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Reporter Resume Guidance

Your CV is your personal news story, a detailed account of your journalistic skills, experiences, and the unique perspective you bring to the newsroom.

Resume Structure

1. Contact Information

  • Name: Include your full name.
  • Title: Professional title (e.g., “Reporter” or “Journalist”).
  • Phone Number: Use a professional number.
  • Email Address: A professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@example.com).
  • Portfolio/Website: Provide a link to a portfolio showcasing published work.
  • LinkedIn Profile: Optional, but recommended for networking.

2. Professional Summary

A brief, compelling summary (2–3 sentences) that highlights your experience, skills, and career focus.

Example:

Dedicated Reporter with 5+ years of experience delivering engaging content for print and digital media. Skilled in investigative journalism, interviewing, and AP Style. Proven track record of breaking impactful stories and meeting tight deadlines in fast-paced newsroom environments.

3. Key Skills

List your core competencies relevant to reporting. Include both technical and soft skills:

  • Investigative Reporting
  • Interviewing and Sourcing
  • Writing and Editing (AP Style, SEO Content)
  • Social Media Management
  • Multimedia Journalism (video, audio editing)
  • Fact-Checking and Research
  • Deadline-Driven Reporting
  • Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, or CMS Proficiency

4. Professional Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each role, include:

  • Job Title
  • Employer Name, Location (City, State)
  • Dates of Employment (Month/Year – Month/Year)
  • Bullet points highlighting responsibilities, achievements, and measurable outcomes. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible.

Example:
Reporter
Daily Times, Los Angeles, CA
March 2019 – Present

  • Covered breaking news and feature stories on local government, education, and public health, publishing 100+ articles annually.
  • Conducted in-depth interviews with key sources, ensuring accurate and compelling narratives.
  • Collaborated with photographers and editors to produce visually engaging multimedia packages.
  • Increased website traffic by 25% through optimized headlines and social media promotion.

5. Education

List your academic background, including degrees and relevant coursework.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
    University of California, Berkeley – May 2017

Include minors, honors, or significant projects if applicable (e.g., “Editor-in-Chief of Campus Newspaper”).

6. Awards and Recognitions (Optional)

Highlight any journalism awards or recognitions:

  • First Place – Investigative Reporting, State Press Awards, 2022
  • Excellence in Feature Writing, Regional Journalism Society, 2021

7. Volunteer Work or Extracurricular Activities (Optional)

Showcase leadership roles or volunteer activities that demonstrate your passion for journalism.

  • Volunteer Journalist: Local Community News Blog (2021–Present)
  • Editor: Student Newspaper, University of California (2016–2017)

8. Additional Sections (Optional)

  • Languages: Mention fluency in additional languages if relevant to the role (e.g., bilingual in English and Spanish).
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Premiere, Audition, or other content management systems (CMS).

Formatting Tips

  1. Length: Keep the resume concise (1 page is ideal unless you have extensive experience).
  2. Font: Use a professional, easy-to-read font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 10–12 pt).
  3. Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your experience (e.g., “Authored,” “Investigated,” “Produced”).
  4. Tailor for ATS: Include keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.
  5. Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio link is functional and contains your best work.

Pro Tips

Proofread: Ensure the resume is error-free. A typo can be a dealbreaker for a writing professional.

Tailor Your Resume: Adjust your resume to match the job description, emphasizing relevant experience.

Show Metrics: Include measurable achievements, like audience growth, number of stories published, or awards won.

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