At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging digital content that resonates with our community and boosts our online audience.
- Company: Join the Hereford Times, a leading news outlet with a vibrant newsroom culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible perks, and structured career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for ongoing training and team-building activities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in journalism while telling stories that matter to your community.
- Qualifications: NCTJ qualification, strong writing skills, and a passion for digital storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Hereford Times is looking for a senior reporter to join its successful newsroom. We are looking for a dynamic, digitally-savvy journalist with a good eye for the stories that will appeal to our readers and reach the widest possible audience. You’ll be able to enhance our existing quality online news with content that appeals to a wide audience, cover the issues that mean the most to our audiences in both the city of Hereford and the surrounding towns and the more rural communities in wider Herefordshire. You’ll be passionate about digital storytelling, with the ability to tap into trending news stories and come up with ideas for content. We're looking for a senior reporter who is self‑motivated and has the ability to work without supervision, although you will be supported in the role by an Audience Content Editor. You’ll be expected to use a range of digital tools and platforms to tell stories, including video, audio, infographics and maps. While your attention to detail must be second to none, with the ability to write quickly, accurately and succinctly. Our online audience has a huge appetite, and you will be confident in offering up ideas and stories that keep our readership coming back for more. You will do this alongside the team at our offices in Hereford.
Key Responsibilities
- Building our digital audience following to bring our content to even more people in the community
- Using search tools to research and understand the topics people are searching for
- Use your SEO skills to reach the largest possible audience
- Building contacts and communities online and in real life
- Ensuring every piece of content is thoroughly researched and balanced prior to publication
- With guidance from editors, using analytics to identify what our readers like and what they want next from our coverage
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Insight into what readers want to read, using both your keen news sense and data
- Understanding of search engine optimisation (SEO)
- A passion for telling stories
- The ability to write – and think – quickly and under pressure
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Understanding of social media and how it can help you
- An NCTJ qualification and some experience in a previous role
- 100wpm shorthand
- Excellent knowledge of relevant media law
- A driving licence and a car are essential.
To be considered, please send your CV.
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
Senior Reporter - Hereford Times employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Reporter - Hereford Times
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with journalists and editors in the industry, especially those at Hereford Times. Attend local events or join online forums to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your digital storytelling skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, including articles, videos, and infographics. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and highlights your ability to engage audiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with trending news stories. Use social media and news aggregators to find out what’s hot and think about how you can put your unique spin on it for Hereford Times.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Reporter - Hereford Times
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Storytelling Skills: As a senior reporter, your knack for storytelling is key! Make sure your application highlights your best pieces of work. Share examples that showcase your ability to engage readers and cover diverse topics.
Nail the SEO Game: We’re all about reaching the widest audience possible, so don’t forget to mention your SEO skills! Talk about how you’ve used search tools in the past to create content that resonates with readers and drives traffic.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your application! We want to see your passion for journalism and digital storytelling. Don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective and ideas that could benefit our newsroom.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Hereford Times and its readership. Understand the types of stories that resonate with their audience and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to that. Bring examples of your previous work that align with their style and audience interests.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
As a senior reporter, being digitally savvy is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with various digital tools and platforms. Highlight any projects where you've used video, audio, or infographics to tell compelling stories, and be ready to share ideas on how to enhance their online presence.
✨Demonstrate Your SEO Knowledge
Since reaching a wider audience is key, brush up on your SEO skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've successfully used SEO in past roles to drive traffic and engagement. Share specific strategies you've implemented and the results they achieved.
✨Prepare for Quick Thinking
In journalism, quick thinking is essential. During the interview, you might be asked to come up with story ideas on the spot. Practice brainstorming relevant topics related to Hereford and its communities, and think about how you would approach these stories under tight deadlines.