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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the news desk, pitch and write original stories for a digital audience.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher with a commitment to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, opportunities for travel, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and integrity while making an impact in journalism.
- Qualifications: NCTJ trained journalist with a strong news background and proven track record in digital publishing.
- Other info: We support diverse talent and offer a workplace where everyone can thrive.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
The Independent is an online news publisher that was established in 1986 as a national newspaper independent of party political affiliations or proprietorial influence. In 2016, The Independent became a fully digital publisher, moving away from print in pursuit of sustainability, and to safeguard its values and journalism for the future. The Independent has always thrived through innovation and change.
The role
The Independent is seeking a chief reporter to join the title’s news desk in London. The right candidate will be an experienced reporter, hungry to break agenda-setting exclusives and write authoritative, original journalism for the UK audience. The job will primarily involve pitching, researching and writing original content using trusted contacts, data and traditional reporting techniques. The chief reporter is also expected to be an exceptional writer, able to helm the biggest stories of the day. The right candidate will be an NCTJ trained journalist with a strong news background with a firm grasp on all aspects of digital publishing. The ability to source and verify information independently for publication, as well as understanding how best to use trusted sourcing is essential. The right journalist will be a confident reporter with a proven track record of breaking exclusive stories and finding a way to take stories on. While the job is London-based, travel around the news agenda is to be expected.
About you
- Key responsibilities and skills:
- Writing clean and legally sound news copy.
- A great contacts book.
- Break exclusive content.
- Working knowledge of newsroom SEO.
- Understand digital analytics tools.
- Have a proven track record as a news journalist.
- Act swiftly and vocally when issues arise.
- Be a problem solver with the ability to deal with issues calmly and decisively.
- Be a team-player able to work well with others.
- Essential skills and experience:
- Experience of successfully working in a similar role at a similar title.
- Demonstrable experience as a journalist.
- Strong familiarity with the Independent and our coverage.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multitask.
- NCTJ or equivalent.
- Skilled content creator.
- Ability to clearly communicate best practices.
- Experience of working in a dynamic fast-paced media environment.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. As a growing and global brand, we must have a workforce that’s more representative of our readers, viewers, clients and partners, and a workplace that creates a sense of belonging for everyone. We are committed to hiring and developing a diverse workforce regardless of background, and we support our people to thrive in their careers here. The Independent is an equal opportunities employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
Our values – you will deliver across all our values
- Inclusive: We champion diversity in our teams and in our reporting. Working as a team, we put transparency and effective communication at the heart of everything we do.
- Innovative: From the very beginning, The Independent has been breaking the mould. We take risks and are always looking to try new ideas in pursuit of excellence.
- Independent: Nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own minds and aren’t afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.
Chief Reporter employer: The Independent
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Reporter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and tone. Read their articles regularly to understand what makes their journalism unique, and think about how your writing can align with their values of independence and innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Build a strong network of contacts in the industry. As a chief reporter, having reliable sources is crucial for breaking exclusive stories. Attend journalism events or engage with fellow reporters on social media to expand your connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current events and trends in digital journalism. Understanding newsroom SEO and digital analytics tools will give you an edge, as these skills are essential for producing content that resonates with online audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities during interviews. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past, showcasing your calmness and decisiveness under pressure, which are key traits for a chief reporter.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Reporter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Chief Reporter position. Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling CV: Highlight your relevant experience as a journalist, focusing on your ability to break exclusive stories and your familiarity with digital publishing. Include specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills in writing clean, legally sound news copy.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for journalism and your understanding of The Independent's mission. Mention your NCTJ training and how your background aligns with the role. Be sure to convey your enthusiasm for contributing to their innovative approach to news.
Showcase Your Contacts and Achievements: If applicable, mention your contacts within the industry and any notable achievements in your career. This could include exclusive stories you've broken or significant projects you've led, which will help demonstrate your capability as a Chief Reporter.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of The Independent's history, values, and recent stories. Being able to discuss their unique approach to journalism will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Contacts
As a chief reporter, your network is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your contacts and how they can help you break exclusive stories. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Writing Skills
Bring samples of your best work that showcase your ability to write clean, engaging, and legally sound news copy. Be ready to discuss your writing process and how you ensure accuracy and clarity.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle breaking news or challenging situations. Prepare examples from your experience where you acted decisively and effectively under pressure.
