As Head of Newsroom Development at The Globe, a big part of my job is hiring for roles across editorial. This year alone I’ve conducted more than 50 interviews and pored over many more applications. Below are some common questions and misconceptions, as well as some advice on how to make your application stand out.
If you are looking for your next opportunity, we have several reporting and editing roles open, as well as our summer jobs program and photo apprentice positions.
What skills and qualities do you look for in candidates?
I’m often asked whether a journalist in 2025 needs to know how to code or have advanced multimedia skills or know how to create a podcast. While those skills are certainly required for specific types of jobs, the top skills we look for in every role are core journalistic traits: curiosity and critical thinking. It is key these qualities come through in your cover letter and interview. Show us how you think about the world around you and come prepared with story ideas, including for roles outside reporting.
Given The Globe’s main medium is the written word, we also look for clear, concise and engaging writers. How we find and tell stories is constantly evolving, however, so we also look for people who are excited to push the status quo and innovate.
Do I need a university or college degree in journalism?
No. We are less interested in your academic background than we are in the qualities mentioned above.
How do I make my application stand out?
First, include a one-page cover letter. We often receive hundreds of applications for a single role. Your cover letter is your chance to show us you know how to tell a story and make you stand out from other applicants. The key word there is “show.” Don’t state that you are passionate and hardworking. Show us by using specific examples or stories about yourself.
Second, make it enjoyable to read. Edit yourself and show that you know how to communicate clearly and concisely. Make every word count and ditch the long blocks of text throughout your resume.
Do I have to be based in Toronto?
It depends on the position. For most roles, we offer hybrid work, requiring two days a week in the Toronto office (or a bureau office like Ottawa or Vancouver). Some reporting roles are based elsewhere in Canada and globally.
How many years of experience do candidates need?
The vast majority of positions at The Globe are not entry-level roles and require at least 3-5 years of previous experience working in media – freelance or otherwise. Media is a broad category. If you don’t have a traditional journalism background but can show you have smart ideas, apply.
Our summer program is aimed at early-career candidates who have less experience, and we also hire two photo apprentices each year to learn from and work with our visuals team.
If you are a student in a journalism program that requires an internship as part of your degree requirements, we work with several schools across Canada to place students in our newsroom.
What does the hiring process look like?
Top candidates can expect two interviews and we often include an exercise of some kind to get a sense of your writing or editing skills. The typical timeline from when a job is posted to filled is 6-8 weeks. Due to the volume of applicants received, we only contact those selected for an interview.
What if I have only international experience?
You must be eligible to work in Canada and familiar with Canadian news events, but otherwise you are welcome to apply for roles that match your skills and experience.
How does the summer job program work?
Every summer The Globe hires 10 summer staff for roles in editing, reporting, programming and visuals. These are not internships. Summer staff cover for full-time Globe and Mail journalists during the summer vacation period, which spans 12 weeks from early June through Labour Day. Many Globe journalists, myself included, got their start at The Globe through this fantastic program. Get more information, including how to apply, here.
What mentorship opportunities are available in the newsroom?
Every new employee is paired with a “buddy” and we also offer a mentorship program that matches employees across the organization. The newsroom development team runs regular peer-learning sessions about a range of topics, including the craft of journalism, AI tools and immersive storytelling.
What is the work environment like in the newsroom?
You will be hard-pressed to find a more impressive and interesting group of colleagues. The Globe newsroom is a collection of high achievers, who more than anything want to do their best work. It’s also collegial (new staff are pleasantly surprised about how approachable people are across departments). And it’s a place to try things – we encourage staff to explore ambitious ideas for stories or projects.
How does The Globe support diversity and inclusion in the newsroom?
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity by reflecting Canadians in both the stories that we tell and the composition of our workforce. The Globe is proud partners with organizations like Indigenous Works, Pride at Work, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, and we are a signatory of the BlackNorth Initiative. Employee resource groups - voluntary, employee-led committees - include Pride at The Globe, Black Voices at The Globe, and EmpowerHer.
Are there opportunities for freelance writing?
Certain sections like opinion, personal finance, and culture and life work more frequently with freelance writers though you can pitch strong story ideas to the relevant assigning editor.
To see available opportunities across The Globe newsroom, visit Work at The Globe.