At a Glance
- Tasks: Find exclusive stories and cover key events across Suffolk.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at The Ipswich Star.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible perks, and structured career progression.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for training and team building.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local journalism while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification and strong news sense required.
The predicted salary is between 26173 - 31989 £ per year.
The Ipswich Star is looking for a reporter to join our busy Ipswich newsroom and work alongside our sister title, the East Anglia Daily Times. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated journalist at the start of their career to make a real impact on a lively patch. You will be responsible for finding exclusive stories across Suffolk, covering council meetings and courts, and writing engaging features that matter to our readers. This is a hybrid role at our Ipswich office. A full UK driving licence is essential, as you will be expected to get out on patch to meet contacts, attend events and respond quickly to breaking news.
Key Responsibilities
- Generating exclusive stories and strong off-diary content.
- Covering council meetings, courts and other key civic institutions.
- Writing clean, accurate and engaging copy to deadline.
- Building contacts and relationships across Suffolk.
- Contributing ideas for features, campaigns and digital coverage.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NCTJ qualification (or equivalent) is essential.
- 100wpm shorthand is strongly preferred; if you do not yet have shorthand, you must be willing to train towards it.
- Strong news sense and a passion for local journalism.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confidence in attending court and council, or a willingness to learn.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
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.
Reporter - The Ipswich Star employer: Newsquest Media Group
Newsquest Media Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and community engagement thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to high-quality journalism, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team in shaping local news while enjoying the vibrant culture of north Essex. Our supportive work culture encourages collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporter - The Ipswich Star
✨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 Newsquest Media Group!
✨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 Newsquest Media Group, 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 Reporter - The Ipswich Star
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 Newsquest Media Group:When applying for the Reporter - The Ipswich Star role at Newsquest Media Group, 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 Newsquest Media Group 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 Newsquest Media Group
✨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 Newsquest Media Group. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
