How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

Background Image

After weeks of heavy job search, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume. 

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send your application and call it a day, you remember that the job ad requires a cover letter.

Now you’re stuck wondering how to write a cover letter ...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

  • What’s a cover letter & why it’s important for your job search
  • How to write a convincing cover letter that gets you the job (step-by-step!)
  • How to perfect your cover letter with the Novoresume free checklist
  • What excellent cover letter examples look like

New to cover letter writing? Give our resumes 101 video a watch before diving into the article!

So, let’s get started with the basics!

What is a Cover Letter? (and Why It’s Important)

A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application (alongside your CV or Resume). 

Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter can spark the HR manager’s interest and get them to read your resume. 

A bad cover letter, on the other hand, might mean that your application is going directly to the paper shredder. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.

How does a good cover letter look, you might ask. Well, here’s an example:

how to write cover letter

Keep in mind, though, that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you don’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume.

If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, writing all this might seem pretty tough. After all, you’re probably not a professional writer.

The thing is, though, you don’t need to be creative, or even any good at writing. All you have to do is follow a tried-and-tested format:

  • Header - Input contact information
  • Greeting the hiring manager
  • Opening paragraph - Grab the reader’s attention with 2-3 of your top achievements
  • Second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
  • Third paragraph - Explain why you’re a good match for the company
  • Formal closing

Or, here’s what this looks like in practice:

structure of a cover letter

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter (And Get Hired!)

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, we’re going to guide you through the process of writing a cover letter step by step. 

Step #1 - Pick the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, visual template?

cover letter templates

You can simply pick one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in a jiffy!

As a bonus, our AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter on the go.

Step #2 - Start the Cover Letter with a Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with a Contact Information section:

contact information on a cover letter

Here, you want to include all essential information, including:

  • Phone Number
  • Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
  • Name of the company you’re applying to

In certain cases, you might also consider adding:

  • Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
  • Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your blog.

And here’s what you shouldn’t mention in your header:

  • Your Full Address 
  • Unprofessional Email - Make sure your email is presentable. It’s pretty hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Whenever applying for jobs, stick to the “[first name] + [last name] @ email provider.com” format.

matching resume and cover letter

Step #3 - Greet the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed your contact information, you need to start writing the cover letter contents.

The first thing to do here is to address the cover letter to the hiring manager .

That’s right, the hiring manager! Not the overly popular “Dear Sir or Madam.” You want to show your future boss that you did your research and are really passionate about working with their team.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes to get hired in any of them.

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager? There are several ways to do this. 

The simplest option is to look up the head of the relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably Head of Communications or Chief Communications Office.

So, you do a quick lookup on LinkedIn:

linkedin search cco

And voila! You have your hiring manager.

Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of a server. In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager.”

If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Here are several other greetings you could use:

  • Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
  • Dear Hiring Manager
  • To whom it may concern
  • Dear [Department] Team

Step #4 - Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph .

The #1 problem we see with most cover letter opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Most of them look something like this..

  • Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say pretty much anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

Do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

So now, let’s make our previous example shine:

My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed their sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the job.

See the difference between the two examples? If you were the hiring manager, which sales manager would you hire, Jonathan or Michael?

Now that we’ve covered the introduction, let’s talk about the body of your cover letter. This part is split into two paragraphs: the first is for explaining why you’re the perfect person for the job, and the latter is for proving that you’re a good fit for the company.

So, let’s get started...

Step #5 - Explain why you’re the perfect person for the job

This is where you show off your professional skills and convince the HR manager that you’re a better fit for the job than all the other applicants.

But first things first - before you even write anything, you need to learn what the most important requirements for the role are. So, open up the job ad and identify which of the responsibilities are the most critical.

For the sake of the example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. You scan the job ad and see that the top requirements are:

  • Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
  • Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
  • Excellent copywriting skills

Now, in this section, you need to discuss how you fulfill these requirements. So, here’s how that would look for our example:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation & management process end-to-end. Meaning, I created the ad copy , images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

  • Google Search

Are you a student applying for your first internship? You probably don’t have a lot of work experience to show off in this section. Learn how to write an internship cover letter here.

Step #6 - Explain why you’re a good fit for the company

Once you’ve written the last paragraph, you might be thinking - I’m a shoo-in for the job! What else do I need to write? I’ll just wrap up the cover letter and hit that sweet SEND button.

Well, no. You’re not quite there yet.

The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.

After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary . 

Meaning, you also need to convince the HR manager that you’re really passionate about working with them.

How do you do this? Well, as a start, you want to do some research about the company. You want to know things like:

  • What’s the company’s business model?
  • What’s the company product or service? Have you used it?
  • What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?

So, get to Googling. Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or somewhere around the web.

Then, you need to figure out what you like about the company and turn that into text.

Let’s say, for example, you’re passionate about their product and you like the culture of innovation / independent work in the organization.

You’d write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2 were real game changers for the device. 

I really admire how Company XYZ thrives for excellence for all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone that thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I and Company XYZ will be a great match.

What you don’t want to do here is be super generic for the sake of having something to write. Most job seekers tend to mess this one up. Let’s take a look at a very common example we tend to see (way too often):

I’d love to work for Company XYZ because of its culture of innovation. I believe that since I’m super creative, I’d be a good fit for the company. The company values of integrity and transparency really vibe with me.

See what’s wrong here? The example doesn’t really say anything about the company. “Culture of Innovation” is something most companies claim to have. 

The same goes for “values of integrity and transparency” - the writer just googled what the values for the organization are, and said that they like them.

Any hiring manager that reads this will see through the fluff.

So, make sure to do a lot of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying.

Step #7 - Wrap up with a call to action

Finally, it’s time to finish up your cover letter and write the conclusion.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

  • Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? Any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision? Mention it here.
  • Thank the hiring manager for their time. It never hurts to be courteous, as long as you don’t come off as too needy.
  • Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. You should ask the hiring manager to take some sort of action.

And now, let’s turn this into a practical example:

So to wrap it all up, thanks for looking into my application. I hope I can help Company X make the most out of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your facebook marketing goals.

Step #8 - Use the right formal closing

Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.

Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions to a cover letter:

  • Best Regards,
  • Kind Regards,

And we’re finally done! Before sending off the cover letter, make sure to proofread it with software like Grammarly, or maybe even get a friend to review it for you.

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

  • Professional email
  • Relevant Social Media Profiles

Do you address the right person? I.e. hiring manager in the company / your future direct supervisor

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

  • Did you mention 2-3 of your top achievements?
  • Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?

Do you successfully convey that you’re the right pro for the job?

  • Did you identify the core requirements?
  • Did you successfully convey how your experiences help you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

  • Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
  • Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you finalize the conclusion with a call to action?

Did you use the right formal closure for the cover letter?

5+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Read on to learn about some of the best cover letter examples we’ve seen (for different fields).

College Student Cover Letter Example

college or student cover letter example

Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Middle Management Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Career Change Cover Letter

Management Cover Letter Example

Management Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Want to discover more examples AND learn what makes them stand out? Check out our guide to cover letter examples .

Next Steps in Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application is for naught. 

After all, a cover letter is just an introduction. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression, but flopping at the end because of a mediocre resume.

...But don’t you worry, we’ve got you covered on that end, too.

If you want to learn more about Resumes & CVs, we have a dedicated FREE guide for that. Check out our complete guide on how to make a resume , as well as how to write a CV - our experts will teach you everything you need to know in order to land your dream job.

Or, if you’re already an expert, just pick one of our resume templates and get started.

resume examples for cover letter

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

  • A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that convinces the hiring manager of your competence
  • A cover letter goes in your job application alongside your resume
  • Your introduction to the cover letter should grab the hiring manager’s attention and keep it all the way until the conclusion
  • There are 2 main topics you need to include in your cover letter: why you’re the perfect candidate for the job & why you’re passionate about working in the company you’re applying to
  • Most of the content of your cover letter should be factual , without any fluff or generalizations

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve, every step of the way! Follow our blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice. Or, check out some of our top guides…

  • How to Write a Motivational Letter
  • How to Write a Resume with No Work Experience
  • Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

Rachel Leist

Published: August 10, 2022

Are cover letters necessary? I'm not in HR, but I've been approached by applicants who wondered whether their cover letter would actually be read. My answer is one not many of them wanted to hear: "sometimes." Sometimes it will be read. Other times, you can get away with just sending in your resume — like when you network your way into applying for a position.

cover letter templates; Business person using a cover letter template

The truth is, you can't really predict on a case-by-case basis — and you're better safe than sorry. For the most part, having a cover letter will give you an upper hand in ways your resume doesn't. It allows you to show off your writing skills, provide details that you couldn't fit on your resume, demonstrate your passion, and show your willingness to put in as much time and effort as possible.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes or balked at an application that required a cover letter, this guide is for you. We’ll go over how to write a cover letter and provide cover letter templates to help you perfect your own.

Application Letter

An application letter is a written document addressed to an employer by a job applicant, explaining why they're interested in and qualified for an open position. More commonly known as a cover letter, this document can come in the form of an email, MS Word document, or similar application template offered by the employer.

Seems fairly basic, right? Cover letters can hold different levels of importance to an employer depending on the industry you're in and the job you're applying for. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 49% of recruiters say sendign a cover letter along with your resume boosts your chance of landing the role.

If you do plan to write a cover letter, keep in mind there are certain qualities it should have that are not included in the definition above.

design of application letter

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

  • Standard Cover Letter Template
  • Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
  • Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

So, what should you include? We'll let the 11 templates below this list do most of the talking. No matter which one you download, pay attention to the following elements — all of which should shine through in the letter you send to your future manager.

Fill out this form to access your templates.

1. contact information.

Cover letters shouldn't just carry your contact information, but also that of the company to which you're applying. Contact info includes your phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you're willing to share and receive connections to.

Home addresses aren't required, but they can be a helpful reassurance to the employer that you already live nearby and would have no trouble coming into the office.

Avoid offering phone numbers, email addresses, or actual addresses that belong to your current employer. Using your personal Gmail address over your work email, for example, ensures your correspondence with recruiters remains separate from all of your current work communication.

2. A Personal Address Line

For as often as you see "to whom it may concern" at the top of cover letters today, do your best to avoid writing this exhausted line.

Address lines that specify a person or company grab your reader's attention much more quickly, and show the employer that you've taken the time to tailor your application letter to them. Don't have the name of the hiring manager? "Employers at [company name]" will do just fine.

A "hook" is a clever introduction that "hooks" your reader into wanting to learn more. Think about yourself as a job candidate — what makes you unique? What about your career might a recruiter be intrigued by that you can package into an interesting first sentence?

4. Why You're Qualified

It's a no-brainer that you should summarize your professional experience in your cover letter. However, today's best applications describe why this experience qualifies the applicant for the job they're applying for. For example, don't just state that you spent three years writing for a company blog. Explain that this type of work lends itself to managing your new potential employer's content calendar every week.

5. General Knowledge of the Business

Grammatical errors could mean your application is thrown in the trash, but that's not the only thing that could get your letter tossed aside. Using a generic "one-size-fits-all" cover letter — especially if you forget to change the name of the company — will also hurt your chances of landing an interview.

So, if you take the time to write a cover letter, take the time to comment on the business itself. Why are you applying to this company? What about their business stuck out to you as a professional?

Now, let's take a look at an example cover letter , what makes it effective, along with 11 templates you can download or draw inspiration from.

Cover Letter Example

Cover letter example.

Image Source

The example above illustrates how to write a marketing cover letter using the elements we listed.

Besides the contact information and the address line, the first few paragraphs explain why the candidate is qualified for the position. This example uses specific data to show why they would be a good fit.

Additionally, in the second to last paragraph, the candidate discusses why they're interested in the specific company, demonstrating general knowledge of the business.

By combining all the elements to a cover letter, this is a great example to use for inspiration.

Featured Resource: 5 Professional Cover Letter Templates

Cover Letter Templates

14 Free Cover Letter Templates for Your Next Job Application

Template 1: basic.

Basic cover letter template with 7 qualities to learn from.

The example above is a basic (but great) cover letter. The numbered sections are explained in more detail below.

The level of formality your header has will depend on the company to which you apply. If you're applying to a formal business, it's important to use a formal header to open your cover letter, like in the sample above. Put your address, the date, and the company's address. But if you're applying to a company that isn't as formal, you don't need to include yours and the company's addresses. You can still include the date, though.

2. Greeting

Using "To Whom It May Concern" is okay, but you may want to take the time to research the name of the recruiter or hiring manager online. If you do your research and aren't confident you found the right name, then you should definitely use the generic greeting — but if you are sure, then it shows you put in the effort to find their name and it will catch the recruiter's eye.

If you have the recruiter's name, do you greet them by their full name, or by their courtesy title (i.e. Mr., Ms., or Mrs.)? Similar to the header, it depends on the company's level of formality. If you're applying to a corporate business, you may want to consider using "Mr. Snaper" instead of "Jon Snaper." If you're applying to a start-up or a business with a more casual culture, you can use "Jon Snaper," as shown in the example.

3. Introduction

Your opening paragraph should, in 1-3 sentences, state why you're excited to apply and what makes you the perfect candidate. Get right to the point, and don't worry about explaining where you found the posting or who you know at the company. This isn't a place to go into detail about why you're a great candidate — that's for the second paragraph. Here, simply list a few key reasons in one sentence to set up the rest of your letter. Keep in mind that the recruiter may cross-reference your cover letter with your resume, so make sure the two sync up.

4. Paragraph 2: Why You're a Great Fit for the Job

Next, sell yourself and your experience by choosing one or two concrete examples that show why you're a great fit for the position. What did you do at a previous company that gave you relevant experience? Which projects have you worked on that would benefit the new company? How will your prior experience help this company grow? Stay humble in your explanation of credentials while still showing that you would be an asset to the team. Use this paragraph to show you're genuinely excited and interested in the position.

5. Third Paragraph: Why the Company Is a Great Fit for You

While it's certainly important you're a good fit for the job, it's also important that the company is a good fit for you. "A cover letter typically describes why you're great for a company — but how will you benefit from getting hired?" asks former HubSpot Team Development Manager Emily MacIntyre . "We want to know why our company appeals to you, and how it will be a mutually beneficial working relationship."

In the third paragraph, show you're serious about growing and developing your career at this new company. What impresses and excites you about the company? Is there something that you feel strongly about that aligns with the company's goals? For example, the candidate in the sample letter used this space to show his personal commitment to environmental causes aligns with the company's green initiatives.

6. Strong Closer and Signature

Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. At this point, the ball is (rightly) in the recruiter's court to decide how to follow up.

Last but certainly not least, thank them for their time and consideration. Use a formal sign-off like "Best," "All the best," or "Sincerely," and finish by typing out your full name. You don't need to sign it with a pen.

Template 2: Data-Driven Marketing Cover Letter

Get it here..

Data-driven marketing cover letter template

When applying to a data-driven position, it might be tempting to inject your cover letter with, well, the data to describe what you've done for other employers. But in an application letter — particularly for the marketing industry — how you convey this data is just as important as the data itself.

The cover letter template above, which we created here at HubSpot, can help you present the data that's most important to you as a candidate such that it'll matter to your future employer.

Notice the three bullet points near the center of the letter above, preceded by the statement: "... I've developed a strategy that has helped the company achieve ..." This setup is important, because while you can add as many statistics as you want to this template, your data points should describe how your current/former business benefited from your work, rather than how you, yourself, benefited.

Template 3: Straight-to-the-Point Cover Letter

cover letter template: Straight-to-the-point

Harvard Business Review contributor David Silverman hailed the above cover letter example as "The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received." For context, Silverman believes there are only a handful of times when writing a cover letter is actually necessary:

  • When you know the name of the hiring manager.
  • When you know something about what the job requires.
  • When you've been referred to the job personally.

Under those three circumstances, a straight-to-the-point cover letter like the one above could be your best bet. Because it's so concise, however, make a point to add your own letterhead above the message itself. It might be easy for a recruiter to sift through a short and sweet cover letter like the one above, but it's just as easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of their application list without a unique design or format.

Template 4: Referral Cover Letter

cover letter template: Referral cover letter

Just because a friend or colleague recommended you for a job doesn't mean the company is all set to hire you. Therefore, the cover letter template above is written specifically for referrals. We made this one here at HubSpot. Download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

As you can see in the picture above, the first paragraph of the cover letter is dedicated entirely to acknowledging the circumstances of your applying: You know someone who works there — no harm in that. But there might be harm in not mentioning it to the hiring manager. Telling the reader about your connection at the company shows you're aware and confident of the actions you take to get the opportunities you're interested in.

Ultimately, it's better than the recruiter hearing about your employee connection from somebody else.

As for the rest of the cover letter, treat your message the same way you would if you had applied with no connection from within. Your skills and successes are no less important because of your internal referral.

Template 5: Photo Letterhead Cover Letter

Photo letterhead cover letter

The cover letter template above was designed by Microsoft Office, and as comprehensive as it looks, it's completely free to download and modify.

As it looks right now, this cover letter contains about half photo, half text. Feel free to shrink (and change) the image to give yourself more room to tell your story. Of course, a nice washed-out image that expresses who you are can be part of that story ...

Template 6: Digital Creative Cover Letter

cover letter template: digital creative letter

This sixth template is perfect for the applicant who wants to emphasize the many different digital channels they areon. This template goes well with a resume of the same format.

As you personalize this letter with your own experience, make note of the social networks and industry software included in this template. You'll see there’s additional space along the top to add your LinkedIn and personal website to fill with your own information.

You can improve upon this template by formatting your most important highlights and accomplishments with bullet points. This will make the document easier to read for the hiring manager and emphasizes the value you provide.

Template 7: Marketing Manager Cover Letter

cover letter template: Marketing-specific cover letter

Our seventh cover letter comes from Monster.com. This cover letter, shown above, is focused specifically on a marketing role.

Notice how the writer includes references to important marketing metrics and terminology. If you're applying to a data-driven role, you might not want to fill the page with a story of your experience in paragraph form, like Template 1 does at the beginning of this article. Instead, consider highlighting three (or four, or five) of your successes that you believe the hiring manager would resonate most with, in bulleted form.

As a marketing professional, breaking up your letter with bulleted details like the ones above shows a respect for the hiring manager's limited time — a mentality that all marketers must understand when communicating with a brand's audience.

Template 8: Career Day Follow-Up Cover Letter

cover letter template: Career day follow-up cover letter

This is a unique kind of cover letter from Princeton University.

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed might take the lion's share of your job searches online, but still some employment opportunities come out of a trade show, job fair, or similar networking event. For those occurrences, you have the follow-up cover letter template above.

This cover letter has everything you need to help an employer recall a conversation you had with him/her at a career fair. As you can see in the second paragraph, the letter is particularly useful to people who are about to graduate college.

Template 9: Logo and Watermarked Cover Letter

cover letter template: Logo and watermarked cover letter by Microsoft Office

Here's another cover letter template from Microsoft Office. This one has a light touch of color in the design just above the letterhead, but make no mistake — the template caters to any professional looking to make a good first impression on their future employer.

Don't let the logo space on the top-right of the page confuse you. This can be the logo of the company to which you're applying — to quickly get the attention of the recruiter — or your own logo. Perhaps you freelance on the side or simply like branding yourself. This cover letter template is meant for customization.

Template 10: Data Scientist Cover Letter

cover letter template: Princeton Data Science Cover Letter

This is our second template from Princeton University. While this is focused on a data scientist role, it is an excellent template to use for students applying to jobs prior to graduation.

The text emphasizes how the applicant’s academic research and projects makes them an ideal candidate for the position. The format is also simple enough to submit as a pdf, as text in an email message or an application text box.

Template 11: Business Cover Letter

cover letter template: Business cover letter

The cover letter template above is perfect for entry- and mid-level marketers who want to show a little extra professionalism in their opening note to a potential employer.

The multi-colored header (you can change the color if you wish) shows just the right amount of creativity and can go quite well with a resume of the same style. If you don't have enough experience to fill the entire page, don't worry. Feel free to write to a length you think is representative of who you are and what the hiring manager wants to see.

No matter how long your final cover letter is, the above template is your opportunity to show your attention to detail — from your contact information in the top header, to the personalized address line where you can include the name of the hiring manager. Like we said, "to whom it may concern" is pretty outdated, anyway.

Template 12: Entry-Level Cover Letter

Entry level job cover letter

The cover letter template above, written by HubSpot, is specifically designed for entry-level applicants.

When you only have a few years experience, it's important to display how you gained your skills and what you learned from your education or internships. Additionally, it's important to mention why you want to work at the company you're applying to.

No matter your experience, the template above will help you decide what skills you want to highlight and flesh out in your cover letter.

You can download it here (it comes with four other cover letter templates , too).

Template 13: Healthcare Cover Letter

cover letter template: Healthcare cover letter

Additionally, phrases like "I'd love to put my skills to work for your clinic" and "Please contact me at your convenience and let me know how I can help you" focus on what the business will gain as a result of hiring the applicant, rather than what the applicant is looking to gain.

Template 14: Freelance Cover Letter

cover letter template: freelance cover letter

If you're looking for freelance work, your biggest goal is to get your strengths across quickly, so busy clients won't pass by your cover letter entirely. Additionally, if you're sending out multiple cover letters to different clients, you'll want to target each one to that client's unique goals.

For instance, if one client is looking for SEO-optimized content related to marketing, you'll want to highlight past experience writing marketing content; this will change if, for instance, the client is looking for fitness content.

For this reason, it's a good idea to structure your cover letter so you start with a) past credentials or references, and b) bullet-point information related to the client's goal, as shown in the cover letter above.

Template 15: Director Cover Letter

cover letter template: cover letter for director

In the cover letter above, the candidate does a good job outlining how she succeeded in a leadership role previously: "For the past five years, I have successfully developed and maintained all data systems, including schedules and records for a business employing more than 100 people."

You'll want to demonstrate how your skills align with a Director position — both through organization and leadership — and, when possible, where you received recognition for your hard work (i.e. "I earned an award for Most Valuable Administrative Staff Member").

Write a Winning Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is easier said than done. Don't hesitate to spend a lot of time writing and editing it. Tap into the incredible potential of AI tools, such as the HubSpot paragraph rewriter , to infuse each paragraph with a flawless touch of excellence. Or, ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback. If the recruiter does end up reading it, you'll be thankful you did.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

The 23 Best Cover Letter Examples: What They Got Right

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship [Examples & Template]

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

Letter of Interest Tips, Templates & Examples [A 2023 Guide]

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter

How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

How to Start a Cover Letter to Impress Employers [+ 14 Examples]

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

Eight Cover Letter Greetings for Every Situation

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

7 Expert Cover Letter Tips to Get the Job

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

  • Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

  • Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

  • Google Tag Manager
  • Infographics
  • Daily Infographics
  • Graphic Design
  • Graphs and Charts
  • Data Visualization
  • Human Resources
  • Training and Development
  • Beginner Guides

Blog Graphic Design

20+ Creative Cover Letter Template Design [2024]

By Sara McGuire , Jan 10, 2024

Venngage cover letter templates blog header

Are you looking to create a cover letter that will help your job application stand out? You’ve come to the right place.

Cover letters matter because they’re like your chance to say, “Hold up, there’s more to me than what’s on my resume!” They’re your first opportunity to show why you’re the ideal fit for the job and let your personality shine.

Ready to stand out from the job-hunting crowd? Browse and pick from Venngage’s dozens of cover letter templates that you can customize and have ready in no time!

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding infographic resumes  and other creative resume designs over the past few years. After all, creating a visually engaging resume can be an effective way to set yourself apart from other job candidates.

WATCH: Resume design tips

Keep reading for 20+ cover letter templates.

Or access our cover letter template library to see all the templates at once.

Find the right cover letter template for you (click the links below to jump ahead):

  • Why use a cover letter template?

Internship cover letter templates

Creative cover letter templates, professional cover letter templates, simple cover letter templates, free cover letter templates, how to design a cover letter, how to customize cover letter templates in venngage.

  • Cover letter writing tips from career experts

But first, before we dive into the beautiful cover letters…

Why should you use a cover letter template?

In most cases, your cover letter is an employer’s first introduction to who you are — your personality, your qualifications, and your goals. A cover letter is a way to develop your own personal brand :

cover letter template

A professional cover letter helps you seem more legitimate to employers. And it is a great document to bring with you to an interview and to publish on your portfolio site .

Why do you need a cover letter template ? Well, you should be writing a different cover letter for each job application.

So, a cover letter template will give you a framework that you can adapt for different positions, and save you time doing so.

Now, let’s take a look at different types of cover letter templates you can customize using Venngage.

Before that, if your resume design could use a little makeover, take a peek at these easy-to-use infographic resumes or creative resume templates . They’re sure to add that extra flair and make your application stand out!

Here’s a perfect example of a cover letter template you can use when applying for an internship or a co-op position:

Professional Gray Cover Letter Template

If you’re applying for your first job as a student, chances are you won’t have much hands-on work experience. In this case, you can talk about your educational qualifications as well as different skills relevant to the job that you’ve obtained from your course work.

In your cover letter, you can also explain what you bring to the table — what you think is important to the job and will make you stand out from other candidates. Take this template as an example:

internship cover letter template

If you don’t have concrete numbers to back up your work experience, you can talk about what you value and learn from previous experience — as well as what your soft skills are and how they’ll help you in the job you’re applying for. 

Add a custom header that illustrates your personal brand

What impression do you want to make on readers of your cover letter? Do you want them to think you’re inventive and take risks? Do you want them to think you’re competent and reliable?

This header uses bright colors and icons to make Sophie seem creative and personable:

cover letter template

Design Pro Tip: Use our icon replace tool to quickly replace any icon in our templates. Click any template here to sign up for free and enter the editor. Then, click an icon to replace it with one of the thousands of icons in our library.

Similar to how you can use an image as a border, you can also create an image header.

When picking an image for your header, look for an image that isn’t too busy. Too much going on will distract from your header text — and the text is the most important part!

For example, this cover letter template uses a tranquil lake scene in the header to show off the applicant’s photography skills:

Creative Photography Cover Letter Template

Or skip the image and separate your header text with a simple line:

cover letter template

Using a bold header is one way to make your job application stand out, so you don’t hear those dreaded words: “we’ll just keep your resume on file .”

You can also use our customizable  letterhead  templates to create unique headers.

Use icons to illustrate information like your experience, skills, or passions

Icons are simplified vector graphics used to represent concepts. They’re perfect for adding a bit of creativity to your cover letter design.

cover letter template

You can use icons in a number of ways to enhance your design, including:

  • Drawing attention to section headers
  • Creating your own custom logo or illustrations
  • Emphasizing key points like your contact information
  • Replacing bullet points in lists
“Using bullets points where applicable also help to make it a smooth read.”

– Brandon Thompson, Recruitment and Hiring Manager at  1-800-Got-Junk?

In this cover letter template, icons are used in the header to add a bit of color and illustrate the applicant’s experience:

Simple Creative Cover Letter Template

Add an atypical border for a modern cover letter design

cover letter template

Generally speaking, it’s good to play it safe with your cover letter design. That being said, there are small design choices you can make that will have a big impact on your cover letter’s personality.

For example, you can use borders in unusual ways. A simple border used in a surprising way can make your cover letter design more interesting.

For example, instead of using a border around the edges of your page, you could use a border around one section, like the header. Take a look at how this cover letter template uses a strip of purple along the spinal column and crosses it with a border around the header:

Modern Graphic Design Cover Letter Template

Use a column layout to divide your cover letter into sections

cover letter template

Typically, when you write a cover letter, you will include your contact information in the header or footer. But a visual cover letter offers you the opportunity to use a different page layout.

For example, you could put your contact information in a spinal column at the side of the page. To do this, simply divide your page into columns:

Cover Letter Templates

Take a look at how columns are used in the page layout for this cover letter template:

cover letter template

Include a personal logo to make your cover letter more memorable

For example, this cover letter template uses a logo created by putting the applicant’s initial inside a triangle. Simple and sleek:

Modern Marketing Cover Letter Template

Creating your own logo might seem like a big task. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Your logo design could be as simple as a writing your name in a specific brand font , or combining your initial with an icon or shape.

Take some time to draft a few mock ups of your logo. What shapes and font style reflect your personality? Which designs are the most eye-catching and easy to use in other places?

You could use a logo in place of the headshot in this template. Or simply, include your photo:

cover letter template

Design Pro Tip : Use our photo replace feature to quickly add your own headshot to your cover letter. The Venngage online drag and drop editor lets you quickly upload your photo and drag it over the existing headshot. The tool will replace and resize for you.

cover letter template

Give your cover letter template a decorative border

This cover letter template uses an image of a map for the border. This could represent the applicant’s career path, their sense of adventure, or the places their experiences have taken them:

Professional Business Cover Letter Template

Design Pro Tip : Create a border using an image in Venngage’s online editor by placing a rectangle over the background image. If you would like your border to be see-through, simply adjust the opacity of the rectangle.

Cover Letter Templates

A border is a simple way to add some creativity to your cover letter, while still maintaining a more traditional design.

An easy and eye-catching approach is to use a background image for your border. Look for an image that reflects your skills, your hobbies or passions, or the industry you’re in or applying for. The meaning of the image can be literal or symbolic — that’s up to you!

Or instead of a border, try adding a footer or sidebar with an image, or in a solid color like this template:

cover letter template

Use up to three different font styles (but no more than that!)

This cover letter template uses an elegant font for the headers and a sans serif font for the body copy (for readability):

cover letter template

Here’s a design rule of thumb: use no more than three different font types in one design. If you use too many different fonts , your design can look cluttered.

Generally, it’s best to stick to:

  • One font for headers
  • One font for sub-headers
  • One font for body text

For example, this cover letter template uses only two fonts: Poppins for the header and sub-headers, and Merriweather for the body text. By bolding certain headers and using a different brand color for other, the design has variation while still being cohesive:

Simple Cover Letter Template

Highlight your contact information using a bold footer

While a bright, bold header will help grab the attention of readers, a footer will help make sure your cover letter ends on an impressive note. A bold footer can also help highlight key information–like your contact information and availability.

Take a look at how the footer in this cover letter template mirrors the color in the header, while also emphasizing the applicant’s contact information:

Blue Entry Level Cover Letter Template

Round out your cover letter design with an image

Look at how seamlessly the image at the bottom of this cover letter is incorporated into the design:

Modern Design Cover Letter Template 1

An image can add that final touch to your cover letter design. You can use an image to fill up empty space and to reinforce themes in your cover letter.

If you want to show off your creative chops, you could include a photo you’ve taken yourself, or a custom illustration. But when in doubt, you could incorporate a stock photo –as long as it isn’t too cheesy.

No matter what the image is, it’s important that you integrate it cohesively into your page design. That could mean using an image frame  to give your image a unique border shape, or using an image with a transparent background.

Add your signature to your cover letter template

Take a look at how this cover letter template incorporates a signature in the footer:

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Template

At this point, you may have noticed something that a lot of these cover letters have in common: they include a signature.

While including a signature isn’t a requirement, it can add another personal touch to your cover letter. Personal design touches will help your cover letter be more memorable.

  • Header and contact information: At the top of your cover letter, include your name, address, phone number and email, as well as the date of your application.
  • Salutation: Begin the letter by addressing the hiring manager by their name if it’s available or use a generic “Dear Hiring Manager” if you don’t know their name.
  • Content: Start with an engaging opening paragraph that clearly mentions the job you’re applying for and how you found out about it. In the following paragraphs, concisely explain why you are a strong candidate for the position, focusing on your skills, qualifications and specific achievements that align with the job requirements. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company throughout the content.
  • Closing: In the closing paragraph, express your eagerness for an interview and thank the recipient for considering your application. Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
  • Proofreading and formatting: Before finalizing, carefully proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. Maintain a clean, professional font and consistent formatting throughout the letter while keeping it to one page in length.
  • Select a cover letter template from this post or from our templates library . You’ll be prompted to create a free account. Some of our templates are free, some require a small fee to use.
  • You’ll enter Venngage’s drag and drop online editor. No design knowledge needed!
  • Add your own text, including a header, description, body text and your contact information.
  • Customize the color scheme , fonts , icons and images to fit your personal brand.
  • Save your customized cover letter as a template for future job applications.
  • Email or share a link to your cover letter within the editor.
  • Upgrade to download your cover letter as a PDF.

cover letter template

Make sure your job application stands out. Keep reading for essential cover letter design tips…

Expert tips for writing your cover letter

While good design will help grab the attention of readers, your text is what will actually sell them on your qualifications.

Before we delve into the expert tips, here are some general tips on how to write the best cover letter for your dream job. Make sure you always provide the reader — in this case, the recruiter, hiring manager or department manager — with context. Did you meet the recruiter at a job fair? Or, did you come across a message from them on a job portal?

If you have already met the recruiter in person at an event, the cover letter serves as a way to get back in touch while also communicating your interest in the position you are applying for.

You may also refer to something that stood out in your previous conversation so that the recruiter can refresh their memory and take a personal interest in your application.

Now, onto the tips from the career experts. Here’s what they had to say on cover letter writing:

Keep your text concise

“Keep your cover letter concise, easy to skim and be sure to connect the dots as to why you meet the important qualifications.”

– Hannah Morgan, Job Search Strategist at CareerSherpa

Cover Letter Templates & Tips1

Customize your cover letter for each company you apply to

“CUSTOMIZE YOUR LETTER TO THE COMPANY YOU’RE SENDING IT TO. Don’t just provide a list of your skills, or a few flattering paragraphs about your background. Tie your story to what the company cares about! If you’re not sure what the company cares about, go to their website. Read their About Us page. Try to figure out what they value (this is not hard – a lot of companies share their core values somewhere on their site). Pick which of those core values resonate most with you. Then, tailor your letter to those values. That is: how have you demonstrated that value in your career so far? How would your experience / skill set contribute to that value if you were to work at this company?”

– Claire Suellentrop, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing at Userlist.io

“Always personalize your cover letter. Explain what you have to offer and how exactly that connects with the vision/goals of the company.”

P.S: Not customizing your cover letter for each job application is probably the biggest cover letter mistake you can make as an applicant!

Cover Letter Templates & Tips2

Focus on communicating your career goals

“Spend more time explaining your goals/direction and your plan rather than listing off things like ‘good at multitasking and team work’. What is your focus and why do you want the role?”

– Emily Brown, Hiring Manager at Ledcor

Cover Letter Templates & Tips3

Use creative copywriting techniques

“When hiring marketers, I look for creativity and powerful copywriting. Empathy…understand the role your prospective employer is hiring for and what good and bad (very important to have why you might not fit) ways you fit in.”

– Derric Haynie, CEO of Vulpine Interactive

Cover Letter Templates & Tips4

Show you know a lot about the company you’re applying for

“Find a way to stand out and find a way to speak to the first person who will be reading your resume, either that’s a recruiter, HR manager or hiring manager. If you know who you’re writing the cover letter for, talk about why you are actually excited to work for that company. Talk more about the company than you do about yourself, and tie in a few reasons why you’e the right fit for the role. Reference recent news articles about the company, show that you’ve done your research, whatever you need to do to stand out beyond the copy and paste approach that everyone else is using. The information is available.”

– Martin Hauck, Head of Talent at  Coinsquare

Cover Letter Templates & Tips5

Optimize your cover letter design for print

You probably already have a few ideas for creative cover letters buzzing around in your head. But before you race off to start your design, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.

If you’re planning on bringing your cover letter to an interview, make sure that your design will look as impressive in print as it does on screen.

Design your cover letter for standard letter paper

Make sure that the size dimensions of your cover letter template fit standard printer paper. Standard letter paper is 8.5 x 11 inches.

Export your cover letter in a high resolution

You don’t want your cover letter to print out blurry. In general, it’s a good idea to export your cover letter in 300 dpi resolution.

Venngage allows you to download your design in HD PNG or PDF formats. You can also check out this guide to learn how to edit PDFs .

Set bleed marks for your printer

If you want to get your cover letter printed professional, you may want to set bleed marks in your design. “Bleed” is the area around the outside of your cover letter that will be chopped off after printing.

If your cover letter design has a solid background color, or colors and images that touch the edge of the page, you should set bleed marks to indicate where the edge of the page is.

bleed marks

Now that you’re equipped with these cover letter design tips, it’s time to make your own!

More design guides to power your career growth: 20+ Infographic Resume Templates and Design Tips to Help You Land That Job

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.
  • Career Planning
  • Finding a Job
  • Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

design of application letter

What is an Application Letter?

What to include in your application letter, tips for writing a cover letter, cover letter sample and template, email cover letter sample.

  • How to Send an Email Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance

What's the best way to write a letter to apply for a job? Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer. What’s most important is to show the employer that you’re a perfect match for the job.

Your job application letter is an opportunity to highlight your most relevant qualifications and experience. An effective cover letter will enhance your application, showcase your achievements, and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Review what to include in a job application letter, tips for writing a letter that will get your application notice, and examples of letters and email messages sent to apply for a job.

Key Takeaways

  • An application letter accompanies a resume and may be uploaded to a job portal, sent via email, or even sent by postal mail, depending on the employer’s requirements.
  • Application letters are an ideal way to show your interest in a job and highlight your most relevant skills.
  • It’s important to match your letter to the job description and show the employer that you have the qualifications they are seeking.

A   letter of application, also known as a  cover letter , is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about your skills and experience to an employer. Your letter of application is intended to provide detailed information on why you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, what makes you a strong candidate, why they should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Effective application letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify the most relevant skills that qualify you for the job.

Your application letter should let the employer know what position you are applying for, explain your qualifications for the job, why you should be selected for an interview, and how you will follow up.

Unless an employer specifically requests a job application letter sent by postal mail, today most cover letters are sent by email or attached as a file in an online application tracking system.

As with all cover letters, a job application letter is divided into sections:

  • The heading includes your name and contact information.
  • A  greeting  addressed to a specific person, if possible.
  • The introduction includes why the applicant is writing.
  • The body discusses your relevant qualifications and what you have to offer the employer.
  • The close thanks the reader and provides contact information and follow-up details.
  • Your  signature to end the letter .

Here’s how to ensure that your application supports your resume, highlights your most relevant qualifications, and impresses the hiring manager.

Get off to a direct start.  In your first paragraph, explain why you are writing. Mention the job title and company name, and where you found the job listing. While you can also briefly mention why you are a strong candidate, this section should be short and to the point.

Offer something different than what's in your resume. You can make your language a bit more personal than in your resume bullet points, and you can tell a narrative about your work experience and career.

Application letters typically accompany resumes, so your letter should showcase information that your resume doesn't.

Make a good case.  Your first goal with this letter is to progress to the next step: an interview. Your overarching goal, of course, is to get a job offer. Use your application letter to further both causes. Offer details about your experience and background that show why you are a good candidate. How have other jobs prepared you for the position? What would you bring to the position, and to the company? Use this space to  emphasize your strengths .

Close with all the important details.  Include a thank you at the end of your letter. You can also share your contact information and mention how you will follow up.

This is a sample cover letter.  Download the cover letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for an email sample.

The Balance

John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@email.com

September 6, 2022

George Gilhooley LTC Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Gilhooley,

I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I enclose my certification, resume, and references.

The role is very appealing to me, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education make me a highly competitive candidate for this position. My key strengths that would support my success in this position include:

  • I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live-use applications.
  • I strive continually for excellence.
  • I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers.

With a BS degree in computer programming, I have a comprehensive understanding of the full lifecycle of software development projects. I also have experience in learning and applying new technologies as appropriate. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@email.com or by phone at 909-555-5555.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

John Donaldson

The following is a sample email cover letter to send as part of a job application.

Email Application Letter Example

Subject: Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on Monster.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused, health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of this sector, and I am confident that my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities have included the development and management of website editorial voice and style, editorial calendars, and the daily content programming and production for various websites.

I have worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. I have also helped physicians to use their medical content to write user-friendly and easily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments in an organization. I have the ability to work within a team, as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements. 

I am confident working with development departments to implement design and functional enhancements, monitor site statistics, and conduct search engine optimization.

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Warren colleen.warren@email.com 555-123-1234 www.linked.com/colleenwarren

How to Send an Email Application Letter

If sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title you are applying for in the  subject line  of the email:

Colleen Warren - Web Content Manager Position

Include your contact information in your email signature but don't list the employer's contact information.

Do you have to write a cover letter when you apply for a job?

Some employers require cover letters. If they do, it will be mentioned in the job posting. Otherwise, it’s optional but it can help your chances of securing an interview. A cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer, showcase your qualifications, and explain why you are a perfect candidate for the job.

How can you use a cover letter to show you’re a qualified candidate?

One of the easiest ways to show an employer how you’re qualified for a job is to make a list of the requirements listed in the job posting and match them to your resume. Mention your most relevant qualifications in your cover letter, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, that you have the credentials they are looking for.

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter ?"

CareerOneStop. “ Effective Cover Letters .”

design of application letter

Build my resume

design of application letter

  • Resume builder
  • Build a better resume in minutes
  • Resume examples
  • 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
  • Resume templates
  • 184 free templates for all levels
  • Cover letters
  • Cover letter generator
  • It's like magic, we promise
  • Cover letter examples
  • Free downloads in Word & Docs

5 Graphic Designer Cover Letter Samples & Guide in 2024

Stephen Greet

  • Graphic Designer (GD) CL
  • GD Specialist
  • Freelance GD
  • GD No Experience
  • Write Your GD CL

As a graphic designer, you know the importance of creating content that conveys the right message without sacrificing aesthetics. It’s why you choose every element meticulously, though users may never realize the effort you pour into every design. 

Long hours you spend on writing briefs, sketching concepts, and preparing presentations for clients, means you have less time for creating a  graphic designer resume . As much as you want your portfolio to be reason enough to hire you, you’ll also have to create a cover letter that’s equally stunning. 

Don’t despair—we’ll guide you through the application process, starting with five graphic designer cover letter examples. Use our tips and AI cover letter generator to make a cover letter , and even find a resume template to match.

design of application letter

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example 

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Graphic designer cover letter template

Why this cover letter works

  • Find a value you and the company share. Whether it’s creating fun art that helps social justice causes or using designs to further company engagement, mentioning how you share an employer’s ideals is a winning strategy.
  • Not all jobs will require more than your resume and portfolio, but you should always read the  graphic designer job description  thoroughly to confirm. Government organizations will require some form of security clearance even if you don’t work in a high-risk area, so take care to provide all necessary documentation.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Graphic Design Specialist Cover Letter Example

design of application letter

  • Use strong words to convey what you’ve done and how you plan to help your future employer. It might take a few tries, so don’t be afraid of rewrites.
  • Marguerite focuses on a large-scale skill (partnership/management) and a targeted set of skills (photography/videography). In doing so, she shows her capability on both a large and small scale while also demonstrating her dedication to all projects.
  • You don’t always have to include the biggest components of the job ad; sometimes, targeting a preferred qualification can give you an edge. 

Freelance Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

Freelance graphic designer cover letter template

  • Did you increase the social media engagement for your most recent client via eye-catching designs? Or do you recount when your visually appealing infographics improved a client’s website traffic by, say, 23%? Whatever your quantified wins, don’t hesitate to highlight them in your freelance graphic designer cover letter.

Graphic Designer No Experience Cover Letter Example

design of application letter

  • See how Aaron recounts in example his deep dive into the potential employer’s publications. If possible, narrate your experience with the company’s proprietary tool. Either way, it highlights your familiarity with the company, signaling a potential solid fit.

Senior Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

Senior graphic designer cover letter template

  • Build a bridge as soon as possible. Maybe you’ve used the company’s products, or maybe you’ve always loved its creative approach to design, or like Rory, you may share similar values.
  • If you can, find numbers relating to sales, marketing, or customer service. Choose metrics that apply to the position you’re seeking, and make sure they align with your future employer’s goals. 

Edit a matching graphic designer resume

Making your resume  gets a whole lot easier when the  resume format  and template are already done for you. There’s no reason in the world that both your graphic designer cover letter and resume can’t shine! You can start editing this resume and be on your way. 

Graphic Designer Resume

Need a resume to pair with your graphic designer cover letter?

or download as PDF

Senior graphic designer cover letter example with 4+ years of experience

3 Tips for Writing a Stellar Graphic Designer Cover Letter

two woman sharing tips and conversation on how to create a graphic design cover letter

Writing an outstanding graphic designer cover letter isn’t unlike designing content for your clients; stay true to your purpose, include the right details, and hit the right tone. Follow our guide to craft a stunning graphic designer cover letter one step at a time.

design of application letter

Step 1: Understand the organization and its needs

Every design you make has a message and purpose. Your cover letter also has a message and purpose—to explain why you’re the best fit for the role and to land a job. 

Proving you’re the best fit includes demonstrating you understand your employer’s mission, vision, and values. To do that, research is required. Analyze the  graphic designer job listing  for company information, and look up the company’s website to study its history and recent news.

If you’re struggling to understand what the company wants, try framing its values as questions: a company’s promise to “promote clients by creating custom marketing materials” becomes “can  you  promote clients by creating custom marketing materials?” Do this to any requirements or statements in the job listing you’re uncertain about, and weave your answers into your cover letter. 

design of application letter

Step 2: Get detailed about a couple of successes

No one likes a copycat, so your graphic designer cover letter can’t simply be another version of your resume. Just like your portfolio, your cover letter and resume should be separate entities that show off a variety of your talents. 

Even though your resume and your cover letter can include the same experiences, each one achieves different goals. Think of your  graphic design resume  as a series of snapshots, capturing some of your best career moments. On the flip side, your cover letter is a home video that shows individual moments in great detail, creating a profound story.

Still stuck? Take a closer look at this sample from one of our graphic designer cover letters to spark some ideas.

Currently, as the marketing and graphic design specialist at George Mason University, I design print and electronic marketing products to boost brand awareness and engagement. However, I recognized a need for more personal content, so I turned to photography and videography. My “Life at George Mason University” video series had a 3-percent conversion rate, and by the end of 2021, I had more than doubled our followers on Instagram and Twitter, resulting in an 11-percent rise in prospective student applications.

This example stays focused on one goal or talent (photography/videography). Although the candidate could have just focused on responsibilities, they focus instead on  how  their efforts helped the company.

design of application letter

Step 3: Win with your tone & message

Now, it’s time to breathe life into your graphic designer cover letter; it shouldn’t read like a book report. Instead, it should draw the reader in, enticing them to learn more.

To accomplish that, you need to have a professional tone. This is no casual conversation (save your LOLs and TTYLs for your best buds), but nor should you be archaically formal. Choose active verbs and strong nouns that are vibrant but appropriate in a business setting.

Professionalism alone, however, won’t engage readers. Once you’ve nailed the professional part, try to make your content read like a narrative. It doesn’t need to be poetry, but it should encourage the reader to linger. Entwine your purpose, your message, and the company’s story into a cohesive unit that sounds engaging and interesting.

Once you’ve nailed the professional part, try to make your content read like a narrative.

After you’ve completed your cover letter, condense it to a page. Then, it’s back to the drawing board for one last step: revision. Just as no design is perfect from the first sketch, no cover letter is complete without editing. Ask some colleagues to review it so they can catch minor errors you may have missed.

Then, all you need to do is hit submit and start dreaming of your future!

The Handy Outline for Your Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Screen showing outline of layout for graphic designer cover letter placed on a table desk

Writing anything from scratch is difficult, but it’s even more challenging when there’s a job at stake. But with a good structure to follow, you can breathe easy as our outline will help you choose what to include and how to include it, so you can worry less and write better.

design of application letter

How to start a graphic designer cover letter

Your contact info:  Don’t make finding your contact information difficult. Assuming you’re using a template, fill in your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your graphic designer cover letter. Also, include your LinkedIn profile if you have room since many employers require it.

Date:  It’s a huge help to employers (just think of all the cover letters they have to sort through). Plus, a date can help you keep track of when you applied for the job. So, jot down the date after the address. 

Inside address:  Include the company’s address even if you’re not sending your letter via post. This inclusion, known as the inside address, immediately informs the employer you’ve researched their company and you’ve tailored your cover letter accordingly. 

Can’t find an address? Start by scanning their job description, application, and website. If there’s nothing there, try a quick Google search or look at LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Facebook. One of those options should yield a usable address, or at the very least, a city and state. 

Christopher Nichols Human Resources Director, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh 10 Children’s Way Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Greeting:  Every word in your cover letter must have significance, including the greeting (also known as the salutation). But don’t sweat it too much—stick to the tried-and-true “Dear Ms./Mr. Lastname:” to make a good impression.

Many cover letters skip the name, but a personalized greeting gets the reader’s attention and makes them feel valued. We all like to be addressed by name, so do your utmost to address the hiring manager specifically. Start looking at the job description and company website before venturing into Google, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. 

If you still can’t find anything, either address the head professional (such as the Human Resources Director), or the entire graphic design team (“Dear Graphic Design Team”). 

design of application letter

How to write your graphic designer cover letter

Body:  The body of your graphic designer cover letter should be only three to four paragraphs long, leaving room for white space between. Each paragraph needs to convey your interest, unique qualifications, and enthusiasm for future contact. 

Opening paragraph:  An excellent design catches and holds someone’s attention, and your opening paragraph should do likewise. A boring start can be the difference between getting in or getting tossed in the bin. The key to a great opener is quality, not shock factor, unlike this opening paragraph: 

WOW! That’s exactly what you’re going to think when you see my work. As a graphic designer with 3 years of experience, I’ve done it all, from brochures, ads, social media posts, logos, and far more. I love making clients say, “You’re the best!” and creating content that stuns, amazes, and excites.

This is spot-on if you want to sound like a bad car salesperson, but it’ll turn employers away with its over-eager tone, lack of relevant details, and too-casual manner. Your cover letter opener should be professional and polite while providing evidence you’re the right fit for the job, such as this example:

Based on your numerous awards, the Geronimo Hospitality group has a solid reputation in the hospitality industry. Moreover, you’ve created a memorable customer experience at all your locations, which is always my goal as a graphic designer. I’m ready to use my 4 years of design and management experience to help you continue to attract the best customers and generate more revenue.

Immediately, the employer can tell the candidate knows about the company, they share a common goal, and they have experience.

Paragraphs 2-3:  Each paragraph needs to back your opening statements, but don’t fall into the trap of waxing poetic about your work. You have a limited amount of space and time to catch their attention. 

Instead, focus each paragraph on one accomplishment, requirement, or credential. This will allow you room to elaborate, and it narrows your options, making your cover letter more of a highlight reel than a biography (which your employer will thank you for). 

Each paragraph should be a mini-story unto itself, giving an example of how you have met your previous company’s needs and should thus inspire this company to hire you. It’s more than doable to offer up your experience without being dull or overwhelming: 

Earlier, as the lead designer with HyPier Haunts, I helped their growing brand with a high level of variety and creativity for independent and large-scale products. There, I created numerous projects, including several photography essays, a complete branding revamp on all merchandise, and multiple advertising and social media campaigns, including several video series. By the time I left, I had boosted the cost revenue ratio to 60 percent, increased social media engagement by 23 percent, and increased the number of new customers by 17 percent.

This gives context for the position and establishes the requirements expected of the candidate. Moreover, the candidate explains in detail how they met those requirements and created positive change.

Although writing these paragraphs can be intimidating, don’t worry about perfection the first time. Just like your sketches, all you need to do is start; revise them later as needed.

Closing paragraph:  Many cover letters end with a hasty and vague close because the candidate feels there’s nothing left to say. Thus, employers read many boring closing paragraphs like this: 

I have experience in graphic design and am passionate about creating art with a purpose. I know I can do good work for you if you will let me. Thank you for reading my cover letter, and please consider me for this position.

Nothing in this paragraph says anything significant about you or the company; instead, it could be from any number of candidates, and it comes off as both desperate and uninspired. Remember this is your chance to solidify your attributes before they review your portfolio and resume, so don’t waste it.

Trust us when we say that closers don’t have to be difficult. Instead, briefly sum up how your goals and experience will help the company’s mission. Then, end with a call to action regarding further contact. This example resolves the conversation politely but enthusiastically with a strong call to action: 

Everywhere I have worked, I have aimed to initiate positive change through successful, encouraging designs and innovative leadership. As your senior graphic designer, I will lead projects that will further your brand and meet your marketing goals. I look forward to meeting and discussing more with you about how my experience can be part of creating tech-inspired financial solutions that are easy, empowering, and flexible.

Signature:  End on a good note with a professional “thank you” if you haven’t already said so in the closing paragraph. Then use a polite closing statement with your real name (no nicknames). 

Marguerite Justine

Enclosure(s):  This section is often forgotten, but it’s vital for graphic designers since it lists all the documents you’re sending to your employer. This includes your resume, the job application, and your portfolio among other things (check the job ad for any additional requirements). It reminds employers that more follows while also giving them a de facto checklist to ensure you’ve followed instructions.

Enclosures: Resume Application Official transcript Portfolio

design of application letter

Cover letter format for a graphic designer

As a graphic designer, you may be really excited about using one of our cover letter templates above; however, if you’re looking for a basic business letter, you can use this template for your graphic design cover letter. 

If you decide a business-style letter is for you, we’ll drop some formatting tips below this template.

Graphic Design Cover Letter

Graphic design cover letter business letter format

Cover letter formatting tips for a graphic designer

  • Leave your name out of your address (save it for the signature instead). 
  • Write out the full date with the month, day, and year, eg. January 5, 2023.
  • Each part of the address should be on a new line and double-spaced between the inside address and greeting.
  • If the company you’re applying at is more casual and artsy, you can get away with a comma after the greeting.
  • Single-space your cover letter throughout but double-space between paragraphs. 
  • If you’re presenting hard copies of your graphic designer cover letter, quadruple space to allow room for your signature in blue/black ink. 
  • Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on how many things you’re enclosing. (Don’t forget to enclose your design portfolio!)

Is Your Graphic Designer Resume Just as Awesome?

Woman finishing layout for data scientist resume

Congratulations, you’re done with your cover letter! But that doesn’t mean you’re done quite yet. Along with finishing your portfolio, job application, and cover letter, you need to submit a resume. 

It may be tempting just to submit any old resume since you’re applying for multiple graphic designer jobs that likely have similar requirements. But even if the  job skills  and roles are similar, that doesn’t mean you should hand in whatever you have on hand.

Like a generic cover letter, a generic resume won’t win you any points with future employers. Every document you submit needs to be tailored, updated, and polished so you can make a positive impact before you meet your employer face to face. 

But you’re not alone. Our  resume builder  features unique AI-powered advice to help create your graphic designer resume from a template like this one—by the way, you can edit this one right now if you like. 

Graphic Design Specialist Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

Graphic Design Specialist Resume Template

Or, you can upload your current resume to see what improvements you can make as you take inspiration from our free  graphic designer resume examples .

No matter what you need, let BeamJobs give you a helping hand so you can design a bright future!

We strongly recommend that you dig deep and try your best to find it. Attention to detail is crucial in graphic design, so going the extra mile will convey to the employer that you care and will go out of your way to make an impression. Check LinkedIn, the company website, and the job description carefully. However, if you really can’t find the name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company] Team.”

You can use this to your advantage and highlight your fresh look at the industry instead. Talk about your career goals, transferable skills (such as knowing how to communicate with stakeholders), and your love of design. Include a portfolio to underscore your skills.

As a graphic designer, you will likely work with a group of creatives in a rather dynamic workplace. This often gives you some leeway, but let the job description be your guide, as well as the company mission—if it’s all serious business, follow its lead. If the company sounds casual, you can adjust your tone to match, but always keep it a little more professional; if you’re not sure whether something is okay to say, it’s best to skip it.

Create my free resume now

Career Sidekick

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

By Ammar Ahmed

Published: January 22, 2024

Cover Letters

Ammar Ahmed

Ammar Ahmed

Writer & Career Coach

Ready to design the perfect Graphic Designer cover letter? This guide is your creative toolkit, filled with tips and tricks to help you sketch out a cover letter that will make potential employers stop and stare, ensuring you’re not just another application in the pile, but the one they remember.  

Creating a Winning Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Every application you send out shouldn’t just be a repetition of previous ones. Tailoring each cover letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for can dramatically increase your chances of standing out. Here are the vital steps you should consider when crafting your Graphic Designer cover letter.

Researching the Company and Position

Before diving into writing, it’s paramount to do your homework about the company and the specific Graphic Designer role they’re hiring for. Companies appreciate applicants who’ve taken the time to understand their mission and values. By aligning your cover letter with these, you not only showcase your dedication but also highlight your potential fit within their team.

  • Aligning with Company Values and Goals: This goes beyond a cursory glance at their mission statement. Dive deep into the company’s portfolio, campaigns, and any significant milestones. Understand their design ethos. Do they favor minimalist designs or vibrant graphics? By showing that you’re in tune with their core values, you cement your position as a potential asset.
  • Understanding the Specific Graphic Designer Role: Are they seeking a UI/UX designer, an illustrator, or perhaps a brand strategist? By tailoring your cover letter to the precise role, you underline your expertise in that domain, setting you apart from general applicants. Highlight relevant projects or achievements that make you the best fit for the role.

Structuring Your Cover Letter

While content is the heart of your Graphic Designer cover letter, structure is its backbone. A well-structured cover letter ensures that your key points are effectively communicated, making it easy for hiring managers to spot your potential.

Let’s break down the key components of writing a job-winning cover letter and how you can tailor them for a graphic design position.

  • Heading and Salutation: Start with your contact information at the top: name, address, phone number, and professional email. If you have an online portfolio, this is a great place to include the link. Directly beneath, address the hiring manager by name if possible. A quick LinkedIn search can help with this. 
  • Opening Paragraph – Grabbing Attention: This is your elevator pitch . Instead of the standard “I’m applying for X position”, delve into a brief story or achievement that encapsulates your passion for graphic design. Perhaps it’s the moment you realized the power of design in storytelling or a significant design award you received.
  • Middle Paragraph(s) – Showcasing Your Skills and Experience: This is where you highlight your relevant experiences. As a Graphic Designer, it’s essential to mention specific projects you’ve worked on, design tools you excel in, or brands you’ve elevated with your designs. Use quantifiable metrics if possible. For instance, “Revamped a client’s website leading to a 20% increase in user engagement.”
  • Closing Paragraph – Expressing Enthusiasm and Call to Action : Reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Highlight how your design philosophy aligns with theirs. End with a proactive statement, like “I’d love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your upcoming design projects” or “I’m eager to showcase how my design skills can further your brand’s vision.”
  • Signature and Contact Information: Sign off professionally with “Sincerely” or “Best regards”, followed by your name. Beneath that, include your phone number and email again for easy reference. As a Graphic Designer, it’s a good touch to ensure this section, especially your name, is in a font or style that is reflective of your design sensibilities without being overly ornate. Remember, simplicity often speaks volumes.

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

For Graphic Designers, it’s not just about stating your skills—it’s about narrating the story of how those skills have been put to work and have delivered results.

Here’s a closer look at how to highlight some essential skills and experiences uniquely tailored to the graphic design profession:

  • Creativity & Ideation: At the heart of every graphic design project lies creativity. Mention specific instances where your original ideas transformed a project. Maybe you conceptualized a brand’s logo that’s now recognizable everywhere or devised an innovative design strategy that steered a campaign’s success. Showcase how your ideation process sets you apart from the crowd.
  • Graphic Design: While this seems obvious for the profession, delving into specifics is key. Did you specialize in typography, layouts, or branding? Talk about design projects you’ve led or contributed to and the impact they made. For instance, “I spearheaded the rebranding of XYZ company, which led to a 30% increase in their brand visibility.”
  • Communication: As a Graphic Designer, you’re often the bridge between a client’s vision and the final product. Highlight moments where your communication skills ensured that the client’s requirements were met and translated into design. Maybe you’ve facilitated workshops or led client meetings to align visions, or perhaps you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring every stakeholder’s input was visually represented.
  • Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Most design jobs will expect proficiency in tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. But instead of just stating you know them, delve deeper. Discuss a challenging project where your expertise in these tools was vital. For example, “Utilizing advanced features in Illustrator, I was able to craft intricate design elements for a client’s product packaging, which received industry acclaim.”

Remember, every skill or experience you highlight should have a story or a tangible result attached. It paints a picture not just of what you can do, but of what you’ve achieved and can bring to the table.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter

In the realm of graphic design, where uniqueness and creativity are treasured, sending a generic cover letter can quickly lead to missed opportunities. Tailoring your cover letter for each application can give you a distinct edge over the competition.

Let’s dive into how you can effectively customize your letter for that dream graphic design position:

  • Addressing the Hiring Manager: Personalization starts right at the greeting. Instead of a generic “To whom it may concern,” do a little research. Look up the company on LinkedIn or their website to find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the design department. Addressing them directly, such as “Dear Ms. Thompson,” immediately establishes a personal connection and shows your keen interest in the role.
  • Matching Job Description Keywords: Employers often look for specific keywords that align with their needs. When tailoring your cover letter, integrate terms and phrases used in the job description. For a Graphic Designer role, some keywords might include “UX/UI design,” “branding,” “vector illustration,” “multimedia campaigns,” or “digital design solutions.” If the job description mentions a need for someone skilled in “responsive web design,” and you have that experience, ensure it’s prominently featured in your letter.
  • Demonstrating Cultural Fit: Companies don’t just hire skills; they hire individuals who’ll thrive in their environment. Research the company’s culture—be it through their social media , website, or company reviews. Are they innovative and fast-paced, or do they value a methodical, detail-oriented approach? Maybe they have a strong focus on community service or prioritize sustainability in their projects. Mention past experiences or values that resonate with the company’s culture, like working on eco-friendly design projects or participating in collaborative design-a-thons.

Remember, a tailored cover letter isn’t about fitting what you think the company wants. It’s about genuinely showcasing how your unique skills, experiences, and values align with their needs and culture. This authenticity will make your application shine amidst a sea of generic submissions.

Providing Evidence of Your Accomplishments

In the world of graphic design, the adage “show, don’t tell” couldn’t be more relevant. While it’s essential to list your skills and experiences, it’s equally important to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments. Demonstrating your successes with tangible examples not only lends credibility to your claims but also paints a vivid picture of what you can bring to a new role.

  • Quantifiable Achievements: Numbers have a unique way of catching attention and validating your contributions. As a Graphic Designer, here are some ways you can quantify your impact:

“Redesigned a client’s website, leading to a 40% increase in user engagement within the first month.” OR “Collaborated on a marketing campaign that saw a 25% rise in product sales, largely attributed to the graphic elements I introduced.” OR “Led a team that reduced design production times by 15% through the implementation of new software tools.”

  • Relevant Projects and Outcomes: Specific projects provide a narrative to your experiences and the value you offer. For a Graphic Designer, it’s all about the visual impact and the story behind the design:

“Conceptualized and executed the branding for XYZ Startup, which has since become a recognizable logo in the tech industry.” OR “Managed the graphic elements of a national advertising campaign for ABC Company, which was nominated for a design award.” OR “Curated the visuals for a major exhibition at the DEF Museum, attracting over 10,000 visitors in its opening week.”

When detailing your accomplishments, focus on the impact and the problem-solving aspect of your work. Employers want to see not just what you did, but how you made a difference and the results that stemmed from your efforts. By providing tangible evidence, you give potential employers a glimpse into your potential contributions to their team.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Navigating the path to a stellar Graphic Designer Cover Letter involves not only emphasizing your strengths but also steering clear of pitfalls that can detract from your application.

Here are some common mistakes Graphic Designers make in their cover letters and how you can prudently sidestep them:

  • Generic and lengthy cover letters: While it’s tempting to have a one-size-fits-all letter, hiring managers can spot these a mile away. Tailor your letter to each company and position. And remember, in the fast-paced world of design, brevity is your friend. A concise, impactful letter often leaves a stronger impression than a lengthy monologue.
  • Overdesigning the cover letter: Graphic Designers naturally want their documents to look aesthetically appealing. However, there’s a thin line between a polished design and an overdesigned document that distracts from the content. Use simple layouts, consistent fonts, and a touch of color if necessary. Ensure the design complements the content rather than overshadowing it.
  • Using overcomplicating language: While it’s crucial to come across as professional, inundating your letter with industry jargon or overly complex language can be off-putting. Aim for clarity and simplicity. Instead of saying, “I utilized a plethora of techniques to enhance the brand’s visual representation,” opt for “I used various design techniques to elevate the brand’s image.”
  • Focusing on yourself only and not the company: Yes, your cover letter is about showcasing your skills and experiences, but it’s also about illustrating how you can be a valuable asset to the company. Ensure you weave in how your expertise aligns with the company’s goals, values, and needs. Instead of merely stating you’re proficient in “Adobe Creative Suite,” mention how this proficiency can aid in their upcoming rebranding project or align with their innovative design ethos.

Dodging these pitfalls will help ensure your cover letter stands out for all the right reasons and resonates with potential employers in the graphic design arena.

Related Article: Looking to increase your income as a Graphic Designer? Check out these 10 lucrative side hustles for Graphic Designers .

Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples

It can be difficult to navigate the nuances of a graphic design application. While we have discussed the elements to include and mistakes to avoid, sometimes seeing is believing. By looking at real-world examples tailored to the profession, you can gain a clearer understanding of what a compelling Graphic Designer Cover Letter looks like.

Let these examples serve as a blueprint for crafting your own standout letter.

Entry Level Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Crafting an entry-level cover letter is all about emphasizing potential, passion, foundational skills, and any relevant academic or extracurricular experiences.

Here’s a cover letter tailored for an Entry-Level Graphic Designer position:

Anna Smith 15 Creative Avenue Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

October 25, 2023

Ms. Jane Thompson Creative Director Innovative Designs Inc. 45 Innovation Way Boston, MA 02119

Dear Ms. Thompson,

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from Boston University, I was elated to find an entry-level Graphic Designer position available at Innovative Designs Inc. Having avidly followed your organization’s work during my studies, I’ve always been inspired by your commitment to innovative and impactful design. I am eager to translate my academic knowledge and passion for design into practical contributions as a member of your team.

While my professional experience is just beginning, I’ve had the privilege to intern at Local Design Studio during my senior year. Here, I assisted senior designers in creating digital assets for various local businesses. This hands-on experience, coupled with my proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator, reinforced my foundational design skills.

Your “Urban Renewal” campaign truly resonated with me. In fact, as part of my final year project, I embarked on a similar theme, focusing on the intersection of urban landscapes and sustainable design. This project was not only well-received by my professors but also sparked vibrant discussions within the university community.

I am excited about the prospect of being part of Innovative Designs Inc. While I come to you at the onset of my career, I bring an unbridled enthusiasm for design, a strong foundation in the tools of our trade, and a hunger to learn, evolve, and contribute.

Thank you for considering my application. I am keen to discuss how my background and aspirations can align with the goals of Innovative Designs.

Kind regards,

Related Article: Sending a cover letter is not always necessary. Check out our guide to learn more about when you should send a cover letter .

Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Crafting the perfect cover letter for a graphic design position requires a blend of showcasing your technical skills and capturing your creative essence.

Here’s a glimpse of how you can eloquently weave these elements together to leave a lasting impression on your potential employer:

Jos Buttler 27 Artistry Lane Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

Ms. Jane Thompson Design Department Head Innovative Designs Inc. 45 Innovation Way Boston, MA 02119

The first time I came across Innovative Designs Inc.’s portfolio, it was a testament to the perfect blend of creativity and strategy in design. As a Graphic Designer with over five years of experience in branding and digital realms, your recent job announcement instantly resonated with my professional aspirations and personal design ethos.

At my recent position with Creative Corp, I championed a rebranding initiative that elevated our client engagement metrics by 40%. This success was partly due to my adeptness with the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and InDesign, and partly because I deeply delved into understanding the ethos and preferences of our target audience.

Your “Eco-friendly Living” campaign particularly caught my eye. Not only was it visually striking, but the underlying message was powerful. Similarly, in my tenure with Green Designs Ltd., I led a digital campaign promoting sustainable lifestyles, which resulted in a notable 25% increase in product sales. It strengthened my belief in the potent combination of design with purpose.

Joining a forward-thinking company like Innovative Designs Inc., known for pushing the boundaries of design, is an exciting prospect. I am keen to contribute to and learn from the trailblazing work your team produces. I look forward to potentially discussing how my experience and design philosophy align with the ethos and goals of Innovative Designs.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Warm regards,

Jos Buttler

Senior Graphic Designer Cover Letter

Here’s a cover letter tailored for a Senior Graphic Designer position, highlighting deeper expertise, leadership qualities, and a more refined understanding of the graphic design industry:

David Warner 27 Artistry Lane Boston, MA 02118 [email protected] (123) 456-7890

Having closely followed Innovative Designs Inc.’s trajectory over the years, I’ve consistently been impressed by the audacious creativity and design innovations your team champions. As a Graphic Designer with a decade of in-depth experience, the opportunity to contribute as a Senior Graphic Designer at your esteemed organization feels like a natural and exciting progression for my career.

During my time as the Lead Designer at Prestige Creations, I was instrumental in ushering a design renaissance, shifting our branding strategies to resonate better with the evolving market demographics. My team and I conceptualized and executed campaigns that led to a 50% increase in brand engagement over two years. This achievement wasn’t just a testament to my proficiency in tools like Adobe After Effects or XD but also underscored my ability to mentor junior designers and ensure our team’s synergy aligned with the company’s overarching objectives.

Your recent “Tech for Tomorrow” campaign is a stellar example of design meeting futurism. Drawing a parallel, I once spearheaded a campaign for a tech client at Prestige, where we amalgamated AR elements into our designs. This not only won us the “Innovative Design of the Year” award but also positioned our client as a frontrunner in tech innovation.

The potential of contributing to Innovative Designs Inc., a company that sits at the nexus of design and innovation, excites me. My vision as a Senior Graphic Designer isn’t just to bring my expertise to the table but to foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and impeccable design execution.

I’d welcome an opportunity to delve deeper into how my experience and vision can complement the ongoing and future projects at Innovative Designs.

Thank you for considering my application.

David Warner

Ammar Ahmed

About the Author

Read more articles by Ammar Ahmed

Continue Reading

How to Write a Paralegal Cover Letter (2 Examples)

How to write a medical assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a research assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a software engineer cover letter (3 examples), how to write a hr cover letter (4 examples), how to write a data analyst cover letter (3 examples), how to write a bartender cover letter (3 examples).

StandOut CV

Fashion Designer cover letter examples

Andrew Fennell photo

The fashion industry is notoriously competitive and if you want to stand out, you need a cover letter that’s more impressive than Cara Delevingne’s wardrobe.

To help you create an engaging and tailored application that grabs the recruiter’s attention, we’ve put together some top tips and advice below.

We’ve also created a collection of fashion designer cover letter examples to inspire your own.

CV templates 

Fashion Designer cover letter example 1

Fashion Designer cover letter 1

Fashion Designer cover letter example 2

Fashion Designer cover letter 2

Fashion Designer cover letter example 3

Fashion Designer cover letter 3

These Fashion Designer cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Fashion Designer cover letter

Here’s how you can write your own eye-catching cover letter, broken down into simple steps.

How to write a cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Write cover letter in body of email

Start with a friendly greeting

Cover letter address

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

  • Hi, hope you’re well
  • Hi [insert recruiter name]
  • Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

  • Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
  • Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

  • I am interested in applying for the role of Fashion Designer with your company.
  • I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
  • I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
  • I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Cover letter tips

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

  • A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
  • Your full name
  • Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
  • Email address
  • Profession title
  • Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

Email signatures

What to include in your Fashion Designer cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Fashion Designer cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

  • Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
  • Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
  • The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
  • Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
  • Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Fashion Designer cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Fashion Designer cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good day Angela

As an accomplished Senior Fashion Designer with a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for creating unique and trendsetting designs, I am thrilled to apply for the position of Fashion Design Manager at the House of CB. With a proven track record of supervising teams and delivering collections that resonate with global audiences, I am eager to bring my leadership expertise to your brand.

Throughout my 20-year career in fashion at Zachary Daniels, I have pushed the boundaries of design and produced captivating collections that blend artistry with commercial appeal. I possess a comprehensive understanding of fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands, which allows me to stay at the forefront of the industry and has previously allowed me to introduce a new product line that generated £600K in revenue, alongside developing collections that garnered media coverage and press features in 8 fashion publications.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and I hope to hear from you soon concerning attending an interview for the aforementioned role.

Kind regards

Wendy Hamilton ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good afternoon, Megan

I am thrilled to apply for the Fashion Designer position at Louis Vuitton. As a passionate designer with 8 years of experience and a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of consumer preferences, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to your esteemed company.

I possess a BA (Hons) in Fashion Design from the University of Birmingham, which has equipped me with the necessary competencies to assess, propose, and apply various techniques related to drafting, draping, and constructing various types of tangible garments. I take pride in creating innovative designs that resonate with the target audience, while staying true to brand identity objectives.

In my current role at Christian Louboutin, I designed a collection that resulted in a 30% increase in sales revenue across 82 global retail locations, produced designs which boosted online conversion rates by 50%, as well as introduced designs that achieved 65% YoY sales growth through expanding the brand’s presence into international markets.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my passion for design can contribute to the success of your organisation in a personal interview.

Isabella Morales ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good afternoon, Lucas

Please accept my application for the Junior Fashion Designer position at Lorien, as advertised on Simply Hired. With a BA in Fashion Design from Durham University, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to support your team in producing trendsetting collections.

Throughout my education, personal projects, and one-year internship at Thom Browne, I have developed a systematic/critical approach to problem-solving at all levels of the design process. My ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources allows me to infuse uniqueness and creativity into my designs.

During my internship at Thom Browne I contributed towards the introduction sustainable concepts that decreased material waste by 10% and increased positive reception from eco-conscious customers by 50%. Furthermore, I earned high praise from mentors for my open communication and willingness to work additional hours to complete 30+ projects one week ahead of schedule.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and I hope to hear from you soon concerning the role. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone to schedule a formal interview.

Moira Johnson ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Fashion Designer job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

IMAGES

  1. 49 Best Letter Of Application Samples (+"How to Write" Guide) ᐅ

    design of application letter

  2. 95+ Best Free Application Letter Templates & Samples

    design of application letter

  3. 49 Best Letter Of Application Samples (+"How to Write" Guide) ᐅ

    design of application letter

  4. 10+ Job Application Letters For Graphic Designer

    design of application letter

  5. Official Job Application Letter

    design of application letter

  6. 49 Best Letter Of Application Samples (+"How to Write" Guide) ᐅ

    design of application letter

VIDEO

  1. How to write job application letter#shorts

  2. Letter writing & Application part -2

  3. Part : 23💥 W Design 😱 English Letter Design 😱#english #letter #viral

  4. S...letter mehndi design #shortsvideo

  5. (S) 😱🌼 letter Design Request #shorts #viral #art #drawing #craft

  6. How to write a letter or application for job Transfer from one location to another

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write an Application Letter (With Template and Example)

    Follow these steps to compose a compelling application letter: 1. Research the company and job opening. Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and the specifications of the open position. The more you know about the job, the better you can customize your application letter. Look for details like:

  2. How to Write a Letter of Application (Example & Tips)

    No hard numbers. "I worked in a team and provided customer service to elderly residents". 5. Choose engaging words for your application letter. Your letter of application's length should be 250 to 400 words or 3 to 4 paragraphs — long enough to get your point across but short enough that the reader won't lose interest.

  3. How to Write an Effective Application Letter [with Example & Tips]

    Choose an appropriate font for your application letter, like Calibri or Helvetica. Set the font size between 10 and 12 pt. Adjust margins to at least 1 inch on all sides. Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing and insert an additional line between paragraphs. Align text to the left or use justified alignment.

  4. Free Cover Letter Maker

    Customize your letter with design elements from our library that you can drag and drop. Then, match the fonts and colors to the company you're applying for. ... Pick a free template that fits your idea or the recipient of your cover letter and job application. Choose from different formats and styles, or begin from scratch with a blank layout.

  5. How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

    Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don't risk losing to other candidates just because you didn't write one. 2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly. Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : Full name.

  6. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.

  7. How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024

    Respectfully, Kind regards, Best regards, Yours truly, Then, make two spaces below the salutation, and type your full name. For some professional (but optional) flair, sign your cover letter either with a scan of your signature or by using software like DocuSign. 8. Check your cover letter's content and formatting.

  8. How To Write a Job Application Letter (With Examples)

    A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, should be sent or uploaded with your resume when applying for jobs. While your resume offers a history of your work experience and an outline of your skills and accomplishments, the job application letter you send to an employer explains why you are qualified for the position and should be ...

  9. How to Write a Cover Letter in 2024 + Examples

    Header - Input contact information. Greeting the hiring manager. Opening paragraph - Grab the reader's attention with 2-3 of your top achievements. Second paragraph - Explain why you're the perfect candidate for the job. Third paragraph - Explain why you're a good match for the company.

  10. Letter of Application: Job Example, Format & How-To Guide

    Format of an Application Letter. Create enough spacing: 1-1.15 between lines, 1-inch margins, double space between paragraphs. Choose the font: Garamond, Helvetica, or Arial in 11-12 points in a font size. Align the content to the left. Pick the file format: PDF, unless the recruiter requested a Word file specifically.

  11. Free Cover Letter Template for Your Resume (Copy & Paste)

    Pantheon. The "Pantheon" cover letter template's bold header projects confidence, making it ideal for executives. 2024. Designed for the modern job seeker, our "2024" cover letter template is perfect for people in any industry. Classic. "The Classic" cover letter template is clean, traditional, and the perfect format to start off your application.

  12. 15 Cover Letter Templates to Perfect Your Next Job Application

    6. Strong Closer and Signature. Don't get lazy in the final few sentences of your cover letter — it's important to finish strong. Be straightforward about your interest and enthusiasm about the new position, and tell them you're available to talk about the opportunity at any time.

  13. 25 cover letter examples

    Cover letter example #1: The attention-grabbing headline. As with any piece of writing, a compelling headline helps to immediately capture the reader's attention. You can see this in action in the above resume for Sandra Barnes. She has used bold typography to highlight her name, accompanied by a succinct tagline.

  14. Free Cover Letter Templates [Customize & Download]

    This straightforward cover letter template free download places your name front and center. Executive. The elegant design of this sample cover letter template commands attention. Managerial. Make a bold statement with this modern cover letter template, which offers customizable colors and fonts. Original.

  15. 20+ Creative Cover Letter Template Design [2024]

    How to design a cover letter Header and contact information: At the top of your cover letter, include your name, address, phone number and email, as well as the date of your application. Salutation: Begin the letter by addressing the hiring manager by their name if it's available or use a generic "Dear Hiring Manager" if you don't know ...

  16. Free printable cover letter templates you can customize

    Canva's free cover letter templates can help you make a good first impression. Start by finding a cover letter design that best suits your personality and the industry you're in. Look professional even in a creative agency, or stand out in a formal corporate setting. Our editable cover letters include short samples, so you won't have to ...

  17. Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

    Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application. By. Alison Doyle. Updated on September 13, 2022. In This Article. View All. Photo: Alex Dos Diaz / The Balance. Review a sample letter to send with a job application, plus more examples of letters of application for jobs, and what to include in your letter or email.

  18. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Examples (2024 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.

  19. 5 Graphic Designer Cover Letter Samples & Guide in 2024

    Why this cover letter works. If there's one thing employers loathe reading, it's generic cover letters. Marguerite's graphic design specialist cover letter is anything but—she outlines her motivations, goals, and accomplishments from the start: "I'm ready to use my design and management experience to help you continue to attract the best customers and generate more revenue."

  20. How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter

    Here's a cover letter tailored for an Entry-Level Graphic Designer position: October 25, 2023. Dear Ms. Thompson, As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from Boston University, I was elated to find an entry-level Graphic Designer position available at Innovative Designs Inc.

  21. 3 Fashion Designer cover letter examples [Get noticed]

    Here are some examples you can use. I am interested in applying for the role of Fashion Designer with your company. I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393) I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department.