How to Write an Effective Graphic Design Cover Letter

Jobs in the field of graphic design are competitive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, designers in all fields, including graphic design, can expect keen competition in the coming years. An important way of distinguishing yourself during the application process of your job search is to craft a strong cover letter.

Writing graphic design cover letters that effectively communicate your skills is not an easy task. Following these tips will help ensure that your effort is noticed.

Read Job Descriptions Thoroughly.
This suggestion is deceptively simple, but many job searchers in their excitement to apply to a job fail to carefully read the job description and requirements. To effectively communicate your suitability for a graphic design job, you first need to have a good sense of what an employer is looking for.

Decide What Parts of Your Experience to Emphasize.
Based on a careful reading of the job description, decide what parts of your graphic design experience to emphasize in your cover letter. For example, if a potential employer is interested in someone with web design experience, be sure to emphasize your own experience in this area.

Be Creative.
Don't be afraid to express your individuality in your letter. After all, graphic design is a creative field and the individual reading your cover letter will likely be a creative professional.

During his job search, a friend of mine once related his experience in first-person narrative form, departing from typical cover-letter jargon to tell the story of why he was applying for the job and why he was a good fit.

Carefully Edit Your Cover Letter.
Even the most interesting cover letter will be tossed aside if it's filled with grammatical and spelling errors. Make sure your graphic design cover letter is grammatically correct and read it aloud to determine if it flows well.

These tips may not land you a graphic design job, but they can help you to secure an interview that leads to a job. A cover letter is the first contact a prospective employer has with you; make sure it's the best representation of your personality and experience.