Embarking on the quest for a dream job in game development, you've hit a common snag: crafting a standout cover letter. It's not just a repeat of your resume; it's a spotlight on your proudest professional moment, wrapped in a compelling narrative. While maintaining formality, steer clear of clichés and keep it concise—a single page. Let's unlock the secrets to a cover letter that captivates hiring managers and showcases your game-changing achievements.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your game developer cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your game developer cover letter intro.
Upload your game developer resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
If the game developer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Game Developer cover letter example
OLIVIA DAVIS
Houston, Texas
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing relevant experience, such as leading the development of a virtual reality education platform, showcases a direct application of skills pertinent to the role of an XR game developer.
- Highlighting specific achievements, like the 150% increase in user engagement due to an innovative tech initiative, demonstrates quantifiable success and a results-driven mindset.
- Citing proficiency in critical tools and technologies (e.g., Unity and VR development) directly aligns with the technical requirements of the position, establishing the candidate's expertise.
- Expressing a clear understanding of and alignment with the company's vision indicates that the candidate's personal and professional values are in sync with the company culture.
Structuring and formatting your game developer cover letter
Here's what the structure of your game developer cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your game developer resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your game developer cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your game developer cover letter.
The top sections on a game developer cover letter
Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information, which is important to establish your professionalism and to ensure the recruiter knows whom the cover letter is from and how to contact you.
Opening Greeting: It should be addressed to the specific hiring manager or recruitment team if the name is known; personalization can help your application stand out in the competitive game development industry.
Introduction: Briefly mention your passion for game development and any noteworthy experience or project that grabs the recruiter’s attention and clearly states the position you’re applying for.
Body (Experience and Skills): Elaborate on your relevant game development experience, unique programming skills, understanding of game design principles, and any successful projects or collaborations that align with the job requirements.
Closing and Call to Action: Sum up your enthusiasm for the role, express your interest in discussing how you can contribute to the company’s upcoming projects, and invite the recruiter to connect with you for an interview.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Demonstrated proficiency in game engines and development tools (e.g., Unity or Unreal Engine): Essential for creating, testing, and implementing game mechanics and environments.
- A portfolio of completed game projects: Shows practical experience, an understanding of game design principles, and the capacity to see a project through to completion.
- Understanding of gameplay mechanics and user experience: Indicates the ability to create engaging, intuitive, and enjoyable games for players.
- Experience with programming languages relevant to game development (e.g., C++, C#, Python): Crucial for scripting game functionality and implementing features or solving technical issues within games.
- Ability to work in a team and interdisciplinary understanding: Shows that the candidate can collaborate effectively with artists, designers, and other developers in a studio environment.
- Passion for gaming: Reflects a deep interest in the industry and an understanding of current trends, which is important for creating relevant and appealing content for players.
The game developer cover letter salutation: how to address hiring managers
After covering the format of your game developer cover letter, let's look at the salutation.
Back in the day, the cordial "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", might have worked out fine.
But, nowadays, your cover letter should approach hiring managers on a more personal basis.
So, what to do about your cover letter salutation?
If you've messaged the recruiters and are on a first name basis or a more formal one, use the hiring manager's name in the greeting (e.g. "Dear Sophie," "Dear Ms. Givens", or "Dear Mr. Everett,").
Always aim to make the effort to find out the name of the hiring manager, who'd be assessing your application. Search on LinkedIn, double-check the advert on the corporate website, or message the brand on social media to find out more about the role.
If you can't find the hiring manager's name (and still want to sound professional), use "Dear HR Team,", "Dear Hiring Manager,", or the likes.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department] Team,
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Selection Committee,
The game developer cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist
You are not the only one wondering how to start your game developer cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.
No pressure.
When beginning your game developer cover letter, immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.
Start your game developer cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.
What comes next: your game developer cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your game developer cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your game developer cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Ending your game developer cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"
Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.
But you want to give recruiters something more with your game developer cover letter ending.
Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).
Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.
Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.
Lacking experience: here's how to write your game developer cover letter
As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application.
Use your game developer cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.
Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.
Key takeaways
Creating your game developer cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
- Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
- Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
- Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
- Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
- End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.
