Get Results With a Journalism Cover Letter Example

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Tips for Writing Your Journalism Cover Letter Using This Example

Start by creating a great cover letter header. This should include your name, contact information, phone number, email address and professional social media, such as your LinkedIn. Ensure you also address the hiring manager by their full name, rather than using phrases like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager.” Need more information? Check out our Dear Hiring Manager Cover Letter page. After completing the introduction, you can move on to the rest of the cover letter format.

1. First paragraph: Introduce yourself with a hook and list your best achievements

   You want to open with the biggest qualification or achievement you have. This hooks the recruiter in, making them more interested in reading the rest of your resume. In this sample cover letter, the applicant mentions that he reported on the Times Square ball drop in January 2022 and uses this as the reason for his movement from largely news-based journalism to much more entertainment-based journalism. He also mentions some experiences he had as a news-based journalist, like reporting on White House press releases.

2. Second paragraph: Give more information about how you’re the best fit for the job

   Now that you know the hiring manager is reading your cover letter, you can list your top skills and achievements. This second paragraph is where you can express why you’re the best person for the job posting, using as many skills as possible from the job description itself. Here, the applicant mentions his experience as a news journalist, allowing him to discuss news stories entertainingly and indicates his career trajectory toward an entertainment journalist.

3. Third paragraph: Call to action

   In the third paragraph, you want to complete the cover letter with a call to action. Remind the hiring manager why you’re the best person for this new job, then end the letter with a request for a job interview. The applicant states, “Let me know when we can sit down and talk about my experiences.” Sign off with a professional ending, such as “Sincerely.”

   If you are writing an email cover letter or uploading your cover letter to a job website, your potential employer typically does not expect a hand-signed copy. However, if you are sending a physical application by mail, you may consider including a signed cover letter along with your resume.