Resume Writing Tips for Stringers: Crafting a Winning Resume to Stand Out

Introduction

As a stringer, your resume is more than just a historical record of your jobs; it’s a marketing document tailored to demonstrate your ability to deliver sharp, timely, and reliable news coverage. Whether you are pitching to local TV stations, national media outlets, or online news platforms, your resume must communicate not only your journalistic skills but also your adaptability, technological savvy, and impact. A strategically written resume helps you stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and convinces hiring managers that you’re a valuable freelance partner or permanent team member.

1. Resume Summary

Begin your resume with a concise, powerful summary that captures your core competencies, experience level, and professional strengths. This section should immediately grab the recruiter’s attention by clearly stating what type of stringer you are (e.g., video stringer, freelance reporter), your areas of expertise, and most noteworthy achievements.

Example: "Accomplished freelance video stringer with over 5 years of experience covering breaking news and live events for major metropolitan news outlets. Skilled in quick turnaround editing, investigative reporting, and utilizing drone footage to enhance storytelling. Proven ability to deliver accurate reports under tight deadlines."

2. Key Skills

Highlighting relevant skills is crucial for passing ATS scans and impressing hiring managers. Focus on a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills that showcase your versatility and professionalism as a stringer.

• Video Reporting and Editing
• Live Event Coverage
• Interviewing and Investigative Journalism
• Photojournalism
• Drone Operation and Aerial Filming
• Audio Production and Mixing
• Social Media Content Creation
• Adobe Premiere Pro & Final Cut Pro
• AP Style Writing
• Multilingual Reporting (e.g., Spanish, French)
• Field Research and Fact-Checking
• Deadline Management

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While job responsibilities show your duties, achievements clearly demonstrate your impact and value in previous roles. Focus your bullet points on accomplishments that include measurable results, awards, or recognitions.

Example bullet point: “Produced 30+ breaking news segments monthly that increased local station viewership by 15%, contributing to a 10% rise in advertising revenue over one year.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customizing your resume for each application is vital. Analyze the job description carefully to incorporate keywords related to required skills, tools, and experience. Matching your resume’s language to the employer’s enhances ATS compatibility and shows that you are a perfect fit.

5. Tools

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro
• Audacity (Audio Editing)
• DaVinci Resolve (Color Correction)
• Canon & Sony Camera Equipment
• Drone Operational Software (DJI GO/DJI Pilot)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• Social Media Platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
• Content Management Systems (CMS)

6. Metrics

• Viewership Increase Percentage (e.g., “boosted viewership by 15%”)
• Number of Stories Covered (e.g., “covered 50+ events annually”)
• Deadline Compliance Rate (e.g., “achieved 100% on-time story delivery”)
• Engagement Growth on Social Media (e.g., “grew Twitter following by 25% in six months”)
• Revenue Impact or Cost Savings (e.g., “contributed to a 10% increase in advertising revenue”)

7. Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of XYZ, Graduated 2018
• Certificate in Multimedia Production, ABC Media Institute, 2020

8. Format

• Use Clear Section Headings with Consistent Font and Spacing
• Bullet Points for Easy Reading and Scannability
• Keep Margins Clean with Adequate White Space
• Use ATS-Compatible Fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Save and Submit as PDF When Allowed to Preserve Layout

9. Concise

Keep your resume focused and to the point. Each bullet should be impactful without being too long. Avoid jargon, irrelevant details, or overly technical language that might obscure your contributions.

10. Bonus

• Include Links to Your Portfolio or Published Work
• Mention Relevant Volunteer or Extra-Curricular Journalism Activities

Examples

• Generated a viral investigative report viewed by over 100,000 users, sparking community action and earning a regional journalism award.
• Utilized drone technology to capture exclusive footage, reducing the need for on-ground risks while increasing story depth by 40%.

Conclusion

Your resume as a stringer is your personal brand ambassador—make it count. By focusing on measurable achievements, highlighting leadership in the field, and emphasizing your analytical and technical skills, you position yourself as a resourceful and results-driven professional. Tailoring your resume to each opportunity and maintaining a clear, concise format will ensure your resume gets noticed by both ATS and human recruiters alike. Remember, your resume should tell the story of your impact, your ability to lead under pressure, and your commitment to delivering quality journalism every time.