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Table of contents

Journalist cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for journalists
Format your journalist cover letter
How to write a journalist cover letter
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

Whether you’ve devoted your life to the service of journalism or are just out of school and new to reporting, identifying the next step in your career is an important choice. However, sometimes just writing a journalist resume isn’t enough on its own.

To take your application across the finish line and really stand out in the eyes of recruiters, you should write a cover letter that will highlight your research skills, interviewing experience and writing ability to employers to help you land the job you want.

Here we will show you:

Journalist cover letter examples for inspiration.
A journalist cover letter template that you can cut and paste.
How to write each part of your application letter for a journalist in a few simple steps.
More resources for crafting an attention-getting job application.

Ready to build your cover letter now? Use our Cover Letter Builder. Choose from one of our cover letter templates to skip the formatting and fill it with our ready-to-use skills and phrases to craft a standout journalist cover letter in a matter of minutes.

Journalist cover letter example

Sample journalist cover letter

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What makes this a great application letter for a journalist?

Uses an appropriate template for the role
This cover letter is written by an applicant for a senior journalist role. She uses a conservative cover letter template which conveys the seriousness she will bring to the role.
Uses a strong opening paragraph
This applicant makes it clear from the start that she is experienced and qualified for the role. By mentioning that she has more than 13 years of experience right at the top of her letter, she increases the likelihood that a hiring manager will continue reading to find out more about what she will bring to the table.
Incorporates data and metrics
Lorene is a highly experienced journalist, which she demonstrates by including impressive engagement metrics to her letter.

Cover letter template for journalists

Looking for text to copy, paste and customize? Use the cover letter template below.

Lorene Page

Tallahassee, FL 32303
555-555-5555
example@example.com

April 19, 2024

Carla Saunders, EIC
GQG Partners
415 Fairway Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32310

Dear Ms. Saunders,

I am writing to express my interest in the senior journalist/traditional analyst position at GQG Partners, as advertised. With over 13 years of dedicated experience as a journalist, I am confident I can contribute to your team with a proven track record of delivering compelling and impactful stories.

In my current role as a senior journalist at Tallahassee Network, I spearhead investigative features that received widespread recognition for their depth and relevance. One notable achievement was my in-depth analysis of market trends, resulting in a series of articles that garnered a 25% increase in online readership within six months. This success demonstrates my ability to produce high-quality content and showcases my understanding of the financial landscape — an essential skill for a role at GQG Partners.

My writing has consistently resonated with diverse audiences, and my ability to distill complex socioeconomic concepts into accessible narratives has been a hallmark of my career. I have also contributed to launching a weekly financial newsletter with a 30% increase in subscribership within the first quarter. This initiative not only strengthened the brand’s presence but also positioned me as a thought leader in the finance journalism space.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry development. For instance, I embraced multimedia storytelling by spearheading a podcast series at Content Allies, resulting in a 40% increase in engagement among younger demographics. My versatility in adapting to emerging mediums aligns with GQG Partners’ forward-thinking approach to content delivery.

I am particularly drawn to GQG Partners’ commitment to excellence and innovation in the financial sector. My experience and passion for translating complex financial topics into engaging narratives position me as an ideal candidate for this role. I am eager to bring my storytelling, market analysis and multimedia journalism skills to contribute to the continued success of GQG Partners.

Enclosed is my resume, which further details my professional journey and accomplishments. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to your esteemed team.

Sincerely,
Lorene Page

Format your journalist cover letter

The way you format your cover letter is critical to how it is received. Especially for a journalist, who is expected to be accurate and detail-oriented, writing a cover letter that is rife with formatting issues can be a red flag for potential employers.

Here is a quick list of formatting items to review before you send off your journalist cover letter:

Font
Always choose a standard, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, Verdana or Times New Roman to write your cover letter and use it throughout the document. The font in your header can be different from the letter itself, but don’t choose anything too fussy or hard to read. And remember: font size matters! Stick with 11- or 12-point fonts, which are easy for most people to read.
Spacing
When formatting your journalist cover letter, use a single space between lines of text and between words and two spaces between paragraphs. Take a few moments to check that the spacing is consistent throughout your document.
Margins and alignment
Always use 1-inch margins with the text aligned to the left side of your document.

Choose a cover letter template

Create your cover letter

How your cover letter is presented can be just as important as the quality of the writing, which is why it’s smart to choose a professional template for your journalist cover letter. We make it simple by offering cover letter templates in a variety of styles, many of which match the designs of our resume templates. Using them makes it quick and easy to create a great looking application package.

When choosing a journalist cover letter template, keep in mind that it should align with the culture of the school you’re applying to. If you’re seeking employment at the New York Times, for example, you’ll want to choose a conservative design for your cover letter. However, for a position as a writer for TMZ or The Onion, a more colorful resume template is completely appropriate.

How to write a journalist cover letter

If you think cover letters don’t count in the hiring process, think again. A whopping 83% of hiring managers say that they consider cover letters in the hiring process, which means that learning how to write a cover letter should be a skill every savvy job seeker sets out to learn. So, taking the time to craft a cover letter can help propel your job search forward.

Here, we break down the process into six simple steps, each of which should only take you a few minutes to complete.

Step 1

Analyze the journalist job description

Crafting an impactful journalist cover letter involves tailoring it to incorporate key phrases from the job advertisement. By thoroughly studying the job ad and integrating essential keywords, you can improve the likelihood that a potential employer will see that you possess the skills and qualifications necessary for the position.

This step is particularly crucial as many employers utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen cover letters and resumes based on predefined keywords. Without the appropriate keywords, your application may be excluded before reaching human eyes. To make your cover letter ATS-compatible, it is essential to focus on the specifics outlined in the job description.

Like you’ve done with your resume, identify pivotal keywords — such as specific experiences or skills — from the job advertisement, and incorporate them into your cover letter. Just a few lines or bullet points that speak directly to requirements in the job ad will make a big difference.

Step 2

Add your contact information to the header

Completing your cover letter header is a straightforward task. Be sure to proofread your header carefully, as an error in this section can make communication with a potential employer impossible.

Additionally, do your best to mimic the header you use in your resume to present a cohesive application package. You can do this easily by using one of the cover letter templates in our Cover Letter Builder.

Your cover letter header should include the following information:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
A link to your portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable

Pro tip

Modern cover letters don’t require you to put your full mailing address in the header. However, be sure to include a professional email address. If your personal email address is cheeky or inappropriate, consider creating a new email address specifically for the job search.

Step 3

Greet the hiring manager by name

It’s always a good idea to address who’s in charge of hiring by name whenever you can. In some cases, the job ad might provide the name and email address of the person responsible for placing the ad.

For most journalist jobs, addressing the letter to the editor of the publication is also acceptable as they will review your documents at some point in the hiring process.

Pro tip

If you don’t have access to the hiring manager’s name, don’t worry! It’s easy to find the name of the correct editor by looking at a publications’s masthead or About Us page. Or utilize LinkedIn to discover the name of the person hiring for the role. Once you have it, you can greet them personally, which adds a nice touch to your communication.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

When considering how to start a cover letter, think of it as a quick elevator pitch. The opening paragraph should be where you briefly introduce yourself to a potential employer. For a journalist, this means explaining who you are and why you’re applying for the role in a few sentences. When writing this section, do your best to make this small section engaging and positive.

Here are two examples of winning opening paragraphs for a journalist resume:

New journalist cover letter opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the journalist position at your esteemed newspaper. With a degree in journalism from Northwestern University, I bring a dynamic blend of skills and a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, impartiality and human interaction. As an avid consumer of your publication, I am inspired by your commitment to human interest stories, and I am eager to contribute my skills and passion for storytelling to further enhance the impact of your team.

Experienced journalist cover letter opening paragraph

As a seasoned journalist with a proven track record of delivering compelling and impactful stories, I am excited to apply for the government reporter role at The State. With over eight years of experience in covering local and regional politics, I have honed my skills in research, interviewing and storytelling to put a human face on complex issues. My commitment to journalistic excellence aligns seamlessly with The State’s reputation for delivering high-quality content, making me enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed team.

Pro tip

Keep your cover letter introduction to two to three sentences. It should be a concise introduction that leaves the details for later in the letter.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

The body of your journalist cover letter is the meatiest part of the letter. This section of your cover letter should be no more than two or three short paragraphs. There are a few areas that you should consider covering when writing your cover letter body paragraphs:

Describe specific aspects of your related experience.
Devote a few sentences to describing one or two relevant areas of your journalist background that you want to highlight. These should relate directly to the role you’re applying for and the specifics outlined in the job description. Ideally, call out a professional achievement.

Highlight your transferable skills.
Whether you’re applying for your first job or for your next big role, hard and soft skills are a very important part of landing a competitive journalist role. When writing about your skills, do your best to find a balance between hard and soft skills since journalists require a mix of both to succeed. Focus on highlighting the skills you possess that would be specifically useful in the role you’re applying to.

Explain any unusual circumstances.
If you have gaps in your employment history, have taken time off for personal reasons or have changed jobs often, your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to explain these special circumstances.. In just a sentence or two, explain that you were out of work due to a layoff or to raise children — whatever the reason for the gap in your work history.

Sample body paragraphs for a journalist cover letter:

Your advertised position particularly resonated with me, given my proficiency in covering courts and police matters. During my tenure at the Connecticut Post, I was successful in breaking multiple significant crime stories.

In addition, I became adept at conducting in-depth investigations that included gathering court records and cultivating trusted sources in the police department. I am confident that my background aligns seamlessly with the requirements of this role, and I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed team.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

Your cover letter closing is where you reiterate your interest in the role at hand, thank the reader for the time they spent reviewing your credentials and invite them to contact you to discuss the opportunity. Your closing should be upbeat and reinforce your interest in the role.

Sample closing for a journalist cover letter:

Thank you for considering my application for the position of finance reporter at The Gazette. I am eager to bring my diverse skill set and proven track record to your dynamic team. I am confident that my knowledge of finance and passion for storytelling will be a great addition to your team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss in greater detail how my experience and skills can contribute to your continued success and innovation.

Pro tip

Avoid sounding pushy or demanding in your closing. The last few lines of your letter will linger in the mind of the reader so keep them positive and respectful.

Step 7

Sign off

The very end of your cover letter is where you politely sign your name. Some tried-and-true professional signoffs include “Sincerely,” “Thank you” and “Respectfully.”

Pro tip

Avoid overly familiar signoffs, like “Love” or “Cheers.” These should be reserved for personal communications and are not appropriate for business letters.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

Every job application requires a resume. Now that you have found a cover letter template you love, why not create a resume to match? Having your application materials look cohesive helps you look professional and put together and helps move your job search forward.

If you already know how to write a resume, start writing using our library of resume examples for inspiration.

Or if you need to apply for a journalist role quickly, try our professional Resume Builder, which offers ready-to-use skills and phrases for every section of your resume. You’ll have a well-written, perfectly formatted resume on the resume template of your choice finished and ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Key takeaways

Study cover letter examples for journalist jobs

Use our journalist cover letter examples as a guide when writing your own cover letter for inspiration to create a strong one.
Pull keywords from the journalist job description

Pulling critical keywords out of the job ad will help you zero in on the specific information the employer is looking for in its next journalist hire. Customize your cover letter to address the specifics of the job description.
Choose an appropriate journalist cover letter template

If you’re applying to a conservative publication, make sure your resume template is simple and straightforward. For more casual editorial environments, a colorful resume template is appropriate.
Keep your introductory paragraph brief

While this section of your letter should be compelling, it shouldn’t be more than a few sentences long. Make the reader want to continue reading, but save the nitty gritty details for later in the letter.
Write detailed body paragraphs

This section is where you should match specifics from your background to the requirements outlined in the job description. If you have special skills or gaps in your employment history, this is also the place to briefly explain them.
Check the formatting on your cover letter

Review the font, spacing and margins to make sure your letter looks terrific. Even the best cover letter can sink your job search if it contains formatting errors.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

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Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.