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- Tasks: Shadow journalists, assist with research, and pitch your own story ideas.
- Company: Join the Guardian, a leading newspaper committed to social mobility and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship from experienced journalists and potential grants for accommodation in London.
- Why this job: Dive into the editorial world and learn from industry professionals while making impactful connections.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, show genuine interest in journalism, and have relevant experience or work published.
- Other info: Apply by March 30, 2025, with a cover letter, CV, and a 400-word article.
You’ll shadow journalists, assist editors with research tasks, and have a chance to pitch story ideas. You will see up close the daily discussions and decision-making which help create our newspaper and website.
You will also have an experienced journalist as a mentor to offer careers advice.
*The Social Mobility Commission refers to working-class occupations as:
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technical and craft occupations such as motor mechanic, plumber, printer, electrician, gardener, train driver;
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routine, semi-routine manual and service occupations such as postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, catering assistant, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer, waiter or waitress, bar staff;
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long-term unemployed (claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for more than a year).
Further information can be found .
Criteria
To be considered for a placement you must be at least 18 years old, with the right to work or train in the UK, and be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in journalism – for example, having work published online or in print, involvement in student journalism, work experience on local/specialist media, or an impressive personal website or blog.
The aim of this scheme is to introduce aspiring journalists or those at the start of their careers to the Guardian’s editorial environment. For this reason experienced professional journalists, and those who have received a previous placement at GNM, are not eligible to apply for these positions.
For applicants who have no access to accommodation in London (nor the ability to travel daily to our King’s Cross headquarters), the has kindly offered to provide a small number of grants. If you’d like to be considered for one of these, you can do so via the application form.
Application instructions
Please attach the following three things within ONE document:
- A covering letter (no more than 200 words) explaining:
how you qualify for this social class scheme, based on the definition above;
why you’re applying;
and what you hope to learn from your time with us. * Your current CV.
- A 400-word feature or comment article on a current issue which you believe will be of interest to Guardian readers.
You’ll have the chance to upload this document when making your application.
Deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 30 March 2025.
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments as detailed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you require any particular adjustments to be made to allow you to fully participate in the recruitment and work experience process, please email sean.brinkley@guardian.co.uk.
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We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.
Positive action is covered by section 158 of the Equality Act 2010
Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Social Class employer: The Guardian
Contact Detail:
The Guardian Recruiting Team
sean.brinkley@guardian.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Social Class
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to actively engage with current journalism trends and issues. Follow relevant news outlets, read articles, and participate in discussions on social media to stay informed and show your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry. Attend journalism events, workshops, or webinars where you can meet journalists and editors. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a personal blog or website to showcase your writing skills and interests. This not only demonstrates your commitment to journalism but also gives you a platform to share your thoughts on current issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful story ideas that align with the Guardian's values and audience. Research past articles and identify gaps or topics that resonate with readers, so you can pitch compelling ideas during your placement.
We think you need these skills to ace Positive Action Scheme 2025 - Social Class
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Criteria: Make sure you fully understand the criteria for the Positive Action Scheme. Reflect on how your background aligns with the definitions provided, especially regarding social class and working-class occupations.
Craft Your Covering Letter: Write a concise covering letter (no more than 200 words) that clearly explains how you qualify for the scheme, why you're interested in this opportunity, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Be genuine and personal in your approach.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Prepare a 400-word feature or comment article on a current issue that would engage Guardian readers. Ensure your writing is clear, insightful, and reflects your unique voice and perspective on the topic.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and correctness. Ensure that your covering letter, CV, and article are combined into one document as required. Submit your application via the Guardian's website before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guardian
✨Show Your Passion for Journalism
Make sure to express your genuine interest in journalism during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, such as articles you've written or involvement in student media, to demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Story Ideas
Since you'll have the chance to pitch story ideas, come prepared with a few that are relevant and interesting. Think about current issues that resonate with the Guardian's audience and be ready to discuss why they matter.
✨Understand the Social Class Criteria
Familiarize yourself with the Social Mobility Commission's definition of working-class occupations. Be ready to explain how your background aligns with this definition and how it informs your perspective as a journalist.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare questions to ask your interviewers about their experiences and the editorial process at the Guardian. This shows your eagerness to learn and helps you gain valuable insights into the industry.
