Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
• Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
• Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organisation, or publication.
• Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
• Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
• Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
• Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
• Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
• Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.

Further Information

• Newspaper - Magazine Editor - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Newspaper - Magazine Editor - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are varied pathways to becoming a Content Writer, but as writing skills are essential in this career, employers often look for candidates with a degree in English, journalism, or communications for example. A marketing qualification and/or background can also be relevant.

But more importantly, you need to have samples, or a portfolio of written work. A portfolio can be built up by your blog posts, articles in local papers, or anything else that shows off your passion for, and ability to write. It should include different styles of writing to demonstrate that you are able to adjust your tone and style to the intended audience.

You can develop your writing skills by applying yourself and building up experience, but you can also choose to study further. If you work as a content writer in a particular sector, there may be a relevant postgraduate course where you can develop your sector knowledge as well as your researching and writing skills.

After a number of years’ experience as a content writer, you may be able to progress within a company, to a more strategic position such as a Digital Media Content Manager for example.

You can also work as a freelance content writer and secure better and more profitable contract over time as you build up your professional reputation.

Training and Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Digital Media Production Skills,Broadcast Production Skills, Radio Production & Digital Journalism, and management in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Journalism, Digital Marketing & Content Development, Creative Writing with Digital Publishing, Art & Design Portfolio Preparation at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lean Sigma Management NFQ level 9. There are no specific creative Apprenticeships currently in this ocupational area, but newer apprenticeship are being developed all the time NFQ level 5-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Journalism and Digital Communication, Communications, Journalism, Arts - English, English with Creative Writing - Humanities NFQ Level 8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Journalism & Digital Content Creation, Journalism & New Media Content, Digital Content Creation NFQ levels 8-9

The press council of Ireland 

Association of European Journalists: Ireland 

Careersinscreen For a list of TV/ Film production companies and Career roles.

Publishing Ireland 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €75k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Prosperity.ie / Glassdoor/ Payscale / Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation has seen little change in recent years, with numbers employed in 2022 slightly lower than five years ago, resulting in a negative employment growth rate. The CSO Census data indicates that increases in employment related to public relations professionals and librarians. 

The numbers employed in the individual occupations are too small for any further analysis.

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