How to Write A Cover Letter as a Graphic Designer
When talking about cover letters, most likely, you consider this part as a daunting task. This particular document can be your way to impress your prospective potential employer or even client. While it may sound pretty simple, and there are many ideas or samples out there, you should not underestimate the information.
However, don't let the idea of using this document intimidate you. One of the reasons for feeling intimidated is the high amount of writing. Believe it or not, some graphic designers might feel inferior about it. Here are some tips on how to write a cover letter, especially for graphic designers that want to secure a deal.
1. Be Straightforward
The first thing that you should underline is being straightforward and getting to the point. As a graphic designer, you might find this particular document hard to make. More so if you want to smite your reader with flowing and smooth words. While it is pretty cool and accomplishing to create one, the main point of the cover letter is to be as straightforward as possible.
Remember that you are not going to write down a diary or a letter for your pen pal. That is why your graphic designer letter should be brief yet fully explains your potential. All you have to focus on is to make sure your potential client will understand why you are interested in the job and what your intentions are. Tell them that you are the best candidate.
One thing that you must remember is that you have to write a cover letter and use it as a synopsis of your whole job application documents. This is where you can mention your skill, your interest, your experience, your contact, and many more. That is why people consider this part as the first thing to impress your employer.
These particular tips work for every part of your document. You can start with the heading, in which some people mention their name, title, and contact info. At the same time, you can also add your address, city, and also date. Make it as an introduction, without writing in a paragraph. In this part, you don't necessarily need to put your graphic designer experiences.
After the cover letter heading, you can continue with the salutation and then write down the main body. As you write down the whole letter, make sure to put some call actions phrases. And then, close the ending with a warm and sincere goodbye. All of this information should be in one or two pages, so make it as straightforward as possible.
2. Be An Honest Persona
You might already know that you write a cover letter to impress the possible customer. But no matter what, you should never lie. Over exaggeration, fake achievement, or experience can be a boomerang that attacks you back later on. That is why the general fundamental in securing a deal is by becoming a hones graphic designer.
No matter the job, honesty is the prime key. Along with it, you also need to make an impression of being genuine and have professionalism. That is why this kind of document is not as simple as you think it will be. Everything you wrote down under the letter will depict yourself—your choice of words, your grammar, even your tone.
The best thing that you can use is to always make sure you have the correct grammar. No matter if you are a native or not, displaying a perfect written, graphic designer cover letter with high grammar accuracy will play a part in setting your impression. Don't leave this detail. If you are not sure, at least try to use the grammar checker application.
Your choice of word and tone also create a big impact on the reader. You should make it straightforward but have proper and professional tones. Aside from being too friendly, put yourself as if you are doing a graphic designer interview. Choose some words such as Mr. and Ms. Explains your experiences and ability in a warm tone without being too proud.
3. Start With Professional Yet Warm Greeting
Now you can continue to write a cover letter. The next part to jot down is the greeting. Just like any other letter for your friends, family, or anyone, you will start with a salutation. No matter your job, including a graphic designer, make sure you get a professional and some warm salutations that invite people to read further.
Another thing to consider is that you are writing for someone that may want to consider employing you. With that in mind, even a small greeting can affect their thoughts about you and your professionalism as a graphic designer. So, what should you say to start the letter? Everything appropriate, including the formal greeting.
You can use salutation as simply as dear Mr. or dear Ms. You can also call them directly, such as Mr. John. The primary idea that you must avoid is using an extremely casual greeting. You can also say that every greeting that is meant for your friend, sibling, or someone close, is a big no for a cover letter. Such as Hey or what's up, John!
How if you don't know the name? To set the warm tones and address the correct individual, you can use the term "Hiring manager" or address it for the HRD representative. This particular idea of mentioning the department helps develop a professional touch on your letter. So, the prime idea of the greeting is to always use professionalism and a touch of warm vocabs.
4. Adjust Your Letter With The Job Description
The next way to write a cover letter is the main part of it. In this part, you got a lot of things to cover. You have to show your potential, your abilities, achievement, and many more. All of them in the form of paragraphs. So, what kind of message do you have to tell? There are at least three points, the hook, the reasons, and the bullet point of achievements as a graphic designer.
How to form it? Many people and graphic designers should consider having a proper adjustment. The main point is to follow the guide or follow the job description. Just like the resume, your cover letter also has to be related to the job application. More so, for this kind of field that highly emphasizes the specific abilities and skills.
Why do you need to make this kind of arrangement? One thing for sure the employer will have certain requirements and request that every candidate should have. In this case, you can briefly tell them that you are the chosen ones from the job application. At the same time, it also eases the employer's selection process.
One thing that you might want to avoid is the copy and paste method. As a graphic designer, this kind of action is a huge taboo. Not only for your job but also when you write a cover letter. Writing down your sincere letter from scratch will help you gain extra points. What's more, this document is also easily adjustable for any information.
In case your potential client provides questions and certain answers in the job application, then make sure you mention them as well. They might also demand answers for some graphic designer questions, such as the name of the technique or the best color choices. Avoid any kind of hammered or cut-off sentences that make it harder to read.
Another thing that you may want to consider is how you structure the foremost part of the letter. You can add extra information to details, make sure that everything is easy to read. In this case, you can use the main body paragraph or the cover letter structure that is mentioned at the beginning of this point.
4.1. First: The Hook
The first one that you have to think carefully about is to explain and entice the reader's curiosity through your witty hook. This top and the first paragraph of the graphic designer cover letter will be the way to make your potential employer stay to read or just missing the idea. The hook part is also available for some of the intriguing environments.
You can mention your abilities and achievement in one opening paragraph. Showcase anything related to your desired job. While you can tell all of your achievements, recommendation, graphic design experience, or projects, make sure that you write all of the facts with the focus on grabbing the reader's attention.
So, how to do that? There are some ways to write a cover letter sample that underline the ideas of high-res and low-noise. It means that you can brag about yourself but make it as subtle as possible. Another thing that will give you extra points is to connect your best achievement and the job description.
Anything can help you to make this first paragraph worth it. You can start by explaining that you already gained some satisfactory accomplishments in life a few years ago. But you are seeking a new challenge and want to help the company to gain the best as well. Tell them that you can eventually give a better hand in the client's goal.
4.2. Second: The Reasons You Apply or Achievement
The reason why you are interested in the graphic designer job holds a bigger role in securing the deal. More so, if you are the one who is applying for a new job or partnership. In this part, you may want to show your reasons in a simple yet relatable manner. Just like the previous paragraph, how you wrote the part is, it will portray yourself.
Underline that when you are applying for a job, a single reason to get paid will not be enough for you to convince them. That is why you can link your ambition with the company vision or missing. When you write a cover letter, this part will eventually make the reader understand your real intention in applying for the job.
As a graphic designer, you can either link your reasons or your achievement with the company's goals. You don't need to brag too much. Be humble and honest. Write down that you are interested in the job. You already learned a related milestone that can offer a great contribution to the company.
4.3. Third: Bullet Point Of Your Achievement
Most likely, you want to spice up the cover letter by adding pictures or anything in particular. You better avoid this kind of idea and only apply it to your portfolio. What you should do to avoid people getting bored with your letter is adding bullet points. These kinds of visual changes will eventually set the emphasis and help saturate the monotone delivery.
But once again, make sure that you only listed the related information. In this case, you can jot down some relevant past achievements that support your reasoning and hook. The better way to write a cover letter for this part is to mention the job description and goals. After that, you can add the relevant achievement to make your statements valid.
You can take an example of a graphic designer job description that is looking for 10+ years' experience, Photoshop experts, and can operate cameras. If you are qualified, you can mention that you have more than 10+ years of experience working for the past job. You are also ahead chief of editor in a certain magazine company that uses Photoshop and cameras.
Another thing that you should underline is to make the bullet and the main content as brief as possible. You can use one or two paragraphs, then add your bullet point to support your information. It will make the cover letter easier to read, simple, yet straightforward. However, avoid using chopped-up or oversimplified sentences to perfectly deliver the message.
5. Seal The Deal With Your Availability
Are there any reasons that your ending letter will affect the whole impression? Yes, there are. Your closing statement can be one of the best parts in sealing the deal. Underline that you write a cover letter as if you are trying to sell something, you or your graphic designer services. So it is noticeable that your closing will state what you want.
The fundamental key is to let your client understand that you are willing, available, and wanted the position. You can also make sure that the ending will show how they can contact you for a further explanation and discussion. In other words, you have to make polite "ask for the job" statements and add a call to action sentence.
However, you need some precautions when writing this particular part. Avoid being a wishy-washy person and make pushy or needy remarks. No one wanted a person that appeared too much. That is why you can avoid using a low saturation makeup that is too straightforward, which creates an impression of a needy person.
You can take an example from the sentence, "I would love to work with your company, and I'll gladly wait to hear the good news from you." It sounds rude and pushy. So, how should you write it? Gladly offer or mention your mission as a graphic designer, and you believe in reaching a particular goal by joining the company.
For example, you write a cover letter ending such as "As an experienced graphic designer, I feel very enthusiastic to see what I can contribute for you. Can my 15 hours'/week dedication to your company result in another renowned reward? I'm very excited to see the opportunity. Please notify me if you are seeking further discussion."
It is not expressly a wishy-washy remark, but it creates a smooth blend of your achievement, goal, vision, availability, and information about your contact. The main idea is to end all of the letter and explanation with an offer. You have to make the company look forward to your interview and meeting you in person.
6. Proofread And Correction
The last step is to proofread and correct. Just like any of your graphic designer works, you will need to supervise the cover letter before you submit it. Do the same with this document. Take another look at the job vacancies. Have you used the correct address, is there any mistake, or do you need to duplicate it or not?
One thing that you may have to consider is to proofread the document. While you can do it by yourself, it is better to ask for assistance from other people. Ask your friend or family to review it. Ask them whether they understand or find some mistakes. You can also make sure that you write a cover letter that is suitable for you or not.
Conclusion
Some of the information above is the primary thing to jot down when writing a cover letter as a graphic designer. You might find that this particular document is unnecessary, as many employers will focus on the CV and resume. But this is one of the best chances to speak with your respective client or employer. You can also confess your willingness and impress them with your words.
We hope this information will help you get more interview opportunities. Which of these tips is the most notable to you? Let us know your comment by writing it down in the section below. Have a good day, and cheers!