Are you a graphic designer looking to take your career to the next level? Or maybe you’re an aspiring graphic designer ready to apply for your first job? In either case, a well-crafted cover letter is essential to standing out in today’s competitive job market.
A graphic designer cover letter is your chance to showcase your design skills and make a strong case for why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a winning cover letter and increase your chances of landing your dream job. From understanding the importance of tailoring your cover letter to including the right elements, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, read on to discover how to create a graphic designer cover letter that will get you noticed.
Why is it important to tailor your cover letter for each job application?
When applying for a job as a graphic designer, it’s important to remember that the hiring manager is likely reviewing dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters and resumes. To stand out in this crowded field, it’s crucial that you tailor yours to the specific job and company you’re applying to.
According to data from the Society for Human Resource Management, customizing your cover letter to the job you’re applying for can increase your chances of getting an interview by up to 50%. This is because a tailored cover letter shows that you’ve done your research on the company and have a clear understanding of how your skills and experience align with their needs.
When tailoring your cover letter, mention specific details about the position you’re applying for and the company requirements. For example, if the job posting mentions a specific design software or technique, mention your experience with them in your cover letter. Additionally, it’s important to use the same language and terminology as the job posting, as this will demonstrate that you have a good grasp of the industry and the specific role you’re applying for.
By taking the time to customize your graphic designer cover letter for each job, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re a serious candidate who is genuinely interested in the position and the company. This will escalate your chances of getting an interview and ultimately landing the job.
What are the elements of a strong graphic design cover letter?
A well-written graphic designer cover letter should include several key elements to help you stand out to potential employers. Here is a list of some of the most important elements to include in your cover letter:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Design portfolio | Include a link to your online design portfolio or attach a PDF of your best work to showcase your design skills and experience. |
| Relevant skills | Highlight specific skills relevant to the position you're applying for, such as proficiency in specific design software or experience with a specific design technique. |
| Professional experience | Include relevant professional experiences, such as past design projects or clients you've worked with. Be sure to highlight any experience that is particularly relevant to the position you're applying for. |
| Tailoring | Customize your cover letter to the specific job and company you're applying for, as mentioned before. |
| Contact information | Include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, so the hiring manager can easily get in touch with you. |
In addition to these key elements, keep in mind that a graphic designer cover letter should be well-written and visually appealing. Use a professional font and format, and avoid overly complicated or flashy design elements. Your cover letter should be easy to read and understand, and it should effectively communicate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
It’s also important to remember that the cover letter is a chance to make an impression and create a positive image of yourself. A recent study by The Muse found that hiring managers often make a decision about a candidate based on the cover letter within six seconds. So, it’s essential to ensure that your cover letter is clear, concise, and compelling.
By including these key elements in your graphic designer cover letter, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and acing your job interview.
Use these graphic designer cover letter templates & examples
Download these graphic designer cover letter templates to help you create a winning cover letter that will get you noticed by potential employers. Whatever position you’re eyeing, we’ve got you covered. These templates have been tailored to the specific needs of graphic designers and they include all the key elements that should be incorporated in a cover letter, such as design portfolio, relevant skills, and professional experience.
The templates are easy to use and can be easily formatted to fit your own qualifications and experience. Simply download the template that best suits your needs, and then edit it to include your own personal information, work history, and design portfolio.
The templates for applicants with no experience are specially designed for those who are just starting out in the field and do not have professional experience yet. These templates highlight the relevant education, coursework, and volunteer or extracurricular activities demonstrating your design skills and passion for the field.
In short, these templates will help you create a polished and professional cover letter that will make you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting the job. So, download these graphic designer cover letter templates now, and take the first step towards landing your dream job in the exciting field of graphic design!
For when you are applying without experience
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level graphic designer position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in graphic design and a passion for creating visually stunning designs, I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the success of your company.
Although I am an entry-level designer and I don’t have professional experience yet, I have gained a solid understanding of design principles and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign through my studies and internships. My design portfolio, which is attached to this letter, showcases my ability to create visually appealing layouts that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s focus on [insert something specific about the company that you like] and I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the needs of your team.
I am eager to learn and grow as a designer and I am confident that my passion and enthusiasm will make me a valuable asset to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and to learn more about the entry-level graphic designer position. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Design Portfolio Link]
Note: Keep in mind that If you don’t have professional experience, it’s important to highlight your education, relevant coursework, and any volunteer or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your design skills and passion for the field. Apart from that, show your willingness to learn and grow as a designer, and to express enthusiasm for the company you’re applying to.
For when you are applying for an entry-level position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to show my interest in the entry-level graphic designer position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in graphic design and a passion for creating visually stunning designs, I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the success of your company.
I have a solid understanding of design principles and software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. My design portfolio, which is attached to this letter, showcases my ability to create visually appealing designs that are also functional. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s focus on [insert something specific about the company that you like] and I would love to bring some fresh ideas to your team.
Throughout my studies and internships, I have gained experience working on a variety of design projects, including branding, packaging, and digital designs. I have also had the opportunity to work on projects with a team, which has helped me develop my communication and collaboration skills.
I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and skills to your team and to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and to learn more about the entry-level graphic designer position. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Design Portfolio Link]
For when you are applying for a senior-level position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
With over [Years of experience] within the UI/UX design industry, I’ve gathered a collection of experience and a deep understanding of web development and user-centric design. As a senior graphic designer focusing on UI/UX at [Name of Former Company], I spearheaded the development of a new user interface for the launch of a new mobile shop application of an eCommerce company, which garnered over [$Number] in revenue. I am confident that my unique approach to UI/UX design would allow me to thrive as a valuable asset to your company.
[Company Name]’s reputation for being a leader within the [Name the industry] strongly aligns with my background. I believe that my innovative approach to formulating UX/UI of a variety of digital media to be as frictionless and functional as possible while maintaining an alignment with your organizational needs. I believe that I can contribute to the growth of your reputation in this industry based on the following achievements:
- [Write specific data or statistics of your accomplishments]
- [Write specific data or statistics of your accomplishments]
- [Write specific data or statistics of your accomplishments]
I look forward to discussing further how my background in UI/UX design can help [Company Name] deliver a uniquely unified user experience. Kindly see the attached file for my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with any questions about my experience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Design Portfolio Link]
For when you are applying for a leadership position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I would like to apply for the position of Graphic Designer/Associate Creative Director role at [Company Name]. I have [Number] years experience as a graphic and motion graphics designer and have experience working in the field of [Specify your field of specialty]. In my current role of Creative Director with [Name of Former Company] I provide direction and support to the creative team regarding media placements, design boards, content usage, and other aspects of marketing and advertising development.
In the job placement for the creative director role, you mention that you’re looking for a professional with extensive experience with Adobe Suite, Premier Pro, AfterEffects, or similar software. Throughout my career, I’ve showcased the following capabilities by:
- [An example of an award or accomplishment]
- [An example of an award or accomplishment]
- [An example of an award or accomplishment]
I am experienced in creating high-impact presentations, motion graphics, animations, and live show openers for live events, and have expertise in developing robust PowerPoint and Keynote presentations. I am also comfortable spearheading digital and social media marketing efforts, including regularly maintaining social media accounts and corporate websites and creating digital and video marketing materials.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the [Company Name] team and help create visually striking and impactful designs for the company’s marketing and live event production needs. I am also committed to sharing my expertise with other team members to grow in their roles.
Kindly see attached file for my portfolio. Thank you for considering my application. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Design Portfolio Link]
Tips for creating a standout graphic designer cover letter
Your cover letter is often the first impression a hiring manager will have of you, so it’s important to make sure it stands out and showcases your qualifications and passion for the field of graphic design. Here are some tips to help you make your cover letter stand out and increase your chances of getting the job:
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying for. Research the company and the position, and mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
- Showcase your design portfolio in your cover letter. Include a link to your online portfolio or attach samples of your work directly to the letter. You can even use a background remover to include design elements in a cohesive manner.
- Use specific, relevant examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences. Don’t just list your qualifications, but also provide concrete examples of how you have used them in previous roles.
- Keep it concise and to the point. A cover letter should be no longer than one page, and should focus on the most important information.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread! Make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors.
By following these tips and customizing your graphic designer cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying for, you can increase your chances of standing out and getting the job. Remember that a cover letter is a representation of your professional self, so take the time to make it polished and effective.
Using Notion can help streamline this process by allowing you to organize your research, track job applications, and easily store and update your cover letter drafts. With its collaborative features, you can also seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your cover letter before sending it out.
Recommended Courses for Graphic Design
1. Introduction To Graphic Design Using Crello
This course is perfect for anyone wanting to control their graphic design needs. It makes the process easy, even for beginners, with practical skills for creating stunning designs.
What sets this course apart is its focus on Crello, a user-friendly tool that doesn’t require advanced design skills. You can create professional-quality graphics without the complexity of traditional design software.
I found the course empowering and straightforward. It enabled me to create marketing materials and social media posts quickly and easily.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone needing graphic designs for their business or projects. Enroll now and start mastering Crello!
This course is excellent for quickly learning the basics of Canva. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to dive into graphic design without prior experience. The course is practical and provides immediate skills to create stunning designs.
What makes this course unique is its comprehensive approach to using Canva, covering everything from basic tools to selling your designs online. It’s designed to turn you into a Canva expert, ready to monetize your new skills.
Personally, I found the course to be incredibly accessible and empowering. It made graphic design feel easy and fun, allowing me to create professional-quality designs in no time.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for freelancers, graphic designers, online marketers, and anyone looking to earn extra money with graphic design. Whether you’re selling products, marketing online, or just want to enhance your design skills, this course is perfect for you. Enroll now and become a Canva expert!
This course is great for beginners wanting to dive into graphic design. It offers a solid foundation in digital graphics, essential tools, and basic copyright information, making it easy to start creating professional designs.
What makes this course unique is its focus on Pixlr, a free browser-based photo editor, which is accessible to everyone. The course covers everything you need to know, from file types to creative techniques, without requiring prior design knowledge.
I found the course very practical and engaging. It broke down complex concepts into simple steps, making it easy to follow and apply immediately.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for beginners with no graphic design or art knowledge, entrepreneurs starting their own brands or social media channels, and anyone looking to boost their digital graphic skills. If you want to create your own web designs, social media graphics, or advertisements, this course is perfect for you. Enroll now and start your journey in graphic design!
Key Takeaways
A well-crafted graphic designer cover letter can make all the difference in your job search. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific job and company, showcasing your design portfolio, and providing specific, relevant examples, you can increase your chances of standing out and getting the job.
In addition to creating a strong cover letter, continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the field of graphic design. Taking online courses can help you stay up to date with the latest design trends and techniques and make you a more competitive candidate.
At Skill Success, we offer a wide range of online courses for graphic designers and aspiring designers. Our All Access Pass gives you access to all of our courses, so you can continue to learn and grow as a designer. Sign up for our All Access Pass today and take the first step towards a successful career in graphic design.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in February, 2024. It has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
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