Newspaper photographer job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Newspaper photographer in details. A complete job description concludes Newspaper photographer key duties/responsibilities, Newspaper photographer job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Newspaper photographer duties:

      1.            Write news, features and columns, as assigned. Given the nature of the beat, this position will require frequent deadline writing and spot news coverage.

      2.            Take photographs and shoot video (news, features, business/community) as assigned and to accompany news stories.

      3.            Updating and producing copy, photos, video and slideshows for the website.

      4.            Producing multi-media format stories, photos with video and audio for the website.

      5.            Electronic pagination design of select news and features pages.

      6.            Cover assigned beats. Will include attending meetings at nights and covering spot news.

      7.            Develop/write features and news for special publications, promotions.

      8.            Develop story ideas relevant to the local community.

      9.            Assure accuracy and objectivity in all news reporting.

  10.            Participate in team and continuous improvement initiatives.

  11.            Must be able to meet deadlines.

  12.            Serve as positive liaison with the public.

II. List of Newspaper photographer qualifications

      1.            Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field desired.

      2.            Good writing, researching and interviewing skills.

      3.            Good grammar, spelling and punctuation required.

      4.            Competency in photography, Photoshop.

      5.            Good pagination skills. Experience in Quark desired.

      6.            Commitment to quality in all aspects, from news coverage to design.

      7.            Good organization and time management skills. Self-motivation and professionalism is key.

      8.            Ability to work well with other departments and employees, to include PLG News 13

      9.            Knowledge and interest in the Internet and social media.

  10.            Must have a vehicle to travel to assignments; valid drivers’ license and proof of vehicle insurance must be provided.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.