10 ways to ramp up your journalism cover letters
Learn more about do's and don'ts for cover letters from Benét J. Wilson's workshop.
Benét J. Wilson led a cover letter workshop for TJA members. Be sure to check out the recording on our training video library for active members.
10 do’s and don’ts for cover letters
- Don’t use AI to write it. We can tell.
- Do address it to a human being (if possible).
- Don’t send the same cover letter everywhere you apply.
- Do tell a story in your cover letter.
- Don’t gush about wanting to always work for the outlet.
- Do point out good stories you’ve seen on the outlet.
- Do have an extra pair of eyes look at your letter before you hit send.
- Don’t use crazy fonts in your cover letter.
- Do keep it to one page.
- Don’t repeat what’s on your resume.
This resource was originally published as part of a newsletter on May 5, 2025.
