Orlando Sentinel general assignment reporter

You're applying for a writing job and you don't write a cover letter.

Sure, makes sense to me.

In my office ---- which has one of the best sports sections in the country --- we chuckle at applicants who show they don't care right from the get-go.

 

I agree. I'd be reluctant to hire someone who doesn't have the confidence in his own writing and editing skills to sell him or herself in just a few short paragraphs. Plus, it would help to have a reason to even bother reading through your clips.

I always send cover letters. Nothing to kill yourself over. Just brief description of who you are and how you're qualified for the job. Have someone else read it over for typos and you're done.

 

Someone really tall took a dump in the middle of Florida, and out came Orlando.

 

Write-brained says it all .........succinctly.

 

"In my office ---- which has one of the best sports sections in the country --- we chuckle at applicants who show they don't care right from the get-go."

I can see all of you, chuckling all day long as you edit copy that is superior and thrilling. Your statement here suggests that you are as arrogant as the applicant without a cover letter. "The best sports sections in the country." How friggin' lame. I'd love to see your sweet cover letter. Put it up here if you have some chuckling seeds.

 

That's oddly very funny. I've been laughing for quite a few minutes now. Well Played.

 

Besides golf, preps, the Magic & UCF, what does the Sentinel primarily cover? Since it's Florida, I could imagine that there's ample baseball & football coverage, correct?

 

Had the best recruiting guy I've ever read, too, with a regular column at one time.

 

Lynn, this sounds so, so good. I know you like the youngsters. What about the old timers out here in SportsJournalists.com land?

 

Older-timers? Youngsters? Salary talk?
Keep sending in your stuff.
We haven't even begun to narrow the search.
And please stop sending cash.
That won't help.
Well, it might.
Just kidding.
Peace.

Lynn

 

Care to settle the cover letter dispute?