At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our international desk to pitch and write engaging global news stories.
- Company: The Independent is a pioneering digital news publisher committed to independent journalism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation, diversity, and impactful storytelling.
- Qualifications: NCTJ trained with proven experience in journalism and digital publishing.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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 involves joining the title’s international desk in London as a news reporter. The right candidate will be an experienced reporter, hungry to tell the most engaging global stories from the US to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The job will include pitching and writing original content, as well as helming live coverage and turning around breaking news quickly. The right candidate will be an NCTJ trained journalist with a strong news background and 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 both a confident reporter as well as an aggregator.
You will be expected to manage multiple priorities in a calm and methodical manner and possess the ability to thrive in breaking and changing news situations.
Key responsibilities and skills:
- Writing clean and legally sound news copy.
- Live-blogging.
- Working knowledge of newsroom SEO.
- Understanding digital analytics tools.
- Proven track record as a news journalist.
- Act swiftly and vocally when issues arise.
- Problem solver with the ability to deal with issues calmly and decisively.
- 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, Innovative, Independent.
News Reporter employer: The Independent
Contact Detail:
The Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land News Reporter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Independent's style and recent coverage. Understanding their unique voice and the types of stories they prioritise will help you pitch ideas that resonate with their editorial team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former journalists from The Independent. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the newsroom culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on global news trends and breaking stories. Being well-informed will not only help you in live coverage but also demonstrate your ability to act swiftly and knowledgeably in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your digital skills by being proficient in SEO and analytics tools. Highlighting your ability to optimise content for online platforms will make you a more attractive candidate for this digital-first role.
We think you need these skills to ace News Reporter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the News Reporter position. Understand the key responsibilities and skills required, such as writing clean news copy and having a strong grasp of digital publishing.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in journalism, particularly in fast-paced media environments. Emphasise your NCTJ training and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for independent journalism and your familiarity with The Independent's values. Mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to handle breaking news and produce engaging content.
Showcase Your Digital Skills: Since the role requires knowledge of SEO and digital analytics, include any relevant experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas. This could be through previous roles or personal projects that demonstrate your understanding of digital journalism.
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 coverage and how it aligns with your own journalistic principles will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to write clean, engaging news copy and manage breaking news situations. Bring along clips or links to your best articles to demonstrate your experience and versatility as a reporter.
✨Be Ready to Pitch
Think of a few story ideas relevant to current global events that you could pitch during the interview. This will not only showcase your creativity but also your understanding of what makes a compelling news story for The Independent's audience.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in a newsroom, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked within a team in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve contributed to group projects or supported colleagues in high-pressure situations.