You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for journalist
Explore additional journalist cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Journalist
- Highlighting Certification: Mentioning the "Open-Source Intelligence Techniques" certification can validate expertise in advanced investigative methods crucial for journalism roles.
- Emphasising Achievements: Increasing story accuracy by 20% demonstrates a commitment to quality reporting, enhancing credibility in news reporting.
- Showcasing Relevant Experience: Experience at renowned organisations like Sky News and BBC News not only establishes authority but also reflects adaptability to high-pressure environments.
- Demonstrating Passion and Initiative: Expressing an interest in world politics and documentary filmmaking illustrates a deep engagement with the field and a proactive approach to storytelling.
Junior Journalist
- Relevant Experience: Isabelle highlights her role as a Broadcast Media Assistant at BBC North West, showcasing her ability to enhance audience engagement and her collaboration with digital teams, which are crucial for an aspiring journalist.
- Notable Achievements: The cover letter effectively details her initiatives, such as the media workshop leadership and the development of a successful social media campaign, both reflecting her capability to lead projects and innovate in media environments.
- Educational Background: Isabelle's Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Leeds supports her foundation in journalism, while additional certifications in Digital Journalism and Media Law demonstrate her commitment to expanding her knowledge in the media field.
- Skills and Tools: Proficiency in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and WordPress, along with skills in storytelling and social media management, are pertinent to the digitalised sphere of modern journalism.
Lead Journalist
- Emphasising the achievement of boosting reader engagement by 25% through data visualisation demonstrates the candidate's ability to merge technical skills with storytelling, a critical aspect of data journalism.
- Highlighting experience with global datasets and environmental regulations aligns perfectly with roles focusing on corporate sustainability and investigative reporting.
- Mentioning the leadership role in training 50 journalists on data storytelling techniques showcases not only expertise but also the capacity to enhance a team's skills, indicating leadership abilities.
- Citing the use of R programming and automated data scraping reflects the candidate's technical proficiency and efficiency in handling and analysing large datasets, a valuable skill in data-driven roles.
Associate Journalist
- Highlighting the "Advanced Storytelling Strategies" certification completed from the Poynter Institute, which reinforces Sienna's expertise in NPPA style storytelling, an essential skill for this role.
- Emphasising Sienna's technical skills, such as the use of Live-U technology and video shooting and editing, which are crucial for seamless live broadcasts and polished news segments.
- Demonstrating a strong track record of increasing viewer engagement and interaction through social media strategies and innovative reporting techniques, showcasing Sienna's ability to enhance audience reach effectively.
- Showcasing Sienna's leadership and mentorship experience at ITV Central, particularly their ability to supervise and guide junior journalists, which is vital for fostering a collaborative and skill-enhancing team environment.
Chief Journalist
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter emphasises specific achievements, such as increasing readership engagement by 25% and leading a project that was shortlisted for a national journalism award. This demonstrates measurable success and impact in previous roles.
- Showcasing Relevant Skills: It effectively delineates strong skills in data visualisation, trend analysis, and financial reporting, which are crucial for a Financial Data Journalist role. These skills are supported by practical examples and contributions from Ella’s past experiences.
- Education and Continuous Learning: The mention of obtaining a Master’s degree in Financial Journalism and further enhancement through relevant courses such as "Advanced Data Visualisation Techniques" underscores Ella’s commitment to professional development and expertise in specialised areas.
- Integration of Professional Passions: Including passions such as financial markets and public speaking enriches the cover letter by providing insight into Ella’s genuine interest and enthusiasm for the industry, which is essential for audience engagement and impactful economic presentations.
Principal Journalist
- Professional Summary: The cover letter includes a concise and focused professional summary that highlights the candidate's experience and skills relevant to the data analyst role in energy markets. This is crucial in capturing the employer's attention quickly.
- Key Achievements: Specific achievements such as boosting reporting efficiency by 15% and improving data processing capabilities by 35% are prominently featured. This provides concrete examples of the candidate's impact in previous roles, essential for any data-focused position.
- Industry-Specific Education: The candidate is pursuing an MSc in Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics, which is directly aligned with the energy market focus. This educational background supports the applicant's specialization in the field and enhances their credibility.
- Technical Skills: The cover letter highlights proficiency in critical data analysis tools like Microsoft Excel, Python, and PowerBI, which are essential technical skills for a data analyst role. Listing these skills directly ties into the job requirements.
Entry Level Journalist
- Emphasise Investigative Expertise: Highlight specific achievements in investigative journalism, such as the exposure of corporate fraud or the award-winning series on government sanctions, as these demonstrate specialised skills vital for the role.
- Showcase Legal Acumen: The combination of a Bachelor in Law and a journalism career focusing on legal analysis provides a strong foundation, demonstrating an ability to understand and dissect complex legal issues for investigative purposes.
- Highlight Impact on Readership: Mentioning measurable results, such as increasing reader engagement and subscriber growth, showcases effectiveness in creating impactful stories that resonate with audiences.
- Stress Collaboration and Networking: Describe collaborative efforts and networking abilities, such as building a global network of sources, which are crucial for sourcing exclusive stories in investigative journalism.
Mid-Level Journalist
- Role-Specific Experience: Oliver's cover letter highlights a strong track record in data visualisation and financial journalism at top-tier companies like Bloomberg, Financial Times, and The Economist, showcasing his depth of experience in the field which is crucial for the role.
- Impactful Achievements: Mentioning specific achievements, such as leading projects that increased engagement by 30% and receiving awards for innovation, effectively demonstrates Oliver's ability to create significant impact and value in his work.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in tools and programming languages like Adobe Illustrator, Python, HTML, and Javascript is showcased, aligning well with the technical requirements of a visual data journalist role.
- Educational Background: Oliver’s academic qualifications in Data Journalism and Economics are directly relevant, providing a solid foundation for understanding and reporting financial data.
Experienced Journalist
- Open-Source Intelligence Expertise: The cover letter highlights Mia's experience and skills in open-source intelligence, which is crucial for a news journalist role in verifying and discovering accurate news stories.
- Relevant Work Experience: Mia's roles at BBC News, Reuters, and The Guardian showcase her experience in respected organisations, demonstrating her capability and expertise in journalism and social media.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter provides specific statistics, such as a 20% increase in story engagement and a 50% reduction in misinformation spread, offering concrete evidence of Mia's impact in prior roles.
- Certifications and Courses: Highlighting relevant courses like "Open-Source Intelligence for Journalists" and "Social Media Verification Training" underscores Mia's commitment to professional development and relevant expertise in the field.
Veteran Journalist
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases over 7 years of experience in media and PR management, emphasising the candidate's ability to enhance brand reputation and generate media coverage.
- Focus on Key Achievements: The letter details specific accomplishments, such as increasing audience engagement by 40% and doubling social media engagement, demonstrating the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Emphasise Strategic Skills: Key skills like 'Media Relations', 'Strategic Storytelling', and 'Crisis Management' are highlighted, aligning with the strategic nature of a Media and PR Manager role.
- Include Relevant Certifications and Education: Certifications such as the 'Advanced Media Relations Certification' and education in Public Relations are highlighted to support the candidate's expertise in the field.
By Role
Freelance Journalist
- Highlighting the applicant's successful track record in increasing reader engagement through compelling storytelling and visual content is crucial for demonstrating their ability to attract and retain an audience.
- Emphasising experiences with reputable publications like The Guardian and Evening Standard adds credibility and showcases the applicant's capability to handle high-profile roles in the journalism field.
- Showcasing achievements such as an award-winning article that led to policy discussions demonstrates the applicant's potential social impact and influence in the community.
- Underlining the applicant's ability to mentor and improve team performance indicates strong leadership and collaborative skills which are valuable in a newsroom environment.
Investigative Journalist
- Highlighting Investigative Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific investigative achievements, such as uncovering government data through the FOIA process and developing hard-hitting reports leading to policy changes. This emphasises the applicant's impact and expertise in accountability journalism.
- Demonstrating Impact in Community Engagement: By mentioning a 30% increase in community engagement and a 25% rise in readership, the cover letter highlights the applicant's successful strategies in storytelling and audience interaction, crucial for the role of an investigative journalist.
- Focus on Skill Development and Mentoring: The inclusion of experience in training junior journalists and using data-driven reporting techniques demonstrates a commitment to skill development and leadership, valuable for a senior role in journalism.
- Emphasising Multimedia Proficiency: The cover letter describes enhancing online story presentation with multimedia tools, showcasing the applicant's adaptability and proficiency, important in the evolving landscape of digital journalism.
Political Journalist
- Highlights a passion for regional news reporting and digital media engagement, illustrating a strong fit for roles requiring comprehensive storytelling across multiple platforms.
- Emphasis on tangible achievements, such as a 40% boost in user engagement and a 30% increase in shared story coverage, effectively demonstrating the ability to deliver measurable success.
- Showcases relevant professional experience at the BBC and other reputable media organisations, highlighting versatility in digital content production, scriptwriting, and multimedia projects.
- Details educational background, including a Master of Journalism, and additional courses in multimedia journalism and digital content strategy, aligning with the demands of a production journalist role.
Sports Journalist
- Highlighting a proven track record of increasing viewer engagement and ratings, such as driving a 30% boost through produced reports and an 18% increase via unique event coverage.
- Showcasing expertise in social media, evidenced by successful campaigns like increasing followership by 25% and boosting live viewership by 15%.
- Demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and improve team processes, as shown by streamlining story pitch processes and enhancing cross-platform communications.
- Emphasising relevant awards and industry contributions, such as winning a Local Sports Reporting Award and contributing to nationally acclaimed documentaries.
Fashion Journalist
- Highlighting specialised skills: Freya emphasises her expertise in creative writing, trend analysis, and digital marketing, which are crucial in fashion journalism to produce engaging content.
- Emphasising relevant experience: Mentioning roles at Vogue UK, Dazed Magazine, and The Guardian showcases Freya’s extensive and credible background in the industry, increasing her appeal to potential employers.
- Showcasing educational accomplishments: Freya includes her Master’s in Journalism and Bachelor’s in Fashion Communication, demonstrating a strong foundation in both journalism and the fashion industry.
- Underscoring key achievements: Freya highlights quantifiable successes, such as the 30% increase in reader engagement at Vogue UK, which concretely demonstrates her impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Science Journalist
- Highlighting multimedia production skills, as these are critical for a Journalist who is adept at using various platforms to engage audiences effectively.
- Emphasising experience in boosting readership and digital engagement by mentioning specific metrics, such as a 20% increase in readership or a 50% increase in viewer engagement.
- Showcasing the ability to conduct comprehensive interviews and produce exclusive insights can underline the candidate's capability to provide unique content and boost publication credibility.
- Mentioning the Content Engagement Award and Best Investigative Report achievements demonstrates proven success in impactful journalism and audience growth, which are highly relevant for this role.
Data Journalist
- Highlight Notable Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements, such as increasing reader engagement by 40% and influencing policy discussions, which are crucial for demonstrating impact and results in data journalism.
- Emphasise Relevant Skills: Skills like data visualisation, GIS, and advanced data science techniques are prominently featured, aligning perfectly with the job role requirements and demonstrating technical competency.
- Include Professional Development: Mentioning courses on Advanced Data Storytelling and Machine Learning shows a commitment to professional growth and staying updated with industry tools and methodologies.
- Industry Recognition and Compliance: Achievements like an award-winning data visualisation and GDPR compliance demonstrate both industry recognition and a strong ethical understanding of data handling.
Multimedia Journalist
- Emphasises specific achievements in social media strategy and engagement, such as boosting social media interaction by 50% and managing to increase the follower count by 50% over the course of one year, showcasing a strong track record directly aligned with the role.
- Highlights relevant experience in storytelling and multimedia content creation, evidenced by leading a podcast series that attracted significant audience growth and implementing engaging storytelling techniques.
- Effectively underlines her specialisation in Middle Eastern news, thus aligning well with the role's focus on delivering high-quality news. This niche expertise is supported by her Masters in International Journalism and experience with political interviews and international news reporting.
- Lays out several key competencies such as video editing, social media strategy, and interviewing, essential for a digital multimedia journalist, offering comprehensive skills that meet the role's requirements.
Broadcast Journalist
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: The candidate highlights over 5 years of journalism experience and specific roles that directly relate to social media content creation, video editing, and digital production. This helps establish credibility and expertise.
- Showcase Technical Proficiency: Skills in Final Cut Pro, digital storytelling, and social media analytics are emphasised, showcasing technical capabilities critical for a Social Media Content Creator.
- Highlight Impact and Achievements: Specific achievements, such as increasing engagement by 30% and winning awards like the Social Media Strategy Excellence Award, effectively demonstrate the ability to deliver results and contribute to the team's success.
- Indicate Passion and Interests: Sharing passions such as digital media innovation and creative writing can convey genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role, which can differentiate the candidate from others.
Photojournalist
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasising achievements, such as increased viewership and awards, effectively showcases the candidate’s impact and success in previous roles.
- Specific Experience: Detailing experience in key roles and demonstrating progression and leadership strengthens credibility and demonstrates readiness for senior positions.
- Relevant Skills and Training: Mentioning specific skills and courses, such as crisis management and digital storytelling, aligns the candidate’s expertise with the demands of the field producer role.
- Bilingual Abilities: Highlighting bilingual communication skills is particularly relevant for international reporting roles, emphasising the candidate’s preparedness for cross-border operations.
Journalist cover letter example
Leo Brown
Newcastle, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
Having followed your organisation’s approach to impactful storytelling within political journalism, I am compelled by its dedication to providing thorough analyses and a comprehensive understanding of political landscapes. This commitment aligns superbly with my journalistic values and objectives developed over a decade of industry experience.
During my tenure as a Senior Political Analyst at The Guardian, I coordinated strategic initiatives with digital teams that elevated political content distribution, resulting in a substantial 35% increase in online engagement and readership. This experience honed my skills in multimedia content creation and audience engagement, ensuring complex political narratives are accessible and captivating for diverse audiences.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team with innovative political reporting and analysis. Thank you for considering my application; I am eager to explore the potential of working together to create meaningful journalistic endeavors.
Sincerely,
Leo Brown
Senior Political Journalist
Here’s what makes this cover letter great:
- Emphasize alignment with the organization's mission or values, demonstrating a genuine interest in their unique approach or impact, particularly in fields like journalism.
- Highlight specific achievements and quantifiable results in previous roles, such as increased engagement or improved processes, to showcase success and contributions in a practical context.
- Illustrate relevant skills and experiences, such as strategic initiative coordination, multimedia content creation, and audience engagement, to underscore suitability for the specific role and its requirements.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
You only have one chance to impress your potential UK employers, so be wise about writing your cover letter.
When doing so, follow these three simple but essential steps:
- Do your research: Begin by researching the company and the role you're applying for. Check their website, social media pages, and relevant news to understand what drives their business.
- Highlight company values: Identify the company's core beliefs and explain how your personal and professional experiences resonate with them. For instance, if the organisation prioritises innovation, provide examples where you've demonstrated creative thinking.
- Match your skills to the job: Analyse the job description carefully and pick out the most important skills or qualifications they’re seeking. Be sure to mention your relevant achievements that prove you're the perfect fit for the position.
How to format a journalist cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your journalist cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your journalist cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired The Herald's commitment to in-depth investigative journalism and its dedication to championing diverse voices, I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute my skills in storytelling and analysis to your esteemed publication.
RIGHT
How to write your journalist cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at The Daily Ledger, I spearheaded an investigative series that uncovered widespread corruption within the local council, resulting in significant reforms. This project demanded not only journalistic integrity and keen investigative skills but also an ability to synthesise complex information into compelling narratives. My team’s efforts led to a 30% increase in the publication’s readership within six months, as we consistently published high-impact stories that resonated with our community. This experience honed my skills in research and interviewing, as well as strengthened my knack for transforming intricate stories into clear, engaging articles, underscoring my commitment to impactful journalism.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the journalist position at your esteemed publication. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my skills in investigative journalism and storytelling to your team. I am eager to further discuss how my experience and vision can contribute to your organisation's success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of working together and am keen to explore how I can add value to your distinguished publication.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
