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- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Reporter, covering everything from breaking news to local events.
- Company: The Swindon Advertiser is a leading newsroom known for its dynamic reporting and community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and the chance to develop your journalism skills with training.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, tell impactful stories, and engage with your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ-accredited course preferred; must have a driver’s licence and own car.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Swindon; relocation may be necessary.
Application Deadline: 10 September 2025
Department: Editorial
Location: Swindon
Description
The Swindon Advertiser is looking for its next top reporter to join the team and work for one of the company\’s highest-performing newsrooms.
This role involves reporting on everything from breaking news to High Street shop openings, drug raids, local events, reviews, court cases, as well as human interest tales. We cover it all, and no two days are the same.
We want a confident, digitally skilled and versatile journalist to unearth the best-breaking news and features on a lively patch.
The right candidate will be passionate about chasing the big stories, digital storytelling, full of ideas and have a desire to come up with innovative ways of presenting stories.
Key Responsibilities
A significant part of the job will also involve immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships, and understanding what matters to our online audience.
We want to tell the stories our audiences care about, championing the best of our local communities, telling powerful human-interest stories and covering everything from local politics to crime.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
We are looking for a senior reporter or an experienced trainee.
You will ideally have an NCTJ-accredited course including 100wpm shorthand.
You must also have a driver’s licence and your own car.
If you have a journalism degree that is not NCTJ-accredited, we will provide the relevant additional training for you to become a fully NCTJ-qualified journalist and then onto becoming a fully-fledged senior reporter.
This is a full-time role based with the rest of our team at our Swindon office. We offer hybrid working, but living in the area, or the willingness to relocate, is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Trainee Reporter - The Swindon Advertiser employer: Newsquest Media Group
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Reporter - The Swindon Advertiser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Swindon Advertiser's style and the types of stories they cover. Spend some time reading their articles to understand their tone, audience, and the local issues that matter most to them.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community through social media platforms. Follow local influencers, businesses, and community groups to stay updated on trending topics and events that could lead to potential stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former reporters from The Swindon Advertiser or similar publications. Reach out for informational interviews to gain insights into the newsroom culture and what they look for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider creating a portfolio of your work that showcases your reporting skills, particularly in digital storytelling. Highlight any innovative ways you've presented stories or engaged audiences online to demonstrate your versatility.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Reporter - The Swindon Advertiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in journalism, especially any work that showcases your reporting skills. Include any NCTJ-accredited qualifications and mention your shorthand proficiency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for journalism and your understanding of the local community. Mention specific stories or events you would be excited to cover and how you plan to engage with the audience through digital storytelling.
Showcase Your Digital Skills: Since the role requires digital storytelling, include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to use social media effectively. Highlight any multimedia projects or online articles you've produced that resonate with local issues.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is crucial in journalism. A polished application reflects your professionalism and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest Media Group
✨Know Your Local News
Before the interview, make sure to research recent news stories in Swindon and the surrounding areas. Being able to discuss local events and issues will show your passion for the community and your readiness to report on them.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
As a trainee reporter, you'll need to be digitally savvy. Be prepared to discuss your experience with social media and any digital storytelling tools you've used. Highlight how you can engage audiences online and present stories in innovative ways.
✨Demonstrate Your Storytelling Ability
Think of examples where you've uncovered compelling stories or presented information in an engaging manner. Be ready to share these during the interview to illustrate your creativity and journalistic instincts.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the team, the newsroom culture, and the types of stories you might cover. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
