10 common errors in journalists’ CVs
In the world of journalism, the curriculum vitae is not just an administrative document: it is the first informative piece you present about yourself. A good CV can open doors to newsrooms, broadcasters, or production companies, while a poorly conceived CV can close opportunities even before an interview. In such a competitive sector, where experience, style, and versatility are key, knowing how to explain who you are and what you can do is essential.
However, many professionals (both students and journalists with experience) continue to make mistakes that detract from the credibility and strength of their profile. In this article we analyze the real importance of journalists’ CVs, what they are exactly for, and, above all, what the 10 most common errors in journalists’ CVs are and how to avoid them in order to improve your job opportunities.
At Radiofònics, we manage journalism work placements for more than 200 students each year. These placements are sought once the profile and needs of both our students and our clients are understood, and we create the match that helps both parties move forward. We continuously review and send résumés that contain a large number of these errors, and it is important to take this into account or seek advice to do it correctly.
The importance of the CV in journalism
The CV is your first professional narrative. Before anyone listens to your voice on the radio or TV, reads one of your reports, or watches an audiovisual piece, they will read your résumé. For this reason, journalists’ CVs must be clear, honest, and strategic.
Unlike other sectors, journalism values both education and practical experience, but also narrative, technical, and digital skills. A good CV does not only list jobs; it contextualizes projects, explains roles, and demonstrates professional judgment.
What is a good journalist’s CV for?
A well-crafted résumé is useful to:
- Demonstrate professional credibility in just a few seconds.
- Show specialization.
- Differentiate yourself from other candidates with similar profiles.
- Facilitate an interview, because it generates interest and trust.
By contrast, a disorganized or generic CV can convey a lack of rigor, a quality that is especially negative in journalism.
The 10 common errors in journalists’ CVs
1) Not adapting the CV to journalism.
A common mistake is using a generic CV model. Journalists’ CVs must be designed for media outlets, not for just any sector.
2) Exceeding the length.
More is not always better. A CV that is too long can tire the reader. Ideally, one or two pages are sufficient.
3) Not highlighting practical experience.
Internships, collaborations, personal podcasts, or university projects are very relevant. Omitting them is a serious mistake.
4) Not including links to work.
In journalism, you need to demonstrate what you know how to do. Journalists’ CVs without links to articles, audio, or videos are incomplete.
5) Spelling or grammatical errors.
It may seem obvious, but it still happens. A single error can lead to a candidate being rejected immediately.
6) Unclear professional profile.
Not explaining in two or three lines what type of journalist you are creates confusion. The reader must quickly understand your profile.
7) Forgetting digital skills.
SEO, editing, social media, or multimedia tools are key nowadays. Not mentioning them reduces value.
8) Poorly legible design.
A design that is too cluttered or disorganized makes reading difficult. Clarity also communicates professionalism.
9) Not updating the CV.
Sending an outdated CV is a very common mistake. Journalists’ CVs must always be up to date.
10) Not adapting it to each offer.
Sending the same CV to all job offers shows little commitment. It needs to be adjusted according to the medium or the position.
Practical tips to improve your journalist CV
To avoid these errors, it is recommended to:
- Review the CV before each submission.
- Ask for opinions from professionals in the sector.
- Maintain a clear and hierarchical structure.
- Use precise and professional language.
It is also useful to consult specialized resources in journalistic employment, such as the Federation of Journalists’ Trade Unions, which offers career and professional guidance.
Training and CV: a key relationship
A good CV often reflects good training. Specialized courses, practical workshops, or schools focused on the real world help build a stronger profile. In addition, they provide demonstrable experience that can later be included in the résumé.
At Radiofònics, for example, the emphasis on radio and audiovisual practice allows many students to leave with real projects that enrich their CV. Programs such as radio and podcasting courses facilitate this step from the CV to the microphone in a natural way.
El currículum es mucho más que un trámite: es tu carta de presentación en un sector exigente y competitivo. Evitar los errores más comunes, generalizados en los CV de los periodistas, puede marcar la diferencia entre quedarse en la bandeja de entrada o avanzar hacia una entrevista. Claridad, rigor, actualización constante y una buena selección de contenidos son elementos imprescindibles.
Invertir tiempo en mejorar el CV es invertir en tu carrera. Y si esta mejora va acompañada de formación práctica y orientada a la realidad de los medios, los resultados son aún mejores. Al final, un buen CV no solo explica tu pasado, sino que abre la puerta a tu futuro profesional.