5 Amazing staff writer Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

You know how to balance reporting the news with retaining a reader's attention. You can write anything that's assigned to you and still keep your work engaging, but you also know how to generate your own story ideas. You may have a degree in writing, English, journalism, or media. To get a job with a new publication, though, you will need to craft a highly specific piece of writing: an informative, engaging staff writer resume. Although your portfolio will do most of the talking for you, at least before you have a chance to interview, an employer may require a resume first. In fact, larger publications sometimes use applicant tracking software to automatically screen application materials, including resumes, before passing them to a human for review. If that thought intimidates you, just relax. We've written a resume sample for you to review before diving in to create or update your own document. We also provide these expert writing tips to help guide your work on a captivating resume.

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staff writer: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Employment history

Chief Staff Writer, The Washington Post Washington, DC

March 2022 – Present

Adapting content for different mediums, such as print, radio, and television
Utilizing social media and other digital platforms to promote content
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources

Associate Staff Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

March 2021 – March 2022

Meeting deadlines for assigned stories and projects
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Researching topics, interviewing sources, and gathering data for stories

Entry Level Staff Writer, NBCUniversal Universal City, California

April 2020 – March 2021

Writing and/or editing articles, stories, scripts, and other content for publication
Developing creative approaches to storytelling
Meeting deadlines for assigned stories and projects

Education

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

BA in Media Studies, February, 2020

Skills

Risk Management

Training

Public Speaking

Negotiation

Social Media Marketing

Video Editing

Photoshop

Adobe Creative Suite

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Professional Summary

A highly skilled and creative Staff Writer with a passion for storytelling and a flair for crafting compelling narratives. Experienced in researching and writing articles for a variety of media outlets, with a proven track record of success.

Employment history

Lead Staff Writer, The Washington Post Washington, DC

July 2011 – Present

Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Attending press conferences and other events to gather information
Keeping up to date with current events and trends in the media

Staff Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

January 2011 – June 2011

Developing creative approaches to storytelling
Meeting deadlines for assigned stories and projects
Writing and/or editing articles, stories, scripts, and other content for publication

Entry Level Staff Writer, Hearst Corporation New York, New York

June 2010 – December 2010

Adapting content for different mediums, such as print, radio, and television
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Working with editors to refine content and ensure it meets publication standards

Education

University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon

PhD in Graphic Design, May, 2010

University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon

BA in Media Studies, May, 2006

Skills

Listening

Negotiation

Public Speaking

Coaching

Investigative Reporting

JavaScript

Video Editing

Photojournalism

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Employment history

Senior Staff Writer, ABC News New York, New York

April 2015 – Present

Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms
Researching topics, interviewing sources, and gathering data for stories
Ensuring accuracy and consistency of content

Associate Staff Writer, Fox Corporation Los Angeles, California

April 2014 – March 2015

Proofreading and fact-checking articles and other content
Working collaboratively with other staff members in the newsroom
Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms

Entry Level Staff Writer, BuzzFeed New York, New York

April 2013 – March 2014

Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms
Working collaboratively with other staff members in the newsroom
Researching topics, interviewing sources, and gathering data for stories

Education

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York

BA in Media Studies, March, 2013

Skills

Stress Management

Negotiation

Strategic Thinking

Networking

Video Editing

News Writing

CSS

Investigative Reporting

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Employment history

Lead Staff Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

July 2016 – Present

Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms
Researching topics, interviewing sources, and gathering data for stories
Proofreading and fact-checking articles and other content

Associate Staff Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

February 2015 – July 2016

Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms
Proofreading and fact-checking articles and other content

Junior Staff Writer, ABC News New York, New York

August 2013 – January 2015

Working collaboratively with other staff members in the newsroom
Keeping up to date with current events and trends in the media
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources

Education

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

PhD in Mass Communication, July, 2013

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

BA in Digital Media, July, 2009

Skills

Innovation

Adaptability

Interpersonal

Teamwork

InDesign

CSS

Data Journalism

Photojournalism

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Employment history

Lead Staff Writer, NBCUniversal Universal City, California

August 2021 – Present

Keeping up to date with current events and trends in the media
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Working collaboratively with other staff members in the newsroom

Associate Staff Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

August 2020 – July 2021

Ensuring compliance with journalistic standards and ethics
Writing and/or editing articles, stories, scripts, and other content for publication
Working with editors to refine content and ensure it meets publication standards

Entry Level Staff Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

August 2019 – July 2020

Ensuring accuracy and consistency of content
Adapting content for different mediums, such as print, radio, and television
Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms

Education

Columbia University, New York, New York

MA in Media Ethics, June, 2019

Columbia University, New York, New York

BA in Broadcast Journalism, June, 2015

Skills

Relationship Management.

Accounting

Networking

Interpersonal

Media Relations

Social Media Marketing

Photojournalism

InDesign

Use This staff writer Resume Template

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staff writer Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an staff writer position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

staff writer

Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions. campus events.
Provide content for website, emails, newsletter
Research and develop visitors’ guide to city
Manage online reputation

staff writer

Reporting on various events concerning the athletic program of the University of Pennsylvania
Tracking the performance of various athletic teams and analyzing historical trends behind outcomes
Report news stories for publication
Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at functions.

staff writer

Developed article ideas and coordinated with faculty and editorial staff to communicate scientific content to the general university community
The writer of ‘Debunking the Raw Water Trend’ in Issue 10
Developed campus-wide survey to assess the use of nicotine-vaping products in the university community (pending IRB approval) for an upcoming article
Receive assignments to develop story ideas.

senior staff writer

Created content, stories and videos for multiple platforms including digital and internet channels.
Covered Oregon State sports including football, men and women’s basketball, softball and baseball.
Helped create and grow subscriber base for website.
Handled game-day live updates including pre and post-game stories.

staff writer

Cover and report news stories relating to local Gainesville high school athletics and University of Florida athletics.
Follow tight deadlines and collaborate with other writers to augment stories.
Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation in accordance with the AP Style.
Wrote research-based articles for a popular blog with 7,000+ subscribers aimed at educating new physical therapists and current students

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staff writer Job Skills

For an staff writer position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Data Journalism
Investigative Reporting
Photojournalism
Video Editing
Media Relations
Copy Editing
Storytelling
Audio Production
Digital Media
News Writing
Social Media Marketing
Multimedia Production
SEO
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Adobe Creative Suite
Photoshop
InDesign
Final Cut Pro

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your staff writer Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Senior Staff Writer, CBS Corporation New York, New York

May 2020 – May 2022

Ensuring accuracy and consistency of content
Developing and maintaining relationships with sources
Utilizing social media and other digital platforms to promote content

Associate Staff Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

May 2019 – May 2020

Developing story ideas, angles, and content for multimedia platforms
Working with editors to refine content and ensure it meets publication standards
Adapting content for different mediums, such as print, radio, and television

Jr. Staff Writer, NBCUniversal Universal City, California

June 2018 – May 2019

Education

University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Broadcast Journalism, April, 2018

Skills

Interpersonal

Professionalism

Conflict Resolution

Creativity

Storytelling

Photoshop

Copy Editing

Data Journalism

Unexplained Year Gaps and Missing Job Experiences are a No-no

Gaps in your resume can prevent recruiters from hiring you if you don't explain them.

Key Insights

It's okay to have gaps in your work experience but always offer a valid explanation instead of just hiding it.
Use the gap to talk about positive attributes or additional skills you've learned.
Be honest and straightforward about the gap and explain it using a professional summary.

How to Optimize Your staff writer Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Employment history

Senior Staff Writer, The New York Times New York, New York

March 2021 – Present

Keeing up too date wit current events and trends in the mediae.
Develping creativve aproaches too storytelling.
Develping story ideass, angless, and contennt for multimedia platformss.

Staff Writer, ABC News New York, New York

August 2020 – February 2021

Writting and/or editin articles, stories, script's, and other contents for publication.
Keeing up too date with currunt events and trends in the media.
Reserching topics, intervewing sources, and gatherin data for stories.

Junior Staff Writer, Hearst Corporation New York, New York

March 2019 – July 2020

Ensuring accuracey and consistancy of content.
Writting and/or editin articless, storries, scrips, and othr content for publcation.
Develping and maintainig relationsips with sourses.

Education

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

PhD in Mass Communication, January, 2019

University of Texas, Austin, Texas

BA in Journalism, January, 2015

Skills

Documentation

Adaptability

Written Communication

Financial Management

Investigative Reporting

Adobe Creative Suite

JavaScript

Photojournalism

Avoid Spelling Mistakes and Include your Contact Information

Missing contact information prevents recruiters from understanding you're the best fit for the position.

Key Insights

Make sure you're not missing contact information on your resume. That should include your full name, telephone number and email address.
Make sure to use a professional email address as part of your contact information.
Highlight your contact information and double check that everything is accurate to help recruiters get in touch with you.

staff writer Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an staff writer position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Staff Writer
Fox Corporation
Los Angeles, California

Dear Hiring Committee

I am excited to apply for the Chief Staff Writer position at Fox Corporation. As a highly skilled Staff Writer with 3 years of experience in Media & Journalism, I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your organization.

Growing up, I always had a fascination with Journalism History. As I pursued my education and gained experience in this field, I realized that this was where I could make the most impact. I have had the opportunity to work on things throughout my career like personal projects and voluntary work, which have developed in me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at and help your organization achieve its goals.

Thank you for considering my application for the Chief Staff Writer position. With my skills and the amazing team at this organization, I am assured that I can contribute to your organization's success and make a meaningful impact. Looking forward to a future where we can work together.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Owen Richards
796-179-9341
[email protected]

Owen Richards

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