When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for interior designer
Explore additional interior designer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Trainee Interior Designer
- Highlighting specific achievements such as reducing project costs and improving design quality underscores the candidate's ability to deliver significant business value.
- Emphasising the candidate’s skill in AutoCAD and Adobe tools showcases their technical proficiency, which is crucial for FF&E design roles.
- Explicit mention of collaboration and communication skills, evidenced by improved client satisfaction and project coherence, is essential for success in team-based projects.
- Incorporating a passion for sustainable design practices aligns with recent industry trends towards eco-friendly solutions, positioning the candidate as forward-thinking and environmentally conscious.
Junior Interior Designer
- Highlight relevant experience in coordinating logistics and managing orders, showcasing organisational skills crucial for an Interior Design Assistant role.
- Emphasise design and technical skills such as the ability to create detailed rendered visuals and floor plans using SketchUp and Photoshop, which are essential for client presentations and concept visualisation.
- Draw attention to contributions made towards award-winning projects, reflecting both creativity and the ability to work on high-end design briefs.
- Showcase the candidate's ability to effectively communicate with suppliers and support senior designers during client meetings, indicating strong teamwork and communication skills.
Lead Interior Designer
- Highlighting specific design software proficiency, such as AutoCAD and Sketchup, which are essential tools for an Interior Designer, can effectively showcase technical ability and expertise.
- Emphasising leadership and team management skills, like mentoring junior designers and leading cross-functional teams, demonstrates capability in managing successful design projects from conception to completion.
- Mentioning a focus on sustainable design practices and the use of eco-friendly materials underscores a commitment to environmentally-conscious design solutions, which is a growing trend in interior design.
- Providing quantified achievements, such as improving client satisfaction and enhancing project efficiency, offers tangible evidence of past success and impact in previous roles.
Freelance Interior Designer
- Emphasise leadership skills through examples such as leading a team to redesign a significant project, as demonstrated with a London hotel.
- Highlight technical proficiency in relevant software like Vectorworks, which is crucial for roles in architecture and design.
- Showcase accomplishments linked to customer or client satisfaction, such as raising satisfaction scores and business growth metrics.
- Incorporate evidence of fostering sustainable practices in design projects, aligning with current industry trends towards sustainability.
Assistant Interior Designer
- Highlight Specific Skills: The cover letter should clearly emphasise expertise in AutoCAD and Adobe Suite, as these are crucial tools for Interior Designers. Mentioning proficiency with these tools signals a strong technical foundation.
- Detail Project Contributions: Using measurable outcomes, such as "enhancing efficiency by 20%" and "improving drafting speed by 15%", illustrates the candidate's impact on past projects, showcasing direct value to potential employers.
- Certifications and Continuous Learning: Citing advanced courses like "Advanced AutoCAD for Interior Design" at reputable institutions such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, reinforces a commitment to professional development and staying updated with industry standards.
- Emphasise Industry Experience: It is beneficial to note previous roles in well-respected companies like Foster and Partners, BDP, and Gensler, which helps establish credibility and familiarity with industry-leading practices.
Principal Interior Designer
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The candidate effectively showcases their extensive background in aviation interior design, demonstrating a history of successful project leadership and design innovation at renowned companies like Airbus and Boeing.
- Emphasising Key Achievements: The cover letter mentions awards and recognition such as the Aviation Interior of the Year Award, which underscores the candidate’s impact and excellence in the industry.
- Specialised Certifications: By mentioning the Aircraft Cabin Design Certification, the letter highlights specific expertise in compliance and safety which is crucial for aviation design roles.
- Showcasing Leadership and Mentorship Skills: The candidate stresses their ability to lead teams, mentor emerging talent, and improve project efficiency, which are critical skills for a Principal Interior Designer position.
Head of Interior Design
- Showcase Leadership Skills: With over 10 years of experience in design leadership roles, emphasising the ability to mentor teams and lead them towards significantly improved project delivery times is crucial for a Head of Design position.
- Highlight Design Achievements: Citing quantifiable achievements, such as the 30% increase in user engagement through interactive learning tools and the 25% boost in retention rates via web platform redesign, showcases proven success in the role's key responsibilities.
- Emphasise User-Centric Approach: The emphasis on user-centric design process and successful app features resulting in higher user engagement underlines the candidate’s alignment with essential aspects of digital product design for education.
- Relevance of Education and Certifications: Holding advanced degrees and industry-relevant certifications, such as a Master of Arts in Graphic Design and advanced UX certification, solidifies the candidate's expertise and readiness for the complex challenges of leading a design team.
Interior Design Director
- Highlighting Industry Experience: The cover letter effectively details over 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality and international projects, showcasing expertise and establishing credibility in the field.
- Quantifiable Achievements: It includes specific metrics, such as a 30% boost in guest satisfaction and a 40% enhancement in client satisfaction, which provide concrete evidence of success and impact.
- Leadership and Team Management Skills: It mentions leading a team of 20 designers and initiating sustainable design practices, demonstrating leadership capability and commitment to innovation and efficiency.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: The cover letter notes relevant certifications and courses in hospitality design and project management, underscoring continuous professional development aligned with the role's requirements.
By Role
Residential Interior Designer
- Emphasis on Relevant Experience: Highlighting extensive experience in the field, such as leading a significant residential renovation with quantifiable success, provides solid evidence of capability and expertise in interior design.
- Specialised Skills and Technologies: Mentioning proficiency in advanced 3D rendering and virtual reality technologies demonstrates an understanding of cutting-edge tools that enhance client presentations and satisfaction, which are crucial in modern design practices.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Showcasing experience in sustainable design and certifications such as the Certificate in Sustainable Interior Design illustrates a dedication to eco-friendly practices, which is increasingly important in the industry.
- Recognition and Awards: Including accolades like 'Best Designer of the Year' emphasises recognised achievement in the field and can set the candidate apart from others by showcasing professional validation and success.
Commercial Interior Designer
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Alice's experience in commercial projects, detailing her contributions to increasing project delivery speed and managing concurrent projects efficiently, which is crucial for the role of an Interior Designer in commercial settings.
- Technical Proficiency: By mentioning skills in Revit and Vectorworks, along with specific achievements in reducing design inefficiencies and project turnaround times, the letter demonstrates Alice's technical capabilities, making her a strong candidate for design software-intensive roles.
- Client and Project Management Skills: The letter illustrates Alice's ability to maintain high client satisfaction and streamline communication, showcasing her competency in client relationship management and collaborative project execution.
- Educational Background and Continuous Learning: Highlighting Alice's formal education and advanced courses in Interior Design affirms her commitment to professional development and expertise in strategic commercial design, aligning with the expectations for advanced positions in the field.
Hospitality Interior Designer
- Specialised Skills: Emphasising proficiency in tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, which are essential for an interior designer, particularly in commercial roles.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting specific figures, such as a 30% increase in project efficiency and a 25% increase in client satisfaction, provides measurable evidence of success.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrating leadership capabilities through managing multiple projects and leading training for junior designers, showcasing the ability to work effectively in teams.
- Industry-Relevant Education: Mentioning advanced certifications and courses, like 'Advanced AutoCAD for Interior Design' and 'Revit for Interior Designers', aligns with specialised industry standards.
Retail Interior Designer
- Highlighting Industry-Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively begins by highlighting over 8 years of experience in the commercial retail design industry, which is pertinent for the Senior Retail Interior Designer role.
- Emphasising Key Achievements: The letter details specific achievements, such as improving client satisfaction and boosting customer footfall by measurable percentages, which demonstrates the candidate's value and effectiveness in similar roles.
- Showcasing Leadership and Mentoring Skills: The mention of leading teams and mentoring junior designers underlines the candidate's leadership abilities, a critical aspect for a senior-level position.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: The inclusion of advanced courses like "Advanced Revit for Interior Design" showcases continued professional development and expertise with relevant tools, enhancing the candidate's suitability for the role.
Healthcare Interior Designer
- Experience and Expertise: The candidate highlights over 4 years of experience in interior design, specifically in healthcare spaces, showcasing leadership and project management skills that are crucial for the role.
- Technical Proficiency: The mention of Revit as a key skill underlines technical proficiency in industry-standard software, critical for effective and efficient design execution.
- Results and Achievements: The cover letter effectively quantifies the candidate's impact, such as increasing patient satisfaction scores by 20% and boosting repeat business by 25%, underscoring successful project outcomes.
- Client and Team Collaboration: Emphasising collaboration with cross-functional teams and proactive client communication presents the candidate as team-oriented and responsive to client needs, both valuable traits for the role.
Exhibition Interior Designer
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting over 7 years of experience in exhibition design, particularly at renowned institutions like the V&A Museum and the British Museum, establishes credibility and expertise in the field.
- Key Achievements: Mentioning quantifiable achievements, such as a 20% increase in visitor numbers and a 30% enhancement in visitor interaction, demonstrates the impact of past work and ability to contribute to organisational goals.
- Technical Skills: Emphasising proficiency in tools like SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite, which are vital for visualisation and design, shows technical competence essential for the role.
- Education and Professional Development: Including advanced courses in exhibition planning and SketchUp techniques, alongside formal degrees, underscores a commitment to professional growth and expertise expansion in design.
Marine Interior Designer
- Specialised Certifications: Highlighting the "Maritime Design Compliance Certification" is crucial for a Marine Interior Designer role as it underlines expertise in international maritime standards, essential for cruise ship projects.
- Relevant Experience: Emphasising leadership in "successful cruise ship renovation" projects underlines the candidate's capability to handle large-scale projects and deliver enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Industry-Specific Skills: Showcasing skills like FF&E Sourcing and DesignSpec alongside proficiency in AutoCAD emphasises the candidate's technical expertise vital for the industry's unique demands.
- Passion for the Sector: Mentioning a passion for "Cruise Ship Design" demonstrates genuine interest and dedication to the maritime industry, which can resonate positively with potential employers.
Interior Design Consultant
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Highlighting 6 years of experience in interior design and sales provides credibility and demonstrates a strong background relevant to the role.
- Showcase Quantifiable Achievements: Mention of achieving sales increases, such as increasing sales by 35% and exceeding sales targets consistently, supports the candidate’s efficacy in driving sales and engagement.
- Highlight Key Skills and Certifications: Drawing attention to skills like CRM, project management, and specific software expertise (Home Creator) showcases a well-rounded skill set that’s valuable for a Sales/Design Consultant.
- Include Industry-Specific Achievements: Accolades such as 'Excellence in Design' provide external validation of the candidate’s design and consultation skills, which are crucial in the interior design field.
Interior Space Planner
- Emphasise experience with industry-specific tools like AutoCAD and Cap 2020, which are crucial for interior design and space planning roles.
- Highlight project management and team leadership skills, as evidenced by coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and managing end-to-end design projects within budget constraints.
- Showcase achievements in sustainability and innovation, such as implementing sustainable design practices and developing award-winning office layouts, which demonstrate commitment to modern design trends.
- Underpin the importance of client relations by noting high client satisfaction scores and strategies to foster repeat business, crucial for roles involving direct client interactions and custom design solutions.
Interior Design Project Manager
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting over 7 years of experience in the interior design and architecture fields, showcasing progressive career growth through roles and responsibilities from Interior Designer to Project Manager.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Emphasising specific accomplishments, such as increasing profitability by 20% and improving team productivity by 30%, which directly relate to value added to previous employers and show results-oriented output.
- Projects and Leadership: Demonstrating leadership capabilities through managing multiple high-profile projects and leading teams, which are crucial for a Project Manager role.
- Skills and Tools: Stressing proficiency in essential industry tools like Revit and strong project management skills, both vital for efficiency and successful project delivery in the interior design sector.
Interior Design Coordinator
- The cover letter effectively highlights Noah's commitment to sustainability, which aligns with the role as a Sustainability Advocate and is further supported by his achievements such as achieving LEED certification for a commercial project.
- Noah's leadership and team management skills are showcased through specific accomplishments, such as mentoring junior designers to enhance their efficiency, which is crucial for his roles as a Team Leader and Interior Design Coordinator.
- Skills in essential software tools like Revit, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite are prominently mentioned, underscoring Noah's technical expertise and relevance for the role requiring advanced design and architectural skills.
- The cover letter references Noah's educational background and supplemental courses that complement his professional experience, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and continuous learning in the field of interior design and architecture.
Interior Designer cover letter example
Freya Richardson
Freya Richardson 123 Design Street London Greater London SW1A 1AA
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Interior Designer position at your esteemed company. I have admired your firm’s commitment to innovative and sustainable design practices, which closely align with my passion for integrating modern technology with environmentally-conscious materials to create spaces that elevate both aesthetic and quality of life.
During my tenure at Design House Ltd, I led a team in designing over 20 high-end residential projects. Our work not only enhanced living spaces but significantly increased client satisfaction, partly due to my competence in streamlining project timelines by 30% through innovative design solutions. This achievement underscored my skills in project management and my ability to orchestrate complex tasks efficiently while managing substantial budgets.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your Interior Design Department. I am eager to contribute to your ongoing projects and help elevate your team's creativity and efficiency. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of an interview.
Sincerely,
Freya Richardson
Interior Designer
What makes this cover letter stand out:
- Tailor Your Experience: Clearly connect your past roles and accomplishments to the specific requirements and values of the company you are applying to, such as emphasis on innovative and sustainable design practices.
- Demonstrate Value: Highlight your ability to enhance both aesthetic qualities and project efficiencies, like your success in streamlining project timelines by 30%, to showcase how you can contribute positively to the role.
- Emphasize Leadership: Mention leadership skills and ability to manage teams and budgets, demonstrating your capability to handle significant responsibilities successfully.
- Show Enthusiasm and Alignment: Convey genuine interest in the company and its projects, ensuring your enthusiasm aligns with their goals and vision, reinforcing your suitability for the position.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a interior designer cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your interior designer cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your interior designer cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired Elegant Spaces for its commitment to merging functionality with artistic flair, I am keen to contribute my skills to a team that consistently delivers innovative design solutions with a strong community focus.
RIGHT
How to write your interior designer cover letter body
Which makes for a stronger cover letter body: a long-winded account of everything you’ve ever done, or a focused achievement that’s directly relevant to the job?
Hint: recruiters prefer the second.
When writing your cover letter, select your most impressive achievement that:
- Directly aligns with the job description and role.
- Is quantifiable with tangible metrics like numbers or percentages.
- Maps out your hard and soft skills, showcasing what makes you unique.
- Tells the story of the impact you could have on the organisation.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Elegant Spaces Ltd, I spearheaded a project that redefined our approach to sustainable interior design. Tasked with the complete refurbishment of a 5,000 square foot commercial office space, I introduced eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient lighting solutions, resulting in a project that not only adhered to a strict environmental brief but also exceeded client expectations. By creatively sourcing reclaimed timber and introducing innovative LED lighting, I managed to reduce the projected budget by 20% and achieved a 40% reduction in energy costs post-completion. This achievement was not only a testament to my commitment to sustainability but also demonstrated my aptitude for balancing aesthetic requirements with functional and budgetary constraints.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the Interior Designer position at your esteemed company. I am eager to bring my creative design skills and passion for innovative spaces to your team. I am confident that my experience aligns well with the vision of your projects, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your success.
I would be delighted to further discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of [Company Name]. I look forward to the possibility of interviewing with you and am available at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me to arrange a suitable time.
Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I am eager to bring my talents to [Company Name] and am hopeful for the chance to contribute to your dynamic team.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application and set you apart from other candidates. Begin by personalising your message to the hiring manager and connecting your experiences to the company's values.
Emphasise your key accomplishments that reflect your skills and passion for the role, while maintaining a professional tone throughout. Ensure that your cover letter and CV present a unified and polished image to maximise your chances of success.
