Dear Emily,
I would love to apply for the social video role at Streetsblog. I recently met Gersh Kuntzman at the CUNY careers fair; he recommended I do so, and it sounds like an extremely interesting opportunity.
Up front, full disclosure - I don't have an extensive social video portfolio. I've actually only ever made a few reels, including this one about the Tesla Diner that I made for 404 Media this summer.
However, I'm a fast learner, and I'm very keen to develop my video skills. I hope the Tesla work, combined with the rest of my audio / visual portfolio, demonstrates that I am strong in the other areas you're looking for. I have excellent people skills, I'm good at interviewing and bringing people on board, I'm good at directing and coaching, and I have a distinct (strong) sense of humour. You can hear some of all of those things in my audio work - my professor called the voiceover of the Laundromat piece "effortless" - and I am also good at helping other people develop their performances and voices.
I think you guys have a great mission, and I'd love to support it. I'm from London where public transport is automatic and easy; my friends think it's weird that I ride the bus so much here. I grew up without a car, and I am acutely aware that transport access is an equity question. I also think the upcoming Mayoral election will precipitate a fascinating era in transport policy, which will have no end of cool angles, changes, and stories.
It has been a privilege to spend a year getting to know New York through the lens of CUNY's programme. Working at the Mott Haven Herald taught me that I am good at finding interesting stories and getting New Yorkers to open up to me, and I would love to bring that experience to the role. Finally, last year, I wrote this short data story on bike routes and driving evictions - based on a conversation I struck up with a Bronxite... at a bus stop.
Thank you so much for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes,
Rosie