As a job applicant applying for the position of graphic designer, one of the most critical aspects of your job application process is your cover letter. You need an effective cover letter if you want to be successful in your application for a job. A cover letter offers you one of the first opportunities to make an excellent first impression of yourself as an eligible applicant for the role.
Unlike your brief resume, a cover letter is more detailed and gives insight into your skills, overall experience, projects, outstanding milestones, successes, and how they are all relevant to the job. In addition, it connects your knowledge to the company’s needs.
Free Templates
Elements of the Cover Letter
Knowing the components that must be included in a cover letter is essential. The information that needs to be in a cover letter is listed below to make sure that all pertinent points are clearly explained:
Write the contact details
When writing a cover letter, you must include your contact details so the prospective employer can easily contact you. Your contact details should be mentioned first and placed precisely in the header section, including your phone number and email address. Below your contact details comes the date, followed by the company’s information.
EXAMPLE
Monica J. Stephen
Graphic Designer
2076-368-7098
monica.stephen@email.com
linkedin.com/in/monicastephen
June 22, 20xx
Samuel Carter
Human Resource Manager,
Wade Media Limited,
347 Westside Station,
Winchester, VA 2260
Introduce yourself and the job position you are applying for
This section needs to be well-written, thorough, and direct. It is your opportunity to make a strong impression on your potential employer. To do this, you will want to ensure that the first paragraph of the letter is engaging and interesting.
Start by using the prospective employer’s name in your salutation. Next, state your knowledge about the company and the job position in the first paragraph. This should include the precise job you are applying for. This introduction stage emphasizes your knowledge of the role and establishes you as a suitable candidate for the job.
EXAMPLE
Dear Samuel Carter,
I am writing to apply for the position of UX designer at Wade Media Limited. I understand that you are presently adding new product lines. However, I believe that my ten years of experience as a well-rounded graphic designer and five years of professional experience in UX design (having acquired technical skills such as prototyping, wireframing, user research, usability testing, and application development, to mention a few) will provide Wade Media Limited with a significant advantage towards making a successful launch.
Mention your most relevant skills
First, get acquainted with the required skills for the job you are applying for. Job posts always contain detailed job descriptions. This gives insight into the skills the company wants. The skills you list in your cover letter must match what the company is looking for in a candidate.
EXAMPLE
As a UX graphic designer, I have a full understanding of user experience design principles. I know how to create designs that are both user-friendly and visually appealing. In addition, I have experience working with various software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I am also proficient in HTML and CSS. These abilities would enable me to start my work immediately. With a proven track record of working collaboratively with other team members, I am confident I could be an asset to your team and contribute to your company’s success.
Explain your motivation
Employers like to know if an applicant’s interests align with their company’s interests and goals. It assures them that you will make a deliberate effort to contribute to the expansion of the business. Therefore, it is vital to state why you have shown interest in working for a specific company.
EXAMPLE
I want to work with your company because it is at the cutting edge of new technology. I am passionate about new technology and its potential to change the world. I believe your company is making a positive impact on the world, and I want to be a part of that. I also believe that I can contribute to your company’s success. I have a track record of developing innovative solutions to complex problems. I am confident that I can bring my skills and experience to your company and help you continue to be a leader in the tech industry.
Describe your achievements
You can mention your successes from previous or current roles to show that you would be an asset to the new company. This will make them more likely to want to hire you because they will know what to expect.
EXAMPLE
At the company where I work presently, I am pleased to say that my work has had a tangible effect on the company’s website session duration. I was able to design graphics that increased the session duration to an average of 4 minutes.
Add information about any training and certifications
Whether they are recent or old, mention and describe any credentials and training that are pertinent to the position. To increase your eligibility for the position, try to relate your training and certifications to the position you are applying for.
EXAMPLE
I believe that my experience in the following courses has positioned me well for this job:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: a strong foundation in industry-standard design software.
- Design principles: in-depth insights into the underlying theory behind effective designs.
- User experience design workshop: knowledge of making user-friendly and visually appealing designs.
These courses helped expand my industry knowledge and equipped me with a solid foundation of skills, competence, and abilities needed to tackle any challenge that comes my way.
Mention the attached documents (If any)
Make sure that if your documents were requested by the hiring manager or in the job advertisement, you state them clearly as enclosures in the letter.
This includes your resume and an artist’s portfolio of recent work (which shows the skills they might be looking for).
EXAMPLE
I have included all the requested documents as attachments to this email. In addition, I have also included a portfolio of my previous work. I hope that you find everything to your satisfaction.
Words of gratitude
Always express gratitude at the end of a cover letter. Thank the prospective employer for reading your letter and the attached materials and documents.
EXAMPLE
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sign off with a powerful call to action
As you sign off on your letter, a call to action is paramount. This will prompt a prospective employer to contact you.
EXAMPLE
I hope we can meet soon and discuss graphic design ideas that will aid in marketing the company’s products successfully both on the company’s website and across social media platforms. I am eager to benefit from your vast experience as a leader in a remarkable company like yours.
Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Portfolio Link]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a [Degree] in [Your Degree] from [Your University] and [number of years] years of hands-on experience in the design industry, I have honed my skills in visual communication and developed a keen eye for aesthetic excellence. My portfolio, which can be viewed at [Your Portfolio Link], showcases a wide range of projects that demonstrate my ability to combine creativity with practical design solutions.
In my previous role as [Your Last Position] at [Your Last Company], I successfully managed and executed projects from concept through completion, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all designs align with the brand’s identity and marketing goals. A highlight of my tenure was [describe a significant project or achievement], which resulted in [describe the outcome, e.g., increased customer engagement, enhanced brand visibility].
I am proficient in the latest design software and technologies, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Sketch, and am continually seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and techniques. My approach to design is user-centric, focusing on creating engaging and visually appealing designs that resonate with the target audience and drive successful outcomes.
What excites me most about the opportunity at [Company Name] is [mention something you admire about the company, its products, services, or culture], and I am eager to bring my blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical skills to the team. I am particularly drawn to [mention any specific project, initiative, or aspect of the company’s work], and I see great potential for contributing innovative design solutions that enhance [Company Name]’s brand and customer experience.
I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to your creative team. I am confident that my background in graphic design and my passion for creating compelling visual narratives can support [Company Name]’s goals and drive further success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team and to contribute to your company’s future projects and initiatives.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to provide further details about how I can contribute to [Company Name] and am available at your convenience for an interview. My portfolio, which highlights my design work, can be found at [Your Portfolio Link]. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Graphic Designer Cover Letter
Dear Jordan Lee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer position at Innovative Designs Inc., as advertised on the AIGA Design Jobs board. With a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from the University of Design City and two years of professional experience, I have developed a solid foundation in design principles and a creative flair that I am eager to bring to your dynamic team. My portfolio, accessible at www.taylormorgandesigns.com, showcases a diverse range of projects that highlight my ability to merge creativity with functionality to achieve compelling visual stories.
During my tenure at Creative Solutions Agency, I embraced the challenge of working on a variety of projects, including brand identity, digital advertising campaigns, and print materials, for a broad client base. A significant achievement was leading the redesign of the branding and packaging for EcoNatural, a line of eco-friendly personal care products. This project not only enhanced the brand’s visibility by 35% but also underscored my commitment to sustainable design practices. My role demanded proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), a keen eye for typography, and the ability to translate marketing objectives into engaging design concepts.
What excites me about the opportunity at Innovative Designs Inc. is your commitment to pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation in all design projects. I am particularly impressed by your recent rebranding project for TechForward, which seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with functional design to resonate with the tech-savvy consumer. I am keen to contribute my blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical skills to such transformative projects.
I am adept at managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments, a skill honed through balancing client work with continuous professional development in the latest design trends and technologies. My collaborative spirit, combined with my ability to work independently, aligns with the dynamic and innovative culture at Innovative Designs Inc.
I am enthusiastic about the possibility of bringing my unique talents to your team and contributing to the continued success and growth of Innovative Designs Inc. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills, experiences, and passions align with the needs of your team. Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me at (469) 555-0102 or via email at taylor.morgan@designmail.com to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
Taylor Morgan
Key Takeaways
This cover letter exemplifies a well-structured and persuasive argument for the candidate’s suitability for the Graphic Designer position. Here are the key elements that contribute to its effectiveness:
Educational Background and Experience: Clearly articulates the candidate’s qualifications and professional background, establishing credibility early on.
Portfolio Inclusion: Provides a direct link to their work, allowing the employer to assess their skills and creativity firsthand.
Highlighting Achievements: Specific projects, such as the eco-friendly product branding, demonstrate the candidate’s capacity to deliver impactful results.
Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates an understanding of the employer’s mission and projects, showing that the candidate is informed and genuinely interested.
Technical Proficiency: Lists essential software skills relevant to the job, reassuring the employer of their capability to meet the role’s technical demands.
Capability to Manage Multiple Projects: Addresses the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, a valuable trait for any design role.
Personal Enthusiasm and Alignment with Company Culture: Expresses eagerness to contribute to the team, indicating a good cultural fit.
In conclusion, the candidate successfully uses the cover letter to weave together their qualifications, achievements, and personal enthusiasm for the position, making a compelling case for their selection. This approach ensures that the letter serves not just as a formal application, but as a persuasive tool that highlights their suitability for the role.
Professional Tips
There are important details to remember when writing your cover letter that will help make your application stand out among others. To write a successful letter that will get you a callback from your prospective employer, follow the tips below:
Research the prospective employer
You must be familiar with the company to which you are writing. This should be the first thing to consider before anyone begins to write their cover letter. As a prospective applicant, you must first understand what the company does and how you can assist it in achieving its goals. Research the company’s work, values, and mission before writing so that your cover letter will be more personalized and aligned with the company’s purpose.
Personalize your cover letter
Making your cover letter unique is more essential than ever in today’s competitive job market. One way to do this is to personalize your cover letter for the company you are applying to. While a well-written cover letter will highlight your qualifications and skills, a personalized cover letter will go further by emphasizing your special expertise and qualifications that are most pertinent to the prospective employer’s requirements for the job. This will improve your chances of getting noticed while demonstrating that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in working for the company.
The tone of the letter should be consistent with the company’s culture
Every company has a different organizational culture, which influences how they communicate. Take a careful look at the company’s website to understand the tone and style being used in the company’s mission, purpose, and value statements, as well as other communication materials. Ensure that you use the same tone in your cover letter. Be courteous while still being professional.
Keep the letter brief
When writing a cover letter, being concise can help you convey your point more clearly. Ensure that you convey your message in a few short paragraphs of 200–400 words and do not exceed one page.
Think again and try to concentrate on the most important details if you find the letter to be overly wordy. This ensures that your cover letter is brief but engaging for the recipient.
Follow formatting rules
There are basic rules to follow regarding the format of a cover letter. Here is a summary of some of the most common formatting rules:
- The advisable font size is 11 or 12 points of professional fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- It would be best to use a 1-inch margin around the edges of the page
- The appropriate line spacing is single.
- Use “Left” alignment.
Optimize the style
Being both professional and personal in the ideal cover letter requires balance. Avoid using overly formal or commonly used speech patterns. This may convey a lack of personalization and make it seem like anybody could have written them.
Ensure grammatical accuracy
Check your letter for possible grammatical or spelling errors to ensure that it is professional and polished. Check the language and sentence structure of your letter before sending it to ensure a professional-looking document.
Key Takeaways
- Use the cover letter as an opportunity to elaborate on specific points or share additional information about yourself rather than repeating information from your resume.
- Avoid clichés and empty phrases like “I’m a people person” or “I have a real passion for design.
- Avoid using language that is too sentimental or flowery because it will make you appear desperate.
- Research the company and the job advertisement properly and customize your cover letter accordingly. This will show you as a candidate who shares the company’s goals.
- Following up after sending your application is always a good idea. A follow-up email or call shows that you are passionate about the job and are willing to take the extra step to get your prospective employer’s attention.
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