BBC CV Example & Writing Guide

The BBC is one of the most trusted news organisations both in the UK and across the globe. With over 21,000 employees across various sectors, it’s also the world’s largest broadcasting company. Working for the BBC comes with a certain amount of prestige and the responsibility to uphold the legacy of the network. To show that you’re up to the task, you’ll need an excellent CV tailored to the needs of the BBC role you’re applying to.

Whether you hope to work on the journalism or sales side, you know that a clear message is the key to connecting with readers or advertisers. The same is true of your CV. You’ll need to perfect your pitch and lead with your strongest attributes to show the BBC why you’re the right choice for their open position. This guide is full of tips to help you craft a great CV that does just that.

Complete guide for a BBC CV

Resume.io is here to guide you on your journey to the BBC. Our guides and CV examples cover dozens of professions, and our CV builder makes creating a compelling CV easier than ever.

This CV guide and corresponding BBC CV example will cover the following:

• How to write a BBC CV
• Choosing the right CV format for the BBC
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Adding your relevant experience for the BBC
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right BBC design/layout

How to write a BBC CV

The very first step to writing your BBC CV is understanding what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The CV header
• The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The CV skills section
• The education section

The BBC hires candidates across a wide variety of functions from sales, marketing, and advertising to HR and IT positions. However, the majority of BBC employees work on editorial teams in roles like journalist, commentator, photographer, camera operator, audio producer, news director, and much more. This guide will focus on journalistic roles. 

With such a strong reputation in the industry, it comes as no surprise that positions with the BBC can be competitive. Whether you want to get started with BBC Academy, work in local radio broadcasting, or join international teams, you’ll need a strong CV to stand out from other candidates and make a lasting impression. Here are a few overall tips to help:

• Tailor each CV: Never use the same CV to apply to more than one job – even if they’re at the same company like the BBC. While you don’t need to rewrite your CV from scratch every time, make sure to update it based on the job description and the employer's needs for the role.
• Focus on achievements: Many candidates have performed the same basic duties. To stand out, you need to show what you’ve accomplished in each of your previous roles, using numbers and statistics to paint a clear picture of your success.
• Consider your image: Your application materials should have a consistent look and feel that immediately convey your professionalism and seriousness as a candidate.

Choosing the right CV format for the BBC

While various CV formats exist, the reverse chronological format is the one best suited for your application to the BBC. This format focuses on your employment history section where you’ll be able to list previous roles from most recent to oldest, going back about 10 years (or as much relevant experience as you have.) Both employers and the ATS favour this CV format because it makes it easy to assess how qualified you are for the role. Below you’ll find an example of this format.

Other resume formats include the functional and hybrid models. These options place more emphasis on your skills and are often used by first-time job seekers, students, and career changers. However, we recommend sticking with the reverse chronological format whenever possible as it makes a stronger first impression.

Include your contact information

Once your CV is successful in convincing the hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for the role, they’ll need to know how to get in touch with you to set up an interview. That’s why your name and contact information should be prominently featured right at the top of your CV in a section known as the header.

It’s important to get the header details right – too little information could frustrate the hiring manager and make them move on to other candidates, while too much could come across as unprofessional and turn them away just the same. Here are the basic details to include:

• Full name & title. List your first and last name. Use the title of the role you are pursuing.
• Professional email address. Use a clean format like [email protected]. Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address.
• Phone number. List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location. List only your town and region. Don’t list your street address or postcode as it’s both outdated and unsafe. Note 'Willing to Relocate' here if applicable.
• LinkedIn. If you work in media, a professional, up-to-date LinkedIn profile that presents a consistent image to that of your CV is a must.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth: Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination.
• Personal details: Marital status, passport number, etc.

Make use of a summary

When hiring managers can receive dozens or even hundreds of CVs for any given position, they may only spend a few seconds evaluating yours. The goal of the summary is to catch the hiring manager’s attention and make yourself stand out enough so that they decide to take a closer look at your application.

If you’re a journalist or writer, you’ve probably heard of the inverted pyramid concept which states that the most important information should be contained right at the start of your writing with more specific details following later on. The same principle applies to any good CV. Just as you might answer who, what, where, when, and how right at the top of an article, you’ll want to include the same information about yourself in your CV summary.

To write an effective summary, start with a few main adjectives that differentiate you from other candidates. You should also mention the way you’re uniquely positioned to fill the role and give the exact job title and location of the position you’re applying to. Make sure to use action verbs that show your sense of initiative and active role in the work you do. You want to come across as a go-getter who solves problems and leads your team to success.

You can find adaptable BBC CV example summaries below:

Outline your work experience

Hiring managers often decide whether or not you are qualified for the role after spending just a few seconds reading your work experience in your employment history section. This is the best place to convince the reader that you’re the right choice for a prestigious position with the BBC, giving numbers and concrete evidence to back up your duties.

Start by creating subheadings that list your previous employer, job title, dates worked and location. Add “remote” if you worked remotely in the role. These subtitles should use bold or italics to separate them from the rest of the information in this section.

Underneath, create 4-5 bullet points that describe your duties and achievements. Start each bullet point with an action verb that shows how you were directly responsible for the positive impact on the team or company. Some examples of strong action verbs include orchestrated, spearheaded, led, managed, initiated, developed, and created. Then offer concrete numbers, statistics and other information to give more credibility to your achievements. Examples include audience metrics, awards won, size of team managed, or number of stories produced.

Here’s an example of weak bullet points:

• Wrote stories for BBC local service in Cardiff
• Worked with team to cover breaking news
• Took photos to accompany articles

Now try these stronger versions:

• Pitched and reported 40+ stories for trusted BBC local service in Cardiff
• Led team of 12 breaking news reporters to consistently publish stories before competitors
• Initiated photo opportunities to accompany articles, resulting in 20% increase in article visibility

Take a look at the BBC employment history CV sample below:

How to write a BBC CV with no experience

For students, recent grads, and first-time job seekers with limited work experience applying to roles at the BBC, it's essential to focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and potential. Begin by thoroughly researching the BBC's values, mission, and the specific requirements of the role you're applying for. While you may not have much work experience to show, you should aim to emphasise your soft and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, don't underestimate the power of networking and seeking mentorship opportunities within the industry. Connect with professionals working at the BBC through networking events, social media platforms like LinkedIn, or alumni networks. 

Ask current BBC employees for informational interviews to gain insights into the organisation and the industry, and don't hesitate to ask for advice or guidance. Building relationships with BBC employees can not only provide valuable insights but also increase your chances of being noticed when opportunities arise. Remember, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach can make up for a lack of direct experience.

Include the relevant key skills that make you a strong BBC candidate

What to include in the skills section of your BBC CV will largely depend on the type of role you’re applying to and the experience you’ve acquired in previous roles. Make sure to reread the job description and look for the specific abilities and qualities that the BBC expects for candidates in the position. 

The skills section is one of the most important places to tailor your CV to the job. Make sure to use the employer’s exact language. For example, if the BBC asks for experience with “multimedia journalism” make sure to use that phrase instead of “visual journalism” in order to increase your chances of beating the software scan and being reviewed by a hiring manager.

You’ll also want to include a good balance of hard skills, which are your technical abilities or expertise learned on the job like knowledge of camera equipment or a deep understanding of UK economic policy, along with soft skills which are your personality traits that make you right for the role. Examples of soft skills include attention to detail, time management, or leadership abilities.

Foreign languages are also great to include in your skills section. Make sure to be honest about your level and abilities though, as you will likely be quickly found out if you are unable to work in the language.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our BBC CV template. 

Detail your education & relevant certifications

Your education section is crucial to any complete CV. As with your experience, make sure to list your degrees from most recent to oldest and give the degree name, school or university, dates attended and location. If you’re a student or recent grad, you can also add bullet points to highlight any impressive academic achievements like your marks, awards won, or leadership positions held.

While many candidates think of the education section as static, it should evolve with you during your career. This is the place to include any training, certifications like your UK press card, continuing education courses, memberships held or noteworthy publications (if you don’t have a separate section for those).

Pick the right layout and design for a BBC CV

The BBC is a serious and reputable organisation, so your CV should convey the same tone and sense of professionalism. It’s important to choose the right CV layout and design to make a strong and positive first impression with the hiring manager. Eccentric colours or unusual font choices could make your CV hard to read and turn them away before they’ve had a chance to understand the details of your experience. 

We recommend using one accent colour or sticking to a neutral colour scheme for your BBC CV. Make sure your header is clear and easy-to-read and free from any images or graphics which are hard for the ATS systems to scan.

While formatting choices may seem tough, there’s an easy way to make sure you get this part right. Professionally designed resume templates allow you to try out different styles while making sure that your formatting is correct. Inside of our intuitive CV builder, you can even save different versions for various positions that you apply to.

BBC CV example, text only

Key takeaways for building a BBC CV

Read the job description and tailor your CV to each job you apply for, even if they’re within the same company like the BBC. List your previous work experience from most recent to oldest and create bullet points that focus on results instead of responsibilities.

If you’re a student or recent grad, focus on transferable and soft skills to show your willingness to learn. Make sure to select a clear and organised layout that makes the right first impression. Our adaptable BBC CV sample can help you get started.