The perfect product designer cover letter is still unwritten — because it's waiting for you to create it. Much like product designs, your cover letter needs to hit several marks, such as showcasing your skills and expertise while also conveying your dedication and enthusiasm for the craft.

To learn how to do all that, dive into our guide, packed with valuable writing tips, sleek templates, and detailed examples.

Industrial Designer Cover Letter Example

Assistant Fashion Designer Cover Letter Sample

Kitchen Designer Cover Letter Example

See more examples like these

Keep reading to discover all about:

• Exploring useful product designer cover letter examples
• Properly formatting your product designer cover letter
• Crafting an effective cover letter header & headline
• Creating a personalized greeting on your product designer cover letter
• Writing a compelling product designer cover letter introduction
• Showcasing your skills and achievements as a product designer
• Including powerful action vers in your cover 
• Ending your cover letter with a strong closing statement
• Avoiding common mistakes in your product designer cover letter
• Pairing your cover letter with a resume
• The average salary and job outlook for product designers
• Accessing top resources for job-seeking product designers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Footwear designer cover letter example

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Why does this cover letter example work? 

• Relevant experience and skills: The candidate highlights over two years of relevant experience at Ralph Lauren Corporation, Inc., which is a well-known and respected brand in the fashion industry. The mention of winning the 2018 International Design Award for Best Footwear Design adds credibility and showcases the candidate’s talent and recognition in the field.
• Educational background and technical skills: The candidate mentions holding a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Additionally, the candidate lists proficiency with relevant software programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Wild Ginger, Cameo, and C-Design Fashion, which are crucial for a footwear designer role.

What could be improved?

• Avoiding blocks of text: The cover letter contains large blocks of text, which can be daunting to read. The candidate should break the content into smaller, more digestible paragraphs or use bullet points for better readability.
• Measurable achievements: While the candidate mentions winning an award, other accomplishments are not quantified or made specific. Include additional measurable achievements, such as "designed a footwear line that increased sales by 15%," to illustrate the tangible benefits of the candidate's work.

Industrial designer cover letter sample

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Why does this cover letter example work?

• Relevant experience across multiple roles: The candidate provides a clear career progression, detailing experience as both an Industrial Design Consultant at SW Global Ltd. and as an Assistant Industrial Designer at Barbor & Co. This demonstrates a steady accumulation of relevant experience.
• Technical proficiency: The candidate highlights proficiency in key software applications mentioned in the job posting, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3DZBrush, Alias, AutoCAD, and Rhinoceros. This clearly demonstrates technical skills that are directly relevant to the role.

What could be improved?

• Avoiding a list-like structure: The cover letter reads like a list of roles and responsibilities. Instead of listing duties, the applicant should focus on narrating achievements and their impact. For instance, "At SW Global Ltd., I led a design project that improved client satisfaction by 20% through innovative custom design concepts and effective client communication."
• Generic introduction and conclusion: The opening and closing sentences are somewhat generic and lack enthusiasm. The letter should start with a compelling statement about candidate's enthusiasm for the role and the company. For example, "I am thrilled to apply for the Industrial Designer position at [Company Name], where I can leverage my three years of experience to drive innovative design solutions."

Kitchen designer cover letter sample

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Why does this cover letter example work?

• Client satisfaction and recognized performance: The candidate emphasizes a strong focus on client satisfaction and mentions being recognized for outstanding performance. Winning the Employee of the Year Award at The Shaker Kitchen Company, Inc. strengthens their credibility and demonstrates a proven track record.
• Educational background: The candidate mentions holding a degree in Interior Design from the Florence Design Academy. This strong educational background is a great asset and reinforces their suitability for the position.

What could be improved?

• Lack of specificity: The applicant mentions being "proficient in a variety of design software programs" without specifying which programs. They should specify the design software programs you are proficient in, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or 2020 Design. This provides clearer evidence of your technical skills applicable to the role.
• Lack of enthusiasm and personal touch: The introduction and conclusion could be more engaging and personalized. The candidate should express genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company. For example, "I am excited about the opportunity to join Remys Design, Inc. and bring my passion for crafting beautiful and functional kitchen spaces to your clients."

1. How to properly format a product designer cover letter

When applying for a product designer position, your cover letter's presentation matters just as much as its content. Proper formatting ensures your cover letter is smooth to read and easy to navigate. Here are some general tips to help you format your cover letter effectively:

1. Use a clean and professional layout

• Font Type and Size: Opt for clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 11 or 12.
• Margins: Use standard one-inch margins on all sides to give your document a clean, balanced look.
• Spacing: Maintain single spacing within paragraphs and double spacing between paragraphs to make your text more readable.

2. Keep it organized with clear sections

• Headers: Clearly label sections with headers if necessary, although we'll detail these later. A header at the top with your contact information in bold or slightly larger font is recommended.
• Alignment: Left-align your text to maintain a professional appearance.

3. Limit the length

• One page: Aim for a one-page cover letter. Hiring managers often scan documents quickly, so conciseness is key.

4. Consistent formatting

• Consistency: Ensure all headings, font styles, and other formatting choices are consistent throughout the document to create a cohesive look.

5. Use a professional tone

• Language: Use professional yet approachable language. Avoid jargon and keep sentences clear and concise.
• Active voice: Write in an active voice to make your cover letter more dynamic and engaging.

6. Proofread for mistakes

• Review: Double-check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A well-formatted letter can be undermined by careless mistakes.
• Read aloud: Reading your cover letter aloud can help you spot awkward phrasing or errors you might have missed.

By following these general formatting tips, you'll ensure your product designer cover letter is smooth to read and visually appealing, making a great first impression on hiring managers. Keep the layout clean and professional, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout cover letter.

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2. How to craft an effective header & headline

There are two key elements used to begin a well-written cover letter: a header and a headline.

A cover letter header is a brief block of text found in the top left corner of the document detailing all the necessary company and applicant information.

Following the header is the cover letter headline, a short title statement used to grab employers’ attention and preview what information the letter will cover.

To help illustrate how to create each of these elements, we've provided more in-depth examples of each below:

Formatting the header

In the header of your product designer cover letter, it's essential to include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
• The recipient's information (the hiring manager's name and title, the name of the company, and the company's address)

Why is it weak? This header is unprofessional and disorganized. The contact information is incomplete and poorly formatted, making it difficult for the hiring manager to get in touch. Also, using "MM at Meta" is too vague and unprofessional. Proper titles, names, and full addresses enhance clarity and professionalism.

Why does this header work? This header is well-formatted and professional. It includes all the necessary information, making it easy for the hiring manager to identify the applicant and contact them if needed. The clear organization and separation between the sender's and recipient's information enhance readability.

Writing the headline

A compelling cover letter headline is a short, attention-grabbing statement that previews the content of your cover letter and entices the hiring manager to read further. Think of it as a newspaper headline — it needs to be engaging and informative at a glance.

What a strong headline should contain:

• Relevance: Directly relate to the job you're applying for and highlight your suitability for the role.
• Keywords: Use important keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you’ve aligned your skills and experience with the job requirements.
• Specific value: Mention what unique value or skills you bring to the position.
• Brevity: Keep it concise and to the point, ideally under one sentence.

Why is it ineffective? This headline is too generic and doesn't provide any compelling reason for the hiring manager to continue reading. It lacks specificity, keywords, and any mention of unique skills or experience. As a result, it fails to capture attention or convey the candidate's suitability for the role.

Why does it work? This headline clearly states the candidate's experience and emphasizes their ability to produce innovative, user-centric designs. It uses relevant keywords and phrases from typical job descriptions for product designers, making it immediately appealing to hiring managers.

Writing a compelling cover letter headline for a product designer position is all about capturing the hiring manager's attention and making a strong first impression. A strong headline should be relevant, keyword-rich, specific, and concise. 

3. How to create a personalized greeting on your product designer cover letter

These days, employers look for applicants who opt for personalized cover letter greetings over generalized ones.

A generalized greeting is vague and broad, such as “To Whom It May Concern.” Comparatively, a personalized greeting will address a specific person or department, showing employers you've thoroughly researched the company beforehand.

While it's preferable to use the exact name of the person who will review your application whenever possible, you may also use one of the following alternatives if you can't find a specific name:

Remember, creating a personalized greeting on your product designer cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and initiative in researching the company. Personalized greetings, such as addressing the hiring manager by name, make your application stand out and create a positive first impression.

4. How to write a compelling product designer cover letter introduction

After you've successfully created your header, headline, and personalized greeting, it’s time to write an eye-catching introduction. Your headline and greeting do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of initially hooking an employer’s attention — it's then the job of the introduction to keep that attention.

A strong cover letter introduction will include:

• 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)

Let's take a look at two contrasting examples:

Why is this introduction weak? It uses a generic greeting and lacks specifics about the candidate's experience or enthusiasm for the role. It fails to mention any unique skills, achievements, or connections, making it less engaging and compelling for the hiring manager.

Why is this introduction strong? It's effective because it provides a clear snapshot of the candidate's background and specialized skills while also mentioning a mutual acquaintance, which can act as a strong endorsement. The statement reflects the candidate’s passion for the field and highlights relevant achievements and connections. 

Nailing your product designer cover letter introduction is key. Highlight your experience, show genuine excitement for the role, and mention any mutual contacts. Ditch vague statements — make your first impression count!

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5. How to showcase your skills and achievements as a product designer

While your introductory paragraph should further grab the attention of employers, the body paragraphs should aim to provide more in-depth detail about your professional qualifications.

Well-written product designer cover letters should contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer the following 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?

Including accomplishments in the body paragraphs is particularly important, as your achievements as a product designer help to show employers the real-life value you can bring to their company.

What's more, describing your skills effectively in your cover letter is crucial. It helps employers understand not only what you have accomplished but also how you achieved those results.

Highlighting specific skills alongside your achievements demonstrates your technical proficiency, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to contribute positively to their team. It's your chance to illustrate why you are the best fit for the job and how your skills align with the company’s needs.

Remember, by highlighting specific skills and quantifiable accomplishments, you effectively paint a picture of your capabilities and align yourself with the needs of the company. Make sure your cover letter not only recounts what you have done but also emphasizes how you did it, setting you apart as an ideal candidate for the product designer role.

6. How to use powerful action verbs in a product designer cover letter

Using powerful action verbs in your product designer cover letter is crucial for conveying your accomplishments and skills effectively. Action verbs make your descriptions more dynamic and engaging, helping you stand out to potential employers.

Action verbs convey:

• Clarity: Action verbs provide clear descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements, making it easy for hiring managers to understand your contributions.
• Impact: They add weight to your statements, making your achievements sound more significant and impressive.
• Engagement: Active language keeps the reader's attention and makes your cover letter more compelling.
• Professionalism: Demonstrating a strong command of language reflects well on your communication skills, which are vital for any product designer.

Integrating powerful action verbs into your product designer cover letter is an effective way to vividly convey your skills and accomplishments. These verbs not only enhance clarity and impact but also engage the reader and reflect your professionalism.

7. How to end your cover letter with a strong closing statement

To end your product designer cover letter properly, you'll need a strong closing statement that includes:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you're looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you'll contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Why does it fall flat? This closing statement is too vague and lacks enthusiasm. It doesn’t provide a specific follow-up plan or preferred contact method, making it less likely to prompt a timely response from the employer. The formalities are also minimal, which can come across as less professional.

Why does it hit the mark? This closing statement effectively highlights the candidate's enthusiasm and aligns their experience with the company's values. It specifies a preferred contact method and time frame, making it easy for the employer to follow up. The formal sign-off adds a professional touch.

Always make sure your closing statement encourages the employer to take the next step — contacting you for an interview!

8. How to avoid common mistakes in a product designer cover letter

Writing a compelling product designer cover letter involves more than simply listing your qualifications and experiences. Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly enhance your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers. Here are some typical mistakes people make and tips on how to avoid them:

• Using a generic template: When you fail to tailor your letter to the specific job and company, it’s obvious to hiring managers. And so, always personalize your cover letter by mentioning the company name, the role you’re applying for, and specific details from the job description. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Failing to highlight key skills: Every employer wants to know that you possess the specific skills required for the job. Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills mentioned and nsure you highlight these skills in your cover letter, providing concrete examples of how you’ve applied them in previous roles.
• Being too vague: Generic phrases like “I have experience in product design” provide little value. Always provide specific examples and quantifiable achievements. For instance, instead of saying “I improved the design process,” say “I optimized the design workflow, reducing the time-to-market by 20%.”
• Ignoring the job description: Reflect the language and requirements of the job description in your cover letter. This shows you’ve taken the time to understand what the employer is looking for and aligns your qualifications with their needs.
• Spelling and grammar errors: Submitting a cover letter with typos and grammatical errors can hurt your chances of making a good impression. Proofread your cover letter multiple times. Additionally, have someone else review your letter to catch mistakes you might have missed.

In essence, avoiding these common mistakes in your product designer cover letter can greatly improve your application’s effectiveness. By personalizing your cover letter, highlighting key skills, providing specific examples, aligning with the job description, and eliminating errors, you create a strong and professional impression.

9. How to pair your product designer cover letter with a resume

Creating a cohesive and professional application package is crucial when applying for a product designer position. Pairing your cover letter with a well-designed resume ensures consistency and makes a stronger impression on potential employers.

A cover letter and a resume serve different purposes but should complement each other. Your cover letter is a personalized document that introduces you, explains your interest in the position, and highlights specific experiences and skills. It's a narrative tool where you can elaborate on your qualifications and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

On the other hand, your resume is a structured document that lists your work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments in a concise, bullet-point format. It provides a snapshot of your professional background and is meant to be quickly scanned by hiring managers.

Using the same design for both your cover letter and resume is essential for creating a unified and professional presentation. Consistency in elements like fonts, color schemes, and layout helps your documents appear cohesive and polished. This indicates that you pay attention to detail and take your application seriously.

Additionally, a unified design creates a personal brand, making your application more memorable to hiring managers. Consistency also ensures ease of reading, allowing hiring managers to easily navigate your documents and find necessary information.

Here are some design traits to align in both documents:

• Font type and size: Use the same font type and size for both your cover letter and resume to maintain a consistent look.
• Color scheme: Stick to a harmonious color scheme that matches both documents. If you use accent colors to highlight headings or key information, make sure they are consistent.
• Headers and footers: Include identical headers and footers with your name and contact information.
• Spacing and margins: Use the same margins and spacing to keep your documents looking neat and uniform.
• Section headings: Align the section titles and headings in both documents to create a seamless flow of information.

By taking the time to ensure that your cover letter and resume look like a matching set, you present yourself as a professional and detail-oriented candidate, enhancing your chances of making a strong impression on potential employers.

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10. Average salary and outlook for product designers

When considering a career as a product designer, it's essential to understand both the earning potential and job outlook. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary for product designers was $76,250 in May 2023. 

Employment of industrial designers, which includes product designers, is projected to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This steady growth rate reflects the ongoing demand for innovative and user-friendly products, ensuring a continual need for skilled product designers who can blend creativity with functionality.

Moreover, the BLS projects about 2,200 openings for industrial designers each year, on average, over the decade. These openings are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations, retire, or leave the workforce for other reasons. This consistent number of job openings indicates ample opportunities for professionals in the field.

Luckily, the career outlook for product designers is stable, with a decent growth rate and a significant number of yearly job openings. With an average annual salary of $76,250, pursuing a career in product design can offer both financial rewards and job security. Whether you are entering the field or seeking advancement, these positive employment trends indicate a favorable market for product designers in the coming years.

11. Top resources for job-seeking product designers

Now that you know all the ins and outs of cover letter writing, there's only one thing standing between you and your ideal job — the actual job search! If you're unsure of where to start looking for suitable opportunities, our list of recommended resources can give you some inspiration: 

• Online job search platforms: You can kick start your job hunt by looking at websites that aggregate job postings from across all industries, like Indeed, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, or Monster.
• Networking: Another crucial element of any career development is networking. Take advantage of platforms like LinedIn to connect with future employers. And don't miss networking events such as conferences, workshops, or expos. 
• Online portfolios: Apart from job listings, platforms like Coroflot, Behance, or Dribbble allow you to set up your very own online portfolio and present your work in a unique and engaging way. 
• Professional associations: Don't shy away from organizations like the World Design Organization (WDO), the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Not only can you find job listings there, but you can also gain access to networking opportunities and further training. 
• Specialized publications: To succeed in a dynamic field like that of product design, you need to stay updated on the latest trends, innovations, and industry news. Following media like Design Week, Core77, and Yanko Design can help with that. 
• Continuous learning: Finally, to move your career to the next level, you can't rest on your laurels for too long. Keep learning new skills and methods with Skillshare, Coursera, or Udemy.

To find your footing in a creative field isn't something that happens overnight. So don't let yourself be dissuaded if you won't succeed immediately. Keep on learning, be open-minded, stay curious, and continue creating. Good luck!