MLEC
Radio Broadcasting Program

The Cover Letter

Cover Letter Links
        The cover letter is an introduction. It's your way of saying, "Hello. Glad to meet you. This is who I am." to your prospective employer. It tells them you're interested in working for them and personalizes your resumé and demo tape specifically for them. It's often the first thing they read when your package arrives on their desk.
        Obviously, as with your resumé, it's important that you portray yourself in the cover letter as a professional in search of a job. Write the letter with this in mind. Type it, don't scribble it out, even if you have beautiful handwriting. Be mindfull that the person you're writing to receives several packages a week, possibly several each day. Keep your cover letter short and to the point. About three paragraphs max.
        Start with a brief introduction. Explain who you are and where you're located. Tell them you want to work for their radio station and why. Be upbeat, conversational and concise. If possible, include special information such as the station's motto or that you've visited their city and enjoyed listening to the station while you were there.
        Include any specific information not in your resumé that might help sway the reader in your direction. This might be an oblique mention of common friends or a chance meeting with someone the reader might know. Anything you can add that will give you an edge should be included. Remeber, though, keep it brief.
        Finally, thank them in advance for taking the time to look at your package and listen to your demo tape. Inform them that you will call for their feedback on a specific day or date. Then do it. Call and speak with them. This means you'll need to keep track of where you send your packages and when you expect them to arrive. Give the person a few days to get to your tape, but definitely call when you said you would. Who knows, they may listen to your tape and love it and be sitting there waiting for your call.

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Lovell Consulting, Miami, Florida, USA.
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This page was created on 3 November 1995 by
John Lovell, Radio Broadcasting Instructor
Miami Lakes Educational Center
Last updated on 10 April 1998