How to Write a Journalist CV: Examples & Template

1. Add contact details to your journalist CV

Many candidates overlook this essential step. Without clear, up-to-date information, employers can’t reach you – even if your CV impresses them.

Place your contact details prominently at the top of your journalism CV. Use a slightly larger or bold font to ensure they’re easy to find.

Remember to include the following:

• Your full name
• Location
• Phone number
• Email address

2. Write a journalist’s CV personal statement

Your personal statement is the first section an employer reads on a journalism CV. In just a few lines, you need to show that you’re credible, skilled and the right fit for the publication or organisation.

Think of it as the hook of a great story: it must draw the reader in, establish your authority, and make them want to learn more. Recruiters are looking for someone who can communicate well, write persuasively, and demonstrate genuine passion for storytelling.

Your statement should summarise:

• Who you are – your job title and experience
• What you do best – your strongest skills, e.g., investigative reporting, multimedia journalism, feature writing
• What makes you stand out – any achievements, unique experience or focus area
• Your professional goal – the type of journalism role or impact you’re aiming for.

In a journalism CV, this means balancing creativity with precision. Follow these guidelines:

• Be concise: aim for 80–120 words
• Use figures or examples: e.g. “published over 200 articles” or “grew readership by 30%”
• Use action verbs
• Tailor it to the role: align your tone and content with the employer’s style and focus
• Show, don’t tell: avoid clichés like “team player” or “hard worker”
• Highlight transferable skills: include digital literacy, data analysis, or multimedia experience
• Proofread carefully

3. Present your work history on a journalist CV

Your work history is the heart of your journalist CV. This is where editors and recruiters decide if you have the experience, skill set and reliability they’re looking for. 

Use a reverse-chronological format, starting with your current or most recent position. This makes it easy for employers to see your latest contributions first. Demonstrate the results you’ve achieved in each role and how much you’ve grown as a journalist.

Under each role, include:

• Your job title
• Employer
• Location
• Employment dates
• 4–6 bullet points that highlight your key achievements

Here are the key things to remember when creating your work experience section:

• Focus on relevance: Highlight the projects and responsibilities most aligned with the role you’re applying for
• Be specific: Replace vague phrases with impactful ones, such as “investigated political funding irregularities for a national feature”
• Quantify achievements: Include numbers: articles written, engagement rates, readership increases, or awards
• Use dynamic language: Action verbs such as investigated, edited, produced, analysed, delivered, and reported make your writing feel confident
• Include freelance work: e.g. “Freelance Journalist – The Guardian, BBC Online, The Independent”.
• Don’t repeat yourself: Each bullet should add a new layer to your experience
• Highlight ethics and accuracy: Mention adherence to media law, fact-checking, or use of verified sources.

4. Highlight relevant journalism skills in your CV

Every strong journalist’s CV includes a dedicated skills section. It’s where you highlight your most valuable abilities and demonstrate that you have what it takes to thrive in a newsroom.

Here’s how to make your skills stand out:

• Use evidence: Refer to skills in your experience section
• Combine traditional and digital: Show you’re fluent in both classic journalism principles and modern media tools
• Keep it simple: Avoid jargon or long phrases; clarity always wins
• Tailor your list: Match your skills to the specific job description for each application.

That last point is vital, because most recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidates, so try to include keywords from the job description. A well-optimised journalism CV skills section can help your application rank higher in search results and pass automated screening.

Here are the skills recruiters are looking for to match the journalist job description.

5. Outline your educational background on a journalist’s CV

Whether you’ve studied journalism directly or entered the field through another discipline, a strong education section proves you understand the ethical, analytical and technical aspects of journalism. 

Follow a clear and consistent format for each qualification. Start with your most recent or highest degree and work backwards in time. Each entry should include:

• Degree or qualification title
• Institution name and location
• Year of graduation (or expected completion)
• Honours or distinctions, if relevant

6. Add extra sections to your journalism CV

Make your journalist CV stand out with a few extras. These sections help you highlight achievements, showcase your portfolio and prove your broader value as a journalist.

Here’s how to add extra sections to a CV for journalists:

• Include a portfolio link: Add URLs or QR codes to your published work or online portfolio
• Show recognition: List awards or nominations that demonstrate journalistic excellence
• Add certifications: Mention NCTJ or short professional courses in journalism, media law or data reporting
• List memberships: Include professional bodies like the NUJ or BSME
• Mention languages: Multilingual skills can set you apart for international or cultural reporting
• Note volunteer work: Highlight editorial or community media involvement to show initiative
• Keep it short: Add only sections that strengthen your application – avoid unnecessary detail.