How to write a graphic designer cover letter that impresses hiring managers Explore graphic design cover letter templates and examples for all skill levels.
Graphic designers who are great at curating and presenting work know that a designer’s portfolio can be one of the most valuable tools in the job hunter’s toolbox.
Each project you work on, however, requires multiple tools. A great cover letter and resume are essential for any job search, whether it’s for a freelance gig, an agency job, or your first internship. Are you a graphic designer with a strong resume? Get tips and tricks to improve your graphic design cover letters so that it stands out to hiring managers.
Graphic design cover letters should be about the goal
Graphic design is highly competitive. This makes it difficult for designers to make an impact on hiring managers and recruiters. Your application could be lost in a sea flooded with other applications, regardless of how beautiful it is. The design portfolio that you have spent so much time creating will be forgotten if no one opens your application.
“A graphic design cover letter summarizes you, and your skills and explains why you want to be a graphic designer”
Your cover letter is your first step to getting the attention of potential employers and others. The cover letter is a summary of you and your skills. Also, it should explain why you are interested in the job of a graphic designer. A job application submitted by designers without grabbing the attention of the reader is like publishing a magazine sans a cover.
What should your graphic design cover letters include?
Before I get into specific elements of a cover letter, I want to emphasize that it should be short. If you are speaking with potential employers, your goal is to create interest and not tell a lengthy story. For designers who don’t consider themselves writers, this might be a relief.
Let’s look at the key elements of cover letters
- A professional header: Each cover letter should have a header that matches your brand. You must include your contact information such as your phone number, email address, and any relevant links like your portfolio, Dribbble, or LinkedIn profile.
- A compelling introduction: Your initial personal salutation and the first paragraph of your cover letters should be engaging. They should aim to grab the reader’s attention. Address the hiring manager/recruiter by name. Briefly explain why you are interested in the job.
- A persuasive body paragraph: Your body should contain two to three paragraphs. This should describe who you are as a designer and why you think you are the right person for the job. Your graphic design experience should be included along with any awards, certifications, and other accomplishments that can back it up.
- A call for action: Your cover letter should be signed off by the hiring manager to thank them for their time and invite them to find out more about you. Your cover letter should briefly reflect your enthusiasm and interest, and possibly include a link to your portfolio or contact information.
Of course, there are exceptions to these guidelines. You may be told by companies what you should include in your cover letters or buy assignment if you really need it. Be sure to carefully read the job description. This checklist, along with any other requests made by the business is generally accepted and expected in graphic design.
How can I write about myself as a graphic artist?
Even early-career designers often shudder at the idea of writing strong cover letters. However, writing requires designers to have the same skills as communication and problem-solving.
“Writing requires the same skills designers have: Communication and problem-solving creativity”
Writing about yourself as a graphic designer is easier if you take a step back from the situation and try to see it objectively. Think of yourself as your employer and reflect on your accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses as a designer. These are the key to what you will write in your cover letter.
How to create a cover letter for graphic design positions
Although it takes practice to create a cover letter that packs an impact, starting with a process will help you get started. You’ll soon become accustomed to writing cover letters. This will hopefully lead to you designing more than writing.
Learn all you can about the company
Before you begin writing the cover letter, read through the job description of a graphic designer. You should note any points that stand out to you in the job description, such as if it mentions skills or tools you are an expert at.
After this is done, visit the company’s site to see all that it offers. You should take note of any aspects that you find appealing or resonate with you, as well as the overall design. Graphic designers will often examine the company’s brand identity. You can apply the same skills to your company’s brand voice and add a few adjectives.
Finally, if possible, find out the name and contact information of the person who received the applications. If possible, do not send a cover letter that includes “to whom this may concern” or any other generic greetings. Instead, address the recruiter/hiring manager directly with a simple salutation.
Your notes can be made into an outline
A good way to help new writers tackle writing projects is to break them down using outlines. Take inspiration from the previous elements and design an introduction, a body paragraph, and a signature. You can also use bullet points to list your ideas for each section. This is your outline.
Now, you can go back and review your notes and start fitting the pieces together. While the majority of your writing should go in the body, you can still include any information that interests you about the company and/or position in the introduction. This theme can be woven throughout the document, and you should mention it in your signature-off.
Draft (and rewrite) your cover letter
It is now time for you to begin writing. Now, you should have some ideas from your research and notes. These ideas can be written down without being judged. This will give you better ideas for what to say and how you can say it.
A cover letter is not your resume or story. It’s a hook. Although you should mention your experience in graphic design and your job history in general terms, it is important to avoid mentioning your Adobe Creative Suite proficiency. These mentions should be kept in your resume with the ones about Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
“Take a look at the brand name of the company that you are applying for. Your tone should be consistent with the technique used by the company”
Final step: Once you know what your message is, you can edit and polish it. Think about the brand you are applying to. Your tone should be consistent with the technique used by the company. You might write more casually if your business has a fun, casual brand. You will want to write a more professional letter if you apply to an agency that serves clients.
Top Factors To Select A Worthy Design College
Design is a complex field that requires both technical and creative skills. This combines the sciences and arts in the best possible way. Designers are used in almost every industry, from accessories to interior design. Numerous colleges offering design education have been recognized as being able to meet the demand for designers. There are many choices for students interested in designing, but choosing the right college is crucial.
The majority of designing courses will only accept students who have completed 12th grade. There are several entrance exams that you can use to gain admission to a design course. Various colleges will conduct various exams for admissions. A few colleges ask for your portfolio in order for you to show your design skills and passion. This list will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your money and time are not wasted on applying to the wrong colleges.
Specification: Which branch or area of design do I want to study?
There are many fields of study that aren’t as well-known as fashion design colleges. Before you begin to search for schools that specialize in the design, you should decide what branch you want. You can choose to specialize in textiles or accessories, jewelry, graphics, toys and video, online presentation templates, automotive, animation, interiors, or product design. Communication and UI (user interface design) are the most current courses. You will need to choose the branch you want to focus your search on when searching for the college.
Specialization – Which branch of design would you like to study?
Industry Exposure – Does the college offer practical training
Designers learn best when they are on the job. You will learn a lot more from working with professionals than you can theoretically. Look into whether your college is affiliated with any design companies or has taken on projects from the field.
Infrastructure: The Backbone of a Design College
Students should practice designing on a regular schedule in order to get a good understanding of the subject. Top Design Colleges provide cutting-edge equipment as well as design labs for students to practice their skills. Design studios or laboratories for textile, graphics/animation, and furniture design. are required. The campus must be spacious enough for ample computer and drafting rooms.
How much will you pay in fees?
There are three types of courses: diploma courses, graduate degree programs, and masters. Each has a different fee structure. The fees vary depending on the college’s industry reputation and where it is located in India. The college website has information about all costs. Alumni can help you find out what the total cost is. Apart from the tuition, you should consider additional costs.
Duration of the course: How many years are you willing and able to study?
There are courses in design that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years. Some courses are completed in one year or less, while others are for up to 18 months. Master’s degrees are usually two years. It is possible to create courses for graduation following 10+2.
Placement: How do you rate the campus placements
You study in a respected college of design in order to secure a placement in a leading firm or become a part of a company. You should research the companies that are visiting the campus to place final placements. Learn about the internship and training opportunities that students have. This will enrich your learning experience.
Faculty: Does the faculty have experience in designing?
All that matters is the industry experience and level of knowledge the faculty has. The faculty must be able to experiment with new materials and techniques, encourage creativity, and have a good understanding of current trends.
A college of design can help you acquire all the skills necessary to become a celebrity and make it big. However, to succeed in any field you are interested in, you will need to have a passion for creativity and a desire to advance your chosen field.