Cover Letter Question

February 19, 2008 5:01 AM

I want to apply for an internship at a television show, particularly the writing and research department. How should I write my cover letter?

I am a student with a decent CV, but I'm at a loss as to how to write my cover letter. Should it be boring and formulaic, or creative and experimental...or a nuanced version of all of these qualities? This is for the entertainment industry, so I'd imagine the same cover letter "rules" don't apply. Thanks for your help.

posted by jne1813 to writing & language (2 comments total)

Never write a formulaic letter for any job. Prove your mettle by researching who you are writing it to and tailoring it them specifically showing familiarity with their work. It will obviously help if you can drop the name of a reference who is familiar with that person although that isn't possible in many cases unless your university has well established alumni.
posted by JJ86 at 5:18 AM on February 19, 2008

Check out Cover Letters That Knock 'Em Dead. I've used this book quite a bit for my cover letters and found it very, very helpful. Don't copy the examples line by line, but rather borrow phrases that apply to what you're trying to say.

The book is only $3.60 new on Amazon, and you can find it used in nearly any good used bookstore.
posted by scottso17 at 6:30 AM on February 19, 2008 [1 favorite]