Interested in a career in graphics design? Like any other career, you have to draft a cover letter and send it to your prospective employer along with your resume. Basically, this is a letter of introduction. You attach it to your resume and submit both to your prospective employer.
The letter contains a summary of your resume, a brief highlight of your skills and competence, and what your employer should expect from you if hired. This letter is important because it is what determines whether the hiring manager will proceed to scrutinize your resume or not.
Cover Letter Templates
What to Include in Your Cover Letter?
Heading
In the heading, you place your address and that of the employer to whom you are submitting this application. It is also at this stage that you date the letter. These pieces of information establish some connection between the hiring manager and you.
Salutation
This refers to the manner in which you address the hiring manager or recruitment panelists. You are advised to find the exact name of the hiring manager. It helps if you can identify him or her by a personal name rather than the generic ‘Hiring Manager,’ ‘Sir,’ or ‘Madam,’ etc.
Main body
It is the core of the cover letter. Here is where you showcase why you feel you are most suited for the graphic designer job. Then, you let your would-be employer know the achievements you have attained in the past. Lastly, you also let the employer know what sets you apart from the other applicants.
Call to action
Ask the hiring manager to take a particular course of action. These could take the form of inviting you for a job interview, asking for clarification of any contents in your resume, or producing evidence of any past works you have tackled and their relative successes.
In closing, you have to address the recruitment manager respectfully. Use words like ‘Sincerely Yours,’ ‘Regards,’ or ‘Yours Truly,’ among others.
Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Their Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Recipient’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 over [Number of Years] years of experience in the graphic design field, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a keen eye for design and a passion for creating visually appealing and strategic graphic solutions.
My expertise includes:
- Mastering leading design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Sketch.
- Developing comprehensive brand identities, including logos, typography, color schemes, and marketing materials that resonate with the target audience.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver projects that exceed expectations, on time, and within budget.
Continuously researching and applying the latest design trends to ensure our creations stand out in a competitive market.
At [Previous Company Name], I successfully led a team in redesigning the brand identity for [Project Name], which resulted in a [Percentage]% increase in brand recognition and a [Percentage]% uplift in sales. This experience honed my ability to manage projects from conception through to final production, ensuring that all design solutions not only meet the brief but also enhance the brand’s visibility and engagement.
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to [something you admire about the company, such as innovation, community involvement, or a specific design philosophy]. I am eager to bring my creative skills and strategic thinking to your team, contributing to compelling projects that drive [Company Name]’s goals forward.
Please find attached my resume and portfolio for your consideration. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to the exciting projects at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to learn more about your team and to share how I can contribute to your success.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Cover Letters
SAMPLE 01
Dear Jordan Smith,
I am thrilled to apply for the Graphic Designer position at Innovative Designs Inc., as advertised on LinkedIn. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Creative Arts and boasting over five years of professional experience, I am eager to bring my blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and strategic thinking to your esteemed team.
My career is marked by a commitment to blending aesthetic appeal with functional design. Key highlights of my expertise include:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a keen interest in exploring emerging design software and technologies.
- A track record of developing impactful brand identities, including logos, business stationery, and digital content that effectively communicates the brand’s message and values.
- Successful collaboration with marketing and product development teams to create design solutions that align with business strategies and enhance user engagement.
- A proactive approach to incorporating feedback and the latest design trends to ensure the delivery of innovative and relevant design projects.
One of my proudest achievements was leading the rebranding initiative for GreenTech Solutions, which resulted in a 30% increase in market presence and a 25% rise in sales within six months post-launch. This project underscored my capability to manage significant design undertakings, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that every element aligns with the strategic vision and objectives of the brand.
I admire Innovative Designs Inc. for your dedication to sustainability and innovative design solutions that not only captivate but also inspire change. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to such meaningful projects, applying my skills to further enhance your company’s impact on the industry and beyond.
Enclosed is my resume and portfolio for your review. I am keen on the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can align with the groundbreaking work at Innovative Designs Inc. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team’s success.
Warm regards,
Alex Johnson
Sample 02
Dear Morgan Ellis,
I am thrilled to submit my application for the Graphic Designer position at Creative Edge Studios, as advertised on your company website. Having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Atlanta College of Art and Design, I am eager to apply the skills and insights gained from my academic and internship experiences to contribute to your team’s innovative projects.
My academic journey has been complemented by a hands-on internship at DesignWorks Agency, a leading creative agency in Atlanta, where I had the privilege of working alongside experienced designers on a variety of projects. This experience not only refined my technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and web design tools but also enriched my understanding of the creative process in a commercial setting.
Highlights of my background include:
- Designing and implementing a visual identity for a start-up company as part of a university project, which the client adopted for their official launch.
- Collaborating on a team that developed a promotional campaign for a local charity event at DesignWorks Agency, resulting in a record-breaking turnout and a 40% increase in donations over the previous year.
- Contributing to a website redesign for a mid-sized business, focusing on user experience and interface design, which led to a 25% increase in web traffic and significantly improved customer feedback.
I admire Creative Edge Studios for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital and print design, as well as its dedication to sustainability and social impact in its projects. I am particularly impressed by your recent campaign for Green World Initiative, which skillfully combined aesthetic appeal with a powerful message for conservation.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my blend of creative talent, technical skills, and practical experience gained through my internship to Creative Edge Studios. I am confident that I can contribute to your team’s efforts to deliver cutting-edge designs that resonate with audiences and uphold the studio’s reputation for excellence.
Enclosed, please find my resume and portfolio, which includes samples of my work from both academic projects and my internship at DesignWorks Agency. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and passions align with the goals of Creative Edge Studios.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to the innovative work at Creative Edge Studios and hope to discuss this opportunity with you in further detail.
Best regards,
Jordan Patel
Analysis
These sample cover letters for a Graphic Designer position effectively showcase the candidates’ qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. Both letters begin by expressing excitement about the opportunity and highlighting their educational background and professional experience, establishing a strong foundation for their candidacy. The first letter emphasizes the applicant’s expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, experience in developing brand identities, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams, demonstrating a blend of technical skills and strategic thinking. It also cites a specific achievement related to a rebranding project, providing concrete evidence of their impact on business success.
The second letter focuses on the candidate’s recent graduation and internship experience, showcasing their hands-on experience and project successes, including a university project and a promotional campaign that led to significant outcomes. Both applicants make a compelling case for their fit by aligning their personal values and interests with the company’s mission and projects, indicating thorough research and genuine interest in the role.
Moreover, they conclude by expressing eagerness to contribute to the company’s success and inviting further discussion, demonstrating professionalism and a proactive approach. The inclusion of a resume and portfolio offers an opportunity for employers to assess their skills and accomplishments directly. These elements, combined with a clear and concise writing style, make these letters effective examples of how to present oneself as a strong candidate for a graphic design position.
Tips for Sending the Cover Letter
We conclude this guide by highlighting and explaining some of the tips to adhere to while drafting this critical letter:
Tip 1: Send the letter by name
You are advised to avoid using generic terms like ‘Mr.,’ ‘Mrs.’, ‘Madam,’ or ‘Sir’ to refer to your hiring manager. Do some research and get to know the real name. That way, you will also demonstrate that you are very passionate about the job and want to work for the organization as a whole. It will also put you a step above the others.
Tip 2: Use good stationery
If you have written or typed a letter, you have to make do with good stationery. Remember, everything counts for a hiring manager. Using stationery that is of low quality may imply that you are not serious or are simply careless.
Tip 3: Attach a resume
Needless to say, you have to attach a resume. A cover letter is only an introductory letter and does not contain all the pieces of information needed to explain your case to a hiring manager. You should point your hiring manager to seek more information on your resume.
Tip 4: Include a reference letter
It always pays to include a reference letter in a cover letter. This is a letter that is drafted by a past client, supervisor, or any other person who knows you so well. The aim of such a letter is to reveal more about you, especially how you are likely to perform in the role if hired.
Tip 5: Send a follow-up
To prove that you are indeed very serious, you want to send out a follow-up letter. This should ideally happen a fortnight after submitting your resume and cover letter. It should be short and to the point. The failure to submit it might imply that you are not too keen on seizing this opportunity altogether.
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