Jumping into the job market as an illustrator, you've likely started sending applications and discovered that a compelling cover letter is not just a formality—it's a necessity. Yet, writing one that effectively complements your resume, without echoing it, can be daunting. Your cover letter should narrate the triumph of your standout professional moment without resorting to clichés. It must be formal, yes, but also captivate within the confines of a single page. Let’s unravel how to accomplish this intricate balance.
- Write a illustrator cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
- Understand how to start and end your illustrator cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
- What to include in the body of your illustrator cover letter to put your best foot forward;
- Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your illustrator cover letter.
And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your illustrator resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.
If the illustrator 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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Illustrator cover letter example
MARCUS HALL
Little Rock, AR
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Targeted Experience: Mentioning past experience that closely aligns with the job requirements, such as preparing materials for IKEA, helps the employer see relevance and potential impact.
- Skill Demonstration: Quoting specific outcomes, like the 25% increase in engagement due to social media initiatives, provides concrete evidence of the applicant’s ability to drive results.
- Call to Action: Expressing a desire to discuss how the applicant's skills can benefit the company encourages the employer to proceed with an interview.
- Customization: Personalizing the cover letter to the target company by acknowledging its innovative environment demonstrates that the applicant has researched and is genuinely interested in the company.
What are the basics of the design or format of your illustrator cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your illustrator cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading illustrator cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your illustrator cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your illustrator cover letter or its body.
End your illustrator cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a illustrator cover letter
- Header with Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, and email, providing an easy reference for the recruiter to reach out to you regarding your application.
- Greeting or Salutation: Personalize the cover letter by addressing the recruiter or hiring manager by name, which shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Introduction with Creative Hook: Start with a compelling opening line that showcases your passion for illustration and relates to the specific job or company, helping you stand out and engage the reader from the beginning.
- Portfolio Highlight Section: Detail key pieces from your illustration portfolio that are relevant to the role, explaining your creative process, the techniques you used, and how these projects align with the company's brand or the job's requirements.
- Closing and Call to Action: End your cover letter with a strong closing statement, reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and the value you would bring, and include a call to action, encouraging the recruiter to view your attached portfolio and resume.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Strong portfolio showcasing a variety of styles and techniques: Recruiters look for versatility and evidence of well-honed skills to match different project needs.
- Proficiency in relevant software: Mastery of tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and other digital illustration applications is crucial for efficiency and industry-standard work.
- Creative flair and originality: Recruiters value illustrators with unique styles that can set their content apart and capture audiences' attention.
- Ability to work to a brief and meet deadlines: Illustrators must understand client needs, follow directions precisely, and deliver high-quality work within the specified timeframe.
- Good communication and collaboration skills: Illustrators often work with art directors, writers, and other team members, so the ability to give and receive feedback constructively is key.
- Knowledge of current trends and willingness to learn: An understanding of contemporary visual culture and a commitment to ongoing professional development are important to stay relevant and innovative in the field.
How to address hiring managers in your illustrator cover letter greeting
Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"
The salutation of your illustrator cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.
And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.
Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).
If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.
The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
- Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear Hiring Committee,
- Dear Talent Acquisition Team,
The illustrator cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture
You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your illustrator cover letter.
Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.
Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning illustrator cover letter introduction:
- get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
- focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.
Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your illustrator cover letter
Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your illustrator cover letter.
The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.
Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).
Another excellent idea for your illustrator cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.
Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.
Time to wrap up your illustrator cover letter
Writing the closing paragraph of your illustrator cover letter is just as important as the salutation.
You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.
Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.
Otherwise, you could also conclude your illustrator cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?
Illustrator cover letter advice for candidates with no experience
If you're worried about writing your Illustrator cover letter and have no professional experience, we sure have some advice for you.
Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.
Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.
Alternatively, you could focus your Illustrator cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.
Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.
Key takeaways
Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your illustrator cover letter:
- Always make sure your illustrator cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
- In your illustrator cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
- Focus your illustrator cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
- Ensure your illustrator cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
- If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.
Illustrator cover letter examples
Explore additional illustrator cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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