As you write your graphic design cover letter, you should be sure to consider how you can most effectively address a potential employer in a way that illustrates your abilities. The overall tone of your cover letter should be assertive, but not overly aggressive or pushy. You should try to connect with a potential employer, usually by making your cover letter personalized for the company you are sending it to, and you should demonstrate how you can be an asset as a graphic designer. Since your graphic design cover letter is likely to be the first impression you make on a potential employer, you should make it a positive impression.
A graphic design cover letter typically accompanies a résumé as an introductory document that presents information about the sender to the receiver. This means that your cover letter should make a positive first impression and should demonstrate both your value and your interest to a potential employer. One of the best ways to make this initial impression is by addressing your graphic design cover letter directly to someone, by name, rather than addressing your letter to “To Whom it May Concern.” You should also be sure to include both your own contact information and the contact information for the business at the top of your letter.
Your graphic design cover letter should also provide information about your professional experience in graphic design, and your specific interest in the company you are contacting. While you do not want to copy and paste your experience from your résumé onto your cover letter, you should highlight some of your experience and make someone want to continue reading your résumé. You should also mention information specific to the company you are sending your graphic design cover letter to, such as recent announcements the company has made or successful campaigns or products on which the company may have worked.
Much like any other professional letter or correspondence, you should conclude your graphic design cover letter with a polite close, such as “Sincerely,” and your name. While you may be tempted to incorporate design elements into the overall aesthetic of your cover letter, you should be sure to keep the letter professional in appearance and easy to read. It can be beneficial to have your graphic design cover letter demonstrate your abilities as a designer, but you do not want to make visuals on the page obstruct the ease with which someone can read your cover letter. In the end, your letter should maintain a professional appearance, while also indicating some of your abilities as an artist.
