Edit this cover letterJournalist Cover Letter Examples
Looking for journalist cover letter examples? You've reached the right place. Take advantage of our professional cover letter templates and writing guide to ace your job search.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free Journalist Cover Letter Example
Use this free template to write a cover letter for any journalist role. Simply follow the instructions and fill in the blanks.
Your name
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[OPTIONAL: Department Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer’s needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.
The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating an essential qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer’s consideration.
Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.
Sincerely,
— Your Full Name
If you want to make it more presentable, check out our professional cover letter templates, which include more than a dozen customizable job-appropriate designs.
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How to Write a Journalist Cover Letter
The following cover letter example will help you identify the key sections in a cover letter and what to include in each one.
Now that you've got an idea of the cover letter basics let's dive into the details of optimizing your letter to land a specific role.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
A letter of application is a formal business letter. It should convey professionalism and have an appropriately formatted cover letter header with essential information about the employer and you.
Strong cover letter header example:
April 10, 2025
Mr. Thomas Allen
Editor-in-Chief
The Boston Chronicle
123 News Avenue
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Mr. Allen,
Weak cover letter header example:
Date: 35/13/2021
To Whom it May Concer,
Rachel Griffon
Jornalism Inc.
123 Fake Strret
Big City, NY 00012
From: Mark Wiling
25 B Street
Wrong Town, CT 54321
Phone: 999-999-9999
Email: markjounalist@email.com
PRO TIP
A big cover letter red flag is to greet the letter's recipient with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.“ Instead, personalize the greeting by stating your recipient's name or address a cover letter without a name professionally with “Dear Hiring Manager.“
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph
The way you introduce yourself to hiring managers in your cover letter's opening paragraph will set the tone for the rest of your letter. Stand out by mentioning key skills and qualifications, and state your interest in the particular journalist position.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As a freelance journalist with over five years of experience crafting compelling narratives, I am eager to apply for the journalist position at The Daily Chronicle. My skill in investigative reporting led to a high-impact series that boosted readership by 30%. I am driven to deliver insightful stories that engage readers and contribute valuably to your esteemed publication's reputation and mission.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hello, I'm looking to join The Daily Ink as a journalist. I've always been into writing, and your company seems super cool. I think I'd be a neat addition to your team.
PRO TIP
If you know someone who works at the company and is willing to vouch for you, mention this in the first paragraph. Find examples of properly addressing this subject in our article for referral cover letter opening paragraphs.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Your cover letter's body paragraph will comprise the bulk of your document and should focus on quantifiable achievements and additional key skills. You can also get more personal with this section and show employers your passion for the job or career goals.
Strong body paragraph example:
In my role as a journalist, I crafted compelling investigative stories that boosted online readership by 35%, demonstrating my keen research and analytical skills. Tackling tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy was crucial, allowing me to build a reputation for reliability and excellence. My strong interviewing abilities led to exclusive interviews that increased publication circulation by 20%, underscoring my commitment to producing impactful, engaging content that resonates with audiences.
Weak body paragraph example:
I am applying to be a journalist because I want to work in media. I have some interest in writing, though not much published work. I'm not sure about my interview skills, but I hope to develop them. If hired, I’d try to understand what the role needs and potentially grow into it over time.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
The closing paragraph will be the final section of your journalist cover letter. Use this section to share any final skills or qualifications you possess and state your interest in a future interview. Go for confident tone and proper sign-off before signing your name.
Strong closing paragraph:
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to leverage my investigative journalism skills and years of experience to contribute to the dynamic team at The Daily Chronicle. I am eager to further discuss how my passion for uncovering compelling stories makes me an ideal fit for your publication. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed newsroom.
Best regards,
Alexandra Reed
Weak closing paragraph:
I would like a job as a journalist with your organization. Honestly, I'm eager to join a team like yours, although I'm not quite sure if I meet all the criteria yet. If you think I might be a match, please let me know. Thank you for considering my application in any case.
Best regards,
Alex Martin
Follow these steps, and you'll be able to create a professional journalist cover letter in no time. If you need to write multiple letters for different job applications, our Cover Letter Builder is your best bet. With just your target job title, we can generate as many custom cover letters as you need.
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for Journalist
The cover letter is a great place to include more skills you couldn't fit into your resume. Here are some of the most in-demand skills for a journalist. Incorporate a balanced mix of soft skills and hard skills that show you're a top candidate.
- Investigative Reporting
- Interview Techniques
- Digital Storytelling
- Fact-Checking
- SEO Knowledge
- Video Production
- Cultural Competence
- Data Journalism
- Public Speaking
- Social Media Savvy
- Content Management Systems
- Photojournalism
If you want to avoid bad writer's block, check out our Cover Letter Builder. Instead of facing a blank page for hours, our Builder will suggest dozens of content ideas for your letter based on your target job title.
Similar Journalist Cover Letter Examples
Find some of the best journalist cover letter examples below! Click on your favorite template to edit in our Builder.
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