Philip Merrill College of Journalism | University of Maryland

Writing a Successful Cover Letter

Always send a cover letter with a resume. It is your opportunity to demonstrate good writing and to make it clear why you are applying. Keep it short, accurate and concise.

Guidelines:

Use a professional business letter format, with your address, the date and the name and address of the recipient at the top.
Always address your letter to the appropriate editor or producer. Make sure you spell his or her name correctly. Always use Mr. or Ms. With names such as Chris and Randy and Dana, don’t assume the gender. Always triple-check spelling of names and titles, using different, reliable sources.
Do not start a letter, “To Whom It May Concern.”
Avoid cuteness, colloquialisms, puns and off-color humor.
Don’t be wishy-washy – cut phrases such “I think I’m qualified,” or “I believe I’m the right person for the job.”
Keep the letter to a single page, usually no more than three or four paragraphs.
Proof read, proof read, proof read.

Introductory paragraph: Your first paragraph should grab the reader, motivate him or her to move on to your resume and clips. You can do that in three ways:

An anecdote. Using a personal experience can illustrate your talents as a journalist. Your anecdote can be about a great story you broke, the way you pursued a particular source or something more personal that inspired you to enter journalism. The trick is to keep is short – it’s only the introduction.
A personal reference from someone the reader respects is another good opener. Examples would include a colleague, a former boss or a well-regarded professor. Make sure you have the person’s blessing before including him or her in the letter. Example: John Smith, city editor of the Maryland Banner, recommended I contact you.
Get right to the point. If you lack an anecdote or a personal connection, simply introduce yourself and say why you would be worth hiring. Be confident.

Middle: Highlight your experience, but don’t exaggerate. Don’t repeat your resume -- complement it. Talk briefly about stories you’ve written or experiences you’ve had that make you a great candidate for the job. Talk about your ambition and what motivates you.

Closing: Wrap it up. Thank the editor or producer for considering you. Let them know you’ll be in touch in order to schedule an interview. Be sure to sign your letter.

Thank-you letters: They are never out of style. If an employer has taken the time to interview you, be sure to send a follow-up letter (not an e-mail but a formal letter) thanking him or her for the time. You can also use this letter as an opportunity to supply some fresh examples of your work.

E-mail letters: Some employers request applications by e-mail. Keep in mind the same guidelines apply. Be as professional as you would in a letter – misspellings or inaccuracies are just as glaring in an e-mail as on the printed page.

Here is an example of a cover letter using the third type of introductory paragraph – it’s not flashy but it gets right to the point. This is the format to use if you can’t come up with a great anecdote or a personal recommendation to start your letter.