How to Write a Cover Letter for a Graphic Design Job
Consider your reader., Get your story straight., It’s not about you., Do not ask for a job., Thank them and keep in touch.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider your reader.
Over worked, under appreciated, vain, fighting with their significant other about who was more put out by the last DMV appointment, desperately looking for some small evidence their work has meaning.
You have two sentences, max, to cajole, seduce and entice.
Lead with them. -
Step 2: Get your story straight.
Tell your reader how you know them, why you love their work and how their existence in the world has affected yours. , Do not start sentences with “I…” The reader doesn’t care about you or your story.
Sorry.
The good news is that it’s not personal.
The reader *might* hire you but only *if* they have more work than they can handle *and* some surplus cash that is worth less to them than getting some help.
See, it’s not about you. , Ask for an honest portfolio review.
If you are serious about working for a particular firm, you need to be looking 3-5 years out.
Go in as a disciple and get honest, brutal feedback about where your portfolio needs to be in order to come back a few years from now.
Tell them up front this is what you are after! However, show up dressed to impress and ready to shine.
If you’ve got the chops now, they will work you in or pass you onto a friend in need of help.
If not, you know your work isn’t there yet… yet.
Your foot is in the door and you have a clear idea of what you need to work on.All portfolio review interviews are good.
If your idol turns out to be an ass you’ve saved yourself years of prepping for a job you wouldn’t want.
If you find them a mensch, joy all around! They will remember you and reward your hard work.
Anything in between is good interview experience and well worth your time. , Jobs happen when you follow up.
Send thank you cards, send emails, send postcards.
Diligence counts.
Be gracious and thankful, even to the asses.
Why? At the end of the day it’s about the person you are, not the work you do. -
Step 3: It’s not about you.
-
Step 4: Do not ask for a job.
-
Step 5: Thank them and keep in touch.
Detailed Guide
Over worked, under appreciated, vain, fighting with their significant other about who was more put out by the last DMV appointment, desperately looking for some small evidence their work has meaning.
You have two sentences, max, to cajole, seduce and entice.
Lead with them.
Tell your reader how you know them, why you love their work and how their existence in the world has affected yours. , Do not start sentences with “I…” The reader doesn’t care about you or your story.
Sorry.
The good news is that it’s not personal.
The reader *might* hire you but only *if* they have more work than they can handle *and* some surplus cash that is worth less to them than getting some help.
See, it’s not about you. , Ask for an honest portfolio review.
If you are serious about working for a particular firm, you need to be looking 3-5 years out.
Go in as a disciple and get honest, brutal feedback about where your portfolio needs to be in order to come back a few years from now.
Tell them up front this is what you are after! However, show up dressed to impress and ready to shine.
If you’ve got the chops now, they will work you in or pass you onto a friend in need of help.
If not, you know your work isn’t there yet… yet.
Your foot is in the door and you have a clear idea of what you need to work on.All portfolio review interviews are good.
If your idol turns out to be an ass you’ve saved yourself years of prepping for a job you wouldn’t want.
If you find them a mensch, joy all around! They will remember you and reward your hard work.
Anything in between is good interview experience and well worth your time. , Jobs happen when you follow up.
Send thank you cards, send emails, send postcards.
Diligence counts.
Be gracious and thankful, even to the asses.
Why? At the end of the day it’s about the person you are, not the work you do.
About the Author
Katherine Mendoza
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in practical skills and beyond.
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