Journalist / Reporter Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Staff Reporter position covering politics at The New York Times. With 5 years of political journalism experience and proven track record of breaking news stories, I am excited to contribute to the Times' unparalleled political coverage. In my current role as Political Reporter at The Washington Post, I have successfully: • Published 150+ bylines covering Congress, elections, and policy developments • Broke 12 major news stories including exclusive interviews with senators and cabinet members • Cultivated sources across both political parties building trusted relationships with officials and staffers • Produced multimedia content including video interviews, podcasts, and data visualizations • Fact-checked political claims and debunked misinformation through rigorous investigative reporting • Met daily deadlines while maintaining accuracy under pressure during breaking news events • Achieved 2M+ average monthly readership with stories frequently appearing on homepage I am particularly drawn to The New York Times' commitment to in-depth reporting and holding power accountable. Your political desk's analysis and investigative work represent the gold standard of journalism. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my political reporting expertise can contribute to the Times. Sincerely, James Morrison

Dear CNN Team, I am excited to apply for the Broadcast Journalist position covering breaking news at CNN. With broadcast journalism experience and ability to deliver compelling stories under tight deadlines, I am passionate about bringing critical news to global audiences. At MSNBC, I have delivered broadcast journalism: • Reported live from 50+ breaking news events including natural disasters, political rallies, and major trials • Produced and presented on-camera news packages for morning and evening broadcasts • Conducted field interviews with newsmakers, witnesses, and experts capturing authentic perspectives • Wrote scripts for anchors and correspondents ensuring clarity and accuracy • Collaborated with camera crews and producers coordinating logistics for live shots • Verified information from multiple sources before reporting maintaining journalistic standards • Appeared on-air 200+ times delivering news with poise and credibility CNN's breaking news coverage and global reach inspire me. Your commitment to being first and accurate aligns with my journalistic values. I look forward to discussing how my broadcast journalism skills can contribute to CNN's news coverage. Best regards, Sarah Chen

Dear The Guardian Team, I am writing to apply for the Investigative Reporter position at The Guardian. With investigative journalism experience and dedication to uncovering truth, I am excited to produce impactful long-form reporting that holds institutions accountable. At ProPublica, I have conducted investigative journalism: • Published 8 major investigations exposing government corruption, corporate misconduct, and systemic injustice • Obtained documents through FOIA requests and confidential sources revealing hidden information • Analyzed datasets containing millions of records uncovering patterns and trends • Collaborated with legal teams navigating defamation law and protecting source confidentiality • Won regional journalism award for investigation into environmental pollution affecting communities • Partnered with broadcast and podcast teams adapting print stories for multimedia platforms • Generated policy changes and reforms through investigative reporting creating real-world impact The Guardian's investigative work and public interest mission resonate deeply with me. Your fearless reporting on critical issues inspires my journalism. I would be honored to discuss how my investigative skills can contribute to The Guardian's mission. Sincerely, Michael Rodriguez

Dear Bloomberg News Team, I am excited to apply for the Business Reporter position covering financial markets at Bloomberg News. With business journalism experience and understanding of markets, I am passionate about delivering timely, accurate financial news to investors and decision-makers. At The Wall Street Journal, I have covered business news: • Reported on stock markets, IPOs, and corporate earnings delivering real-time market-moving news • Broke stories about mergers, acquisitions, and executive changes through source relationships • Analyzed Federal Reserve policy, inflation data, and economic indicators explaining impact to readers • Interviewed CEOs, CFOs, and analysts providing expert perspectives on market trends • Monitored earnings calls and regulatory filings identifying newsworthy developments • Explained complex financial concepts to general audiences making business news accessible • Achieved consistent homepage placement with stories cited by traders and analysts Bloomberg's speed, accuracy, and terminal integration make it essential for market participants. Your data-driven approach to financial journalism sets you apart. I look forward to discussing how my business reporting expertise can support Bloomberg's coverage. Best regards, Emily Park

Dear BuzzFeed News Team, I am writing to express my interest in the Digital Reporter position covering culture and entertainment. With digital journalism experience and understanding of internet culture, I am excited to produce engaging stories that resonate with online audiences. At Vice News, I have delivered digital reporting: • Published 200+ articles covering pop culture, social media trends, and celebrity news • Optimized headlines and content for SEO driving 5M+ monthly page views • Produced social media content for Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok amplifying story reach • Interviewed artists, influencers, and cultural figures capturing authentic voices • Monitored social media conversations identifying trending topics and viral moments • Created multimedia content including videos, GIFs, and interactive graphics • Fact-checked celebrity gossip and entertainment news maintaining credibility BuzzFeed News' innovative storytelling and digital-first approach inspire me. Your ability to make news engaging for younger audiences represents the future of journalism. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my digital journalism skills can contribute to BuzzFeed News. Sincerely, Alex Thompson

Dear NPR Team, I am excited to apply for the Radio Reporter position on the National Desk at NPR. With radio journalism experience and strong storytelling skills, I am passionate about producing compelling audio narratives that inform and engage listeners nationwide. At WNYC, I have produced radio journalism: • Reported and produced 100+ radio stories for Morning Edition and All Things Considered • Recorded field audio capturing natural sound and authentic voices from communities across America • Conducted interviews with politicians, experts, and ordinary citizens telling human stories behind headlines • Wrote radio scripts balancing information with narrative flow and conversational tone • Edited audio segments meeting NPR standards for sound quality and pacing • Covered breaking news providing live reports and analysis for radio broadcasts • Won regional Edward R. Murrow Award for feature reporting on immigration issues NPR's thoughtful journalism and commitment to diverse voices inspire me. Your audio storytelling represents the best of public radio. I look forward to discussing how my radio journalism expertise can contribute to NPR's mission. Best regards, Maria Gonzalez

Dear Associated Press Team, I am writing to apply for the Regional Reporter position covering general assignment news at the Associated Press. With versatile journalism experience across multiple beats, I am excited to deliver fast, accurate news to AP's global audience. At Reuters, I have covered breaking news: • Reported on diverse topics including crime, courts, disasters, education, and local government • Filed 10+ stories daily meeting wire service standards for speed and accuracy • Responded to breaking news within minutes deploying to scene and gathering information • Developed source network across law enforcement, government, and community organizations • Captured photos and video in the field providing multimedia content for subscribers • Wrote tight, factual copy following AP style and avoiding bias • Achieved 99% accuracy rate with minimal corrections required on published stories The Associated Press' global reach and journalistic rigor represent the foundation of news. Your commitment to factual, unbiased reporting aligns with my core values. I would be honored to discuss how my versatile reporting skills can contribute to AP's mission. Sincerely, David Kim