You might find this fact about cover letters to be stunning:
Not all employers read them.
That’s right. Many sports broadcasting employers rely exclusively upon demos and resumes to decide whom to invite to interview.
For the rest of employers, you can make a great first impression by writing a smart cover letter.
Here are four top tips for how to do it.
1. State the reason for your letter
Make the opening sentence a statement of the job for which you are applying. Don’t just say you’re applying for the “open position.” They may have several open positions.
2. Customize
State what it is about the employer that makes you want to work for them versus anyone else. Be specific. Spend 15 minutes researching them. The cover letter is about what you can do for the employer, not what they can do for you. Don’t say something like, “I want this job because it’s a great next step for me.”
3. Be relevant
In your second paragraph, state your relevant experience. If a radio station is looking for a football and basketball play-by-play voice, don’t reference your baseball play-by-play and TV experience.
4. Follow up
In your closing paragraph, tell the employer when you will follow-up. Few people win in the job market without polite persistence.
Also in the closing paragraph, you can add the name, title and phone number of a reference who can provide additional information about your qualifications.
If you are an STAA member, you’ll find even more suggestions on the STAA Members site for putting your best foot forward with your cover letter.
