Reporter Job Description Template

A hiring manager writes a historian job description.

When hiring a skilled reporter, it’s important to find a creative self-starter who can discover newsworthy stories, write compelling narratives, and relay breaking news. The first step to finding great-fit candidates is to create and post an effective reporter job description.

This job description template will help you quickly write your job description and source reporters who can grow your audience. You can also fast-track your hiring process by browsing Monster’s reporter job listings and learning how businesses like yours attract top talent.

A hiring manager writes a historian job description.

Reporter Job Description

[Intro Paragraph] Begin your job description with information about why the job and working for your company is exciting. Reporters can work for lots of agencies, networks, publications, and radio stations, so the introduction is your opportunity to make your organization stand out.

Do this by highlighting the aspects of your company culture and values that candidates will find appealing. Examples include an inclusive work environment and mentorship, career growth, and professional development opportunities. Reporters also look for jobs that align with their area of interest, so if the position is for a specific beat, such as sports or finance, include it here as well.

Reporter Job Responsibilities: Next in your reporter job description, list the duties you expect the reporter to complete on a day-to-day basis. This will help right-fit candidates determine whether the role is a good match and decide if they want to apply.

Reporters typically research stories, gather information, and present that information to their audience, but each news outlet will have different requirements. These general responsibilities can be edited to meet your specific needs but should cover most of the bases. For example, you could include:

  • Research and pitch timely and well-researched news stories that educate and serve the audience’s interest.
  • Solicit and interview reputable sources, such as authorities, subject matter experts, and witnesses who can provide a compelling perspective.
  • Provide various sides to the story so the information is unbiased and meets the standard journalistic code of ethics.
  • Explore leads, gather first-hand accounts, and fact-check information to develop a cohesive story that informs and captivates viewers or listeners while adhering to tight deadlines.
  • Work closely with producers, editors, and other journalists to ensure reporting is high-quality and properly represents the media outlet.
  • Keep up to date with the journalistic code of conduct and privacy and defamation laws.
  • Attend live events and travel frequently to relevant locations.
  • Keep track and take care of relevant recording equipment, such as cameras, microphones, and lights.

[Work Hours and Benefits] After you list the responsibilities in your reporter job description, include the typical hours the candidate will work and any benefits they can expect. Explain if the reporter will work full- or part-time and if you require them to work weekends or overnight. If you have a shift schedule, list the various shift times.

Also list the position’s benefits and perks. Will you offer health, vision, or dental coverage? What about paid time off or flexible work schedules? Show the candidate that your company cares by listing the ways your programs help them lead better lives, such as tuition reimbursement, childcare assistance, or wellness stipends.

Reporter Qualifications and Skills: When you list the qualifications and skills you need from your candidates, make sure you choose a well-rounded representation of your needs. Be sure to specify whether the requirements are desired or dealbreakers, so you don’t discourage nearly qualified candidates from applying.

Focus on technical and soft skills that show the candidate can create and present interesting stories that will grow your brand. You could include:

  • Strong interviewing, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
  • Able to research, fact-check, write, edit, and communicate news stories that appeal to a specific audience or community.
  • Easily recognizes timely story ideas and which information supports the story in a compelling way.
  • Remains composed under stressful circumstances and tight deadlines.
  • Creative self-starter who can work independently or as part of a team.
  • Strong ethical and story-quality standards.
  • Basic understanding of media and newsroom production processes.
  • Computer skills and proficiency, such as Microsoft Office and content management systems.

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a relevant field preferred.
  • Deep understanding of interviewing best practices.
  • Experience presenting cohesive stories within tight timeframes.
  • Extensive portfolio of related published articles or newscasts.

[Call to Action] End your job posting with an effective call to action (CTA). This is where you clearly direct candidates on what to do next, such as “apply now” or “learn more.” Otherwise, the candidate might leave without reaching out. A strong CTA will help great-fit candidates get to the next application phase and prevent them from walking away.

Grow Your Audience with Quality Storytelling

Great reporters are at the heart of your media company and can grow your audience. This reporter job description template will help you attract great-fit candidates and take out the guesswork of creating an effective job post. Start your search today with a free job posting on Monster.