About this template
The Newspaper Column template is a letter formatted like a newspaper opinion column: single justified column in Times Ten, hairline rules above and below, italic by-line under the name. The visual debt to broadsheet print (the New York Times Op-Ed page, the Financial Times Lex column, the Times of London leader page) signals editorial seriousness from the first glance.
Who is it for?
It suits applicants in print and digital journalism (The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, The Financial Times, The Economist), opinion-led publishing, policy think tanks (Brookings, AEI, Chatham House, IISS, RAND), long-form podcasting (Slow Burn, Serial, The Daily) and academic press (Princeton University Press, Harvard University Press, OUP, CUP). Reporters, editors, columnists, researchers and policy analysts — not for visually-led design roles or any sector that expects a more decorative grammar.
How to use it
Keep the column justified strictly to the standard newspaper width (around 12-14 cm) — wider becomes unreadable, narrower looks fragmented. The italic by-line works for your role or angle ('Senior Policy Analyst, Climate and Energy'). For political-journalism applications, name two or three signed pieces at the target outlet that defined your reference points; avoid flattery. For think-tank applications, cite the policy papers and the policy briefs you produced with their influence (cited by Congress, quoted in the Senate, picked up by The Economist). The 'investigative journalist cover letter NYT Washington Post' search is moderate but high-intent.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include a clipping in the letter itself?
No — keep the letter clean and attach the clippings separately. For journalism applications, attach 3-5 signed pieces in a compiled PDF (preferably with print PDFs for broadsheet pieces, web URLs for digital). For policy-analyst applications, attach 2-3 policy briefs or working papers. The letter is the pitch; the clippings are the proof.
Is Times Ten the right body font?
Yes — Times Ten (Linotype, paid licence) is the optimised version of Times designed specifically for newspaper body text. For free substitutes, Times New Roman (system font) or Liberation Serif (free) work acceptably. Avoid contemporary serifs (Tiempos, Lyon) which feel wrong against the broadsheet reference.
Does the by-line need to match my LinkedIn title?
Roughly yes — consistency builds credibility. If your LinkedIn says 'Senior Reporter, Climate', the by-line can say 'Climate Reporter' or 'Senior Reporter, Climate and Energy'. Avoid grand inventions ('Chief Climate Correspondent' if you are not) — the trade is small enough that any inflation is immediately spotted at interview.
