COVER LETTERS FOR ART & DESIGN STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
The cover letter is a filter between your resume and portfolio and the intended position. Envision your cover
letter as a bridge to your resume and portfolio, or as a magnifying glass held to your resume enlarging,
clarifying, or focusing on key parts of your background relative to the position. In that sense, a cover letter’s
purpose is to encourage your reader to review your resume; the resume in turn exists as a means of inviting you
to an interview.
Resumes are always accompanied by a cover letter - unless otherwise specified - and are directed to the person
responsible for hiring you or another designated contact. Otherwise, address the letter to the person from whom
you have requested advice if you are using your cover letter for an information interview, or do your research
and call and find out to whom you should address your letter for a direct apply. In general, the cover letter
should briefly elaborate on your accomplishments relative to the actual or desired position. You should
highlight prior experience that will make your background "come alive." Strive to integrate your work and
portfolio experience with your academic background.
It is important that you research the position for which you are applying. Study the organization's
literature/annual report and/or web site before you write your letter so that you can present yourself as someone
who will be a perfect fit for the organization. Speak with alumni from Ringling and gain their insights on the
employer and position
For networking letters, if someone you know refers you to the hiring source, mention the referral in the first
paragraph. Also, in closing your letter, don't use the "I may be contacted at..." format. Say what you will do
next: "I will call you within the next two weeks." This is a good, proactive stance.
In your letter, you may request more information about the organization and, more specifically, positions within
the organization. On the other hand, letters requesting advice from a networking contact, alumni, friends,
relatives, and others - "research/informational interviews" – you should not ask for employment or an
internship; instead, stick to requests for information and referrals or insights into position hunting strategies.
Guidelines
• Find out the name and title of the person to whom you're writing and
be sure you have the correct spelling; avoid ‘to whom it may concern’ letters!
• Use your own style.
• Be concise, one page is maximum.
• Use simple language, not flowery phrases.
• Show your distinctiveness and fit for the job/organization.
• Triple check all grammar, punctuation and spelling!
• Use Active voice only.
• Use the same paper and font for your cover letter as you did for your resume.
• Be sure to sign your cover letter.
• Put "encl.: resume" at the very end of your cover letter.
• If you are sending an electronic resume as an attachment, your cover letter IS your email.