At a Glance
- Tasks: Break major news stories and deliver exclusive investigations on political issues.
- Company: Join The National, a leading voice in Scottish journalism.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible options, career progression, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on Scotland's future through engaging multimedia storytelling.
- Qualifications: Experience in political reporting and knowledge of Scots law required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Glasgow
Reporting To: Laura Webster
Description
Exciting opportunity here: A very rare chance has emerged to become a Political Reporter with The National and Sunday National. We're looking for someone just as passionate about Scotland as we are to come and join us. We want to find someone who can break major news stories, deliver exclusive investigations and get involved in our fast-growing multimedia and video projects. The ideal candidate will be comfortable offering analysis of major developments in print and in video form, and working across digital platforms to communicate with The National's large and increasing following. Candidates should be able to work from our Glasgow office at least four days a week, with regular travel expected. Salary depends on experience.
After 12 years, The National continues to expand and develop, with a huge online reach, agenda-setting stories and a fast-growing pool of subscribers. Come and join us on our exciting journey working towards a better future for Scotland.
Key Responsibilities
- Break major news stories
- Deliver exclusive investigations
- Get involved in fast-growing multimedia and video projects
- Offer analysis of major developments in print and video form
- Work across digital platforms to communicate with The National's large and increasing following
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Demonstrable experience of reporting on political issues and producing exclusive stories
- An up-to-date qualification in Scots law is essential
- Knowledge of all levels of government is essential
- A strong knowledge of Scottish current affairs and the constitutional question is required
- A strong contact book with people who want to talk about Scotland's present and future
- Comfortable working across digital platforms
- NCTJ qualification with shorthand is desirable
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle preferred
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
Political Reporter - The National in Glasgow employer: Newsquest
Newsquest is an excellent employer for aspiring journalists, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and community engagement. With a commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities within one of the UK's largest local news publishers, alongside attractive benefits such as 25 days of holiday and various employee discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Reporter - The National in Glasgow
✨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!
✨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, 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 Political Reporter - The National in Glasgow
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:When applying for the Political Reporter - The National role at Newsquest, 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 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
✨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. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
