At a Glance
- Tasks: Write engaging business stories that reflect the North and North-East community.
- Company: Join The Press & Journal, one of Scotland's oldest newspapers.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on innovation and audience engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your journalism in a fast-paced, digital environment.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and a passion for business journalism.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Press & Journal, part of the DC Thomson media and publishing company, is hiring a Business Reporter to join the team in Aberdeen. The Business Reporter will write a mix of news, features and analysis to reflect the North and North-East business community.
The Business Reporter contributes directly to the performance of The Press and Journal portfolio by driving digital traffic, supporting subscriber value and ensuring business coverage reflects the realities of a challenging external economic environment. Established in 1747, The Press and Journal is one of Scotland's oldest newspapers. Its journalists are passionate about representing and making a difference to the communities they represent. Informed by data, the newsroom has been focused on growing its digital subscription base with locally focused, exclusive articles.
The Business Reporter will deliver high‑quality, commercially impactful business journalism that grows audience engagement, supports subscription performance and strengthens The Press and Journal's reputation as the authoritative voice on business across the North and North East. Operating in a fast‑moving, multi‑platform news environment, the Business Reporter is accountable for originating, researching and publishing compelling business stories that balance immediacy with insight. The focus is on human‑centred storytelling, achievable inspiration, meaningful analysis and timely reporting of issues that affect local businesses, employers and communities.
The successful candidate will deliver high‑quality, commercially impactful business journalism that grows audience engagement, supports subscription performance and strengthens The Press and Journal's reputation as the authoritative voice on business across the North and North East. A key topic is the energy market (ie Oil & Gas, Green Economy, etc).
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Producing accurate, engaging and digitally‑optimised business journalism that drives audience growth, engagement and subscriptions.
- Developing a pipeline of original business stories (approx. 1-2 quality stories a day), spanning human interest, news, analysis and success stories.
- Applying data and insight to story selection and headlines, improving digital performance.
- Building and maintaining a strong network of business contacts across the patch.
- Contributing to major editorial initiatives, such as the Fresh Start campaign.
- Upholding editorial standards, accuracy, balance and ethical journalism at all times.
Requirements Skills:
- Content Development - Produces clear, engaging and accurate editorial content across digital platforms.
- Information Analysis - Gathers, validates and interprets complex business information to inform stories and analysis.
- Research - Conducts effective background research, interviews and source verification.
- Stakeholder Relationship Management - Builds and sustains productive relationships with business leaders, organisations and contributors.
- Digital Content Management - Publishes and optimises content in line with digital workflows and audience needs.
- Innovation - Applies creative thinking to story angles, formats and presentation.
- Data Analysis - Uses audience and performance data to inform editorial decision‑making.
Critical Behaviours for High Performance:
- Being More Curious - Seeks to understand the people, decisions and forces behind business stories. Explores new angles and emerging issues affecting local businesses.
- Experiment with Purpose - Tests different story formats and approaches to maximise reach and engagement. Adapts writing style based on insight and feedback.
- Owning the Outcomes - Takes responsibility for accuracy, deadlines and editorial quality. Understands how business journalism contributes to audience value and subscriptions.
- Being More Collaborative - Works constructively with editors, newsdesk and colleagues across the newsroom. Shares insight, contacts and learning to strengthen collective performance.
To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter. Closing date for applications: 29th June at 12:00 noon.
Business Reporter in Aberdeen employer: DC Thomson
The Press & Journal is an esteemed employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where creativity and innovation in journalism are highly valued. Located in Aberdeen, this hybrid role offers the flexibility of working from home while still engaging with a passionate team dedicated to delivering impactful business stories that resonate with the local community. With a rich history dating back to 1747, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, a strong network of industry contacts, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the North and North-East business landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Reporter in Aberdeen
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at DC Thomson!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like DC Thomson, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Reporter in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for DC Thomson:When applying for the Business Reporter role at DC Thomson, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what DC Thomson produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at DC Thomson
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within DC Thomson. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
