Create an Interview-Winning Graduate Journalist CV Template Example
Embarking on a career as a graduate journalist is both exciting and challenging. The role of a journalist is dynamic, demanding, and deeply rewarding. Graduate journalists are responsible for researching, investigating, and writing news stories for print, digital, and broadcast media. They gather information, conduct interviews, fact-check, and present content in a compelling way that resonates with audiences. Salaries for graduate journalists in the UK typically start from £20,000 to £28,000, with opportunities for progression as experience grows, potentially reaching £40,000 or more in senior positions.
A well-crafted CV is your gateway to landing your first role in journalism. It’s not just a summary of qualifications; it’s your personal marketing tool. With a standout Graduate Journalist CV, you can grab the attention of editors, recruiters, and hiring managers, showcasing your storytelling talent, research skills, and journalistic integrity. Below, I’ll guide you through creating an interview-winning CV, including a structured template example, actionable advice, and strategies to maximise your chances of success.
Understanding the Graduate Journalist Role
Before you start writing your CV, it’s crucial to understand what the role entails. Graduate journalists are expected to:
Research and pitch compelling stories.
Conduct interviews and gather information accurately.
Write, edit, and proofread articles for publication.
Adhere to ethical standards and deadlines.
Use multimedia tools, including photography, video, and social media platforms.
Employers look for candidates with excellent communication, research, and analytical skills. Demonstrating these skills on your CV will help position you as a strong contender for entry-level positions in newspapers, magazines, online platforms, and broadcast media.
Why a Strong CV Matters for Graduate Journalists
The media industry is highly competitive, and recruiters often receive hundreds of CVs for a single position. A strong CV can make the difference between being shortlisted for an interview or overlooked entirely. Your CV should clearly demonstrate:
Relevant education and qualifications, such as a degree in journalism, media studies, or communications.
Work experience, including internships, freelance writing, or volunteering.
Technical skills, such as proficiency in digital editing tools, CMS platforms, and social media analytics.
Personal achievements, awards, or notable published work.
Graduate Journalist CV Template Example
Here’s a structured example you can adapt to create your own interview-winning CV.
Personal Details
Full Name
Contact Number
Professional Email
LinkedIn Profile
Portfolio or Blog (if applicable)
Professional Profile
An engaging 3-5 line summary that highlights your journalistic skills, passion for storytelling, and career ambitions. Example:
“An ambitious and detail-oriented graduate journalist with a strong passion for investigative reporting and digital storytelling. Skilled in research, interviewing, and content creation, with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and produce engaging articles for diverse audiences.”
Education
List your most recent education first. Include degree, institution, and graduation year. Example:
BA (Hons) Journalism, University of Leeds, 2024
A-Levels: English Literature (A), Media Studies (B), History (B)
Work Experience
Focus on relevant roles, internships, freelance work, or volunteering. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible. Example:
Junior Reporter – City News Online
Jan 2023 – Jul 2023
Researched and produced 10+ articles per week covering local news.
Conducted interviews with community leaders and industry experts.
Assisted with digital content management and social media promotion, increasing engagement by 20%.
Freelance Writer – Independent Publications
Sep 2022 – Dec 2022
Authored feature articles for online magazines and blogs.
Developed expertise in SEO-optimised content writing.
Managed editorial deadlines independently, ensuring consistent content delivery.
Skills
Highlight both technical and soft skills relevant to journalism:
News writing and editing
Research and investigative skills
Multimedia production: photography, video, podcasts
Social media management and analytics
Time management and deadline-driven performance
Achievements & Awards
Include any recognitions, scholarships, or competitions won:
Winner, Student Journalism Awards 2023
Published article in The Guardian, 2022
References
Provide referees or mention ‘Available upon request.’
Tips for Crafting an Interview-Winning Graduate Journalist CV
Tailor Each Application: Always customise your CV for each role, using keywords from the job description. This improves your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Showcase Your Portfolio: Links to published work or a blog demonstrate real-world experience.
Keep it Concise: Aim for 1-2 pages. Recruiters spend only seconds on initial CV scans.
Use Action Verbs: Words like ‘researched,’ ‘authored,’ and ‘produced’ convey proactivity.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Even part-time jobs or volunteering can show research, communication, and teamwork abilities.
CV Structure Advice for Graduates
Graduates should focus on education and internships since professional experience may be limited. Prioritise:
Professional profile
Education
Work experience (including internships and placements)
Skills relevant to the role
Achievements or published work
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For experienced journalists applying for senior roles, emphasise leadership, management, and strategic contributions:
Editorial management experience
Team leadership and mentoring
Budget or project management
Awards, recognitions, and industry impact
Publications and thought leadership
Do’s and Don’ts on a CV
Do’s:
Keep the CV clear, concise, and visually neat.
Use UK English spelling consistently.
Quantify achievements where possible.
Tailor each CV to the job description.
Include links to digital portfolios or relevant work.
Don’ts:
Don’t exaggerate or falsify experience.
Avoid generic statements like ‘hardworking’ without examples.
Don’t clutter with irrelevant hobbies or personal information.
Avoid long paragraphs; use bullet points for readability.
Don’t overlook proofreading—spelling or grammar mistakes can be fatal.
Additional Advice for Career Growth
Continuous Learning: Take online courses in digital journalism, SEO writing, or multimedia storytelling.
Networking: Attend journalism workshops, webinars, and industry events.
LinkedIn Optimisation: Highlight achievements, published articles, and skills.
Conclusion
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Journalist CV is about more than listing qualifications—it’s about telling your professional story in a compelling, authentic way. Whether you’re a graduate seeking your first role or a senior journalist looking to step into management, the strategies outlined here can help you craft a CV that stands out.
If you’re serious about accelerating your career, I invite you to book an appointment to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally improved. Together, we can ensure your application captures the attention it deserves. Book your session here: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
