How Do You Write A Cover Letter For A Broadcast News Job?
Think of the cover letter for a broadcast news job the way that you might think of a press release or media advisory. Just as that PR person is trying to sell you a story idea, you are trying to sell yourself to a news director. This business is extremely competitive, so you want to demonstrate the strength of your writing skills and what sets you apart from the competition in a succinct and compelling way. The keys: content and style. Sell yourself. Don’t be modest. Create a list of the accomplishments that make you stand out from the huge crowd of applicants jockeying for that one position. If at all possible, get a second and third opinion regarding possible content from an industry veteran before you start writing. Always address the cover letter to somebody. Never address the letter “To Whom it May Concern.” The name on top should be the hiring manager, director or (most likely) news director. Call the station’s main number (not the news number) to obtain the news director’s name.
