To level up your chances of landing your dream job in game design, you'll need a standout game designer cover letter that showcases your expertise and convinces employers to dive into your portfolio.
It's no small feat, but with our easy-to-follow cover letter guide, you'll be able to accomplish it in no time. So, dive in and discover our best writing tips, cover letter examples, and templates you can adjust to your liking.
Dive in to explore our handy tips:
- Navigate valuable game designer cover letter samples
- Format your game designer cover letter the right way
- Create an effective game designer cover letter header & headline
- Personalize the greeting on your game designer cover letter
- Craft an eye-catching game designer cover letter introduction
- Showcase your accomplishments and skills as a game designer
- Include powerful action verbs in your cover letter
- Conclude your cover letter with a powerful closing statement
- Avoid common mistakes in your cover letter
- Align your cover letter with your game designer resume
- Learn about the average salary and job outlook for game designers
- Access valuable resources for job-seeking game designers
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
Game producer cover letter example
Why does this cover letter example work?
- Specific examples: Providing specific game titles demonstrates direct contributions and gives a sense of the candidate's portfolio. This helps the employer visualize the kind of work the candidate has done.
- Team collaboration: Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration with various departments shows the candidate’s ability to work well in multi-disciplinary settings. It underscores the candidate's capability in handling complex projects.
What could be improved?
- Personal branding: The candidate could better integrate their personal brand or unique value proposition to stand out more. Consider adding a distinctive quality or unique contribution to make the introduction more memorable.
- More enthusiasm and engaging introduction: The opening sentence lacks enthusiasm. Starting with something more compelling can grab the reader’s attention immediately. The closing also lacks energy; weaving in more excitement about the role and company can leave a lasting impression.
Game programmer cover letter example
Why does this cover letter example work?
- Alignment with job requirements: The candidate asserts that their skills and experience align well with the job requirements, displaying confidence and relevance. This helps set a positive tone early on.
- Detailed work experience: Including specific responsibilities from a past role provides insight into their practical experience. This illustrates their hands-on skills and project involvement, making their expertise evident.
What could be improved?
- Quantifying achievements: The candidate mentions their responsibilities but could further enhance this by quantifying their accomplishments. Metrics help translate your achievements into tangible results, making your contributions more convincing. Include specific numbers or percentages, like "I improved the game development process, reducing project turnaround time by 15% and ensuring high standards."
- Showcasing soft skills: While technical skills and responsibilities are well-covered, discussing soft skills like teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving could provide a more holistic view of the candidate.
1. How to properly format your game designer cover letter
Formatting your game designer cover letter properly is crucial to making a strong impression. Your cover letter should be smooth to read and easy to navigate. Here are some general tips to achieve this:
- Stick to one page: Aim to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. A single page is usually enough to showcase your main qualifications.
- Use a professional font: Opt for clean, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Font size 11 or 12 is ideal, ensuring the text is easy to read.
- Maintain consistent margins and spacing: Use one-inch margins on all sides and leave spaces between paragraphs. This creates a clean, uncluttered look.
- Align text to the left: Left-aligned text is easier to read and looks professional. Avoid justified or center-aligned text.
- Use white space: Don’t cram the page with text. Adequate white space improves readability and makes your cover letter more visually appealing.
- Use bullet points and headings: Bullet points and headings can break up large chunks of text, making your cover letter easier to scan. This helps highlight key information quickly.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes. A well-proofread cover letter shows attention to detail and professionalism.
By following these formatting tips, you'll create a game designer cover letter that's both appealing and easy to navigate. This ensures your skills and experience are the star players, giving you a critical hit with potential employers.
2. Create an effective game designer cover letter header & headline
The header and headline of your cover letter are the first elements you should focus on creating, as they help give the document structure.
Your cover letter header will include all the identifying information about you (the applicant) and the company you're applying to (the employer). On the other hand, your cover letter headline will serve as a title statement that helps to grab the employer’s attention.
Below, we've included more in-depth explanations and examples for both of these key cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
The header of your cover letter doesn't have a single strict format to follow. However, it should always contain thia crucial information:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile)
- The name of the hiring manager
- The name of the company you're applying to
- The company's address
Bad example of a cover letter header
From: N. Smith
neddog@hotmail.com
To: Blastoff Games
Why does it fall short? This header has several issues. The full name and professional title are missing, making it impersonal. The casual email address ("neddog@hotmail.com") is, indeed, very unprofessional. Besides, it lacks a phone number, LinkedIn profile, hiring manager's name, and complete company address. These omissions make the header look incomplete and could harm the applicant’s credibility and first impression.
Good example of a cover letter header
From: Ned Smith, Game Designer
(123) 456-7890 | nedsmith@email.com | nedgames.com
To: Kyle Clinger, Hiring Manager
Blastoff Game Studios, Development Department
467 Colony Street, Norwalkt, CT
Why is it effective? This header is complete, clear, and professional. It includes all necessary information in a well-organized manner, making it easy for the hiring manager to identify and contact the applicant.
Writing the headline
Crafting a compelling headline for your game designer cover letter is essential to grab the employer’s attention right from the start. A strong headline can make a significant difference in whether your cover letter stands out or gets overlooked.
Any strong headline should contain:
- Relevance: Tailor it to the specific job and company, making it clear why your skills and experience are perfectly suited for the role.
- Impact: Highlight the unique value you bring to the position. What makes you a standout candidate?
- Clarity: Keep it concise and focused. Your headline should communicate the main idea quickly and effectively.
Here are some handy tips for writing a strong headline:
- Be specific: Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying you’re applying for a role, emphasize your unique qualifications.
- Highlight accomplishments: Mention one or two significant achievements that demonstrate your fit for the position.
- Use powerful words: Words like "proven," "experienced," "innovative," or "successful" add weight to your headline.
Bad cover letter headline example
Applying for Game Designer Position
Why is it weak? This headline is too generic and doesn’t provide any information about what makes the applicant suitable for the job. It’s not engaging and fails to capture the reader’s interest.
Good cover letter headline example
Experienced Game Designer with Proven Track Record in Innovative Gameplay and Successful Project Leadership
Why is it strong? This headline is specific and highlights key qualifications relevant to the job. It provides information about experience, innovation, and leadership, making the employer want to read more.
A compelling headline sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter, making a strong first impression and encouraging the employer to read on. By crafting a headline that is relevant, impactful, and clear, you improve your chances of standing out in a competitive field.
3. Personalize the greeting on your game designer cover letter
Whenever you write a cover letter as a game designer, it's crucial to use a personalized greeting rather than a generalized one.
Unlike generalized greetings — such as “To Whom It May Concern” — a personalized greeting will address a specific person or department by name. In doing so, this shows the employer the level of effort you've put into researching their company, as well as highlighting your attention to detail.
And how to find the right name?
- Check the job posting: Sometimes, the contact person’s name is mentioned directly in the job posting. Don’t skip over the finer details; they could give you exactly what you need.
- Visit the company website: Most companies have an "About Us" or "Team" page. Look for names and titles that align with the department you'd be working in.
- Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a goldmine for finding the right contact. Search for the hiring manager or a person in a relevant position within the company.
- Call the company: Yes, calling can seem old-fashioned, but it works. A quick call to the company’s main line can often get you the name of the hiring manager.
- Check social media: Companies often post job openings on social media platforms and might mention the hiring manager or recruiter in the post.
Personalized cover letter greeting examples
- Dear Executive Manager Jack King,
- Dear Mr. Jack King,
- Dear Mr. Jack King & the Strategic Team,
But what if you can't pinpoint the exact person or department that will review your application? In that case, try out one of the following alternatives:
Addressing a cover letter without a name
- To the [Company Name] Team
- To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
4. Write an eye-catching game designer cover letter introduction
The greeting and headline of your cover letter work together to initially hook an employer’s attention. To keep them interested, however, you'll need an eye-catching introduction that includes:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you're enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Bad cover letter introduction example
Hello, I am excited to apply for the game designer position. I have some experience and think I could be a good fit.
Why is it so very bad? This introduction is vague and lacks specific details. It doesn't specify the experience or why the applicant is excited about the position or the company. What's more the tone is too casual.
Good cover letter introduction example
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
With over 4 years of specialized experience in developing and carrying out quality assurance for open-world environments, joining your team feels like a natural next step. During my time working on your company’s most recent project as a freelance designer, I was encouraged by Jack Doe – your Lead Developer – to apply for this position.
Why is it strong? This introduction is specific and engaging. It clearly outlines the applicant's experience, mentions their enthusiasm for the company, and even includes a mutual acquaintance to further personalize the application.
Pro tip for fresh graduates: If you're a fresh graduate with limited experience, try starting your cover letter with an anecdote or a personal connection to gaming.
Cover letter introduction example for fresh graduates
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
As a recent graduate with a degree in Game Design, I’ve spent countless hours not just playing but deconstructing and understanding the mechanics of award-winning games. My senior project, which focused on creating an immersive open-world game, received top honors and has been featured in several student showcases. It’s with this foundational experience and passion that I apply for the Game Designer role at [Company Name].
Why is it successful? By focusing on your education and any relevant projects, you can create a compelling introduction even without extensive professional experience.
Remember, an eye-catching introduction can make or break your cover letter. By being specific about your experience, making clear your enthusiasm for the company, and including any mutual connections, you increase your chances of standing out.
5. Showcase your accomplishments and skills as a game designer
With the employer’s attention now firmly hooked, thanks to your introduction, it’s time to provide more in-depth insight into your professional qualifications in the body paragraphs. A good cover letter will generally contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer the following key questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Focusing on your relevant accomplishments is especially important, as they help to show the employer the real-life value you can offer their company.
Here are a few examples of accomplishments in a game designer cover letter
- As a Game Designer for [Former Employer], I introduced a new developmental workflow that helped to increase worldbuilding efficiency by 25%. Additionally, I supervised more than 40 junior designers on the development of a major RPG project.
- I also played a crucial role in enhancing the user interface and experience for a widely popular game, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement. My work on this project not only improved the game’s popularity but also boosted player satisfaction.
- One of my significant contributions was developing a comprehensive design document for a multiplayer online game. This document reduced miscommunication among team members and streamlined the entire project, ensuring timely and efficient completion.
Remember to prove your skills, don't just name them. You need to back them up with real examples from your professional experience. This shows employers not just what you can do, but how you’ve already done it successfully.
Skills to mention in a game designer cover letter
- Game development
- Worldbuilding
- User interface design
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Quality assurance
- Game mechanics design
- Scripting and coding
- 3D modeling
- VR/AR integration
All in all, by showcasing specific accomplishments and tying them to relevant skills, you make a compelling case for why you're an excellent fit for the position. This approach offers tangible proof of your abilities, making it easier for employers to envision your contributions to their team.
6. Make your cover letter pop with powerful action verbs
Using powerful action verbs in your cover letter is crucial, especially for a creative and dynamic role like game designer. Action verbs not only make your achievements stand out but also convey your proactive approach and impact on past projects.
Why do action verbs matter?
- Clarity: They make your responsibilities and achievements clearer.
- Engagement: Action verbs keep the reader interested and engaged.
- Impact: Highlighting your accomplishments with strong verbs makes a stronger impression.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates a polished and well-thought-out application.
Best action verbs for a game designer cover letter
- Developed: Shows that you've created something new, like game mechanics or levels.
- Designed: Indicates that you've been directly involved in the creative aspects.
- Spearheaded: Implies leadership and initiative.
- Optimized: Suggests you have improved a process or system.
- Innovated: Communicates that you've brought fresh, creative ideas.
- Collaborated: Highlights teamwork and cooperative skills.
- Engineered: Conveys technical know-how and problem-solving abilities.
- Implemented: Indicates you’ve put plans into action, showing follow-through.
- Revitalized: Means you’ve breathed new life into a project or system.
- Achieved: Demonstrates your ability to meet goals and objectives.
Incorporating these verbs in your cover letter can make your application not just informative, but compelling. This approach tells the story of your career in a way that resonates with hiring managers and sets you apart from the competition.
7. Conclude your game designer cover letter with a powerful closing statement
You've dazzled with your accomplishments and highlighted your skills, but now it’s time to seal the deal with a strong closing statement. A compelling conclusion can make the difference between your cover letter ending up in the "yes" pile or the "maybe" one.
A perfect closing statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence expressing your excitement and anticipation
- A proactive sentence mentioning your intention to follow up and how the employer can reach you
- A formal sign-off to maintain a professional tone
Bad example of a cover letter conclusion
I have enjoyed writing to you about my experience and think I could be a good fit for your team. I hope to hear from you soon.
Why does it fall flat? This closing lacks enthusiasm and specifics. It vaguely expresses interest without inviting further action. The phrase "I hope to hear from you soon" is passive and doesn’t encourage follow-up.
Good example of a cover letter conclusion
As a long-time fan of your company’s games, I am excited to contribute my knowledge and talents to your upcoming projects as your new Game Designer. I would love to speak with you directly about this opportunity and my qualifications and am available to schedule a meeting Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.
Yours Truly,
[Applicant Name]
To sum up, finishing your cover letter with a powerful statement not only reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role but also keeps the conversation open. Make sure your closing is just as strong as the beginning and body of your letter.
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
8. How to avoid common mistakes in a game designer cover letter
Crafting a game designer cover letter that truly stands out requires not just showcasing your skills and achievements, but also avoiding common pitfalls that can derail your application. Here are some common mistakes that job seekers often make and tips on how to avoid them:
- Generic openings: One major mistake is using a generic opening line like, "To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to apply for the game designer position." This approach fails to capture attention and may leave the hiring manager uninterested from the start. To avoid this, address the hiring manager by name and show genuine interest in the company and position.
- Overly technical jargon: Another common error is overloading your cover letter with technical jargon. For instance, "I have extensive experience with Unity3D, Unreal Engine, and C++, and have worked on numerous projects utilizing these platforms." While technical skills are important, focusing too much on jargon can make your cover letter difficult to read and less engaging. Instead, balance technical details with clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Lack of specifics: Vagueness can also undermine your cover letter. Statements like, "I have strong skills in game design and have worked on several projects," don't provide enough detail to make you stand out. Avoid this by being specific about your achievements. Instead, try something like, "In my role at [Previous Company], I led a team to design an award-winning game, resulting in over 1 million downloads within the first six months."
- Ignoring the job description: Many applicants make the mistake of not tailoring their cover letter to the job description. Sending a one-size-fits-all letter can signal to employers that you're not genuinely interested in their specific role. To avoid this, carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and skills into your cover letter. For instance, if the job requires proficiency in narrative design and player engagement, make sure to highlight your experience in those areas specifically.
- Neglecting a call to action: A weak closing can leave an otherwise strong cover letter hanging. For example, ending with, "I hope to hear from you soon," lacks urgency and direction. Instead, conclude with a powerful call to action. Mention that you're excited to discuss how you can contribute to the team and provide specific availability for a meeting.
By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on personalization, clarity, and specific achievements, you can create a compelling game designer cover letter that sets you apart from the competition.
9. How to pair your game designer cover letter with a resume
Your cover letter and resume are like the dynamic duo of your job application — they work best when they complement and enhance each other. While your cover letter provides a narrative flair and highlights your personality, your resume offers a structured, detailed account of your skills and experiences. Combining these two documents effectively can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
- Cover letter: Offers a narrative, explaining why you're a great fit for the role. It provides context and lets you showcase your communication skills.
- Resume: Lists your work history, education, skills, and achievements in a concise and structured format. It's more about presenting hard facts.
Now, what's crucial is consistency in the design of your cover letter and resume. It creates a professional and cohesive impression and shows attention to detail, further helping establish your personal brand. Here’s what you can align:
- Fonts: Use the same font type and size for both documents to ensure uniformity.
- Header: Make sure your header, which typically includes your name and contact information, matches on both your cover letter and resume.
- Color scheme: Using the same colors can make your documents visually appealing and easier to recognize as a set.
- Margins and spacing: Consistent margins and spacing create a clean, professional look.
- Bullet points: If you use bullet points in your cover letter (e.g., for key achievements), ensure they match the style of those in your resume.
- Design elements: If you include any design elements like lines or icons, use the same style and placement in both documents.
By ensuring that your cover letter and resume share the same design elements, you not only double your impact but also present yourself as a well-organized and detail-oriented candidate. This seamless alignment can make your application stand out as polished and professional, giving you an edge in the competitive job market.
10. Average salary and job outlook for game designers
If you're dreaming of a career as a game designer, it's essential to get the scoop on the industry's financial and job prospects. As of May 2023, the average annual salary for game designers was $92,750, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure provides a solid benchmark for what you can expect to earn in this role.
The BLS categorizes game designers under the broader classification of web developers and digital designers. This group is projected to experience significant job growth. From 2022 to 2032, employment for web developers and digital designers is projected to increase by 16 percent.
Moreover, there are expected to be approximately 19,000 job openings annually for web developers and digital designers over the next decade. As businesses continue to expand their digital footprints, the demand for creative digital content will rise, benefiting game designers as part of the larger digital design sector.
With a promising job growth outlook, a career in game design offers both financial viability and long-term stability. By continually honing your technical and creative skills, you can pave the way for a successful and rewarding career in this dynamic and evolving field.
11. Valuable job search resources for game designers
The fact that you've made it this far means that you're more than well-equipped to craft a game designer cover letter that impresses even the most demanding of recruiters. All that's left now is to start searching for the right job opportunities. But where to start? You can draw inspiration from out list of resources:
- Job boards for game designers: Firstly, take a look at websites that gather job postings pertaining to game development. For example: GameJobs, CreativeHeads, and GamesIndustry.biz.
- General job boards: Then, you can sift through the search results delivered by platforms with much broader focus, such as Glassdoor, Indeed. Monster, or SimplyHired.
- Online portfolio platforms: When it comes to your skills, it's better to show than tell! With platforms like Behance, Dribble, and ArtStation you'll be able to set up your very own online portfolio with minimum effort.
- Professional associations: If you're looking for a place that offers job postings, training programmes, the latest industry news, and professional advice, be sure to check official websites of organizations like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), or the International Society of Virtual and Augmented Reality (ISVR).
- Game development communities: You can also find job opportunities on forums for those who share your passion for game design. We recommend browsing through platforms like Reddit, X, Facebook, Game Jolt, or GameDev.net.
- Industry conferences and networking events: More often than not, you can bump into job opportunities through friends and acquaintances. But if none of yours work in the game design industry, take advantage of LinkedIn or events like Game Developers Conference (GDC) and PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) to make connections with potential employers.
- Continuous learning: Finally, to land your dream job and thrive in it, you'll need to keep pushing yourself to develop new skills. Or, you could enroll in courses and certification offered by online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy.
While your skills and experience are important, don't forget the power of a good game designer cover letter. It's like your introduction to the company, where you can show your excitement for the job and why you're the perfect fit. So, make sure to put some effort into yours — it could make all the difference in landing your dream job!
Game Designer Cover Letter FAQ
How can I demonstrate my problem-solving abilities and creative thinking in my game designer cover letter?
In both cases you can share examples of challenges you've faced in previous game design projects and how you approached them with creative solutions. For example, discuss any innovative ideas or game mechanics you've developed that show your ability to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional game design.
How should I format my game designer cover letter?
Always choose a clean and professional format for your cover letter, including a header with your contact information and a clear and concise introduction, body, and closing paragraphs. And make sure to keep the cover letter to one page in length and use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy to read. To save yourself some time and nerves, you can avoid formatting issues with ease by using any of our professional cover letter templates.
How can I effectively use keywords in a game designer cover letter?
Including keywords in your cover letter is a must, especially in cases when you're submitting your job application through the ATS. Start by reviewing the job posting and identify key skills, technologies, and qualifications that the employer is seeking. Then , incorporate these keywords naturally into your cover letter to demonstrate your alignment with the job requirements. Here are a few examples of keywords you can encounter as a game designer: "gameplay mechanics," "prototyping," "user interface design," and "game balancing."
Any common mistakes I should avoid when writing a game designer cover letter?
Oh yes, plenty! For instance, avoid using generic language or clichés, such as "passionate gamer" or "team player," without providing specific examples or context. Secondly, don't focus solely on your technical skills; instead, demonstrate your understanding of game design principles, player engagement, and the overall gaming experience. Finally, steer clear of simply copying and pasting content from your resume; use the cover letter to provide additional insights, context, and examples that complement your resume.
Should I include references to specific games or game mechanics in my game designer cover letter?
Yes, including references to specific games or game mechanics can showcase your knowledge of the industry and your enthusiasm for game design. Also, discussing games that have inspired you or aspects of gameplay that you admire can help personalize your cover letter and demonstrate your passion for the field.