At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reporting on credit markets and deliver exclusive stories that shape financial news.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a globally recognised leader in journalism.
- Benefits: Generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and community engagement opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with significant growth potential and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in business journalism and connect with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Proven reporting skills and ability to cultivate diverse contacts.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
The role
The FT is deepening its coverage of global corporate finance and is looking for a proven story-getter to lead our reporting on credit markets - from private credit and leveraged finance to distressed debt and restructuring in London. This is one of the most fiercely competitive, demanding and rewarding reporting jobs in business journalism and at the FT. The successful candidate will be able to show a knack for cultivating a wide variety of contacts across banks, private credit funds, law firms and advisers to deliver exclusive stories that move markets and set the agenda.
As private capital reshapes the way companies are financed, this reporter will own one of the most consequential beats in finance: the rise of direct lenders and alternative credit providers, the strains emerging as loans come due, and the defaults, workouts and restructurings that follow. A nose for where credit risk is building - and the tenacity to report it out before anyone else - is central to the role. This is a beat with significant room to grow, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to expand their remit and influence over time.
The reporter will also help drive our coverage of leveraged buyouts, high-yield and syndicated loan markets, and the increasingly blurred line between public and private credit. This person will work closely with our team of reporters globally covering corporate finance, dealmaking and private capital as well as our broader financial services and markets teams. Contributing regularly to the Due Diligence newsletter, as well as other initiatives such as conferences, is essential.
The use of AI
Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not by default use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations. We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
What’s in it for you? Our benefits
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
FT Newsroom staff are expected to work onsite a minimum of three days per week, subject to role requirements and regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for Editorial roles.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Credit Correspondent employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where curiosity and ambition are celebrated. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive in a culture that values unique perspectives and fosters collaboration. The flexibility of remote or hybrid working arrangements from Belfast or London, combined with a comprehensive benefits package, makes the FT an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Correspondent
✨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 Financial Times!
✨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 Financial Times, 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 Credit Correspondent
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 Financial Times:When applying for the Credit Correspondent role at Financial Times, 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 Financial Times 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 Financial Times
✨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 Financial Times. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
