As a graphic designer, you are responsible for creating visual concepts that inspire, captivate and inform consumers either by hand or using computer software. You create product designs and overall layouts for applications such as brochures, magazines, adverts and corporate reports.
You will be looking for jobs either in publishing, advertising, public relations or other service industries. Your graphic design cover letter should showcase your skills and experience. The cover letter will be the first contact the hiring manager will have with you before they can read your resume. It will determine if your application goes through or gets trashed.
Be creative in your application, after all, you are applying for a creative position. Let your cover letter stand out from the rest. However, do not go all crazy on your creativity. Jargon and naming a host of credentials will not save you.
It’s also essential to ensure that you are qualified or have some skills and experiences that make you fit for the position. You should have at least most of the qualities and skill sets they are looking for.
Personalize your letter
Do not use a form letter. This is the letter you use to apply for different job roles irrespective of the company or position you are interested in. Tailor the letter to the company and most importantly the post you are referring to.
Do not use ‘To whom it may concern’ or ‘Dear sir/ Madam.’ Take the initiative to find out who is responsible for hiring, their correct title name, and correct company name. If you can’t get the name, be creative. For example:
To the creative director,
Art 4 Life Company,
Do some research on the company. Find out who they are, what they stand for and their values. This will be incorporated in your cover letter to show why you are interested in working for their company. Mentioning something from the company shows that you like the organization and identify with their values.
Demonstrate your passion for the role
Show your passion in your graphic design cover letter. Don’t just say that you love CSS, let the recruiter see it in things you have done with it; a club you started, a magazine or work you excelled in.
Include links to some of your work — not all. Just 3 or 5 that are excellent and that showcase the kind of skills the job role requires. If recruiters or the hiring team need more links, attach a portfolio. The portfolio should also not be too broad. Also, provide examples that show passion, and any other skills you mentioned.
Stick to the facts
Don’t go beyond the one-page cover letter. Make it short but detailed. Remain formal throughout your cover letter. Make sure your tone aligns with the tone of the company culture. Humor can be used but only if used right and does not insult. Indicate the job role and why you are applying for the position and follow instructions as indicated in the job description. Failure to follow instructions will get your cover letter thrown out. This may include attaching a curriculum vitae either in PDF or Word format, naming your top four skills, explaining how you are suited for the position, why you want to work for the company, URLs to your work and so many more.
Be thorough and professional
Provide the correct and current contacts. Use an email address that is professional. Avoid funny email addresses like bosslady.chiquita@email.com.
Proofread your letter and if possible, ask a friend to go through it. They can help you correct spelling mistakes and even tell you whether the letter communicates your skills and experience perfectly.
Avoid sounding desperate. ‘I really need this job’ may get your application chucked out. No one needs a desperate employee on his or her workforce. Your cover letter should show your confidence in your skills, experience, and abilities. It should also showcase passion, excitement and a genuine interest in working for the company.
If you indicate that you are going to follow up always ensure that you do. It’s always a good idea to do a follow up since you are the one in need of a job and there are so many qualified candidates in the job market. This may help you stand out.
Stick to a legible font like Times New Roman. Do not mix the capital and small letter when unnecessary. As for the font size, the standard is 10-12 point font size for business letters.
[Graphic designer name]
[their current address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Date]
[correct name of hiring manager]
[Company applying to]
[Their official address]
[Their City, State, and Zip]
Dear Mr./ Mrs. [name of Creative Design lead],
I am interested in the graphic designer opening advertised on [state where you found the advert or website’s name]. I am a highly skilled graphic designer, and my skills and experience align with the qualifications you need at [name of company].
I have [number of years you have been a graphic designer] as a graphic designer. I am adept in CSS, HTML, Adobe Creative Suite, project management, concept design, and design implementations.
The following are some of my accomplishments and skills:
I believe in providing clients with cost-effective and practical solutions that adhere to their recommendations. I am an excellent communicator who is comfortable working alone or as part of a team.
I have enclosed a copy of my resume and portfolio. I will request an appointment to discuss further how my accomplishments and skills meet your needs. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely
[Your name]
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