At a Glance
- Tasks: Cover breaking news and tell impactful stories across various digital platforms.
- Company: Join The Bolton News, a vibrant newsroom with a passion for local journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and perks like gym memberships and retail discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while honing your digital storytelling skills.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualified reporter with a flair for social media and digital content.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1200 £ per month.
The Bolton News is looking for a top-class reporter who is passionate about digital storytelling, hard-working, full of ideas and innovative when it comes to presenting stories across various platforms. We seek an ambitious, digitally skilled, versatile journalist to cover breaking news and write stories from this incredibly lively patch. The right candidates will also be able to report for other titles in the region, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Bury Times.
Key Responsibilities
- A major part of the job will be immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships and understanding what matters to the local community.
- You’ll also be open-minded and willing to utilise AI as part of the role.
- We want to tell the stories our audiences care about - from covering crime and local politics to sharing powerful human interest pieces and championing the causes our readers are passionate about.
- The job will primarily be based at our friendly regional newsroom in Bolton – but you will be required to get out on patch and we are flexible about home working.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Ideally, you will be a fully qualified reporter with gold-standard NCTJ with 100wpm.
- Brimming with ideas on how to tackle the remit and get the most out of it digitally.
- Fully across what digital readers want from local news coverage.
- Excellent at developing relationships with key contacts to improve coverage.
- Driven to succeed using the digital analytics tools at your disposal.
- A self-starter, brilliant with time management.
- Passionate about social media.
- Have an excellent knowledge of relevant media law.
- Have a versatile, fresh, and energetic writing style with exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to write – and think – quickly under pressure.
- An adaptable style to produce everything from live blogs and listicles to long reads and features.
- Knowledge of SEO and its importance to digital journalism.
- Have collaborative skills to pool ideas with the wider digital reporting team and take on board suggestions.
A driving licence is preferred, as is access to a car. We work on a rota basis with some early and late shifts as well as some weekend work. If this sounds like the role for you, apply by Tuesday, March 3. We will be interviewing candidates as and when applications come in so don’t delay in applying.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off.
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility.
- Structured career progression & ongoing training.
- Pension plan.
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice.
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care, Retail discounts.
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day.
Trainee Reporter in Bolton employer: Newsquest Media Group
The Bolton News offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring journalists to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong focus on digital storytelling, employees benefit from structured career progression, ongoing training, and a range of perks including gym memberships and retail discounts. Located in the vibrant community of Bolton, our friendly newsroom fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for those passionate about local news to grow and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your social media game on point! Start engaging with local communities online, share your thoughts on current events, and showcase your writing skills. This will not only help you build a network but also show potential employers that you're already immersed in the digital storytelling world.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up; create your own opportunities! Pitch story ideas to local publications or start a blog about topics you’re passionate about. This demonstrates your initiative and creativity, which are key traits for a Trainee Reporter.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your SEO skills! Understanding how to optimise your content for search engines can set you apart from other candidates. Use tools like Google Analytics to track what works and refine your approach – it’s all about getting those stories seen!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! We want to see your passion and enthusiasm right from the start. Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the role, and don’t hesitate to show us your personality – we love a fresh perspective!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for digital storytelling shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the stories you’ll be telling and the community you’ll be serving.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. Mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your versatility and creativity in journalism.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we want to see your writing style, so make it engaging and easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Patch
Before the interview, dive deep into the local news landscape. Familiarise yourself with the key stories and issues affecting Bolton and the surrounding areas. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the community you’ll be reporting on.
✨Show Off Your Digital Skills
Since the job focuses on digital storytelling, come prepared to discuss your experience with various digital platforms. Bring examples of your work that highlight your ability to engage audiences online, whether through social media, blogs, or multimedia content. Don’t forget to mention any familiarity with SEO and analytics tools!
✨Be Ready to Think on Your Feet
As a reporter, you’ll often need to think quickly under pressure. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare for some hypothetical scenarios where you have to pitch story ideas or respond to breaking news situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working closely with a team, so be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve pooled ideas with others or taken feedback on board to improve your work. This will show that you’re not just a self-starter, but also a team player who values input from colleagues.
