Most accomplished journalists are also skilled writers, regardless of whether their primary roles involve photography, art, design, or digital production. It's uncommon to excel in journalism without strong writing abilities, and we’re going to assume that you possess this skill in spades.
Therefore, it's essential to highlight your writing prowess — and when applying for a job, there’s no better way to do this than through your cover letter.
For a journalist, a cover letter is a direct reflection of your ability to perform your role. But writing about yourself is a whole different prospect and can often be easier said than done.
Luckily, we have you covered with a fresh approach that will tell your journalism story with finesse, linguistic flair, and passion
Journalism full text-only cover letter example
Dear Ms. Sarah Villin,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Junior Reporter position at the Manchester Evening News, as advertised on your careers page. With my degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds and two years of experience as a freelance writer for various publications, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your newsroom.
During my time at the Yorkshire Post, I honed my skills in investigative reporting and feature writing. My article series on the redevelopment of Leeds Dock received praise from both readers and colleagues, demonstrating my ability to engage the community with local issues.
I am particularly drawn to the Manchester Evening News' commitment to in-depth local reporting and its recent expansion into digital media. Your coverage of the ongoing regeneration project in Ancoats has been exemplary, and I would be excited to contribute to similar stories that matter to Mancunians.
My experience living and working in both Leeds and Liverpool has given me a broad understanding of life in the North of England. I am eager to bring this perspective to Manchester and immerse myself in the city's vibrant culture and diverse communities.
I have attached my CV and writing samples for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for journalism could contribute to the continued success of the Manchester Evening News.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Milo Fernsby
Sections of a journalism cover letter
A well-structured cover letter is the best way to attract the attention of an editor or hiring manager and present your background as a journalist in a clear, succinct, and engaging way.
Here’s the essential components of a professional journalist cover letter:
- Cover letter header. Choose a simple and professional cover letter header, including your full name, contact details, and job title. Avoid fancy fonts or design-heavy formats as these can be distracting.
- Greeting. You're a journalist, so you should easily be able to find out the name of the hiring manager if this is not included in the job posting. This personalised approach is a great way to build rapport.
- Introduction. The lead, or opening paragraph, is the most important part of any news story. Captivate the reader with a compelling introduction.
- Body. Tell the story of your journalism career. Focus on highlights from your career and align your skills and experience with the advertised role and hiring organisation.
- Conclusion. Reiterate your passion for journalism and the job opening, including a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to reach out.
- Signature. End your letter with a professional sign-off, including your full name.
Similar to structuring a news story, every component of your cover letter works together to tell a compelling career story. In this way you can send a clear message of your journalistic skills and experience to the reader and strengthen your argument for an interview.
Your journalism cover letter doesn’t need to be long. Stick to a one-page cover letter that is concise, informative, and engaging to avoid the hiring manager zoning out.
Looking for some inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples to help you get started:
Our article on how to write a cover letter is another great resource that has general information and details that cover every section of a cover letter.
After creating your cover letter header and having a structure in mind, it’s time to concentrate on developing an impactful introduction.
Introduction of a journalism cover letter
As a Journalist, you’ll know that the most important part of any story is the introduction (or lede). If this doesn’t grab the reader's (or hiring manager’s) attention, they’re unlikely to continue reading and will quickly move on to the next story (or job applicant).
Lead with a strong opening, that explains why this specific journalism job is exciting to you and what you plan to bring to the writing table.
Dear Ms. Villin
Many people tell me that working as a reporter for any regional newspaper in the UK is the same, but after speaking to industry professionals and attending the CIJ summer conference, the Manchester Evening News really stands out to me. I’m keen to bring my six years of reporting experience and commitment to entertaining and informing readers to the M.E.N. reporting team.
To Whom It May Concern
Please consider this letter my application for the role of Features Reporter with the Manchester Evening News. I enclose my CV for your consideration and review.
Generic introductions aren’t going to set the world on fire. Injecting your passion for journalism, outlining the level of your experience, and your dedication to readers will have more impact and boost your credibility with the editor or hiring manager.
Another great way to spark some interest is by mentioning a connection to the employer. Whether this is a referral from an existing employee, interactions with industry professionals, or attendance at an industry event.
Dear Ms. Sarah Villin,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Junior Reporter position at the Manchester Evening News, as advertised on your careers page. With my degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds and two years of experience as a freelance writer for various publications, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your newsroom.
Journalism cover letter body
Adopt a clear structure when creating the body of your journalism cover letter:
- Highlight your standout skills and experience
- Illustrate how your values and approach align with company ethos and culture
- Conclude with a strong summary of key points
- Include a call to action to motivate the employer to advance your application
First body paragraph
Following a powerful introduction, you’ll need to keep the momentum up and show why your skills, experience, and passions make you the ideal candidate for the job.
Here’s how you can weave your qualifications into a compelling narrative:
- Spotlight notable stories or projects. Dig deeper into your experience as a journalist and cite specific articles or projects you have produced relevant to the hiring organisation. Include positive outcomes, such as any recognition or awards.
- Highlight your education. Reference your degree in Journalism to underpin any direct work experience with a solid academic foundation.
- Communication skills. Communication is at the core of journalism. Emphasise your stellar communication skills when interviewing sources, reporting news, and writing articles or scripts.
- Digital literacy. Dive into your knowledge of current and emerging technologies and new broadcast mediums to show your commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
- Attention to detail. Mention your commitment to being credible, authentic, and delivering reliable information via your meticulous attention to detail.
Create a ‘visual brand’ for your CV and cover letter
Your CV and cover letter for a journalism job should be a ‘matching set,’ using the same design, font and formatting styles. The headers should be similar if not identical, so it’s clear that these two documents come from the same applicant. Any mismatch can suggest a lack of attention to detail and won’t project your professionalism to an employer.
Second body paragraph
Another important message you want to get across in your journalism cover letter is that you fully understand your target media outlet’s audience.
Understanding the demographic, psychographic, and geographic backgrounds of readers will tell the editor that you know exactly how to reach them via your writing.
In the example of the Manchester Evening News, conducting some background research into their mission and vision reveals:
- Committed to reporting news accurately, fairly, and vigorously
- Campaigning on behalf of the needs and interests of people in the Greater Manchester region.
- Seek to entertain as well as inform, with a focus on Manchester’s vibrant culture, leisure activities, and two world-famous football clubs!
For this specific example, referencing your experience and perspectives of the specific region,your ability to engage with diverse communities, and your enthusiasm for vibrant cultures are all persuasive arguments you can apply to propel your candidacy forward.
During my time at the Yorkshire Post, I honed my skills in investigative reporting and feature writing. My article series on the redevelopment of Leeds Dock received praise from both readers and colleagues, demonstrating my ability to engage the community with local issues.
I am particularly drawn to the Manchester Evening News' commitment to in-depth local reporting and its recent expansion into digital media. Your coverage of the ongoing regeneration project in Ancoats has been exemplary, and I would be excited to contribute to similar stories that matter to Mancunians.
My experience living and working in both Leeds and Liverpool has given me a broad understanding of life in the North of England. I am eager to bring this perspective to Manchester and immerse myself in the city's vibrant culture and diverse communities.
I have attached my CV and writing samples for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for journalism could contribute to the continued success of the Manchester Evening News.
Call to action & conclusion
End strong with a final paragraph that provides a brief recap of key points and thanks the reader for their time in reviewing your application.
Then you can wrap up your journalism cover letter by expressing your desire to continue the conversation via a follow-up call or next steps.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Milo Fernsby
Make sure you request an interview, without sounding arrogant of course. Then sign off with a professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely,’ and your name.
Key takeaways
A well-written cover letter is an essential component of any job application, particularly if you’re a journalist looking for your next writing gig.
Showcase your top-level skills, experiences, and achievements in journalism across your cover letter, from your introduction through to your conclusion. This will help you get in the mind of the editor and show them you’re the perfect fit for their reporting team.
Kickstart your job search with our cover letter builder and CV maker. This includes access to 18 career-boosting tools, you can use to search for jobs, track your progress, prepare for interviews and negotiate salaries with confidence.
