Each month, I probably read at least 30 cover letters from sportscasters looking for jobs.
Here are a handful of common mistakes that people are making.
1. Copy and paste
Other than changing the name of the school, some people sent the exact same letter for MSU as they sent for Clemson.
2. Not stating your reason for interest
State in your opening paragraph what is it about that school that is attractive to you. Be sure to make it about them, not about you. Writing, “This would be a good opportunity for me because….” is hurting your letter, not helping.
3. I feel as though I would be a quality candidate for this opportunity
Of course you do. Otherwise you wouldn’t be applying. Omit this throwaway line.
4. Getting this job would be a dream come true
I probably see this in 20% of cover letters. It is cliche. Have you ever dreamt of being the voice of the Yankees, Lakers or Cowboys? Some people who applied for both MSU and Clemson wrote that both jobs were their “dream come true.”
5. Irrelevant info
Focus on your experience that is relevant to the position. If you are applying for a basketball job, it is counterproductive to spend multiple paragraphs detailing your experience in other sports. Eight years of broadcasting water polo doesn’t make someone a better candidate for a football gig.
6. Too long
Give the employer your elevator pitch. Two-thirds of a page, max. The longer your letter, the less time most employers are going to give to it.
