Letters by Sector: Media

Recruiters in the media sector usually get around 100 or so applicants all vying for the same position. So, hiring managers are constantly looking for reasons not to advance a candidate to the interview round. That is why writing a cover letter that pops is your best shot to get noticed. Sometimes, a bad cover letter might result in your recruiter totally ignoring your resume.

Keep your cover letter short and sweet. Write in such a way to your recruiter will instantly gain the needed information within 30 seconds of reading. If you are interested in a job in journalism, you should be able to tell them why you should get hired in 200 words or less. Only include experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for – your 2 summers as a lifeguard won’t make much of a difference when you want to become a journalist.

Lastly, avoid awkward phrasing and attempts to be overly formal. Start with a strong but simple opener, like “I'm excited to be writing to you to apply for the blogging position then hit it off with a conversational piece. Use stories and example of how your skills that relevant to the job shined. Make it personal and reach out to your recruiter with an effective cover letter sample!