Journalist CV examples

Think of your CV as your greatest pitch yet – except this time, you’re the story. Whether you’re pitching to a national news outlet, a niche publication, or an online platform, a good CV needs to showcase your ability to inform and engage while meeting tight deadlines.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to structure and format your CV, highlight your writing and research skills, and position yourself as the ideal candidate for any newsroom.

Your CV structure needs to be as organised as your research notes before a big feature. A disorganised CV is like an unfinished draft – confusing, hard to follow, and unlikely to make it to print: keep the focus on your skills, not your layout mistakes.

Here’s how to structure your Journalist CV:

• Name and contact details – Place contact details at the top so editors can easily get in touch. Including a picture of yourself is entirely optional.
• Profile – Start with a summary of your career highlights, key skills, and journalistic focus.
• Core skills – Showcase abilities like investigative reporting, feature writing, or video editing.
• Work experience – List your roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on significant stories and responsibilities.
• Education – Include your qualifications in journalism, media studies, or other relevant fields in your CV.
• Additional info – Optionally, mention hobbies and interests like blogging, podcasting, or volunteering that show your passion for storytelling.

Your CV format should reflect the clarity and professionalism you bring to your writing. A clean, easy-to-read layout ensures that editors and recruiters can focus on your experience and skills.

Here’s how to format your Journalist CV effectively:

• Bullet points – Break down key information into bite-sized pieces for easy skimming.
• Divide sections – Use clear headings to organise your experience and achievements logically.
• Use a clean font – Choose a professional font that makes your CV readable and polished.
• Keep it the right length – Stick to no more than 2 pages – enough length to highlight your skills and experience without overwhelming the recruiter.

Your profile is your headline – it needs to grab attention immediately, and keep the reader reading. Use this space to highlight your journalistic expertise, career achievements, and professional aspirations, emphasising the value you’d bring to a new role.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Journalist CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Mention the publications or media outlets you’ve contributed to.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight degrees or certifications in journalism, media, or communication.
• Essential skills – Note key abilities like investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, or social media management.
• Career highlights – Briefly mention any significant stories you’ve worked on or awards you’ve received.
• Future goals – Reference ambitions that align with the role, such as covering specific beats or managing editorial teams.

Think of your core CV skills section as your byline – it tells everyone exactly what you’re known for and what you’ll bring to the newsroom. Highlight the technical and creative abilities that make you an asset to any publication.

Tailor this section to the role you’re applying for. For example, if the job requires multimedia expertise, include skills like video editing or podcast production. If it’s a writing-heavy role, focus on copywriting, investigative research, or SEO optimisation.

Your work experience section is where you bring your journalistic journey to life. This is your opportunity to show recruiters the impact you’ve made in your previous roles and the breadth of your experience.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. If you’ve worked on notable stories, mention them briefly and focus on the skills and expertise they demonstrate, such as investigative reporting or multimedia storytelling. For those just starting out, highlight internships, freelance work, or student journalism that showcases your potential. 

• Outline – Provide a brief overview of the publication, your role, and the type of content you created. 
• Responsibilities – Highlight key duties, such as researching stories, conducting interviews, or editing content for publication. Use action verbs like “investigated,” “produced,” or “edited.”
• Achievements – Include measurable outcomes that demonstrate the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Always use numbers or specific results wherever possible.

Education is an important section for journalists, as it highlights your foundational knowledge and training. Include degrees in journalism, media studies, or related fields, along with any certifications in areas like SEO or digital content creation.

List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. If you’re early in your career, highlight relevant coursework, internships, or student journalism projects that demonstrate your passion for the field.