Resume Writing Tips for Sub Editor & Reporter

Introduction

Sub editors and reporters hold vital roles in shaping news content—from accurate reporting to ensuring clarity, style, and factual correctness. A well-crafted resume is essential because it highlights your unique competencies and professional impact amidst a pool of talented journalists. It serves as the first impression that can open doors to interviews and opportunities. Highlighting your skills, achievements, and adaptability can set you apart in a fast-paced, evolving industry.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the elevator pitch that quickly communicates your value. For sub editors and reporters, this should succinctly reflect your journalistic expertise, editorial skills, and adaptability to various media forms. Keep it concise, impactful, and results-driven.

Example: "Detail-oriented Sub Editor with 5+ years of experience refining news articles for national dailies, skilled in AP style, fact-checking, and deadline management. Proven track record in boosting content accuracy by 30% and enhancing reader engagement through strategic editorial decisions."

2. Key Skills

Showcasing relevant skills early catches recruiters’ attention and helps your resume pass ATS scans. For subs and reporters, emphasize both hard and soft skills tailored to the media field.

• Copyediting and proofreading
• Newswriting and reporting
• Fact-checking and research
• AP and Chicago Style guidelines
• Headline writing
• Interviewing skills
• SEO for news content
• Multimedia content editing
• Time management and deadline adherence
• Content management systems (CMS)
• Social media content curation
• Critical thinking and analytical skills

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing job responsibilities is important, achievements demonstrate the impact you made. Use metrics to quantify your successes, such as improving turnaround time, increasing readership, or boosting content accuracy. These measurable outcomes illustrate your contribution beyond routine tasks.

Example: "Led a team that reduced article publication errors by 40% through implementation of rigorous fact-checking protocols."

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume to align with specific job descriptions from employers. Analyze the posting to identify keywords, required skills, and qualifications, then incorporate them naturally into your resume. Tailoring improves ATS compatibility and shows recruiters you’re a strong match for their needs.

5. Tools

• Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• AP Stylebook
• WordPress or other CMS platforms
• Google Analytics
• SEO tools (e.g., SEMrush)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite)
• Slack or other communication apps
• Fact-checking databases (e.g., LexisNexis)

6. Metrics

• Percentage improvement in content accuracy or error reduction
• Increase in reader engagement or page views
• Number of articles edited/published per day/week
• Turnaround time reduction for content publication
• Audience growth via social media shares or subscriptions

7. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, or English
• Relevant certifications: e.g., Editing Certificate, Multimedia Journalism Training

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) sized between 10-12 pt
• Organize sections with clear headings and consistent spacing for readability
• Keep it to two pages max, focusing on most relevant recent experiences
• Incorporate bullet points for easy scanning
• Avoid graphics or fancy elements that ATS might misread

9. Concise

Be succinct and avoid fluff. Each bullet point should demonstrate value, using action verbs and metrics where possible. Recruiters spend seconds scanning resumes, so make every word count.

10. Bonus

• Include links to an online portfolio or published articles to showcase work samples
• Consider adding a “Professional Development” section to highlight workshops and training relevant to journalism or editing

Examples

• “Edited and published 10+ articles daily, achieving an average publication accuracy rate of 98%.”
• “Conducted in-depth interviews resulting in a front-page feature that increased weekly readership by 15%.”

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling sub editor and reporter resume requires emphasizing your impact on content quality, leadership in managing editorial workflows, and your analytical skills to interpret news stories effectively. Using targeted keywords, quantifiable achievements, and a clean format will ensure your resume stands out both to ATS software and hiring managers. By presenting yourself as a dynamic professional dedicated to journalistic excellence, you'll be well-positioned to advance your career in the ever-evolving world of media.