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How to Write a Job Application Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is essential when applying for jobs. This is the perfect way to express how your specific skills are relevant to the open position. Wow your future employer with this simple cover letter example format.

Write a First Draft

Writing a first draft makes your letter concise and professional, states The Balance Careers. Organize your thoughts by making a list of what you’re trying to convey. Make sure you prioritize certain aspects like your previous job experience and why you would be a good fit for the position. Clearly state what position you’re interested in and why. Think about why you’re applying and what caught your eye about this specific position. Your cover letter will be easier to write after your thoughts are collected and organized.

Customize Your Salutation

When writing a salutation, make sure you know who you are writing to. Is this person the owner of the company or a Human Resources administrator? If you’re not sure, research the company to find out. Addressing your cover letter to a specific person shows initiative and attention to detail. After your salutation, start your letter with a short introduction of yourself. This gives future employers insight into who you are and the purpose of your cover letter.

Write Intentionally

Your cover letter should be no more than one page, so keep your points brief. Clearly state what position you are interested in and why. Explain why you are a good fit for the company because of your past job experience. If you have no similar job experience, let the employer know why you are changing career paths. Expand on your skills and give specific examples of how that skill set helped you at your last position. Name projects you’ve worked on and show results.

Close Your Letter

End your cover letter with a brief sentence and sign off. Thank the employer for their time and express your interest towards the job again. Let them know you’ll follow up with them if you do not hear back within a week and leave your contact information. Sign off with a professional farewell and leave room for a signature if sending a hard copy.

Edit and Proofread

As you finish writing your cover letter, make sure you take time to edit and proofread your document. Make sure it’s structured in a professional format with the company’s information, the salutation and introduction, the body of the letter, a brief closing sentence and farewell. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes to ensure a formal result. Make sure all names are spelled correctly, as well.

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Journalist Cover Letter Examples

Use these Journalist cover letter examples to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Journalists gather, write, and edit news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They need to be able to think quickly and be able to meet deadlines.

In order to get a job as a journalist, you need to have a well-written cover letter. Use these examples to learn how to write a cover letter that will help you get the job you want.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and more than five years of experience in the field, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team and help maintain the esteemed reputation of your publication.

Throughout my career, I have successfully covered various topics, including politics, business, and local events, producing accurate and engaging content. My work has been featured in numerous publications, both online and in print, demonstrating my ability to adapt to different audiences and writing styles. I am adept at conducting thorough research, analyzing complex information and data, and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format for readers.

In addition to my journalism skills, I bring a strong work ethic, commitment to meet tight deadlines, and excellent communication skills. I am also comfortable using a variety of multimedia tools and platforms, including photography and video production, to enhance my storytelling capabilities.

I have followed your publication closely, and I appreciate the in-depth reporting and journalistic integrity you bring to your readers. I am excited about the possibility of becoming a part of your team and using my skills and experiences to contribute to your continued success.

Please find my resume attached for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position and to learn more about your organization. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached via email or phone.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed publication.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate from XYZ University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications, I am eager to begin my career as a journalist and contribute to the outstanding reputation of your esteemed publication.

During my time at XYZ University, I gained valuable experience as a staff writer for our campus newspaper, The Daily Beacon, where I covered a diverse range of topics, including local news, politics, and feature stories. I have honed my writing, research, and interviewing skills through a rigorous academic program and by contributing regularly to the newspaper.

In addition, I completed an internship at the respected ABC News, where I closely collaborated with experienced journalists, learned how to gather and fact-check information and developed the ability to work under tight deadlines.

As an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, I am confident that my passion for journalism, strong work ethic, and commitment to storytelling would make me an excellent fit for the Journalist position at your publication. I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives, original ideas, and engaging content to your readership.

I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences can be beneficial to your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

I was thrilled to learn about this opportunity from my close associate, John Doe, who is currently a Senior Editor at your company. John and I have collaborated on several journalistic endeavors, and he believes that my extensive experience, passion for storytelling, and commitment to journalistic integrity would make me an asset to your team.

During my five years as a reporter for the Daily Tribune, I have honed my writing and analytical skills, effectively elevating the voices of the local community and generating impactful stories. My ability to research thoroughly, delve into complex topics, and present them in a compelling and engaging manner have been consistently praised by both my colleagues and readers. Additionally, my experience in conducting interviews and working under tight deadlines has prepared me to thrive in a fast-paced news environment.

As someone who deeply values the impact of journalism on society, I am eager to contribute my skills to a forward-thinking and reputable organization such as yours. Given my strong alignment with your company’s values and my passion to create quality content, I believe that I would be an excellent fit for this role.

I have attached my résumé for your review, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

From the moment I stumbled upon the power of storytelling, journalism has held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to contribute to your renowned publication has me incredibly excited. Having followed your publication and its trailblazing coverage of national and international events, I am eager to add my voice, energy, and dedication to your talented team of journalists.

With a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and internships at both local and national newspapers under my belt, I am well-equipped with the skills necessary to excel in a fast-paced news environment. My experience in conducting in-depth interviews, thorough investigative research, and crafting comprehensive and compelling stories has prepared me to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact on your newsroom. I am also proficient in various multimedia platforms, including video/audio editing and social media management, which I believe will be an added asset to your team.

What truly excites me about this opportunity is the chance to cover ground-breaking stories and engage in meaningful, impactful work. I firmly believe that journalism plays a critical role in enlightening people and fostering constructive dialogues, and I am committed to upholding these values as an integral part of your organization.

I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my passion, skills, and experience can contribute to your publication’s continued success. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the prospect of joining your prestigious team.

Warm regards,

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

As a dedicated and passionate writer, I have been closely following your publication’s growth and impact over the past few years. It has come to my attention that there is an increasing need for journalists who not only report the news, but present it in a solutions-oriented manner. In today’s fast-paced and problem-saturated news cycle, I believe that focusing on solutions is the key to engaging readers and empowering them to make a difference in their communities. I am confident that my skills and experiences in writing and solution-focused journalism make me a strong candidate for this role.

In my previous role as a reporter for XYZ News, I covered a variety of beats, including education, environment, and local politics. I consistently prioritized presenting stories that highlighted potential solutions and provided resources for readers to get involved in tackling issues. This approach led to a significant increase in reader engagement—a measurable outcome of my contributions to the publication.

Throughout my journalism career, I developed exceptional interviewing and research skills. My ability to connect with sources, ask the right questions, and identify the root causes of pressing issues has allowed me to uncover and emphasize innovative solutions in my writing. This unique perspective will undoubtedly contribute to your publication’s ongoing commitment to being a force for positivity and change.

I am excited about the prospect of joining your talented team and further cultivating my skills as a solutions-oriented journalist. I am confident that my passion for uncovering innovative solutions and my experiences in the field will make a significant impact at your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and explore how I can contribute to accomplishing your company’s mission and goals.

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

Once upon a not-so-distant past, I found myself caught in the middle of a bustling city square, notebook clutched tightly in my hand, as I jotted down the thoughts and sentiments of impassioned protesters demanding change. It was in that moment, as the voices of the people echoed around me and the adrenaline surged through my veins, that I realized the power of storytelling and the impact it could have on the world.

As an experienced and passionate writer, I am eager to bring my skills to your organization and continue my journey as a journalist. My love for storytelling began in college, where I majored in journalism and had the opportunity to intern at a local newspaper. There, I learned the ins and outs of the industry and honed my ability to write clear, concise, and engaging articles on a variety of topics.

Since then, I have worked as a freelance journalist, covering everything from local events to international news stories. My adaptability and resourcefulness have allowed me to thrive in this ever-changing field, and I believe these traits would make me an invaluable asset to your team.

But beyond my technical skills and experience, I also bring a deep passion for journalism and a strong sense of integrity. I am committed to telling the stories that need to be told, giving a voice to the voiceless, and sparking conversations that can lead to positive change.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your esteemed organization and contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality, impactful journalism. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.

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Free Journalism Cover Letter Sample

In the digital age, journalism has become highly competitive with many full-time and paid roles becoming harder and harder to get. Modern journalists need to have skills in a multiple of different disciplines and a new range of skills. With such high competition your journalism cover letter needs to stand out from the crowd. The below journalism cover letter example will guide you through the elements you need to include in your own journalism cover letter .

• # Journalism Cover Letter Template
• # Journalism Cover Letter Sample
• # Tips for Writing Journalism Cover Letter
• # How to Edit Journalism Cover Letter Template

Free Journalism Cover Letter Template

This is a free cover letter template for journalism. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

Journalism cover letter sample (text).

Giles Matherson Address: xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx Tel: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Email: xxxxxxxx Linkedin: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Marcus,

I am writing to apply for the position of Junior Reporter at your newspaper and website and I am certain that I have the right qualifications and skills to fit the role perfectly.

I recently graduated from MidWestern Journalism School with a BA Honors degree in Journalism, obtaining a First Class grading. During my time at university I was a reporter and then Editor of the campus newspaper, and undertook freelance writing assignments for the MidWestern Herald, Buzzfeed and Politico.

It is safe to say that as well as gaining my formal qualifications I have been proactive in creating an active portfolio of journalism work with news outlets. During my time as Editor of the campus newspaper we have increased interaction with the student body and broken a sexual assault story that made national headlines with the New York Times, CNN and the Washington Post amongst others. Off the back of this story I have just completed an internship with the Washington Post.

A position at the Post would be fantastic but your publication fits in with my personal and career goals much more effectively.

The standard of your reporting has always impressed me, and your recent redesign has been a massive success. Yours is a journalistic culture that would relish the chance to be a part of. I feel I can bring much to the team as well as learn a lot about journalistic craft from your excellent team.

I would really like the chance to discuss my skills and the job role with you further, and I am available to talk through this at any time.

Thanks for your time,

Kind regards, Giles Matherson

Tips for Writing a Journalism Cover Letter

There are many different journalism cover letter examples available online, but the above journalism cover letter sample is a very good starting point for writing your own letter. The field of journalism is one of the most competitive to get into and so journalism cover letters need to impress more than letters for other careers.

The below tips and advice will take you through what you need to write your cover letter journalism.

• Quality and professional writing is at the heart of journalism, so your cover letter needs to reflect your abilities in this. Use a professional letter template and a readable font. Also, write clearly and succinctly to show your writing style and personality.
• Lead in to the letter by outlining your qualifications and experience to date. This journalism candidate explains their academic qualifications and their extra-curricular experience. In journalism, work experience is as important as academic achievement, so you should outline this. This candidate has been Editor of their campus newspaper and has written for a range of other publications. This is essential.
• As experience is such an important component of impressing journalism employers, this candidate expands on this point with more specific information about how they have been proactive in gaining experience, including talking about their internship. They also mention the success of their work at their campus newspaper.
• It is important to show how the employer would be good for you and why you want to work for them. Research what they do and mention some of their work directly. Then explain how you would like to apply your skills to their work culture. This will show them that you are serious about the role and working with them.
• Remind the employer that you are keen to discuss the role further and you are available to talk at any time. Leave them with very little doubt that they should get in contact with you.
• Writing without mistakes is essential for journalists, so ensure you take time to properly proofread your journalism cover letter before sending it off. If possible have another person read over it as well before sending it.

How to Edit Journalism Cover Letter Template

To make your cover letter more attractive, you can try to send it as PDF format. The PDF cover letter template in this page will help you. Edit and customize the template, and you will get your own PDF cover letter easily. To realize this, you need a professional PDF editor: Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor . It can help you edit any elements in the template.

Step 1. Open the Journalism Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your Journalism Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2023-07-31 16:55:08

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School of Liberal Arts

Department of Journalism and Public Relations

Cover letters

A cover letter is a professional document that tells your interest in a particular position, highlights your qualifications and introduces your resumé. It should accompany your resumé whenever you are submitting your application materials to an employer, whether by regular mail or e-mail. Your cover letter is just as important as your resumé. It also is a sample of your writing.

Your cover letter should be:

• Targeted and tailored for each position you are applying for, not mass-produced. Mass produced generic cover letters addressed to To Whom it May Concern or Human Resources Manager will get about as much response as mail addressed to Occupant. Occasionally you have no choice but to use a general heading if you are responding to a blind job want ad that does not list a company name or address. In that case, the employer knows you have no choice.
• Personalized to the individual you will most likely be interviewing with (whenever possible)
• Accurate, error free, energetic, enthusiastic and concise
• Produced on high quality bond stationery that matches your resumé paper
• Signed by you

Also, don’t forget to:

• Match your cover letter and resumé paper
• Follow up as you specified in your cover letter

Outline of a Cover Letter

Your address City, state, zip Date

Name of contact person Title Organization Street address City, state, zip

Dear (contact person),

Opening Paragraph: Why writing? Capture interest!

• Strong opening sentences to make the reader want to continue reading.
• Name the job for which you are applying. Tell how you learned about it.
• Mention the name of a person (if any) who referred you to the organization.

Body Paragraph: Critical content section. Convince the reader of your skills.

• Acknowledge the skills required by the open position.
• State the skills/strengths you will bring to the job and that parallel those needed to fill the position.
• Give examples of skills and achievements and how they will transfer to the job.
• Comment on your knowledge of the company (its products, services or special projects) and why you are interested in working for it.

Closing Paragraph: Ask for interview and identify next step!

• Refer to enclosed resumé.
• Tell the contact person that you will call on a designated date. Also, state that you are available for a personal interview at her/his convenience.
• Make it easy for the person to contact you: list your phone number and times you can be reached. Even if it is on the resumé, list it here again.

Sincerely, (Respectfully, etc.)

(sign your name) Your name typed

Enclosures: resumé (work samples, transcript?)

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