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- Tasks: Join a dynamic team covering breaking news and trending stories in Hertfordshire.
- Company: Newsquest Media Group is a leading regional news publisher dedicated to community journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like gym discounts, birthday off, and bonuses for hitting targets.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your work impacts local communities and audiences.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualifications preferred; shorthand is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working with early and late shifts on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Trainee Reporter – Hertfordshire
Application Deadline: 23 July 2025
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Basildon
Reporting To: Michael Adkins
Description
We\’re looking for a reporter in Hertfordshire who has what it takes to join a dynamic digital team covering breaking news, trending stories and reporting on patch.
No day is the same covering this busy news patch where you will be part of a dedicated team setting the agenda with a fast-paced, accurate response to the news that truly matters to our audiences.
This role will see you live blogging a breaking incident one minute, picking up on a story that will fly on social the next or working on high-performing evergreen content that means people frequently return to our websites.
Key Responsibilities
Your work will also contribute to the weekly editions of our newspapers covering stories across Stevenage, Welwyn, Hatfield and St Albans alongside an experienced existing team.
As a trainee reporter, you will be supported by the Hertfordshire editor and other reporters to help make the news team the best it can be.
You will be given training and support to help you qualify as a senior reporter and progress within the company.
The role will be a hybrid mix of office working, patch work and home working.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
As part of the reporting team, you will be fast, first and accurate and work alongside like-minded digital reporters publishing stories across our social media and digital platforms while working on more in-depth stories in the background, covering a range of topics.
You will get support in optimising content for social and search audiences and be required to work within IPSO regulations and legal and ethical guidelines.
All positions will involve early and late shifts, as well as some weekends, on a rota basis that is not too intrusive.
If you are interested in the role, please apply by emailing your CV and covering letter outlining why you are the right person for the job.
Reporters should have NCTJ qualifications, shorthand preferable, or an equivalent qualification.
We will be considering applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis, so do not delay applying if you are interested.
Job Benefits
Newsquest offers its employees a range of benefits and perks, including various discounts on gym memberships, holidays and cinema tickets, as well as your birthday off and bonuses for hitting individual page view targets.
About Newsquest Media Group
We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions.
We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.
In addition to our local news brands, we own a number of digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs.
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Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire employer: J.P. Morgan
Contact Detail:
J.P. Morgan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local news landscape in Hertfordshire. Follow local news outlets, engage with their content on social media, and understand the key issues affecting the community. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the area during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current reporters and journalists in the region. Attend local journalism events or workshops to connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital journalism. Familiarise yourself with tools and platforms used for live blogging and social media reporting. Showing that you are tech-savvy and adaptable will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the possibility of a practical assessment during the interview process. Brush up on your shorthand skills and practice writing concise, engaging news stories under time constraints. This will showcase your ability to perform under pressure, which is crucial for a trainee reporter.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter - Hertfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Trainee Reporter position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for journalism and your understanding of the local news landscape in Hertfordshire. Mention specific stories or issues you are interested in covering.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure your CV prominently features your NCTJ qualifications or equivalent, as well as any relevant experience in reporting, writing, or digital media. Include examples of your work, such as articles or blog posts, if possible.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in journalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at J.P. Morgan
✨Know Your Patch
Familiarise yourself with the key areas and stories in Hertfordshire. Being able to discuss local issues and recent news will show your genuine interest in the role and the community you'll be reporting on.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, especially those that demonstrate your ability to cover breaking news and trending stories. This will give the interviewers a clear idea of your style and capabilities.
✨Understand Digital Media
Be ready to discuss how you would optimise content for social media and digital platforms. Highlight any experience you have with live blogging or creating engaging online content, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of stories you might cover. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
