How to Make a Resume for a Job in Journalism

How to Craft a Journalism Resume That Works

Want that dream journalism job? You need more than talent – you need a killer resume. This guide will help you build one that gets you noticed. We'll cover everything from the basics to making it ATS-friendly (that's Applicant Tracking System – the computer program that screens resumes).

The Journalism Resume Reality Check

The journalism world is tough. Your resume is your first impression – make it count. It’s not just about listing jobs. You need to show off your writing style, how adaptable you are, and your storytelling skills. Think impact, not just a list of tasks.

What Makes a Winning Journalism Resume?

1. Contact Info: Put your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn link at the top. Keep it clean and professional.
2. Summary/Objective (Maybe): A short summary (if you’re experienced) or objective statement (if you’re new to the field) highlighting your skills and goals. Customize this for each job.
3. Skills: This is HUGE. List both hard and soft skills.
   • Hard Skills: AP Style, SEO, social media, video editing, photography, CMS (content management systems), data analysis, interviewing, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling – the technical stuff.
   • Soft Skills: Great writing, communication, research, time management, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, meeting deadlines, work ethic, critical thinking, attention to detail – the people skills.
4. Experience: List your jobs in reverse order (newest first). For each one:
   • Job Title:
   • Company & Location:
   • Dates:
   • Achievements (Use the STAR Method!): Don't just list tasks. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Show your accomplishments. Instead of "Wrote articles," try "Wrote 20+ articles a month, boosting website traffic by 15%." See the difference? Numbers matter!
5. Portfolio Link: This is probably the most important part. Include a link to your online portfolio – where you showcase your best work.
6. Education: Degrees, relevant courses, GPA (if it’s above 3.5), and any awards.
7. Awards (Optional): Any awards or recognition you’ve earned.

Resume Tweaks for Success

Keywords: Use words from the job description. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for specific words. If your resume doesn’t have them, it might get missed. Think software, skills, and types of journalism (like investigative or broadcast).

Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong verbs. Think "authored," "created," "investigated," "reported," "analyzed," "produced." Make them pop!

Quantify: Use numbers to show the impact of your work. “Increased readership by 20%” is much better than “Improved readership.”

Tailor It: Customize your resume for every job application. Read the job description carefully.

Clean & Professional: Use a simple font like Times New Roman or Arial. Keep it clean. No crazy colors or graphics.

Proofread!: Typos are a huge turnoff. Proofread carefully – and have someone else check it, too!

Building a Portfolio That Shines

Your portfolio is just as important as your resume – maybe even more so! It shows off your best work. Include:

• Published articles (links!)
• Video projects (links!)
• Multimedia projects (links!)
• Writing samples (if you haven’t published much yet)

Get Online: A website or online portfolio is a must. Clippings.me, Journo Portfolio, or even a simple WordPress site can work well.

Resumes for Different Journalism Niches

The basic structure stays the same, but you'll want to highlight different things depending on your area:

• Broadcast: On-air experience, interviewing skills, news writing, awards.
• Print: News stories, features, opinions, meeting deadlines.
• Online/Digital: SEO, social media, web analytics, CMS skills.
• Investigative: Research skills, uncovering sensitive info, data analysis.

Handling Employment Gaps

Got gaps in your resume? Be honest and brief. Mention freelance work, volunteering, or personal projects.

Network, Network, Network!

Networking is key. Go to industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and reach out to people for informational interviews. A strong network makes a huge difference.

The Bottom Line: Your Resume, Your First Story

Your resume is your first chance to impress. By following these tips and tailoring it to each job, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. Show off your skills, use the STAR method, build a strong portfolio, and good luck!