Applying for a job in journalism can feel like a daunting task.
While platforms like Indeed simplify the process – this ease is often at a disadvantage to the applicant.
With just a few clicks, budding writers can submit their CVs, which floods potential employers with numerous generic resumes. The result? Many are quickly overlooked.
At GRV Media, we experience this firsthand. Whenever we post a job ad, we are swarmed with applicants, and it means we often have to seek out the best. This ultimately means it’s vital to stand out.
We look for key qualities when reviewing CVs, and those who fail to meet these criteria are disregarded.
So, to help you improve your chances, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the dos and don’ts of applying for a job in journalism.
Don’t send a generic letter with your CV
We experience a number of CVs from graduates who tell us in great detail why they want to work with the company – only to have our name spelt wrong, or a different organisation altogether mentioned in the copy. This is not a good look.
Don’t send in a CV more than one page long
If you have little to no experience, or you’re just starting out; no one expects you to have a lot to include. We don’t want to wade through a CV that takes us more seconds to read than the age of the person who wrote it!
Don’t use unnecessary waffle!
We don’t read through CVs which say what a wonderful person you are, or who has great work qualities. No one urges us to hire them because they are lazy and work-shy. This is common sense – and unnecessary in a CV.
Don’t include irrelevant work experience
You shouldn’t fill up a CV with boring details of non-relevant part-time jobs at Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s or Boots.
Yes, we’re interested that you were motivated enough to work and earn some money during your studies, but we don’t want all the details.
Just a list that says: ‘Part-time work at University, including stints at X, Y and Z’. Simples. This should go at the foot of your CV, just ahead of any references you provide.
What you should be doing instead…
- Spell-check your CV and accompanying letter – silly typos are what good journalists do not make!
- Start off with details of your degree(s) – type, class, where.
- Detail what you learned in your course that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
- List individually every part-time job/work experience that you have undertaken that is directly relevant to the job you are applying for; include internships, volunteer positions and any paid work.
And above all, showcase your talents. Do this by writing a sample article, and please don’t send in the same article with every job application.
Look at the websites of the organisation you are applying to, review the house style, and the type of content published (if most articles are 350 words, write an article with a similar word count).
Demonstrate that you know the basics – internal and external linking, use an enticing (but not misleading) headline, and show you have put some thought into your content selection.
Come up with something unique. Move the narrative on – don’t report the news; add value – express your view, and back it up with data where possible.
Now all this won’t guarantee that you will get a job – or even an interview. But it will give you a better chance.
We receive hundreds of CVs each month – make sure yours is impactful! Good luck to you all.