A journalist resume is your first impression in a competitive field where clarity, storytelling, and professionalism are crucial.

Whether you’re a seasoned investigative reporter or a fresh graduate eager to make your mark in media, a well-written application is key to showcasing your skills, experience, and passion for the craft.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to creating an effective document, complete with examples of a good resume tailored to different areas of journalism.

Journalist resume examples

Investigative journalist resume

Investigative journalist resume template

Investigative journalist resume template
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Investigative journalist resume sample | Plain text

Emily Parker

New York, NY
Email: emily.parker@gmail.com
Phone: (212) 555-9876

Resume Summary

Award-winning Investigative Journalist with experience uncovering corruption and exposing corporate misconduct. Skilled in data-driven investigations, storytelling, and producing impactful reports for major national publications. Adept at managing investigative teams, handling sensitive sources, and leveraging digital tools for multimedia storytelling.

Experience

Senior Investigative Journalist

The New York Times, NY — March 2019 – Present

  • Spearhead high-profile investigations, including a Pulitzer-nominated series on environmental hazards in urban areas, leading to citywide policy reform.
  • Conduct in-depth research utilizing complex datasets, FOIA requests, and advanced analytics tools to uncover systemic issues.
  • Interview whistleblowers, policymakers, and experts to build airtight narratives supported by hard evidence.
  • Mentor junior reporters, providing editorial oversight and training on investigative techniques.

Investigative Reporter

The Washington Post, D.C. — July 2014 – February 2019

  • Drafted comprehensive FOIA requests to secure critical documents and uncover financial misconduct.
  • Partnered with technical teams to integrate data visualizations and timelines into digital stories.
  • Regularly worked under tight deadlines while ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all content.

Education

Master’s in Journalism

Columbia University, New York, NY — Graduated May 2014

Bachelor’s in Political Science

University of California, Berkeley, CA — Graduated May 2011

Skills

  • Advanced research, FOIA requests, interviewing, fact-checking, source cultivation
  • Proficient in Excel, Tableau, Google Sheets, Python for data analysis
  • Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Audition
  • Arc Publishing, WordPress, CMS tools
  • Conversational Spanish; beginner-level proficiency in French

Awards

  • George Polk Award for Investigative Reporting (2021)
  • Finalist: Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Reporting (2020, 2017)
  • Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi Award (2018)

Why this reporter resume example is effective?

  • Clean spacing and logical flow help hiring managers quickly locate relevant information.
  • Listing prestigious awards on resume demonstrates excellence and high achievement.
  • Every detail serves a purpose—showcasing skills, experience, and accomplishments without unnecessary data.
How to format a journalism resume?
  • Use plain fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Garamond.
  • Font size should be 10–12 pt for body text and slightly larger for headers.
  • Set margins to 1 inch on all sides for a clean, uncluttered look.
  • Narrow the margins slightly (e.g., 0.75 inches) if you need to fit more content.
  • Avoid large blocks of text; break up content into bullet points and short paragraphs.
  • Stick to one page resume if you have under 10 years of experience.
  • Begin each entry with strong action verbs. Refrain from weak phrases.
  • Aim for 1–2 lines per bullet; prioritize brevity without sacrificing impact.
  • Align dates and locations to the right for readability.
  • A simple design ensures applicant tracking systems can parse your resume effectively.
  • The tone should be formal but enthusiastic.
  • Utilize keywords from the job listing to increase the chances of passing ATS scans.

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Broadcast journalist resume

Broadcast journalist resume example

Chris Williams

Los Angeles, CA
Email: chris.williams@gmail.com
Phone: (323) 555-4321

Resume Summary

Experienced Broadcast Journalist with over 9 years of live reporting and anchoring experience in both local and national news. Proficient in delivering breaking news, conducting in-depth interviews, and creating engaging stories for diverse audiences. Skilled in integrating social media to extend audience reach and foster viewer engagement.

Experience

News Anchor & Reporter

KABC-TV Channel 7, Los Angeles, CA — June 2018 – Present

  • Anchor daily live evening broadcasts, providing coverage of breaking news, community issues, and political events.
  • Conduct exclusive interviews with policymakers, local leaders, and industry experts to deliver insightful news segments.
  • Develop multi-platform content strategies, creating engaging material for television, websites, and social media channels.
  • Train junior reporters and interns on newsroom workflows, ethical reporting, and live broadcast techniques.

Reporter

ABC News, Los Angeles, CA — January 2016 – May 2018

  • Delivered field reports on high-profile events, including wildfires, earthquakes, and nationwide protests.
  • Investigated and produced a 10-part series on healthcare disparities in urban neighborhoods.
  • Utilized newsroom software (ENPS, iNews) for efficient story planning, scripting, and coordination.
  • Reported live from the field via social media platforms, providing real-time updates.

Education

Bachelor’s in Journalism

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA — Graduated May 2015

  • Minor in Spanish Language Studies
  • Member, Annenberg Media Center

Skills

  • Strong on-air presence, live reporting expertise
  • Proficient in newsroom software
  • Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro
  • Social media engagement strategies across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok
  • DSLR cameras and mobile reporting tools
  • Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish

Certifications

  • Broadcast Journalism Certification – Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), 2020
  • Social Media Strategies in Journalism – Poynter Institute, 2019

Additional Activities

  • Media Mentor – National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), 2021 – Present
  • Community Engagement Advocate – Host local town hall forums on environmental justice and disaster preparedness

Why this sample resume for broadcast journalist is compelling?

  • The opening statement demonstrates versatility by mentioning social media integration, which is critical in modern journalism.
  • Bilingual proficiency is a valuable asset, particularly for diverse audiences in Los Angeles.
  • The education section highlights not only a degree but also a minor in Spanish, which broadens the candidate’s appeal.
How to choose between journalist resume summary and objective?

A resume summary is best suited for experienced professionals who want to showcase their accomplishments, expertise, and qualifications upfront.

  • Offers a quick snapshot of your career in 2–3 sentences.
  • Focuses on your unique selling points (e.g., awards, years of experience, or specialized skills).

Example of a journalist resume summary:

Dynamic sports reporter with extensive experience covering professional leagues, collegiate sports, and major sporting events. Skilled in producing compelling game analyses, player interviews, and feature stories. Known for engaging sports commentary, quick reporting, and building rapport with athletes and fans.

A resume objective is ideal for entry-level candidates or those making a significant career shift. It outlines your goals and highlights how you plan to contribute to the role.

  • Focuses on your aspirations rather than past accomplishments.
  • Usually includes skills or qualities that demonstrate potential value to the organization.

Example of a journalist resume objective:

Global journalist with 7+ years of experience reporting from conflict zones, covering international politics, and providing on-the-ground coverage for major events. Seeking to bring multilingual communication skills to BBC News.

How to show education on a resume of journalist?
  • List your most recent diploma first.
  • Mention the type of the degree you earned.
  • Include the name of the institution.
  • Indicate the month and year of graduation.
  • Add specific courses that are particularly relevant to the job.
  • Write any academic achievements such as honors, high GPA, or special recognition.

Digital journalist resume

Digital journalist resume template

Digital journalist resume template
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Digital journalist resume sample | Plain text

Jordan Lee

Chicago, IL
Email: jordan.lee@gmail.com
Phone: (773) 555-1112

Resume Summary

Digital Journalist with experience creating compelling digital content across various platforms. Specializes in storytelling through multimedia, including writing, editing, podcasting, and video production. Proven ability to grow online readership and engagement, with a strong background in SEO, analytics, and social media marketing.

Experience

Senior Digital Reporter

Chicago Tribune, IL — February 2020 – Present

  • Write and edit daily news articles, feature stories, and investigative pieces for the digital edition.
  • Lead the production of multimedia content, including video features and podcasts.
  • Spearhead the strategy for growing social media engagement, increasing followers.
  • Analyze user behavior and audience engagement using tools like Chartbeat to optimize content strategy.

Digital Journalist

The Verge, Chicago, IL — June 2017 – January 2020

  • Covered breaking technology news, including product launches, industry trends, and major events such as CES and Apple's keynote addresses.
  • Developed and executed SEO strategies, working with SEO specialists to ensure articles ranked high in search results and drove organic traffic.
  • Built relationships with industry leaders and interviewed top executives to provide insightful commentary on tech trends and innovations.

Education

Bachelor’s in Digital Media and Journalism

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL — Graduated May 2017

  • Honors: Cum Laude
  • Relevant Coursework: Digital Storytelling, Multimedia Journalism, Data Visualization, SEO for Journalists

Skills

  • Digital Content Creation
  • SEO & Analytics
  • Multimedia Production
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Audience Engagement Strategies
  • Software Proficiency

Certifications

  • Google Analytics Certification — Google Analytics Academy, 2022
  • Advanced SEO for Journalists — Poynter Institute, 2021
  • Podcasting Mastery — Coursera, 2020

Awards

  • Best Digital Feature Award — Illinois Press Association, 2021
  • Finalist for Digital Journalism Excellence — Online Journalism Awards, 2020

Additional Projects

Founder and Host: Tech Insights Podcast (2019 – Present)

  • A weekly podcast focused on tech industry trends, featuring interviews with industry leaders and analysis of emerging technologies.

Volunteer: Mentor, Digital Journalism Workshop — Northwestern University (2019 – Present)

  • Mentor journalism students on best practices in digital content creation, SEO, and social media engagement.

Strong sides of this sample resume for journalism:

  • The inclusion of technical capacities alongside creative ones positions Jordan as a versatile digital journalist with a well-rounded skill set.
  • Volunteering highlights leadership and teaching qualities that would be valuable in a newsroom environment.
  • The certifications from reputable sources emphasize commitment to staying up-to-date with industry standards.
How to organize experience on a reporter resume?
  • Arrange your work history in reverse chronological order.
  • Job titles should be bolded or set apart from the rest of the text to stand out.
  • For each role, clearly state the company name and its location.
  • Bullet points help break down the experience into digestible, easy-to-read chunks.
  • While it's important to describe duties, it's even more important to highlight achievements.
  • Use metrics and data whenever possible.
What are the main journalism skills for resume?
  • Hard skills are teachable abilities or knowledge sets that can be quantified or measured. They are learned through formal education, training programs, or certifications.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance a person's interactions and communication with others. They are more difficult to quantify and are gained through life experiences, practice, and social interactions.

Hard skills for journalist resume:

  • Writing and editing
  • Research and fact-checking
  • SEO and keyword optimization
  • Data analysis (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
  • Multimedia production (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
  • Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
  • Social media management (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
  • Podcasting and audio editing (e.g., Audacity, GarageBand)
  • Video editing and production (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
  • Photography and videography
  • Copywriting and technical writing
  • Journalism ethics and law
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Multimedia storytelling
  • Press release writing
  • Language proficiency (e.g., bilingual skills)
  • Public relations and media outreach
  • Podcast and video hosting
  • Scriptwriting

Soft skills for journalist resume:

  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Research skills
  • Creativity
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Active listening
  • Conflict resolution
  • Multitasking
  • Decision-making
  • Work ethic
  • Networking
  • Stress management
  • Negotiation skills
  • Leadership

Conclusion

Each of these journalist resume examples targets a specific type of specialist, ensuring that the candidate's skills and experience are aligned with the needs of their niche.

By including unique strength, quantifiable contributions, and clear career progression, these applications stand out to hiring managers.

Tailoring your document to the role you're seeking, whether it's investigative, broadcast, or digital journalism, is key to making a lasting impression.

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