As well as the fundamental, and more traditional skills, expected of any journalist, many editors today may also look for some level of digital literacy and evidence of online engagement skills from job applicants, particularly if the role will entail contributing to digital platforms, as is increasingly likely with any journalist role.

So for those embarking on a hunt for their first journalist job, we wanted to find out what online skills and platform experience may already be expected of new journalists, and whether there are any digital specialisms which could help you stand out from the crowd.

We speak to online and digital editors, directors and executive producers at national and regional titles, in broadcast, online-only and b2b environments, to find out what they would expect, and be impressed by, from those starting out.

We hear from:
  • Alison Gow, editor, digital content innovation team, Trinity Mirror Regionals
  • Cate Sevilla, homepage editor, BuzzFeed UK
  • John Barnes, managing director for digital and technology, Incisive Media
  • Anna Doble, head of online, Channel 4 News
  • Jon DiPaulo, executive producer, SkyNews.com

We're running a live journalism careers Q&A at 12 noon today, featuring Alison Gow as well as career writer and recruitment expert Daniell Morrisey. Send in questions on Twitter using #askajourno, from CV and interview tips, to key skills to further your career.

In the meantime, here is some more useful background reading for journalism students:

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