Freelance Journalist Resume Example

Common Responsibilities Listed on Freelance Journalist Resumes:

  • Research and write news stories for print, broadcast, and digital media outlets
  • Pitch story ideas to editors and producers
  • Develop sources and contacts in the journalism field
  • Conduct interviews with newsmakers and other sources
  • Attend press conferences and other events
  • Take photographs and videos to accompany stories
  • Edit and proofread stories for accuracy and clarity
  • Monitor news sources for story ideas and trends
  • Develop and maintain a portfolio of published work
  • Utilize social media to promote stories and engage with readers
  • Stay up-to-date on current events and trends in the industry
  • Network with other journalists and media professionals

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Freelance Journalist Resume Example:

A strong Freelance Journalist resume should emphasize a diverse range of writing styles and topics, showcasing your ability to create compelling content that resonates with readers. Highlight your experience in developing and maintaining relationships with key sources, as well as your ability to pitch and promote your work effectively. Additionally, showcase your skills in conducting in-depth interviews, utilizing data analysis for story ideas, and meeting tight deadlines to demonstrate your versatility and professionalism in the field.
Lizbeth Kranzler
lizbeth@kranzler.com
(901) 234-6789
linkedin.com/in/lizbeth-kranzler
@lizbeth.kranzler
Freelance Journalist
Award-nominated Freelance Journalist with a proven track record of developing and pitching compelling story ideas to major news outlets. Skilled in conducting in-depth interviews, utilizing social media to increase website traffic, and maintaining relationships with key industry sources. Recognized for producing high-quality, engaging content that receives praise from readers and editors alike.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Freelance Journalist
01/2023 – 04/2023
JournalFreelancePro LLC
  • Developed and pitched a story idea to a major news outlet, resulting in a published article that received over 10,000 views and was shared widely on social media.
  • Conducted in-depth interviews with multiple sources for a feature story, resulting in a compelling and informative piece that was praised by readers and editors alike.
  • Utilized social media to promote a series of articles, resulting in a 25% increase in website traffic and engagement with readers.
Journalist or Senior Journalist
09/2022 – 12/2022
NewVision Consulting
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key sources in the industry, resulting in exclusive interviews and breaking news stories.
  • Edited and proofread articles for a major publication, ensuring accuracy and clarity while meeting tight deadlines.
  • Attended and covered a high-profile event, resulting in a front-page story and increased visibility for the publication.
Journalist
07/2022 – 09/2022
JournalJourney Freelance
  • Researched and wrote a series of articles on a complex topic, resulting in a Pulitzer Prize nomination and recognition from industry peers.
  • Developed and maintained a portfolio of published work, showcasing a range of writing styles and topics.
  • Utilized data analysis to identify trends and story ideas, resulting in a series of articles that received high engagement and praise from readers.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Strong writing and storytelling abilities
  • In-depth research skills
  • Interviewing and source development
  • Social media promotion and engagement
  • Editing and proofreading
  • Relationship building and networking
  • Data analysis and trend identification
  • Time management and deadline adherence
  • Adaptability to different writing styles and topics
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ethical journalism and fact-checking
  • Multimedia content creation (e.g., photography, video, podcasting)
  • Search engine optimization (SEO) knowledge
  • Knowledge of media law and regulations
  • Self-motivation and discipline
COURSES / CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Professional Journalist (CPJ)
06/2023
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Google News Initiative Journalism Fellowship
06/2022
Google News Initiative
Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing
06/2021
Poynter Institute
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
2016 - 2020
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Journalism
Political Science

Top Skills & Keywords for Freelance Journalist Resumes:

Hard Skills

  • News Writing and Reporting
  • Investigative Journalism
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Fact-Checking
  • Research and Analysis
  • AP Style Writing
  • Multimedia Storytelling
  • Social Media Management
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Photography and Videography
  • Audio Editing
  • Video Editing

Soft Skills

  • Strong Writing and Editing Skills
  • Research and Investigation Skills
  • Interviewing and Interpersonal Skills
  • Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Time Management and Deadline Orientation
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Critical Thinking and Analysis
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation
  • Empathy and Sensitivity to Diverse Perspectives
  • Networking and Relationship Building
  • Self-Motivation and Discipline

Resume Action Verbs for Freelance Journalists:

  • Researched
  • Interviewed
  • Wrote
  • Edited
  • Pitched
  • Collaborated
  • Investigated
  • Fact-checked
  • Analyzed
  • Reported
  • Adapted
  • Networked
  • Synthesized
  • Curated
  • Critiqued
  • Verified
  • Transcribed
  • Commentated

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Resume FAQs for Freelance Journalists:

How long should I make my Freelance Journalist resume?

The ideal length for a Freelance Journalist resume should be one to two pages. However, it's important to prioritize the most relevant and recent experience, skills, and achievements. Focus on the accomplishments that demonstrate your expertise in journalism and your ability to drive results. Use concise language and bullet points to describe your experience and achievements, and avoid long paragraphs or unnecessary details. Customizing your resume for each job application, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific journalism role you're applying for, will help you present a targeted and impactful resume, while also ensuring you stay within the one to two-page limit.

What is the best way to format a Freelance Journalist resume?

The best way to format a Freelance Journalist resume is to create a clear, concise, and visually appealing document that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and achievements. Here are some tips and recommendations for formatting a Freelance Journalist resume: Consistent formatting: Ensure consistency in formatting throughout your resume, including font size, typeface, and spacing. Using a consistent format helps make your resume easy to read and navigate, making it more likely that hiring managers will review your entire document. Clear section headings: Clearly label each section of your resume (e.g., "Summary," "Experience," "Skills," "Education") with bold or underlined headings. This helps guide the reader's eye and makes it easier for them to find the information they're looking for. Use bullet points: Use bullet points to present your experience and achievements in a concise and easy-to-read format. This helps break up large blocks of text and enables hiring managers to quickly scan your resume for relevant information. Highlight your writing skills: As a Freelance Journalist, your writing skills are your most valuable asset. Be sure to highlight your writing experience and skills prominently on your resume, and include links to your published work if possible. Include relevant experience: Include any relevant experience you have, such as internships, freelance work, or writing for a school newspaper. This will help demonstrate your passion for journalism and your commitment to the field. Tailor your resume to the job: When applying for a specific job, tailor your resume to the job description and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and use keywords from the job description to help your resume stand out to hiring managers. Overall, the key to formatting a successful Freelance Journalist resume is to showcase your writing skills and experience in a clear, concise, and visually appealing format that is tailored to the job you are applying for.

Which keywords are important to highlight in a Freelance Journalist resume?

Focus on your writing skills with keywords like "journalism," "article writing," and "storytelling." Don't forget to mention any relevant publications or writing projects.

How should I write my resume if I have no experience as a Freelance Journalist?

Aspiring Freelance Journalists should highlight writing skills and any journalistic work, even if it's from a school newspaper or personal blog. Also, mention any relevant education or coursework, and soft skills like curiosity and resilience.

Compare Your Freelance Journalist Resume to a Job Description:

See how your Freelance Journalist resume compares to the job description of the role you're applying for.

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