How to Write a Resume for a Job as a Newspaper Reporter
The resume doesn't have to be the most stressful part of a job search, yet many job seekers get stuck on this document. This seems especially true in journalism, where your communication skills receive extra scrutiny. Remind yourself that you're a trained writer, and you have the skills to make your resume stand out. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind.
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Instructions
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An editor is looking for someone who can handle the rigors of the news industry. That means juggling multiple stories and constant deadlines. With that in mind, don’t simply make a “grocery list” of where you worked and when, but highlight specific accomplishments at each position. Show that you can handle complex stories, develop difficult beats and write in a way that grabs the readers' attention.
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If you are listing a job that isn't directly related to journalism, explain how you developed skills there that will make you a greater asset to the newspaper. Did you develop strong people skills and a thick skin in customer service? Did you learn multitasking and management skills in an office setting?
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When listing awards, remember to list the full name of the award, the awarding body and the date on which it was granted. Editors check this information to make sure you really have the accomplishments you claim, so make the search easy for them. If space allows, include any comments from the judges on why they picked your work.
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When listing journalism fellowships, workshops and noteworthy training seminars, offer a complete list of when you participated and where (remember, you're making the editor's background check simple). Also describe the skills you learned that will make you a better asset to the newsroom.
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Under the "skills" section, include relevant computer skills, especially computer-assisted reporting techniques, HTML and website development knowledge. Most newsrooms are still in the process of integrating new and old media and want candidates with the background that will help them along the way.
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Blogs. While many newspapers are looking for reporters who are comfortable with a blog, think before you include a personal one. You only want to show your blog to your potential boss if it's professional, not if it recounts personal dramas, obscenity-laced tirades or embarrassing photos or anecdotes.
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Tips & Warnings
Search for and eliminate cliches and jargon that might have slipped in.
Spell check, and then spell check again. And keep in mind that spell check software can miss correctly-spelled words that are simply misused.
Read your resume out loud to make sure there are no awkward sentences.
Have someone read your resume to make sure everything is in order.
Don’t forget your contact information. That error is more common than you might think.
