How to Write a Resume for a Journalism Job

Your resume is often your first contact with prospective employers. Since style and personality are especially important in the field of journalism, allow your resume to reflect those qualities.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. List your most relevant experience first. If your degree is in journalism, start out with your educational achievements. However, if you lack an educational background in journalism, but have one or more professional credits to your name, dedicate your first section to your work experience.

2. Go into detail about your work experience as a journalist. Instead of simply noting your previous job titles and publication credits, take one or two lines to give prospective employers a good idea of your general writing style and preferred topics.

3. Include all past jobs you've held. However, try to highlight any responsibilities in these jobs that are similar to journalism. This will give potential employers the impression that you are hardworking, experienced and trustworthy in the workplace.

4. Indicate whether you are a published writer. While you shouldn't send samples of your work with your resume unless requested, you can make mention of publication honors and awards you've received. Write a note offering samples of your work upon request.

5. Mirror the language of the job post to which you are replying. Look at the requirements and responsibilities listed in the job posting and use the same verbiage in your work history section.

6. Hire someone to proofread your resume. Having a properly formatted, grammatically correct resume is vital when you're applying for a journalism job. A single typo or poorly worded sentence could cost you the job.

7. Write down all relevant volunteer experiences, internships and school journalism jobs. It doesn't matter whether you wrote for the school newspaper or had an internship at your local newspaper office.

8. Include quality professional references. The world of journalism is small, and a good reference can go a long way toward landing you that perfect job.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not waste your time with a general resume that you might send out to dozens of prospective employers. Be specific and target your resume for each and every job you apply for.