You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
from training.npr.org: https://training.npr.org/2021/03/05/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-a-public-media-job-or-internship/
- Style Guide
How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship
- More on Work and Careers
- Subscribe to Work and Careers
My letterhead doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to exist!
Dear Specific Person Whose Name I Obtained, Showing I Have Reporting Skills,*
I am starting this cover letter with literally ANYTHING other than “I am applying for [job].” Also I’m not telling you how I found the job listing, unless someone influential told me to apply. Yes, I am defying the advice of my career center, professor and/or friend who is applying to law/automotive/sales jobs. And my name’s in the letterhead so I don’t need to mention it again.
Instead, I will use my first 100 words or less to tell you something interesting — yet relevant to the job — that will make you want to talk to me. Because that’s what this is all about: Scoring an interview so I can dazzle you! Maybe that thing will not be how I reported on a Sad Person and learned a Valuable Lesson About Journalism, though, because everyone is doing that and also this isn’t a college admissions essay.
Now, instead of listing ALL my awesome experiences and achievements, since they are already on my resume, I will look at the job requirements and curate accordingly. I will make clear how my experiences/achievements prepare me for this particular job , which I researched extensively to see what, exactly, it is! Because I’m definitely not applying for all 20 openings at your organization. Or maybe I am (Wait, you can see that in your recruitment software?!), but THIS is the job I REALLY want. And it’s not because I’m PERFECT for the position (pobody’s nerfect! haha) or a great fit (because what am I, jeans?).
Next I’ll tell you what I can do for your organization besides work hard and utilize my strong track record in communication skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Word! I will skip the part about how this will advance my goals, which are to grow in my career, master new skills and have health insurance. Rather, I’ll tell you how I will advance your goals.
I will not make this paragraph about how I love [station/show/podcast] because I grew up listening to it in the backseat of my parents’ car, nor will I remind you that your organization is an esteemed news outlet with high standards that serves the public. I will give examples of work you do that I liked (and why), preferably at least two. Oh yeah, and I def won’t tell you how much I love a podcast your competitor produces. (That would be silly, I say as I delete a reference to The Daily .) Nor will I confuse Idaho Matters and Talk of Iowa . Thank goodness I always ask someone to proofread my letters and they caught that embarrassing mistake!
After reviewing your job description, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with this role, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. What? I’d never cut and paste a paragraph I found in a random template ! You must have me confused with 40% of your applicant pool.
Finally, I will not use words more suited for accepting a marriage proposal to express my excitement about this job! Yes I would love it, be honored to have it and be passionate about every aspect of it! But I will use normal words. And, because I am not a free online career personality test, my ability to craft phrases like “successfully utilize my core competencies and soft skills in the workspace” will remain implied. In conclusion, I bet you’re aware I’m available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
P.S. I saved this as a PDF so it will open in your browser, instead of a .docx file that will download and pollute your already-overflowing desktop. You’re welcome! Did you know I’m proficient in Microsoft Word?
How to make all-purpose letterhead
- Choose a sans-serif font with a heavy bold face. Proxima Nova is safe enough .
- Type your name. Make it between 25 and 30 points.
- Now choose a thinner version of your font.
- Type your email address, phone number and website URL. Separate them with this character: |
- Optionally, include your street address (but why?) and non-embarrassing social accounts.
- Make this stuff between 10 and 12 points.
- Feeling dangerous? Add a horizontal line!
How to add your signature
There are several phone apps that will “scan” a document:
Notes instructions (iOS) Dropbox instructions (iOS, Android) Any free scanning app in either app store
You don’t need photo editing software to crop your “scan.” Do this:
- Get the PDF or image created by the app onto your computer.
- Open the file in anything that opens files.
- Take a screenshot of just your signature. On a Mac, use Command-Shift-4 to do this. On a PC, use the Snipping Tool .
- Drag the screenshot into your document.
*Or team name (updated 1/18/2022).
Holly J. Morris is the NPR Training team's Digital Journalism Trainer.
We have a newsletter. Subscribe!
- Skip to Content
- Skip to Sidebar
- Skip to Footer
Resume Genius
The World's Smartest Resume Builder
Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048
Cover Letter Examples Journalist Cover Letter
Journalism Cover Letter
As a journalist, it's your job to craft a narrative that will grab a hiring manager's attention, and your cover letter is an opportunity to do just that. Use our journalist cover letter example below to get inspired.
Journalism Resume & Related Cover Letters
Text format.
Don’t forget to use the right cover letter format so that it looks professional.
Journalism Cover Letter Template (Text Format)
FIRST AND LAST NAME
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (123) 456-7891
Address: Street, City, State
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name] 123 Company Address Company’s City, State, Zip Code (xxx) xxx-xxxx [email protected]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],
As an avid Seattle Times reader, I was excited to see your Staff Writer job listing on Indeed.com. I’ve been working with local publications for over five years, including the Ballard News-Tribune, Seattle Magazine, and many more in my experience as a freelance journalist. I’ve become particularly interested in reporting on local politics and would love the opportunity to further evolve as a political journalist at the Seattle Times.
During my years of experience, I have developed a reputation as a reliable, thorough, and even-handed journalist who is dedicated to high standards of quality and conduct. I’ve covered local politics for both Seattle Magazine and the Ballard News-Tribune, from district and city council meetings to mayoral elections. I’m passionate about ensuring the public is informed about all current events and their relevance.
Additionally, I’ve written articles for hundreds of publications, mostly focusing on key issues in the Pacific Northwest. I have experience creating journalistic content for a wide variety of formats, including video content for platforms such as Youtube and TikTok. Such experience has made me extremely adaptable and eager to take on new challenges.
I understand that print media is currently facing difficult times and will need to continue to adapt in the future. Given my wide array of experience with digital and print media and across various platforms, I’m confident that I’ll be an asset to the Seattle Times as a future-facing and growth-oriented team member.
I would love the opportunity to speak with you, and I look forward to making such arrangements. Along with my resume, I am attaching several clips for your perusal. Thank you greatly for your time and consideration.
[Your Name]
Make a cover letter in minutes
Pick your template, fill in a few details, and our builder will do the rest.
The Resume Genius Team
Related Articles
Cover Letter Help
Conrad Benz, Hiring Manager
Geoffrey Scott, CPRW
Corissa Peterson, CPRW
Rebecca Tay, Ph.D.
Ida Pettersson
Emily Crowley
5 Journalist Cover Letter Examples
Journalists are skilled at uncovering the truth, weaving intricate details into compelling narratives that inform and engage readers. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to unravel your professional journey, intertwining your skills, experiences, and passion into a captivating story that piques the interest of recruiters. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Journalists, helping you craft a narrative that's as compelling as your best byline.
Cover Letter Examples
Cover letter guidelines, journalist cover letter example, freelance journalist cover letter example, multimedia journalist cover letter example, broadcast journalist cover letter example, student journalist cover letter example, how to format a journalist cover letter, cover letter header, what to focus on with your cover letter header:, cover letter header examples for journalist, cover letter greeting, get your cover letter greeting right:, cover letter greeting examples for journalist, cover letter introduction, what to focus on with your cover letter intro:, cover letter intro examples for journalist, cover letter body, what to focus on with your cover letter body:, cover letter body examples for journalist, cover letter closing, what to focus on with your cover letter closing:, cover letter closing paragraph examples for journalist, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, cover letter writing tips for journalists, showcase your writing skills, highlight relevant experiences, express your passion for journalism, research the publication, proofread, proofread, proofread, cover letter mistakes to avoid as a journalist, failing to showcase writing skills, not tailoring the letter to the specific job, overlooking the importance of brevity, not providing specific examples, ignoring the importance of proofreading, cover letter faqs for journalists.
The best way to start a journalist cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention with a compelling lead, similar to how you would start an article. This could be a brief anecdote about a significant story you've covered, or a unique perspective you bring to journalism. Follow this with a direct introduction of who you are and what position you're applying for. Remember to show enthusiasm for the role and the organization you're applying to. This approach not only demonstrates your storytelling skills but also your understanding of the industry.
Journalists should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and the value they can bring to the organization. They should reiterate their key skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. It's also important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization's goals. A call to action, such as a request for an interview or a meeting, can be included as well. The closing should be professional and courteous, using phrases like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their name and contact information. Journalists should also mention any attachments, like their resume or work samples. This ending leaves a positive impression and shows the journalist's proactive approach.
A journalist's cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is enough to succinctly introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the role, showcase your relevant skills and experiences, and conclude with a call to action. Remember, hiring managers often have to read through many applications, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point is crucial. As a journalist, your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently is key, and your cover letter is a great place to demonstrate this skill.
Writing a cover letter with no direct journalism experience can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to grab the reader's attention by expressing your passion for journalism and the organization you're applying to. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you haven't worked as a journalist, you likely have skills that are relevant to the field. These might include strong writing and communication skills, research abilities, or proficiency in digital media. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. For example, if you've written a research paper or maintained a blog, mention these experiences. 3. Showcase your knowledge: Show that you understand the field of journalism by discussing current trends or mentioning influential journalists. This will demonstrate your commitment and interest in the industry. 4. Discuss your education: If you're a recent graduate, discuss relevant coursework or projects. If you've taken journalism classes or participated in a school newspaper, these experiences can be valuable to mention. 5. Volunteer work and internships: If you've done any volunteer work or internships that involve writing, researching, or communicating, be sure to include these. They can show that you've gained practical experience, even if it's not directly in journalism. 6. Show enthusiasm: Employers want to see that you're passionate about journalism and eager to learn. Express your excitement about the opportunity to start your journalism career. 7. Close professionally: Thank the reader for considering your application and express your hope for further discussion. Make sure to include your contact information. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Your passion, dedication, and willingness to learn can often be just as valuable as direct experience. Good luck!
Related Cover Letters for Journalists
Journalist cover letter, copywriter cover letter.
Editor Cover Letter
Content Writer Cover Letter
Freelance Journalist Cover Letter
Multimedia journalist cover letter, broadcast journalist cover letter, student journalist cover letter, related resumes for journalists, journalist resume example.
Try our AI-Powered Resume Builder
Build my resume
- Build a better resume in minutes
- Resume examples
- 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
- Resume templates
- Free templates for all levels
- Cover letters
- Cover letter generator
- It's like magic, we promise
- Cover letter examples
- Free downloads in Word & Docs
3 Journalism Cover Letter Examples Written for 2024
- Journalism Cover Letter
- Journalist Cover Letter
- Reporter Cover Letter
- Write Your Journalism Cover Letter
You’re passionate about stories and providing accurate reports on the latest news. Publications will highly benefit from your research-driven and engaging writing style that brings articles and scripts to life.
Are your cover letter and complementary journalist resume ready to show why your writing skills are best for each publication’s needs?
You have the writing chops to create engaging content, so you probably just need a few pointers and guidelines to choose the right tone and skills as you create your cover letter . We’ll help you out with our journalism cover letter examples and cover letter generator that are consistently landing jobs at top media outlets.
Journalism Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Block Format
Why this cover letter works
- Taking Mateo’s lead, show that Hootsuite, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Campaign Managers aren’t just software names for you. Describe how these tools were instrumental in your previous roles, whether they refined data analysis or performance optimization or aided visual content creation and ad management.
Level up your cover letter game
Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.
Journalist Cover Letter Example
- For example, If the hiring company’s news coverage has left an impact on you, do share that you’re looking forward to contributing to their commendable work quality.
Reporter Cover Letter Example
- In this case, Emilia recounts a field trip to the San Francisco Examiner that exposed her to the mesmerizing world of real-time journalism. Alternatively, talk about an enthralling experience with the company’s software or equipment.
Related cover letter examples
- Journalist resume
- Social media manager
How to Format a Journalism Cover Letter
Writing your cover letter is like adding the right details to a news story to grab a target audience’s attention.
In this case, it involves reviewing the job description to get an idea of each company’s needs so you can include the right skills and connections to their mission. For example, you could write about how you’ll use your interviewing skills to gather industry-leading details for a cutting-edge news outlet.
Journalism cover letter introduction
In journalism, the introduction is crucial to grab a reader’s attention. It works the same way in a cover letter. Ideally, you want to tailor it to the hiring manager by using your research skills to find the name of a contact person in the job description or on the company’s website to provide a personalized touch.
Then, optimize your opening paragraph by connecting the top skills needed by each publication and how you’ll help achieve their mission. For example, you could include how you’ll use your data analysis skills to help a publication uphold its accuracy and integrity in the reporting space.
The opener below gets off to a decent start. However, it could use extra details about the applicant’s specific journalism skills and how they connect with the company they’re applying to.
Not quite enough detail here!
Upon coming across your publication’s journalism job opening, I was immediately eager to apply since this looks like a great company to work for. With tons of writing experience, I believe my skills will be an asset to your team.
Instead, aim for an opener like the one below that shows the applicant’s passion for the impact WIXT Channel 4’s reporting makes and how their research and multimedia abilities fit in.
A top-notch opener with relevant journalism skills!
Dear Mr. Thomas,
Having seen the impact WIXT Channel 4’s reporting makes in Jacksonville, I felt instantly drawn to your open journalist position. Your news coverage doesn’t just inform; it tells stories that resonate with a diverse audience. As your journalist, I aim to bring engaging stories from our communities, accentuated by meticulous research and vivid multimedia support.
Journalism cover letter body
The body of your journalism cover letter is similar to the one in an article. You need facts and figures to back up your claims. In this case, it’s metrics and examples based on previous journalistic achievements.
For example, you could write about how you optimized introductions to boost reader retention rates or applied a new data review model to boost reporting accuracy.
If you don’t have much work experience , you can also add achievements from obtaining a journalism degree or transferable experiences like working on a school newspaper.
A great body paragraph with journalistic achievements!
At SWAYE, I harnessed the power of mobile journalism to bring news to audiences in real-time. There, I produced more than nine live streams weekly, which improved the reach of news articles by 33%. Additionally, my expertise in live reporting and streaming saw me delivering breaking news with superior efficiency, surging our viewership by 28%.
Journalism cover letter closing
Just as every article should have a conclusion that wraps up your key points, so should your journalism cover letter. This involves rephrasing your top skills and connection to the publication’s mission. For example, you could write about how you’re eager to use your social media skills to present up-to-date news to a broader audience.
Then, wrap things up by saying thank you and using a call to action, such as “I’m excited to discuss this journalism role with you further.” It’s similar to ending a thought leadership piece where you want the reader to take a specific action.
The closer below could use some work since it’s missing a call to action or any connection to the news outlet’s mission or the journalism skills they’re seeking.
Add more detail than this!
I believe my skills will be a great fit for your news outlet’s needs. Thank you for considering me for the journalism role.
Donna Mason
Instead, aim for a closer like the one below that showcases a great overview of the skills in content creation, performance metrics, and paid promotions that Dell Technology is seeking.
A high-performing closer based on company needs!
I’m confident that my deftness in understanding audience behavior, creating engaging content, analyzing performance metrics, and strategizing paid promotions will harmonize with Dell Technology’s social media strategy. Thank you for considering me.
Mateo Rodriguez
The best way to optimize your tone will be to match the one used in the job description . It’ll help showcase how your writing style aligns with each publication’s culture and audience.
One page will work best for your journalism cover letter. It’s similar to news stories where you want to include relevant information but keep it concise with the most essential details. In this case, it would be the skills needed for each role, such as editorial research or storytelling.
Sometimes, media outlets and publications won’t have a hiring manager listed anywhere. So, simply using “Dear [name of company] hiring team” will still work well. Then, make the rest of your cover letter highly specific to the broadcasting and reporting skills they’re seeking.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship. Holly J. Morris • March 5, 2021. My Name. My letterhead doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to exist! Dear Specific Person...
Here's an example of a strong journalism cover letter that will complement your resume and writing clips, making you a stand-out candidate.
Discover what to include in a journalist cover letter, explore a few tips for writing one and review an example cover letter to use as inspiration for your own.
This guide will show you a great journalism cover letter example. Plus, the best tips on how to write a professional journalist cover letter step by step. Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
In this guide, we'll help you create an exceptional cover letter that complements your resume and enhances your candidacy. We'll provide cover letter examples tailored to different Journalist roles and experience levels, offer detailed formatting guidance, and share specific writing tips.
Stephen Greet April 4, 2024. You’re passionate about stories and providing accurate reports on the latest news. Publications will highly benefit from your research-driven and engaging writing style that brings articles and scripts to life.