Resume Writing Tips for Reporter & Sub Editor

Introduction

In the dynamic world of journalism, reporters and sub editors are at the forefront, shaping narratives and ensuring content quality. Employers seek candidates whose resumes reflect clarity, impact, and the ability to navigate the evolving media landscape. Unlike generic resumes, those tailored for reporting and sub editing roles must exhibit both editorial acumen and mastery of newsroom technologies. This blog delves deeply into ten essential resume writing strategies to position you as a top contender in this field.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary functions as your elevator pitch—it’s the first thing recruiters read and should immediately convey your professional identity and value. For reporters and sub editors, focus on your editorial experience, storytelling flair, ability to work under deadlines, and any unique beats or media you have mastered.

Example: “Results-driven reporter with 5+ years of experience covering political and social issues in fast-paced news environments. Adept at investigative storytelling, fact-checking, and managing editorial workflows with a commitment to accuracy and audience engagement.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting the right skills helps you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and impress hiring managers. Your skillset needs to balance editorial expertise with technical competence.

• Copyediting & Proofreading
• Investigative Reporting
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• AP Style & Journalistic Ethics
• Multimedia Storytelling (Video/Audio)
• Fact-Checking & Verification
• Deadline Management
• Interviewing & Source Development
• SEO for News Content
• Social Media Engagement & Analytics

3. Achievements

Differentiate accomplishments from routine responsibilities. Achievements quantify the impact of your work and demonstrate results rather than just tasks completed.

Example: “Increased online article engagement by 30% year-over-year through compelling headlines, SEO integration, and reader-centric content strategies.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by mirroring keywords and requirements from the job description. Emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the role, such as tailoring a story editor resume differently from a breaking news reporter’s.

5. Tools

• Adobe InDesign
• Google Analytics
• WordPress & Drupal CMS
• AP Stylebook
• Social Media Platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Photoshop & Lightroom
• Data Visualization Tools (Tableau, Infogram)
• Transcription Software (Otter.ai, Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
• SEO Tools (Moz, SEMrush)

6. Metrics

• Percentage increase in article readership or engagement
• Number of published stories under tight deadlines
• Audience growth on social media platforms managed
• Reduction in error rates through meticulous editing
• Volume of content produced (e.g., pages edited or articles published)

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism / Mass Communication / English Literature
• Certification courses in Multimedia Journalism, Fact-Checking, or SEO (if applicable)

8. Format

• Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space for readability
• Keep fonts professional and consistent; avoid graphics that confuse ATS

9. Concise

Prioritize brevity and precision. Ensure every bullet point communicates concrete results or skills without unnecessary fluff. Aim for a two-page resume maximum, focusing on recent and relevant experiences.

10. Bonus

• Include links to your portfolio, published articles, or a LinkedIn profile for credibility
• Use action verbs like “spearheaded,” “curated,” “edited,” and “investigated” to describe duties

Examples

• • “Spearheaded a community news segment that boosted local readership by 25% within six months.”
• • “Edited over 1,000 articles, improving publication accuracy and reducing corrections by 40%.”

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume for reporters and sub editors is more than a list of job duties—it’s a strategic document that showcases your impact, leadership, and analytical capabilities. By applying these tips and emphasizing measurable achievements, specialized skills, and editorial leadership, you position yourself as a valuable candidate ready to thrive in evolving newsrooms. Remember, your resume is often your first story told to prospective employers—make it compelling and credible.