At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and expand coverage on security and intelligence with exclusive journalism.
- Company: The i Paper, a rapidly growing national newspaper with a commitment to impartial news.
- Benefits: 25 days’ holiday, pension plan, discounts, onsite gym, and more perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to editorial excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a leading voice in security journalism and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in security reporting and a strong contacts book.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The i Paper is appointing an authoritative Security Correspondent to lead and expand our coverage on security and the world of intelligence. This is an outstanding opportunity to take up a pivotal role at a title with momentum, ambition and a clear subscriber strategy. You will set the agenda with intelligent, insightful and exclusive journalism about the security threats facing the UK, and their wider policy and geopolitical implications. You will combine a sharp contacts book with open-source reporting and deep subject expertise to produce journalism that is a must-read for our audience. We are looking for a correspondent who can develop investigations, break significant stories, and be a leading voice on UK and global security. The position is central to our publishing, and highly valued by our audience and editors in the newsroom.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead coverage of the security and defence threats facing the UK and its allies
- Set the agenda through exclusives, investigations and high-impact reporting
- Analyse the policy, intelligence and geopolitical implications of these threats
- Use open-source intelligence (OSINT) and commercially available data to support reporting
- Work with visual, data and multi-platform storytelling teams to explore new formats
- Act as an expert voice on audio and visual channels, including broadcast media
- Work closely with commissioning editors to shape coverage priorities
- Collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom on high-impact reporting
- Respond quickly and authoritatively to breaking news when required
- Enjoy contributing across formats, including digital, video, newsletters and social platforms
About you:
- Significant experience reporting on security, defence, and intelligence issues
- Proven track record of breaking exclusives and delivering high-quality analysis
- Strong and active contacts book in relevant sectors, with the drive to build it further
- Deep understanding of the UK and global security landscapes, and how they are evolving
- Ability to use open-source reporting techniques effectively
- Clear, authoritative writing style with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and with flair
- Creative, curious and keen to develop new ways of storytelling
- Strong editorial judgement and news instinct
- Comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced newsroom
- Ambitious, rigorous and committed to editorial excellence
Package Description
Our benefits package increases the longer you’ve been with us. Here’s what to expect:
- 25 days’ holiday (increasing by 1 per year up to a total of 30)
- Pension plan and life cover
- Discounts on online shopping, dining cards and vouchers, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Onsite gym, subsidised canteen and onsite nurse and GP clinics
- Plus much more...
Our Commitment
We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
Security Correspondent employer: The i Paper
The i Paper is an exceptional employer for those passionate about political journalism, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a commitment to impartial and rigorous reporting, employees benefit from collaborative opportunities with experienced editors and audience teams, fostering professional growth and innovation. The company values its staff by providing a platform to shape national and global debates, ensuring that your work has a meaningful impact on millions of readers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Correspondent
✨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 The i Paper!
✨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 The i Paper, 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 Security Correspondent
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 The i Paper:When applying for the Security Correspondent role at The i Paper, 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 The i Paper 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 The i Paper
✨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 The i Paper. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
