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from training.npr.org: https://training.npr.org/2021/03/05/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-a-public-media-job-or-internship/
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How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship
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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.
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5 Journalism Cover Letter Examples Written for 2024
- Journalism Cover Letter
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- 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
Copy this text for your Journalism cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Austin, TX 78701 (123) 456-7890
December 12, 2023
Ethan Anderson Dell Technologies 123 Fictional Lane Austin, TX 78701
Dear Mr. Anderson:
I’m eager to work with Dell Technologies and revolutionize the social media manager role. My passion for audience engagement, understanding of digital trends, and proficiency in multiple content platforms will empower me to guide your team toward exceptional digital accomplishments.
While serving as a social media specialist at HostGator, my proficiency in social media analytics grew exponentially. Using Hootsuite and Google Analytics, I led a team of six in measuring, analyzing, and interpreting social data to optimize the performance of our social media posts. As a result, we increased user interaction by 37%, and website traffic from social platforms saw an 18% climb.
My tenure as a social media strategist at Gembah allowed me to harness Canva and Adobe Creative Suite to generate visually compelling content. Collaborating with the design team, I standardized the visual narrative across all social platforms, which led to a 29% boost in brand visibility and a 23% rise in the follower base in less than a year.
As a social media coordinator at Outdoor Voices, a clothing store in Austin, I capitalized on paid social media advertising strategies, employing Facebook Ad Manager and LinkedIn Campaign Manager. Our team’s campaigns saw increased conversion rates by 42% and decreased the cost per acquisition by 33%.
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
Enclosures: Resume Application letter Letter of recommendation Transcript of records
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.
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Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.
Journalism Internship Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Journalism Internship cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Honolulu, HI 96801 (123) 456-7890
August 21, 2024
Leila Akbari Hawaii News Now 123 Fictional Lane Honolulu, HI 96801
Dear Ms. Akbari:
Given my robust background in information analysis and generating actionable insights, I am keen to contribute to the team at Hawaii News Now as a newsroom intern. My experience in data management and teamwork across diverse groups has fine-tuned my ability to support news production processes, ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely updates. I’m prepared to leverage my skills in research, content creation, and other essential newsroom duties to elevate the station’s coverage.
During my tenure at KHON2, I enhanced newsroom efficiency by implementing iNews, which markedly reduced weekly processing time from 17 to 11 hours. My expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro allowed for improved multimedia content production, and in my leadership capacity at HI Now, I spearheaded the creation of viral content and implemented SEO strategies, significantly increasing web traffic. Plus, experiences with digital tools like Audacity and WordPress have prepared me to generate and update compelling news stories across various platforms.
As a news reporter at KIKU in Hawaii, I managed live broadcasts, conducted field reporting, and oversaw social media strategy via Hootsuite. These responsibilities honed my writing, editing, and communication skills while emphasizing the importance of meeting rigorous deadlines—proficiencies I’m eager to bring to Hawaii News Now. My experience analyzing Nielsen ratings refined my analytical capabilities, guiding strategic content decisions that enhanced viewer engagement by 13% within six months.
I’m enthusiastic about contributing to your newsroom team by assisting in live broadcasts, script production, and administrative tasks. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in editorial briefings and training sessions resonates strongly with my ambition to continue enhancing my journalistic skills. I’m eager to explore how my background and abilities can be leveraged to further Hawaii News Now’s mission to provide comprehensive, accurate, and timely news coverage and uphold high standards of journalistic integrity.
Zoe Fischer
Enclosures Resume Transcript 2 letters of recommendation
- Now, when penning that journalism internship cover letter, take it as your stage to flaunt your familiarity with industry-relevant software. Perhaps, highlight how you’ve used Adobe Premiere Pro to craft killer content or how, with Audacity and WordPress in your toolkit, you’re equipped to churn out and polish up those compelling stories.
Broadcast Journalism Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Broadcast Journalism cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Boise, ID 83702 (123) 456-7890
Harper Liu KTVB 7 123 Fictional Lane Boise, ID 83702
Dear Ms. Liu:
My core strength lies in delivering impactful news that not only connects with viewers but also upholds the highest journalistic standards. With a solid background in broadcast journalism gleaned from roles at KBOI, Idaho Press, and Idaho Public Television, my experience is perfectly tailored to the dynamic and engaging news coverage that Idahoans appreciate. My proven live broadcasting and multimedia content creation expertise equip me to substantially contribute as a news anchor at KTVB 7, embodying and celebrating Idaho’s vibrant and unique spirit.
While at KBOI, implementing the iNews system incredibly boosted newsroom efficiency, which culminated in reduced production times and enhanced workflows. My expertise in multimedia content production, utilizing tools like Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer, surged viewership by 34% and audience engagement metrics by 47%.
Idaho Press provided an opportunity to spearhead viral video production and live streaming, driving a 44% surge in website traffic. I demonstrated proficiency with DSLR cameras and Facebook Live, facilitating a 39% growth in viewer retention. These achievements have sharpened my skills in delivering precise and influential news content, which I’ll carry forward to my role at KTVB 7.
A brief stint at Idaho Public Television refined my live reporting skills and ensured I maintained high broadcast standards. Leveraging tools such as PromptSmart for teleprompting and managing social media presence through Hootsuite, I contributed to a significant 22% uptick in audience retention. My focus on data and performance metrics was critical for tailoring content strategies that effectively heightened viewer engagement and satisfaction.
With a Bachelor of Media Arts degree from Boise State University and deeply committed to journalistic integrity, my immediate priority is to make a meaningful impact at KTVB 7. I invite you to connect with me at your earliest convenience for a deeper conversation about how my background and enthusiasm for news broadcasting can be a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Enclosures: Resume Transcript 2 letters of recommendation
- A 4 or 5-paragraph cover letter spanning no more than a page is more than enough for a compelling narration of your career. The trick? Cut to the chase, use active (as opposed to passive) voice, do away with redundant and filler phrases like I think that… and steer clear of big words. It’s about sharpening your message.
Journalist Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your Journalist cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32201 (123) 456-7890
Mia Thomas WJXT Channel 4 123 Fictional Lane Jacksonville, FL 32201
Dear Ms. Thomas:
Having seen the impact WJXT 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.
At Jacksonville’s own WJCT Public Media, I led a news podcasting initiative leveraging both my deep local knowledge and technical skills. With listenership growing by 32% under my stewardship, I ensured the content was not only interesting but also well-researched using powerful database tools like LexisNexis. This fostered a spike in listener engagement, with average episode dwell time increasing by about 17 minutes.
I diversified communication channels at W291CI as the social media executive, managing the company’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles. By curating content, scheduling posts through Hootsuite, and analyzing performance metrics, engagement rates improved by 42%. More so, our followers grew by over a third, reaching 23k from 17k within two years.
While working at WAWS-MyTVJax, I also honed my video editing prowess, using Adobe Premiere Pro. My creative yet factual storytelling style was instrumental in raising viewer retention by 34% and growing our late-night segment viewership by 26%. Paired with my social media management skills, digital engagement on shared video content went up by an impressive 41%.
Believing firmly in the power of journalism to enlighten and unify communities, I’m particularly drawn to WJXT Channel 4’s commitment to comprehensive and responsible reporting. I cannot overstate how excited I would be to join your team and contribute to your already renowned storytelling culture. I look forward to further discussing how my skills, experiences, and tireless enthusiasm for journalism can be an asset to your esteemed channel.
Zara Jafari
- 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
Copy this text for your Reporter cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue San Francisco, CA 94101 (123) 456-7890
Harper White San Francisco Examiner 123 Fictional Lane San Francisco, CA 94101
Dear Ms. White:
My first encounter with the San Francisco Examiner was on a school field trip amidst observers at the iconic tech boom in the city. As I witnessed its on-the-pulse journalism first-hand, I quietly committed to one day becoming a contributor to your institution. That aspiration brings me here today as I express my interest in the reporter position at the San Francisco Examiner.
Podcasting has been my primary domain for the past three years at Jives Media, a thriving San Franciscan media company. I’ve turned mere static news stories into engaging, immersive experiences, successfully increasing our podcasts’ average listener duration by 37%. I’m adept at using Anchor, a Spotify-owned podcasting tool, enabling me to manage, distribute, and monetize our podcast content, leading to a 22% revenue increase.
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%.
A believer in the power of immersive storytelling, I embraced virtual reality (VR) reporting at Emergent VR, a pioneering VR startup. Using Unity, I created immersive journalistic experiences that led to a remarkable increase in our user engagement. This approach, I believe, will deeply resonate with the Examiner’s forward-thinking audience.
I’m eager to inject my diverse abilities and ground-breaking techniques into the San Francisco Examiner’s journalistic endeavors. My vibrant career has been driven by my overarching goal to innovate, engage, and inform. Looking forward to potentially discussing how I can contribute to the Examiner’s mission in an interview. Thank you.
Emilia Schmidt
- 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.
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.
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