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Table of contents

Journalism resume examples
Journalism resume template to copy and paste
How to format a journalism resume
How to write a journalism resume in just 5 steps
Consider adding a cover letter
Key takeaways for your journalism resume
FAQs from job seekers

You’ve spent your career telling the stories of others and speaking truth to power. But when it comes to telling your own story, you aren’t sure where to start.

Even the best storytellers need a hand sometimes. That’s where we come in.

We can guide you through the process of creating a resume that highlights what makes you an exceptional journalist and showcases the skills you’ve honed over the years.

This guide covers:

Top examples of journalism resumes.
Tips for designing and formatting a professional resume.
A step-by-step guide to writing an outstanding resume.
Advice on adding a cover letter.

Ready to create your journalism resume? Our AI Resume Builder is a good option. It’s easy to use and offers templates specifically tailored for your profession, ensuring your resume and application truly shine.

Journalism resume examples

Freelance journalist resume

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Here’s why this freelance journalist resume works:

Skills are elevated
This applicant is relatively new to freelancing, so they’ve wisely emphasized their skills over their work timeline, highlighting abilities like feature writing and content creation.
Uses data effectively
Journalists are respected for their impact, and this applicant demonstrates their reach by citing a 25% increase in readership, showcasing the tangible results of their work.
Includes skill categories
The applicant organizes their skills into relevant categories, such as investigative journalism and feature writing, making it easy for recruiters to see their expertise.

Multimedia journalist resume

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Here’s why this multimedia journalist resume works:

Striking design
Multimedia journalists should be adept with media, and this resume stands out with a modern design likely to impress recruiters.
Impressive career trajectory
This resume shows the journalist’s rise from a junior reporter to a digital content producer and finally a full-time multimedia journalist, illustrating their growth and increasing responsibilities.
Hard skills are well-represented
While journalists excel in soft skills, technical abilities are also crucial. This resume highlights proficiency in Adobe programs and SEO optimization alongside interpersonal skills, providing a comprehensive view of the applicant’s capabilities.

Browse other popular samples

Journalism resume template to copy and paste

You can copy and paste the template below as a starting point to make your own resume.

Gary Bell
Roseville, MI 48066
555-555-5555
example@example.com

Professional Summary

Passionate freelance journalist with two years of experience in investigative reporting, feature writing and content creation. Successful at creating unique pieces to weave compelling stories. Seeking opportunities to leverage strong communication skills and expertise in research to deliver compelling stories and engaging content.

Skills

Investigative journalism
Feature writing
Content creation
Interviewing
Research
Fact-checking
Deadline management
Social media management

Professional Skills

Investigative Journalism:

Conducted in-depth investigations into local government corruption, resulting in five front-page stories.
Increased website traffic by 40% through publishing investigative pieces that gained significant public interest.
Collaborated with a team of journalists on a yearlong investigation into environmental violations, resulting in a Pulitzer Prize nomination.

Feature Writing:

Authored weekly lifestyle column, generating an average of 500,000 views per month.
Developed a series of articles profiling local entrepreneurs, resulting in a 25% increase in readership.
Won the “Best Feature Story” award from the State Press Association for an in-depth profile of a community leader.

Content Creation:

Produced daily content for social media platforms, increasing follower count by 20% in six months.
Created multimedia packages combining articles, photos and videos for online publications.
Collaborated with graphic designers to produce visually appealing infographics, doubling social media engagement.

Education and Training

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Production
University of Michigan Detroit, MI
May 2021

Work History

Freelance Journalist
SteadyContent – Detroit, MI
June 2022 – Current

Editorial Intern
Mindrift – Detroit, MI
June 2021 – June 2022

Certifications

Certificate in Investigative Journalism, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), 2023

How to format a journalism resume

Choosing the right resume format is an important step in making a job-winning resume.

The best format for most journalists is the chronological resume.

This format lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It’s ideal if you have a steady work history with clear progression. For any job seeker, this format effectively showcases your career development over time and highlights your most recent and relevant experiences first.

There are two other formats to consider:

Functional resume: Focuses on your skills and abilities rather than job history. Ideal if you’re new, have gaps in employment or are switching careers. For journalists, it highlights your writing skills, technical expertise and specific strengths without focusing on job dates or titles.
Combination resume: This format blends the functional and chronological formats. It highlights your key skills and achievements at the top, followed by a chronological list of your work experience. This is ideal for journalists with a variety of projects and clients, allowing you to showcase both your capabilities and career progression.

For more advice on formatting, check out our formatting guide.

Now, let’s talk design.

Picking a resume design

Create your resume

Now it’s time to select a resume template. Think of it as choosing the cover for your next book.

In a creative field like journalism, a more imaginative resume design is appropriate. Feel free to experiment with the layout, but make sure it stays clean and not too cluttered. Overly complex designs can cause issues with hiring software, so strike a good balance.

Ultimately, follow your instincts. Simple designs work just as well. The key is to reflect your personality.

Now, let’s focus on the content of your resume.

How to write a journalism resume in just 5 steps

Creating a resume for a journalist position can be simplified with a few key steps. Here’s how you can grab the attention of potential clients and employers.

Step 1

Be prepared to customize your resume

Whether you’re full-time or freelance, your knack for understanding and meeting audience needs helps you tailor your resume for every job.

Start by thoroughly examining the job description like you would a government document that’s the linchpin of your next investigative story. Highlight the skills and experiences the employer seeks, like exceptional storytelling, SEO knowledge and the ability to adhere to tight deadlines.

These core skills are your keywords. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume to illustrate your suitability for the role and to ensure it navigates smoothly through any applicant tracking systems (ATS) the employer might utilize.

Align your work history with the job’s demands. Emphasize how your past experiences reflect the required skills, presenting yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Step 2

Start with a career summary

This is your chance to make a great first impression and display your writing skills right from the start.

Begin your resume with an engaging introduction that grabs attention. Depending on your experience, you can use either a professional summary or a resume objective.

For most job seekers, a professional summary is ideal. This brief section at the top of your resume highlights your key qualifications, experiences and achievements, tailored to show your suitability for the role.

If you’re new to journalism, an objective statement that emphasizes your career goals and how they align with the responsibilities of the institution might be more appropriate.

Here’s how you could write these:

Professional summary example:

Experienced multimedia journalist with over five years in the field, adept at crafting compelling stories across various platforms. Skilled in SEO, content marketing and multimedia production. Recognized for delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines and increasing audience engagement through innovative storytelling. Eager to contribute my expertise and creativity to new projects.

Resume objective example:

Aspiring multimedia journalist with a strong foundation in journalism and a passion for storytelling. Dedicated to applying skills in content creation and multimedia production to help organizations achieve their communication goals. Motivated to develop a diverse portfolio and build lasting relationships through exceptional storytelling.

Step 3

Showcase your journalism skills

The skills you list on your resume will show that you have the necessary abilities to handle the tasks and challenges in journalism.

As a journalist, you need a combination of hard and soft skills. Abilities like multimedia production, SEO writing and content creation are just as important as communication, time management and flexibility.

If you’re coming from a different field, emphasize transferable skills such as critical thinking and attention to detail. These skills indicate your capability to manage diverse reporting demands and meet even the toughest editorial standards.

Example of a balanced skill set for a journalist:

Hard Skills

Multimedia production
Investigative reporting
SEO writing
Digital content creation

Soft Skills

Clear and effective communication
Strong time management
Ability to meet deadlines
Adaptability to various reporting styles

Skills section example for a journalist resume:

Proficient in multimedia production.
Skilled in investigative reporting.
Effective communicator with editors.
Strong time management.

Pro tip

Research skills are crucial for reporters. Be sure to highlight your ability to conduct in-depth investigations, verify facts and find reliable sources. This will show your dedication to delivering accurate and compelling stories.

Step 4

Lay out your work experience

Your work history is the heart of your resume, showcasing your practical experience and skills as a full-time journalist.

When detailing your full-time work experience, focus on your roles, responsibilities and achievements. Use clear, concise bullet points to present your experience, starting with your most recent position and working backward.

If you have done freelance work, you can dedicate a section of your resume to highlight this experience. Break it down by project or client to emphasize the diversity of your work and your ability to adapt to different styles and industries.

Here’s a work experience example for a full-time journalist:

Staff Writer | City Daily News
March 2019 – Present

Wrote and published over 200 articles on local news, politics and community events.
Conduct in-depth interviews with key public figures and community leaders.
Investigate and report on breaking news stories, providing accurate and timely information.
Collaborate with photographers and editors to enhance story presentation.

Pro tip

Begin each bullet point with strong action words like “authored,” “improved” and “produced” to emphasize the positive impacts of your work.

Step 5

Include an education section

While an advanced degree isn’t necessary to become a journalist, hard work and networking are key to landing a job. Early in your career, your education can help you stand out.

Presenting your educational background effectively can significantly enhance your resume.

Here’s how to list your education details:

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of Media Studies, City, State
Graduation: May 2020

Optional sections for a journalist resume

Portfolio

Displaying your top work samples can illustrate the variety and quality of your journalism. If sending your resume as a PDF, hyperlink your articles in the email’s body. For online applications, attach your samples in the designated section.

How to format your portfolio (make sure to include hyperlinks):

Investigative Report on Environmental Issues
Multimedia Feature on Urban Development
In-depth Interview with a Political Leader

Recent publications

Listing your recent work can showcase your expertise and experience in journalism.

How to format your publications:

“The Evolution of Digital Media,” Published in Media Today, April 2023.
“Innovative Approaches to Data Journalism,” Published on Data Insights Blog, January 2023.
“The Role of Social Media in Modern News,” Featured in Journalism Quarterly, November 2022.

Professional affiliations

Including your professional memberships shows your dedication to the field and active involvement in the journalism community.

How to list your affiliations:

Member, Society of Professional Journalists.
Member, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE).
Member, National Press Photographers Association (NPPA).

Awards and recognition

Highlighting your awards can set you apart as a dedicated and successful journalist.

How to highlight your awards:

Best Blog Post Award, Content Marketing Awards, 2023.
Honorable Mention, Short Story Competition, Writer’s Guild, 2022.
Excellence in Copywriting Award, Copywriters Association, 2021.

Volunteer experience

Mentioning relevant volunteer work can show your commitment to community service and your passion for journalism.

How to format your volunteer experience:

Volunteer Reporter: Covered local events and stories for the community newspaper, increasing awareness of neighborhood issues, Community News, 2022-Present.
Editor, Community Newsletter: Edited and published a monthly newsletter, ensuring accurate and timely information for residents, City Community Center, 2021-2022.

Languages

Proficiency in multiple languages can be a significant asset for certain types of reporting, enhancing your ability to cover diverse stories and connect with a broader audience.

How to list your language skills:

English: Native proficiency
Spanish: Fluent
French: Conversational proficiency
Mandarin: Basic understanding

Consider adding a cover letter

Cover letter experienced example journalist

Create your cover letter

Though not always required, adding a cover letter to your journalism resume is highly recommended. A well-written cover letter acts as an additional writing sample, giving you the chance to show you’re a formidable storyteller.

Use your cover letter to weave a narrative about your qualifications and experiences, going beyond what is listed on your resume. This is your opportunity to show your passion for journalism and the unique perspective you bring to the table.

For inspiration, review cover letter examples specific to journalism roles. Pay attention to how these samples highlight the candidate’s skills and achievements.

If you need help getting started, consider using a cover letter generator. These tools offer customizable templates that make it easy to create a strong cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Use it to dive deeper into your professional journey and make a memorable impression on recruiters.

Key takeaways for your journalism resume

Tailor your resume to the job description

Ensure your resume features keywords and phrases that match the job listing. This helps customize your application for the specific journalism role.
The chronological layout is effective

A chronological resume format is ideal for journalists with any professional experience. It provides a clear timeline of your work history, showcasing your career progression and most recent experiences.
Opt for a creative but professional design

Select a resume template that demonstrates your creativity while maintaining a professional look. A unique design can make your resume stand out while keeping it easy to read.
Highlight a variety of skills

Include both technical skills, such as multimedia production, SEO writing and content creation, along with soft skills like communication, time management and adaptability.
Showcase your portfolio

Add links to your top work samples. Your portfolio should display a range of writing styles and content types, highlighting your versatility and expertise.

FAQs from job seekers

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.