Columnist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Columnist Resume examples

Breaking through the noise isn't easy. With roughly 7.5 million blog posts published daily, today's columnists face the daunting task of not just writing well, but writing distinctively. The line between columnist and content creator has blurred significantly since 2020, leaving many writers struggling to carve out their unique voice in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. Gone are the days when a strong opinion and decent prose guaranteed readership — the modern columnist juggles multimedia skills, social engagement metrics, and platform-specific formatting while still delivering that perfect turn of phrase.

What hasn't changed, though, is the power of perspective. While publications have slashed staff positions (traditional newspaper employment dropped 57% between 2008 and 2023), the demand for specialized, authoritative viewpoints continues to grow. Fresh angles on niche topics — from climate tech to algorithmic bias — create opportunities for columnists who can blend expertise with accessibility. The columnists who thrive in tomorrow's media environment won't just react to the news cycle; they'll shape how we understand the world by offering context and clarity where others provide only information.

Junior Columnist Resume Example

Mia Fernandez

Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8764 | mia.fernandez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/miafernandez

Professional Summary

Recent journalism graduate with 1+ year of experience writing engaging columns for local publications. Skilled in developing thought-provoking social commentary pieces and producing deadline-driven content that resonates with diverse audiences. Comfortable conducting in-depth interviews and translating complex topics into accessible, compelling narratives for print and digital platforms.

Experience

Freelance Columnist – Various Publications | January 2023 – Present

  • Write biweekly opinion columns for The Chicago Current on local politics and community issues, generating 27% more reader comments than average contributors
  • Contribute monthly lifestyle pieces to Urban Chicago magazine, focusing on affordable living and neighborhood spotlights
  • Pitched and secured a recurring column in the university alumni newsletter highlighting graduate achievements and career paths
  • Manage personal social media platforms to promote published work, growing Twitter following by 430+ in 8 months

Intern Columnist – The Daily Herald | June 2022 – December 2022

  • Developed weekly 800-word columns for the “Fresh Perspectives” section covering social issues, arts and campus life
  • Collaborated with senior editors to refine writing style and strengthen opinion-based arguments
  • Conducted 15+ interviews with local community leaders and activists to inform column content
  • Assisted with copy editing and fact-checking for other staff writers’ articles

Contributing Writer – Northwestern University Student Paper | September 2020 – May 2022

  • Wrote bi-weekly opinion pieces on campus issues, student life and national politics
  • Managed tight deadlines while balancing full course load and other extracurricular commitments
  • Selected for “Writer of the Semester” recognition in Fall 2021 for a 3-part series on student activism

Education

Northwestern University – Bachelor of Science in Journalism | May 2022

  • Minor: Political Science
  • GPA: 3.7/4.0
  • Relevant Coursework: Opinion Writing, Media Ethics, Political Reporting, Feature Writing
  • Activities: Student Newspaper, Debate Team, Campus Radio Show Host

Skills

  • Column Writing & Opinion Pieces
  • AP Style & Copy Editing
  • Social Media Management (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok)
  • SEO & Digital Content Optimization
  • WordPress & Content Management Systems
  • Interviewing & Research
  • Adobe InDesign (basic)
  • Deadline-Driven Production
  • Podcast Recording & Editing
  • Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Information

Portfolio: miafernandezwrites.com
Languages: English (native), Spanish (conversational)
Memberships: Society of Professional Journalists, Chicago Press Club

Mid-level Columnist Resume Example

Gabriella Martinez

Denver, CO | (720) 555-8142 | gmartinez@emailpro.com | linkedin.com/in/gabriellamartinez

Versatile columnist with 5+ years crafting thought-provoking content across digital and print media. Known for developing unique angles on trending topics and building loyal readerships through authentic storytelling. Former podcast host with experience translating written content to audio formats. Seeking to leverage my distinct voice and multimedia skills for a forward-thinking publication.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Columnist | Mile High Journal | Denver, CO | June 2020 – Present

  • Write weekly 1,200-word column on urban development and city politics, generating 37% more reader comments than other opinion writers
  • Pitched and launched “Denver After Dark” series exploring nightlife economy, which increased digital subscriptions by 14% among 21-34 demographic
  • Collaborate with data team to incorporate interactive visualizations, resulting in average time-on-page increase from 2:15 to 4:23
  • Manage two junior writers, providing editorial guidance and developing content calendars
  • Selected as one of three columnists to participate in the publication’s podcast expansion initiative

Contributing Columnist | The Rocky Mountain Observer | Denver, CO | March 2018 – May 2020

  • Authored bi-weekly column on local arts and culture, building readership from initial 1,800 views to consistently exceeding 7,500
  • Conducted 40+ interviews with regional artists, musicians, and cultural figures
  • Expanded role to include special features on emerging cultural trends, with 3 pieces selected for Sunday print edition front page
  • Created companion social media content that increased article shares by 29%

Editorial Assistant & Freelance Writer | Denver City Magazine | Denver, CO | August 2016 – February 2018

  • Assisted editorial team with fact-checking, research, and transcription for feature articles
  • Pitched and published 7 freelance articles on local food scene while working full-time as assistant
  • Managed editorial calendar and coordinated with photographers for monthly shoots
  • Helped launch magazine’s first digital newsletter, growing subscriber base to 3,400 in first quarter

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism | University of Colorado Boulder | 2016

Minor in Political Science

Features Editor, The CU Independent (student newspaper)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Poynter Institute: Column Writing Masterclass | 2019

Knight Center for Journalism: Data Visualization for Storytellers | 2021

MediaShift Digital Journalism Summit | 2020

SKILLS

  • Column development & narrative structure
  • Deadline-driven writing & editing
  • Interview techniques & source development
  • Audio storytelling & podcast production
  • SEO optimization for digital content
  • Social media content creation
  • Adobe InDesign & Photoshop basics
  • Content management systems (WordPress, Arc)
  • AP Style proficiency
  • Google Analytics

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

“The Last Call: How Denver’s Changing Last Orders Law Affects Night Culture” – Featured in Best American Journalism 2021

“Forgotten Corners: Five Denver Neighborhoods Fighting for Preservation” – 2020 Colorado Press Association Award Finalist

“Beyond the Canvas: Street Art as Urban Policy Statement” – Republished in three regional publications

Senior / Experienced Columnist Resume Example

SOPHIA REYNOLDS

Boston, MA • (617) 555-8124 • sophiareynolds@email.com • linkedin.com/in/sophiareynolds

Award-winning columnist with 10+ years crafting thought-provoking content across print and digital platforms. Known for blending cultural analysis with personal narrative to build loyal readerships of 35,000+ weekly. Regular contributor to national publications with expertise in politics, social issues, and urban life. Former editor who maintains strong relationships with media professionals nationwide.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Columnist, The Boston Chronicle, Boston, MA (June 2018 – Present)

  • Write weekly 1,200-word column on urban politics and civic issues, consistently ranking among top 3 most-read features based on engagement metrics
  • Developed “City Pulse” series examining neighborhood transformation that won 2021 Regional Press Award and increased digital subscriptions by 8%
  • Collaborate with visual journalists to create multimedia packages that drove 47% increase in time-on-page for feature content
  • Guest appear on local news programs and podcasts as subject matter expert, expanding brand visibility across platforms
  • Mentor 2 junior writers through formal program, helping them secure regular bylines and develop distinct voices

Staff Columnist, Midwest Daily News, Chicago, IL (March 2015 – May 2018)

  • Produced bi-weekly column on cultural and social trends that grew from print-only to cross-platform feature with 28,000+ readers
  • Pitched and executed 6-part investigative column series on housing inequality that prompted city council hearings
  • Built active social media presence growing Twitter following from 2,300 to 15,000+ in under three years
  • Participated in editorial meetings to shape coverage priorities and identify emerging story angles

Features Writer/Contributing Columnist, The Denver Post, Denver, CO (August 2013 – February 2015)

  • Started as general assignment features writer covering arts and culture before being tapped for monthly opinion column
  • Reported and wrote 4-6 feature stories weekly while developing voice for opinion writing
  • Created reader-response columns that boosted letters to the editor by 31% and established direct audience connection

FREELANCE WORK

Regular contributor to The Atlantic, Slate, New York Magazine, and The Guardian (2016 – Present)

  • Publish 8-10 reported features and opinion pieces annually in major national publications
  • Specialize in long-form narratives on American political and cultural divides
  • “The Divided Street” feature for The Atlantic (2020) was included in Best American Essays collection

EDUCATION

Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism, New York, NY
Master of Science in Journalism, 2013

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science, 2011
Managing Editor, Michigan Daily (2010-2011)

SKILLS

  • Column and Feature Writing
  • Investigative Reporting
  • Narrative Storytelling
  • Audience Development
  • Multimedia Collaboration
  • Public Speaking/Media Appearances
  • Social Media Strategy
  • WordPress and CMS Platforms
  • SEO Optimization for Editorial
  • Audio/Podcast Production

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

  • Regional Press Association Columnist of the Year (2021)
  • Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Commentary Finalist (2019)
  • Midwest Media Award for Outstanding Cultural Commentary (2017)
  • Featured in “30 Writers Under 35 to Watch” by Journalism Review (2016)

How to Write a Columnist Resume

Introduction

Landing a columnist position is all about showcasing your unique voice and ability to engage readers. Your resume needs to do more than list your experience—it should demonstrate your writing prowess and subject matter expertise. I've helped dozens of writers break into prestigious publications, and I'll share the exact strategies that worked for them. The competition is fierce (one editor told me they receive 200+ applications for each opening), so your resume must instantly convey your value as a columnist.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your resume clean and scannable—editors are notoriously busy people who make quick judgments. Aim for 1-2 pages max, depending on your experience level.

  • Use a classic, readable font (Georgia works particularly well for writing positions)
  • Include plenty of white space—dense text blocks are an immediate turnoff
  • Organize sections in order of relevance: summary, writing experience, other professional experience, education
  • Skip the objective statement (it's outdated) and use a profile instead
  • Consider including links to your portfolio, personal blog, or published work samples

Profile/Summary Section

Your profile should capture your writing style, beat expertise, and unique perspective in just 3-4 sentences. Think of it as the lede to your career story.

Avoid generic claims like "passionate writer with excellent communication skills." Instead, be specific: "Political columnist with 6+ years covering Capitol Hill, known for making complex policy digestible through witty analogies and clear explanations."

Tailor this section to match the publication's tone and editorial focus. A humor columnist for a lifestyle magazine needs a different approach than a financial columnist for a business journal.

Professional Experience

This is where you prove your writing chops and industry knowledge. For each position:

  • Lead with your title, publication name, and dates (e.g., "Weekly Columnist, The Boston Observer, Jan 2019-Present")
  • Include your column name if applicable ("Author of 'City Sidewalks' weekly urban affairs column")
  • Focus on measurable achievements: "Grew readership 37% in first year" or "Consistently ranked among top 5 most-read features"
  • Mention engagement metrics: "Generated avg. 89 reader comments per article"
  • Note any awards or special recognition your columns received

If you're early in your columnist career, include relevant freelance work, blog writing, or content creation roles that demonstrate your writing abilities and subject expertise.

Education and Certifications

While a journalism degree isn't mandatory, your educational background should support your credibility as a columnist. Beyond formal education, highlight:

  • Relevant coursework or workshops (like "Narrative Nonfiction at Poynter Institute")
  • Industry memberships (Society of Professional Journalists, etc.)
  • Language proficiencies if relevant to your beat
  • Subject matter expertise (e.g., "Certified Financial Planner" for a money columnist)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many publications, especially larger ones, use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include these industry-specific keywords naturally throughout:

  • Content types: op-ed, feature, commentary, analysis, essay
  • Skills: copyediting, fact-checking, interviewing, research, SEO
  • Tools: WordPress, Google Analytics, social media platforms
  • Specializations: investigative, editorial, news analysis, cultural criticism

Common Resume Mistakes

I've reviewed thousands of columnist resumes, and these mistakes appear constantly:

  • Listing every article you've ever written (curate your best/most relevant work)
  • Using flowery, verbose language (ironic for writers!)
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of the publication's audience
  • Not including concrete metrics on readership, engagement, or impact
  • Overlooking the importance of social media presence and audience building

Before/After Example

Before: "Wrote weekly columns about local issues for community newspaper."

After: "Produced 'Neighborhood Watch' column examining housing policy and development projects, increasing letters to the editor by 43% and directly influencing the city council's affordable housing initiative through sustained coverage."

The second version shows impact, specialty focus, and tangible results—exactly what editors want to see. Your resume should tell the story of not just what you wrote, but why it mattered.

Soft skills for your Columnist resume

  • Narrative crafting – transforming complex issues into accessible, compelling stories that resonate with diverse readership
  • Source relationship management – building trust with contacts across industries while maintaining journalistic integrity
  • Deadline resilience – thriving under pressure of tight publishing schedules without sacrificing quality or accuracy
  • Editorial flexibility – adapting voice and approach based on publication needs, audience demographics, and evolving media trends
  • Research intuition – knowing which threads to pull and questions to ask that lead to unique angles others miss
  • Feedback integration – gracefully incorporating editor notes while preserving the core message and personal voice

Hard skills for your Columnist resume

  • Adobe InDesign for column layout and formatting
  • AP Style mastery and Chicago Manual of Style proficiency
  • Web CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Ghost)
  • SEO headline writing and keyword optimization
  • Social media content distribution (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
  • Google Analytics for audience metrics analysis
  • Multimedia content creation (podcasts, video supplements)
  • Fact-checking and source verification methods
  • Interview techniques and transcription software (Rev, Otter.ai)