At a Glance
- Tasks: Create original consumer and money stories for our news wire, focusing on human interest.
- Company: Join SWNS, the UK's largest independent news agency, known for innovative storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and see your work published globally.
- Other info: We welcome diverse candidates and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values originality and offers professional growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Minimum two years' experience in journalism with strong writing and research skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 29700 £ per year.
Salary: £27,000–£33,000 depending on experience
Deadline: July 4 - but we will start interviewing before deadline, so early applicants at an advantage.
Start date: ASAP
About SWNS
SWNS is the UK’s biggest independent news agency. Every day hundreds of stories, images and videos from SWNS are published and broadcast across the national and international media. Our clients are the biggest news publishers in the world – Reach, DMGT, News UK, Independent, Times Online, Mail Online, BBC, ITN, The Times, Yahoo! and USAToday to name a few. We cover breaking news, amazing human interest stories, consumer issues, health and scientific breakthroughs, and provide websites around the world with stunning imagery and viral videos. SWNS is 50 years old but we are proud to be constantly evolving to meet the needs of our clients around the world.
The Role
We’re looking for our first dedicated consumer reporter – to create content for our news wire on how people earn, spend and save their money. This role will focus on uncovering human interest and lifestyle stories within the consumer and money sectors. We aren’t looking for someone to turn around press releases or re-write stories already out there. The ideal candidate will thrive on creating original stories from scratch. You will be able to monitor trends and emerging issues and then create stories – with a strong human interest focus. You will have experience researching and reporting on consumer issues – from scams and mortgages, to bills and cost of living. The ideal candidate will be able to turn around clean and accurate copy at speed, as well as work on longer form investigative stories. Our consumer reporter will be at home writing about savvy shoppers and bargain holidays as well as consumer rights and business. Almost everything we write is ‘people first’, so the role will involve talking to people from all walks of life, and sourcing case studies to bring money and consumer issues to life. We have dedicated pictures and video teams, but you should be able to source visual assets. You will be fully supported, but as our first – and only! - consumer writer you will be relied on to generate your own stories. You will be expected to collaborate with editors and the wider team to develop story ideas and angles, and produce content for our news wire every day. You will largely focus on UK stories, but also content for the US market and beyond. Some weekend working required – at present reporters work around one Saturday or Sunday every five or six weeks. You will be based at our HQ in Bristol. Successful candidates will have to live and work in or near Bristol but have the flexibility of hybrid working – currently three days a week in the office - once they are settled into the role.
Requirements
- Minimum of two years' experience writing for a mainstream digital or print publication, whether local, national, or international.
- Proven ability to generate original story ideas in the consumer sector and work independently. Please send examples in your application.
- Strong interest in consumer and retail topics, with at least one year experience in the field.
- Excellent writing, research, and interview skills.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms to source stories.
- A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively within a team.
- You must be flexible. We are always changing what we do to meet the needs of our clients.
- You must be a self-starter who is happy to work hard to see your content used by publications around the world.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
Desirable
- NCTJ qualification or equivalent.
Why Join SWNS?
At SWNS, you'll be part of a supportive and driven team that values originality and integrity in storytelling. We do not curate, scrape or aggregate material - we source and create stories from scratch, or syndicate original material from our partners or copyright owners. We offer flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to see your work published across a range of high-profile platforms. Our collaborative environment encourages continuous learning and professional growth. We are a small ish team - about 70 in the UK - so your voice will be heard in editorial and strategic direction of the business.
Extra details
SWNS is a national living wage employer. Recent studies show most UK journalism industry professionals come from white ethnic groups (92%) and from professional or upper-class backgrounds (80%). We want to continue to do our part to change this and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
Please send your CV to jobs@swns.com with the email title ‘CONSUMER REPORTER” FAO Laura Elvin and Harriet Rose-Gale. Please include a covering letter explaining how you fit the criteria above and why you want to work at SWNS – we are unlikely to consider you without one! Examples of your consumer work. We’d love to hear one or two story ideas you would pitch as a consumer writer at SWNS which you think would work for our clients.
Consumer & Money Reporter in Bristol employer: SWNS
At SWNS, we pride ourselves on being the UK's largest independent news agency, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where creativity and originality are at the forefront of our storytelling. As a Consumer & Money Reporter based in Bristol, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to see your work featured across major media platforms, all while being part of a close-knit team that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consumer & Money Reporter in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with current consumer trends and issues in the UK. This will not only help you generate original story ideas but also demonstrate your knowledge during interviews. Keep an eye on social media platforms and news outlets to spot emerging topics that resonate with the public.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other journalists and professionals in the consumer sector. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can share insights and learn from others. Building relationships can lead to valuable tips and potential collaborations that could enhance your storytelling.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a portfolio of your best consumer-related articles. Highlight pieces that showcase your ability to create engaging, original content. During interviews, be ready to discuss your writing process and how you approach sourcing stories, as this will show your independence and creativity.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your interview skills by conducting mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on asking open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses. This will help you feel more confident when speaking to sources and gathering case studies for your stories.
We think you need these skills to ace Consumer & Money Reporter in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Consumer & Money Reporter. Highlight your passion for consumer issues and why you want to work at SWNS specifically.
Showcase Your Writing Samples:Include examples of your previous consumer-related work in your application. This could be articles, blog posts, or any content that demonstrates your ability to generate original story ideas and write engaging copy.
Pitch Story Ideas:As part of your application, suggest one or two story ideas that you believe would resonate with SWNS's audience. This will showcase your creativity and understanding of consumer topics, which is crucial for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in consumer journalism. Emphasise your ability to work independently and collaboratively, as well as your proficiency in using social media for sourcing stories.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWNS
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a consumer reporter, your ability to create original stories is crucial. Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your storytelling skills, especially those that focus on human interest and consumer issues.
✨Research SWNS and Its Audience
Familiarise yourself with SWNS's style and the types of stories they publish. Understanding their audience will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Prepare Your Story Ideas
Think of one or two compelling story ideas that align with SWNS's focus on consumer and money topics. Be ready to pitch these ideas during the interview to show your initiative and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since SWNS values a collaborative mindset, be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team in the past. Share examples of how you've accepted help and supported others to achieve common goals.
