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Print Journalist Cover Letter Template

Professional template and example for Australian job applications

Print Journalist Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager, I’ve spent years chasing a clear line between fact and context, and at the end of the day it’s the story and its audience that matter. In my time at [Previous Company], I learned how to verify details quickly, triage notes from interviews, and shape a narrative that stands up under a paper’s deadline. I’ve found that precise sourcing and plain language can carry weight in a newsroom, especially when the topic is locally relevant. For this role at [Company Name], I bring that practical approach to beat reporting, feature writing, and observer-style journalism. I’m comfortable juggling quick turnarounds with longer investigations, and I’m adept with standard newsroom tools for research, note-taking, and copy editing. My approach blends interview technique, observation, and data checks to back up every claim. I’m drawn to a team that values accuracy, context, and fair balance, while still pushing for a clear public-interest angle in each piece. One recent assignment involved profiling a community program that touched several suburbs. I mapped stakeholders, conducted key interviews, and cross-checked figures against council minutes and datasets. The result was a feature that linked program outcomes to residents’ experiences, with a clear, publishable narrative and a set of data points that could be revisited in subsequent coverage. The piece helped readers understand both the human impact and the broader policy implications. I’m keen to discuss how my experience fits the Print Journalist role and what I can contribute to your newsroom. I’m available for a chat next week and happy to provide clips or a brief outline of ideas for upcoming editions. Kind regards, [Your Name]

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What happens next: Our AI will match your skills to the job requirements, highlight relevant achievements, and create a compelling narrative that positions you as the ideal candidate.

Why This Print Journalist Cover Letter Works

Opening Paragraph

Hook with specific achievement + role alignment

Skills Match

Maps experience to job needs + company research

STAR Example

Situation-Task-Action-Result with numbers

Professional Close

Forward momentum + availability

Key Requirements for Print Journalist Roles

Essential Skills to Highlight

Make sure your cover letter demonstrates these key skills:

InterviewingInvestigative JournalismObservationFact GatheringData AnalysisNews ReportingFeature WritingArticle DraftingComment Writing

Tip: Include specific examples of how you've used these skills in your STAR example paragraph.

Core Responsibilities to Address

Align your experience with these typical responsibilities:

  • Collects Facts About Newsworthy Events
  • Analyses Facts From Interviews and Observations
  • Uses Printed Matter As Sources
  • Writes News Reports
  • Composes Commentaries and Articles
  • ...and more

Tip: Reference 2-3 of these responsibilities when describing your relevant experience.

Print Journalist Cover Letter Best Practices

Structure (4 Paragraphs)

Opening (40-60 words): State the role and company, plus one compelling hook
Match (100-130 words): Map 2-3 achievements to their top requirements
Proof (80-100 words): One detailed STAR example with quantified results
Close (30-40 words): Confirm fit and invite discussion

Essential Requirements

  • • Length: 250-350 words (one A4 page)
  • • Australian English spelling and dates (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • • Address to specific person when possible
  • • No photos or personal details (DOB, etc.)

What Makes It Strong

  • • Specific achievements with numbers
  • • Company research in second paragraph
  • • Keywords from the job description
  • • Professional but personable tone

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Generic opening lines
  • • Repeating your CV chronologically
  • • Including salary unless asked
  • • Exceeding one page

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