how to write a cover letter for a design job

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Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples

BrainStation’s Graphic Designer career guide is intended to help you take the first steps toward a career in graphic design. Read on for a guide to writing graphic design cover letters that will help you land a job interview.

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What Are Graphic Designer Cover Letters?

Graphic Designer cover letters are an important part of the job application process for graphic design positions. They are one of the first ways you connect with a company. These brief documents are sent to potential employers along with your resume. The graphic design cover letter goes beyond your resume—it expands on your top design projects and successes. Your cover letter should outline your skills, experiences, and passion for design.

The goal of your cover letter is to convince employers that you have the knowledge, technical capability, and creativity needed to succeed in a specific design position.

Graphic Designer Cover Letters – a Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to write a Graphic Designer cover letter:

• Address your letter to the Hiring Manager by name
• Discuss your graphic design experiences and achievements
• Outline your relevant design skills
• Express your excitement for the role
• Explain how you would be an asset to the company
• End with a call to action

To create a Graphic Designer cover letter that will make you stand out, follow these best practices.

Personalize your cover letter

Create a new cover letter for each graphic design job you apply to. Your cover letter is a first impression, so show the company you have taken the time to learn about their work and needs. Generic graphic design cover letters are easy to spot and indicate a lack of enthusiasm for the role.

Start with research

In order to tailor your cover letter, you will need to understand what the company does and what challenges they are facing. Take some time to research their work, values, and mission. Think about how you can help them achieve their goals.

Strike the right tone

During your research, pay attention to the company’s tone throughout their communication materials. Go through their website and social media to get a better sense of the language they use. Aim for a similar tone and style in your cover letter. Generally, your cover letter should be professional but friendly.

Keep it brief

Your cover letter should be around 200-400 words and no longer than one page. Focus on a few of your most relevant projects and skills. Avoid superfluous descriptions and clichés.

Consider your design

Your job application, which includes your cover letter and resume, is your first chance to impress employers with your design skills. Graphic Designers have to understand the importance of consistency, so it’s important to create a cohesive application package by using the same colors, fonts, and structure in both documents. Don’t go overboard—your design should not distract from your content—but show your design sensibility and skills.

Edit and proofread

Before submitting, review your cover letter several times for spelling/grammar errors, awkward phrasing, and typos.

Getting Started – What Is the Purpose of the Cover Letter?

The cover letter is a way of opening a conversation with a potential employer. It highlights the value you can bring as a Graphic Designer. While a resume is structured with bullet points and facts and figures, your cover letter can show a bit more personality. Your cover letter should tell your story. Explain why your passion, training, and experiences make you an excellent Graphic Designer. In your cover letter, you can also explain a switch in career goals or a gap in your resume. Overall, the cover letter is a tool to introduce yourself and explain why you would be an asset to the company.

How to Create an Outline for a Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Follow this outline to create a strong Graphic Designer cover letter.

• Header, including your name and contact information
• The Hiring Manager’s name and title, and the company’s name and address
• Personal greeting
• An introductory paragraph that hooks the reader
• Body paragraph(s) that covers your graphic design experience and achievements
• Body paragraph that expresses your enthusiasm for the role
• Closing paragraph with a call to action

What to Include in Your Graphic Designer Cover Letter?

Your Graphic Designer cover letter should include an overview of your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Relate your past design accomplishments with what the company is seeking. Express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. In addition, you should include a header, personal greeting, engaging introduction, and polite closing.

List your name, email address, and phone number. You can also include a link to your portfolio/website and LinkedIn page. Your header should match the header of your resume.

Avoid generic openings like “To Whom It May Concern”. Look up the Hiring Manager’s name—this may involve a little digging, but check the job posting, company website, Google, LinkedIn, or call the company’s front office.

Introduction

Open with an introduction that grabs the Hiring Manager’s attention right away. Express your passion for design, describe one of your top successes or share what excites you about the role.

Relevant skills

Mention a few of your most relevant design skills, including your experience with top graphic design tools like Adobe Creative Suite. You can refer back to the job posting to see exactly what Graphic Designer skills the company is looking for.

Design experience

Describe some of your most successful projects. Remember to frame the cover letter around what you can do for the company. Add in facts and figures where possible. Explain how the projects you worked on and the skills you gained are relevant for the company’s needs. If you are a Senior Graphic Designer, you will have to be selective about which projects or even job roles to include.

Reasons for applying

What excites you about the role? Why are you applying? Express your enthusiasm and passion. Mention specific projects or values to show the employer you have done your research.

Reiterate your interest and skills and thank the Hiring Manager for their time. End by inviting the Hiring Manager to review your resume and portfolio and to further engage with you.

Refer to these Graphic Designer cover letter examples to get you started.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #1

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am passionate about creating visually stunning designs that help brands grow. With more than 3 years of experience designing memorable advertising campaigns, I think I could be a great addition to XYZ Company as a Graphic Designer.

I have experience as a freelance and in-house graphic designer, and I have worked on a range of print, interactive and digital design projects. Currently, I am the Graphic Designer at 123 Technology, where I design all communication materials and advertising campaigns. Our most recent campaign, which I worked with in conjunction with the marketing team, increased our sales by 20% since launch. The campaign was also shortlisted for a 2020 Design Award.

I have a BA in graphic design and expertise with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML and CSS. I’m looking forward to bringing my background and experience to help XYZ Company develop award-winning campaigns for your clients. I love collaborating with clients and colleagues, and I am excited to deliver designs that will help your clients engage and grow their target market.

I am eager to chat more about my qualifications and skills. Please feel free to visit my portfolio at [portfolio link] and review my attached Graphic Designer resume. Feel free to contact me for an interview at any time. Thank you very much for your consideration.

• [Full Name]

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example #2

While earning my Graphic Design Certificate, I remember studying a lot of XYZ Company’s work. In fact, it inspired me to specialize in graphic art and animation. When I saw the opening for a Graphic Designer at XYZ Company, I knew I had to immediately apply.

As the Junior Graphic Designer at 123 Studio, I’ve worked on over 50 design projects for 20 clients across all industries. I am an expert in Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects, and I have designed everything from logos and brochures to presentations and animation videos. My ability to efficiently turn around creative and eye-catching digital designs has helped increase our clients’ sales and engagement rates.

I’ve been a fan of XYZ Company’s work for a long time. I admire that your designs push the envelope, which is something I try to do in all my work as well. If given this great opportunity, I can help XYZ Company design graphics and animations that will exceed your clients’ expectations.

I’m looking forward to bringing my creativity, teamwork, and branding skills to XYZ Company. I would love to chat more about the Graphic Designer position. Please feel free to call me anytime to set up an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template

• [Phone Number]
• [Portfolio]
• [Hiring Manager’s Name]
• [Hiring Manager’s Job Title]
• [Company Name]
• [Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I was so excited to see the [job title] opening at [company]. With my experience in graphic design and expertise in [list skill] and [list skill], I’m confident I can help [company] achieve its goals.

In my role as the [current/past job] at [current/previous company], I gained experience in [list main responsibilities]. I was able to achieve [discuss major accomplishments and impact as a designer]. I have learned valued skills in [list relevant skills] that I can bring to [company].

I’m eager to join [company] because [reasons you are interested in the role/company]. I’m impressed by [discuss one of the company’s projects or values]. With my enthusiasm and skills in [list relevant skills], I think I would be a great fit for your team.

I have attached my resume for you to learn more about my qualifications. Please feel free to browse through my portfolio at [link to portfolio] and contact me at [contact information] to set up a time to chat. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Designer Cover Letter

Designers need to create wonderful work to exacting specifications. Show employers you can make high-quality designs with a top-tier designer cover letter.

Designer Resume & Related Cover Letters

Text format, designer cover letter tips.

Designer Cover Letter Template (Text Format)

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (123) 456-7891

Address: Street, City, State

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

February 30, 2022

Hiring Manager’s Name 47 Company Address Harrisburg, PA 17101 (xxx) xxx-xxxx [email protected]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],

As a Senior Designer and Art Director with 9+ years of experience building highly interactive web, digital and print media solutions, I’m ready to bring my unique blend of creative and technical skills to the Designer opening at [company name].

My background encompasses a distinctive track record in increasing brand awareness, improving user experience, leading conceptual innovation, and facilitating productive team collaborations. In my current role as Senior Designer at [Company Name], I lead multiple design projects for a diverse range of clients, while simultaneously working closely with in-house teams to enhance brand identity and consumer engagement. Some of my design-related skills include:

• Expertise in print and digital graphic design, website design, UX and UI, packaging design, brand creation, and interactive media
• Technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office Suite, HTML, After Effects, Fireworks, Lightroom CC, and CSS

With my proven ability to lead conceptual campaigns and design projects, I’m fully prepared to bring brands to life for [Company Name]’s clients. I look forward to meeting with you and learning more about your goals for this position. Until then, thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name]

You may have a strong design portfolio, but do you know how to articulate your design skills and experience in your cover letter? Convince employers you’re the perfect person to enhance the aesthetic or usability of their digital products, and your job application is sure to impress.

Use these three tips to write a designer cover letter that shows employers that you’re uniquely qualified for the job:

1. Highlight your designer skills

Jobs in digital design encompass various roles, including UI/UX designer, graphic designer, and product designer. An impressive designer cover letter highlights your relevant design experience, creative thinking, visual skills, and knowledge of how to enhance the end-user experience.

To prove you’re a worthwhile candidate, describe your past experience as a designer in the second and third paragraphs of your cover letter and include a mix of essential hard and soft skills. Be sure to showcase job-specific skills so employers can see you’re a perfect match. For example, if you’re applying to be a UX designer, mention fundamental hard skills for UX design like HTML, CSS, and Adobe Photoshop .

To effectively highlight key designer technical skills in your cover letter, list them in bullet points like this:

Some of my design-related skills include: Expertise in print and digital graphic design, website design, UX and UI, packaging design, brand creation, and interactive media

Here are important designer skills to include in your cover letter:

• Communication skills
• Time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability
• Ability to take criticism
• Collaboration
• Analytical skills
• Project management skills
• User empathy
• User research
• Visual communication
• Brand creation
• Information architecture
• Wireframing
• User testing
• Color theory
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Adobe Systems ( Photoshop , Illustrator , and InDesign )
• After Effects 

2. Open with a strong introduction

Although there’s an increasing demand for digital designers, design-related jobs are competitive. Begin your cover letter with an attention-grabbing introduction to pique the interest of hiring managers who have countless creatives to consider.

Here’s how to write an effective designer cover letter introduction :

• Convey enthusiasm for the job . When hiring for a designer, employers want to work with people who are driven, productive, and easy to work with. State what interests you most about the opportunity so they can see you have the passion to handle the stress that comes with design — from managing several projects and meeting tight deadlines to being receptive of clients’ feedback.
• Research the company and use this information to customize your key selling points. Because designers are responsible for visually communicating a brand, a strong candidate is already familiar with a company’s branding efforts and focuses on proving they can create user-centric designs that appeal to the audience.
• Provide an example of your greatest achievement as a designer to highlight your job-specific skills. For example, ”My background encompasses a distinctive track record in increasing brand awareness, improving user experience, leading conceptual innovation, and facilitating productive team collaborations.”

3. Emphasize your user research skills

As a designer, your design skills are vital for helping companies achieve their business goals — from designing attractive product packaging to cultivating a seamless end-user experience.

Because most job applicants already meet basic requirements, it isn’t enough to simply show employers you have the right skill set. To convince employers you’re the right person for the job, emphasize your user research skills to assure them you can combine your visual skills with user empathy to create user-centric designs.

For example, if you’re applying to be a graphic designer at an advertising agency, here’s a great way to highlight your ability to improve consumer engagement

In my current role as Senior Graphic Designer at XYZ Company, I lead multiple design projects for a diverse range of clients, while simultaneously working closely with in-house teams to enhance brand identity and consumer engagement.

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The Graphic Design Cover Letter Guide (Examples & Templates)

Learn how to write a graphic design cover letter that lands interviews. Find design cover letter examples, templates, and tips.

Renee Fleck

Written by Renee Fleck

Published on Sep 19, 2022

Last updated Mar 11, 2024

Great graphic designers put a lot of thought and effort into curating and presenting their work because they know a designer’s portfolio is one of the most important tools in the job hunting toolbox. 

But as every graphic designer knows, each project you work on requires more than one tool. So whether you’re seeking your next freelance gig, agency job, or landing your first internship, you also need a great resume and cover letter. Already have a great graphic designer resume ? In this article, get tips for perfecting your graphic design cover letter so it stands out to hiring managers.

The goal of a graphic design cover letter

The field of graphic design is competitive, so breaking through to recruiters and hiring managers is challenging. Even with a beautiful portfolio, if your application doesn’t grab someone’s attention, it could sink beneath a sea of other applications. If no one ever bothers to open your application, the design portfolio you spent so much time on goes unseen. 

A graphic design cover letter is a summary of you, your skills, and an explanation of why you want the design job and why you’re the right fit.

A cover letter is the first step in catching the attention of prospective employers or others. It’s a summary of you, your skills , and an explanation of why you want the graphic designer position and why you’re right for the job. For designers, submitting a  job application  without grabbing the reader’s attention is like publishing a magazine without a cover. 

What should your graphic design cover letter include?

Before getting into specific elements of a good cover letter, it’s important to note that cover letters should be concise. When speaking to potential employers, the goal is to spark interest, not tell a grand narrative — which might be a relief for designers who don’t think of themselves as writers.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the essential elements of a cover letter:

• An attractive header:  Every cover letter you send should include a header that matches your personal and professional brand. It should also have all of your contact info, such as your phone number and email address, and relevant links, such as your portfolio, Dribbble, and LinkedIn profile.
• An engaging introduction:  The initial personalized salutation and the introductory paragraph of your cover letter should serve as a way to grab the reader’s attention. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name and briefly explain why you’re interested in the job and company.
• Convincing body paragraphs:  In two or three paragraphs, the body of your letter should tell the reader who you are as a designer, why you believe you’re a great fit for the job, and what you like about the position and company’s mission. Include the  kind of graphic design experience you have as well as any successes to back up your stated experiences, such as design awards, certifications, or any other achievements.
• A call to action:  Finally, your cover letter’s sign-off should thank the hiring manager for their time and encourage them to learn more about you. You might also briefly reiterate your interest and enthusiasm and include an additional link to your portfolio or other contact information.

There are exceptions to these rules, of course. Some companies tell you what to include in a cover letter, so be sure to read the job description carefully. But besides any unique requests by the business, the checklist above is widely accepted and expected in graphic design. 

How do I write about myself as a graphic designer?

It’s not uncommon for designers, especially those early in their careers, to recoil at the thought of writing a strong cover letter. But writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have, specifically communication and creative problem-solving.

Writing pulls from the same skills that designers already have: Communication and creative problem-solving.

The key to writing about yourself as a graphic designer is to take a step back and look at the problem objectively. Imagine yourself as the employer, and ask yourself about the design projects you’ve worked on, your achievements, and your strengths as a designer. The answers to these questions are the essence of what you’ll write in your cover letters.

How to write a cover letter for a graphic design position

Writing a cover letter that packs a punch still takes some practice, but starting with a process can help ease you into the practice. After writing a few cover letters, you’ll find the process becomes second nature. And hopefully, by this point, you’ll find yourself in a position where you’re designing rather than writing. 

✔️ Learn everything you can about the company and position

Before you tackle the writing part of your cover letter, sit down and read through the  graphic design job description . Take note of anything that stands out to you, such as when the description mentions tools you excel at or skills you feel you demonstrate well. 

Once you’ve done this, head to the company’s website and explore what it does. Take note of anything that stands out or resonates with you, including overall web design. As a graphic designer, you’ll probably examine the company’s brand identity. Apply this same skill to its brand voice and write a few adjectives describing it. 

Lastly, if you haven’t found out already, make an effort to learn the name of the person who receives the applications. If at all possible, avoid opening a cover letter with “to whom it may concern” or other generic greetings. Instead, address the hiring manager or recruiter directly with a simple salutation and their first or last name. 

✔️ Turn your notes into an outline

The best way for new writers to tackle writing projects is by breaking them down via outlines. Borrowing from the elements listed earlier, designate an introduction, two or three paragraphs for the body, and a sign-off. You can simply jot down ideas for these sections in bullet points. This is your outline.

Now you can go back to your notes and start fitting them into place. Most of your writing should be in the body, but if there’s something that excites you about the company or position, you can include it in the introduction. Likewise, you can weave this theme throughout, mentioning it in your sign-off.

✔️ Draft (and rewrite) your cover letter

Now it’s time to start writing. Hopefully, by now, your research and note-taking put a few ideas in your head. Write them down without judging them. As you go through this process, you’ll get better ideas about what to say and how to say it.

Keep in mind, a cover letter is a hook — not a complete story or resume. While you should talk about your work experience and graphic design skills in a broad sense, avoid explaining something like your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Keep these mentions in your resume alongside those about Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company.

Finally, once you know what you want to say, you can rewrite and polish your words. At this stage, think back to the brand of the company you’re applying to. Try to match the tone of your wording to that of the company. For example, if you’re applying to a business that has a playful, casual brand, write a little casually. On the other hand, if you’re applying to an agency that services clients, you’ll want to write a more professional cover letter.

✏️ Graphic Design Cover Letter Template

A good template is a great way to get your writing mind moving in the right direction. Below is a graphic designer cover letter template that you can fill out and use as a starting point for your own letters:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I’m writing about the job listing on the [Company Name] website for a new graphic designer. I’ve always found inspiration in [Company Name] ’s work, and I’m excited to offer my creative talents and expertise!

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with companies like [Company Name] and [Company Name] to build brands that form lasting impacts on their audiences. My work spans all types of graphic design, from print and packaging to logo design and visual identity.

Experience aside, [Company Name] ’s mission and values resonate deeply with my own, and in addition to my passion for graphic design, I bring a deep sense of commitment to [Company Name]’s overall mission. 

I’d love to speak with you more about the graphic design opportunity and explore how my skills can help [Company Name] achieve its goals. I’ve attached my portfolio and resume. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

[Your Name]

Graphic design cover letter examples

As all graphic designers know, great examples lead the way when it comes to inspiring your creativity. Here are a few cover letter samples to get you moving. 

✏ Design internship cover letter example

Hello John Doe,

I’m writing about the internship you posted for [Company Name] . As a passionate graphic designer set to graduate this year, I’m thrilled about the opportunity, and I’d like to take a moment to tell you why I’d be a great fit for the role.

As mentioned, I’m graduating this year with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from [University] . When I began my formal education, my skills in creative problem solving and practical design tools were already well-honed. During my sophomore year, I won the Indigo Design Award for Graphic Design of the Year.

This brings me to the internship opportunity at [Company Name] . The work your company does is inspirational and innovative, and that work is one of the reasons I started designing at such an early age. I’m certain that the opportunity to challenge myself in such an inspiring environment would have a profound impact on my talent as a designer. In turn, I would strive to exceed the standards set for this opportunity.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak to you more about the internship. I’ve attached my resume as well as a robust portfolio through which you can explore my work in detail. Thank you for considering me for this amazing opportunity, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Emily McDribbble

✏ Entry-level graphic design cover letter example

Hi Jane Doe,

I came across the posting on [Design Agency’s] website for a new graphic designer, and I wanted to write to express my interest. As a close follower of [Design Agency’s] work from the beginning of my career, the word “interest” is a bit of an understatement.

Since graduating 2 years ago, I’ve worked for [Agency Name] as an intern designing logos, infographics, visual identities, advertisements, and a handful of billboards. In fact, I was a key designer on [Company Name’s] brand refresh last year!

While I love the work I do, over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in design thinking and collaborative design while learning HTML and CSS in my spare time. I believe I’d make a great addition to the [Agency Name] team since the position entails split responsibilities between branding and creating design systems for web applications. 

I’ve attached my resume and portfolio, and I’d love the opportunity to speak to you further. I appreciate your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

✏ Freelance design cover letter example

Hi John Doe,

I noticed on LinkedIn that you were looking for a freelancer for your company’s rebranding project. I’m a  freelance graphic designer  specializing in brand identity, and it just so happens I’m wrapping up some client work and looking for my next project. 

I have over 6 years of experience working with boutique, high-value brands. My most recent work includes a rebrand of [Company Name] and the visual identity for a new startup, [Company Name]. My expertise and skills span logo design and visual identity, packing design, and design systems for websites, to name a few. 

I have a few ideas regarding your aim of reaching higher-value clients. Not long ago, I helped [Company Name] accomplish this same goal. Having taken an inventory of your brand’s identity across your web and social media presence, I’m certain I can help. 

If you’d like to see more of my work, you can visit my  freelance portfolio  at graphicdesignportfolio.com where you’ll also find some helpful case studies. When you have the time, get in touch and we can set up a quick call to see if we’re a good fit for each other.

Thanks for reading,

✏ Experienced designer cover letter example

I’m a senior graphic designer with a decade of experience, and I’m as passionate about the work now as when I first started. I leap at the opportunity to solve difficult creative problems that result in helping brands grow and evolve. For this reason, I believe I’m a great fit for the Lead Graphic Designer position at [Company Name].

Having worked on countless design projects across print and digital — and with teams large and small — I’m confident I can lead [Company Name’s] design team to new heights. In my current role as Lead Designer at [Company Name] , I’ve had the opportunity to lead other designers in creating print and digital material through multiple ad campaigns. Our most recent efforts resulted in a 47% increase in conversions on our website. 

Design skills aside, I hold [Company Name] in high regard as an inclusive business that takes diversity seriously. I feel that the qualities of a great leader are humility and empathy, and I make a conscious effort to lead in this manner. I’m certain that my expertise can help [Company Name] become a better company, and [Company Name] can help me become a better individual.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope we get the chance to speak more about the opportunity.

How do you answer “Why should we hire you?” 

This notorious question is asked at nearly every  graphic design job interview  and for many designers early in their career, it can be a tough one to answer. Fortunately for you, if you followed the process outlined above, you’ve already set the stage for why the company should hire you. To top it off, all the research and thinking you did as part of the writing process is the material you’ll draw from when your great cover letter lands you an interview. 

Get hired in graphic design

The job search for the right graphic design job can be tumultuous. If there’s an edge you can give yourself that improves your chances of landing a position, by all means, go for it. Great cover letters can be one of those edges.

Likewise, if you’re on the hunt for a new graphic design role, a great place to start is the  Dribbble job board , where you can find the latest opportunities in graphic design and related fields. Dive in, find a job, and start practicing your cover letter writing skills today.

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Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example (w/ Tips for 2024)

You're unmatched when it comes to colors, layouts, and visual storytelling.

You give businesses the creative edge they need to make an impact.

But there’s one creative project you just can’t finish.

Let's face it, when it comes to writing your cover letter, you’re stumped.

You know you’ve got the skills for the job you want, but when it comes to painting a picture of yourself with words, you’re at a loss.

Don't worry! We're here to help you finalize that graphic design job application.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What a Great Graphic Designer Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Graphic Designers

Let's dive in! 

Graphic Design Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Graphic Design Cover Letter

You've got a clear picture of what a great graphic designer cover letter looks like, and now you're all set to write your own .

Just follow these easy steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Your graphic designer cover letter should kick off with your contact information. Just like your resume, this should be placed in the header .

Here's what you should include:

• Full Name. Your first and last names should be at the top of the page.
• Job Title. Make sure that the job title on your graphic designer cover letter matches the exact position you're applying for. The hiring manager is probably hiring for several positions, and specifying which one you’re after is always a great plus.
• Email Address. Opt for a professional and straightforward email address. Avoid using any quirky addresses from your school days. (e.g., [email protected] isn't suitable, but [email protected] is perfect).
• Phone Number. Double-check that your provided phone number is accurate. If you're applying for an international position, include the dialing code in front of your number.
• Location. Typically, your city and state or country are sufficient. But if you're looking for a remote job or you’re open to relocation, specify it on your resume and cover letter.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can include links to important websites, such as your relevant social media profiles and your portfolio.

Now, it's time to add the hiring manager's contact information :

• Company Name. Add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Find the name of the hiring manager for the specific department you're interested in and write it down.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you discover the hiring manager's name and see that they're the head of the department, use their title instead of "Hiring Manager."
• Location. Include the city and state or country, especially if the company operates globally. You can add their exact street address if they have more than one location in your city.
• Email Address (optional). If available, add the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (optional). For a professional touch, you can include the date you wrote your cover letter on.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your essential contact information sorted, it's time to personalize your graphic design cover letter by addressing it to the right person—no generic "To Whom It May Concern" here.

Making the effort to address your graphic designer cover letter correctly can make a positive impression on the hiring manager, which is exactly what you want.

Start by doing a bit of research. Dive into the job ad, explore the company's website, or take a peek at their LinkedIn profile to discover who's hiring for the job you're interested in. Find their name and email address, if possible.

Now, let's talk formalities. We suggest using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. However, if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply using their full name works perfectly. For example:

• Dear Ms. Johnson
• Dear Jennifer Johnson

In those rare cases where you can't unearth information about the hiring manager or the head of the graphic design department, you can still address your letter thoughtfully:

• Dear Graphic Design Department
• Dear Graphic Design Hiring Team
• Dear Recruitment Team
• Dear Lead Graphic Designer

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds glancing at a candidate's application before deciding if they want to read further, and your cover letter makes no exception here.

That’s why knowing how to start your graphic designer cover letter is crucial. Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself and why you’re writing, expressing your genuine interest in the role. Demonstrating your passion for the design field or the specific job can capture the hiring manager's attention.

Doing some homework on the company is always a great idea. The more you know about the employer, the better you can emphasize how well you'd fit into their work culture or how your values align with their mission. This shows that you're not applying randomly to every job out there—you actually want this position.

You can also start your graphic designer cover letter with an impressive achievement or by highlighting some of your skills that align with the role. Just keep this paragraph short. All you need to do here is spark the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore your cover letter further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The point of your graphic designer cover letter is that you get an opportunity to delve into the details that can set you apart as the best candidate for the job.

But this only works if you don’t parrot the same information from your resume . The hiring manager expects your cover letter to tell them something they don’t already know.

So use the body of your cover letter to show off your expertise and qualifications, but make every word count. Your objective is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the ideal fit, and just listing some of your skills or qualifications won’t get you there. Instead, highlight any related achievements within the field of graphic design.

If you’re not sure how don’t worry. Just use the job ad as a reference. The more you tailor your graphic designer cover letter to the exact job description, the better. Emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the employer’s requirements immediately tells the hiring manager that you’ve got what it takes to excel. For example, if you're applying to be a graphic designer in the field of social media marketing, emphasize your industry know-how and familiarity with creating social media content.

Make sure to show off some knowledge about the company, such as its products and services. If you're well-acquainted with them as a customer, don't hesitate to mention it in your cover letter. Your familiarity with their work culture or mission statement can also convey how your values align and signal that you’d be a good fit to join their team.

And make sure to weave your enthusiasm through your entire graphic designer cover letter. Show your genuine excitement for the role and your confidence that you have the necessary skills and experience to make a valuable contribution to the company's success. This can be the final touch that leaves a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

The finishing touch to crafting the perfect graphic designer cover letter is knowing how to end it .

You want to make sure that your conclusion leaves a good impression on the hiring manager and reinforces their confidence in what you have written so far.

Start by confidently summarizing why you're an ideal fit for the graphic designer role and highlighting the standout skills that set you apart from other candidates. Then follow up with a compelling call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as initiating a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can leave a lasting mark and boost your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, sign off on your cover letter professionally. Choose an appropriate signature line and follow it with your full name. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number to arrange an interview. I'm eager to discuss my application in more detail at your earliest convenience.

Warm regards,

If you find "Warm regards" a bit overused, here are some alternative sign-off options to consider:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for considering my application,

3 Essential Graphic Designer Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got the fundamentals of cover letters down, it's time to elevate yours with some cover letter tips tailored for graphic designers.

#1. Match Your Resume

Visual appeal makes a real difference.

Your graphic designer cover letter shouldn’t be the one piece of your application that lacks style or creativity, so make sure it matches the rest of your documents.

Create a cover letter design and layout that are in harmony with your resume. Align your text neatly on the page by setting the right margins and adjusting the line spacing. Then match the font styles and be consistent with their size so your cover letter never spills over to page two .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed by the whole process?

No worries! Just try our resume builder . You can create a stellar graphic designer resume and pick one of our cover letter templates to match.

Crafted with input from hiring experts worldwide, each of our templates is designed to meet industry standards while looking stylish. Give them a shot and spare yourself the stress of starting from scratch.

#2. Mention Skills (Properly!)

One of the first things a hiring manager will be looking for in your graphic designer cover letter is what skills you’re bringing to the table.

But don’t just sprinkle in every skill you can think of. You want your graphic designer cover letter to tell a story, and your most important skills should have the starring role.

Start by referencing the job ad. Check out what skills are listed in the requirements and what else their specific industry might be looking for, and focus on the ones you have. Then connect the dots for the hiring manager by talking about how these skills helped you excel as a graphic designer.

This shows your potential employer that you’ve got the exact graphic designer skills they’re looking for and that you’re a perfect fit for the job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

As a graphic designer, it’s crucial to include a link to your online portfolio in plain view. An easy-to-find portfolio can be what tips the balance for any graphic designer’s application. 

It’s especially important to make sure these useful links are available on your graphic designer cover letter since they can make the hiring manager’s job easier. If they’re reading your cover letter and they’re impressed with the work you mentioned, they’ll naturally want to see it right away.

So why not add a link for convenience instead of having them search for your resume again and risk losing interest along the way? Including a link to your LinkedIn profile also makes it easier for the hiring manager to see your full career history and even reach out directly through the platform.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

Hopefully, after reading our guide, you feel better equipped and ready to chase that graphic designer role you’ve set your sights on.

Before we wrap up, let's revisit some of the essentials:

• Do some research on the company, and start your graphic designer cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find their name, you can address the department or company as a whole.
• Use the body of your graphic designer cover letter to highlight your most relevant achievements and skills. Reference the job ad to make sure that you match what the employer is looking for.
• Visual appeal and consistency between your cover letter and resume can make a difference. If you're looking for a head start, consider using our online resume builder and cover letter templates to save time.
• Make the hiring manager’s job a little easier by including convenient links to your portfolio and relevant social media profiles like LinkedIn. This small step could encourage them to reach out to you faster.

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