specific qualifications or awards. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible. Additionally, tailor your CV to the specific media job you're applying for to demonstrate your suitability.

See the modern CV article for more industry tips.

Can your journalist CV be 2 pages?

It's best to keep your CV short, ideally having one page or two pages. But it can be longer if you have a lot of relevant experience. Ensure that every detail on the CV directly relates to the job you're applying for. Avoid unnecessary information and focus on making each section impactful and concise.

See how long should a CV be for more details

What jobs can journalists do in the UK?

Beyond traditional journalism, the skillset of a journalist can also lead to careers in public relations, corporate communications, and content creation.

Journalists can pursue various roles, including but not limited to:

Digital Copywriter

Public Relations Officer

Market Researcher

Multimedia Specialist

Advertising Copywriter

Refer to Prospects or National Careers Service for more information. 

Can a journalist in the UK write a handwritten CV?

While you can technically write a CV by hand, it's not common practice in the UK. To make a professional document, start with a simple Word file and then add the pertinent details to a CV. This ensures your application is complete and meets the standard job’s requirements.

Can journalists in the UK be compelled to reveal their sources?

The legal principle of "journalistic privilege" exists but is not absolute in the UK. Nevertheless, they have legal protections to safeguard their sources. In certain cases, journalists may face legal challenges to disclose sources , such as criminal investigations or national security concerns. Therefore, you need to be aware of legal rights and seek advice if you encounter potential source disclosure issues.

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Journalism Resume Samples

This page provides you with Journalism resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a Journalism resume.

Journalism is a cutthroat industry. As a journalist, you will be in constant competition with other reporters and media organizations, always on the hunt for big scoops, interesting assignments, and prestigious bylines.

The competition for journalist positions is similarly cutthroat. When applying for a job you will need a resume that quickly and effectively captures the attention of hiring managers.

There’s no doubt you are great at writing, that’s your life, work and passion, although writing the best resume requires additional skills that you must use in order to convince the recruiter that you are the one! Our journalist resume sample have helped many of your colleague securing that dream job they have wanted for years: why don’t you let us inspire you as well?

With VisualCV you can create professional, eye-catching resumes that showcase your skills and feature a portfolio of writing samples and articles you have previously written.

What should a Journalist resume include?

Any Journalist resume should include the following:

• Your work history as a Journalist.
• Your contact information and portfolio links.
• Any awards or recognitions received.
• A professional summary.

How to Write a Journalist Resume?

To write a Journalism resume follow these steps:

• Select a Journalist resume template.
• Describe your journalistic experience, achievements and skills in short summary.
• List your Journalist work history in a reverse chronological order.
• Add your education section to the bottom of your Journalist resume.
• If you have notable achievements, list them in a separate achievement section.
• Add your skills to a skill section on your resume.

Journalism as a profession requires logical and concise writing, and your resume should reflect this. Much like the stories you write in your capacity as a journalist, your resume should have clear prose and a compelling narrative.

Use your resume to show how you have worked your way to your current role.

Your work experience should be written in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent position and working backwards. Carefully curate the details that you share in your resume, choosing only those which showcase your marketable abilities.

As strong editing skills and a close attention to detail will be expected of you as a journalist, be sure that your resume is easy to navigate and contains no errors or typos.

Last, but not least: most recruiters require a portfolio of writing samples from previous assignments. Oh, and make sure you do not save your resume as a .doc file. Unfortunately Microsoft Word is evil and more often than not, it changes your layout. Please save it as a .pdf!

• Work Experience

Your Work History should tell the story of your career path.

This section is where you can detail your past employment, including your achievements, skills, and responsibilities. Don’t be shy, you know you have been working hard on building your career, so please don’t sell yourself short and let’s convince your future employer that you are the one!

DO (make yourself look great)

• Focus on quantifiable achievements (like ‘Increased web traffic by 75%’)
• Customize the information you highlight to suit the position you are applying to
• List your experiences in reverse-chronological order
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation please!
• Be creative

DON’T (embarrass yourself)

• Write a tedious list of obligations from previous roles.
• List every position you have ever had, going back decades
• List achievements unrelated to the position

For more tips on writing the best work experience section for a fantastic software engineer like you, check out our detailed resume guide .

Though there are rare occasions where journalists break into the industry without it, some educational credentials will be an enormous asset to your journalism resume. Many academic institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in journalism, although related degrees in things like communications or political science can also be an asset, depending on your reporting specialty.

For each item in your education section, list the name of the institution, the degree that you earned there, and the years you attended. If you can think of any relevant awards you received or special projects you participated in, feel free to note them as well.

• Best Journalism Skills

As a journalist, you will be asked to research and report on current events in a timely fashion. You will likely be writing web content, and what content you create will have to be understandable and interesting. Journalism skills that employers look for include:

• Cover Letter: yes or no?

A great cover letter has never hurt anyone!

Match a brief one-pager with your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. Follow our tips here .

We really like you, so here’s some additional tips for your best journalist resume!

• Include a link to your online portfolio
• Make sure your resume doesn’t reach the 3rd page!
• List the awards and accolades you’ve earned
• Show your biggest clients!
• Have a professional email address
• Say you can use Microsoft Word: really?
• Use too many colors and more than 2 fonts
• Badmouth others

Finally, if you are looking for the best journalist resume templates, you should check these masterpieces we have been working on here : many professionals like you have successfully used them to take their career to the next level.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.