Journalist Cover Letter Examples

Journalists are employed by newspapers, magazines and public affairs departments in various industries.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of journalists was expected to decline 9% from 2018-2028.

The BLS reported that the median annual salary for reporters and correspondents was $40,250 as of May 2019.

What to Include in a Journalist Cover Letter?

Roles And Responsibilities

Research newsworthy events, facts, and sources.
Gather relevant information by conducting interviews, making observations or reviewing documents.
Identify the latest trends in journalism through self-education and active networking.
Interview important figures to gather relevant information.
Write stories that are clear, compelling, and accurate.
Follow editorial guidelines to maintain consistency throughout all our content.
Proofread your articles before submission.

Education & Skills

Journalist Skills:

Strong writing skills.
Ability to conduct interviews
Research skills.
Experience using social media.
Video recording and editing skills.
Willingness to work long hours.

Journalist Education Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for a position as a journalist. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed some college coursework or have earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Coursework in English, communications, political science or economics may prove beneficial to aspiring journalists.

Journalist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the position of [position name] at [company name]. I have been following your company’s growth as a leader in the [industry name] industry and am impressed with your impact on the market.

My five years of experience as a journalist for [publication name] have given me an edge in developing stories, conducting interviews, writing articles, and meeting deadlines. In my current position, I was recognized for my ability to use data and analytics to determine the most popular topics for readers and improve audience engagement.

I also have experience with:

Conducting interviews with a variety of sources.
Writing articles for print and online publications.
Editing and managing stories from other writers.
Utilizing social media platforms to promote coverage.
Maintaining a community presence at events.

At [publication name], I frequently covered stories that involved [topic/industry name]. My familiarity with this area will allow me to make a smooth transition into your company. My professional skills combined with my positive attitude would be an asset to your organization. I would love the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Tips

Think of your Journalist Cover Letter as a pitch: how can you summarize your experience and goals in a way that piques the interest of the organization to which you are applying?
Use a professional tone: avoid slang, abbreviations, and emoticons.
Be sure to proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.

Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Journalist Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.