How to Write an Interior Design Cover Letter In 5 Steps

An interior designer creates and oversees the construction of interior spaces within commercial, residential, retail and industrial structures. They create spaces for specific purposes, both functional and aesthetic, typically per client requests. Exploring how to write a cover letter for this creative role can help you prove your suitability to hiring managers for vacant interior designer jobs. In this article, we define an interior design cover letter, provide a helpful guide on how to write an interior designer cover letter, share a cover letter template and outline two cover letter examples for an experienced and inexperienced interior designer candidate.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is an interior design cover letter?

An interior design cover letter outlines your suitability for a vacant interior designer role. You typically submit a cover letter along with your resume to a hiring organisation. It differs from your resume in that your cover letter provides more opportunities to discuss your employment attributes in detail. For example, in your cover letter, rather than listing your skills without further elaboration, you can delve into how you use your skills to improve your duties. A cover letter might not always be a requirement, so consider reviewing the job listing to determine if the hiring organisation requests a cover letter.

Related: Pursuing an Interior Designer Career (With Job Options)

How to write an interior designer cover letter

Below, you can explore several steps on how to write an interior designer cover letter:

1. Use a cover letter template

If you're unsure about how to structure your cover letter, consider reviewing a cover letter template. There are many structures you can adopt in your cover letter that might suit your unique employment circumstances. Cover letter templates can be an excellent tool for showing you where to include content and the type of content worth mentioning. They can also be helpful when applying for multiple interior designer jobs. A cover letter template can allow you to create several cover letters efficiently, without the need to start a new cover letter for each hiring organisation.

Related: A Guide on How to Create a Cover Letter Template in Word

2. Express your reason for applying to the role

Many hiring managers may want to determine your reasons for applying to an interior designer role. There isn't necessarily a specific response hiring managers expect, but your reason for applying can reflect your character and personality. For example, if you want to apply to the organisation because you believe you can develop your expertise, it may suggest you're ambitious and have long term goals, which can be favourable traits to possess. If your reason for applying to the company is that you want to be part of an expert team, it can highlight your teamwork and collaborative skills.

Related: What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter When Looking for Work?

3. Outline your impressive employment attributes

Similar to your resume, your cover letter's overall purpose is typically to showcase your suitability for the vacant role by outlining your employability. An excellent method for showing your employability might be to include your most impressive attributes and credentials throughout your cover letter. Consider outlining your experience, along with specific employment duties and how you contributed to previous organisations. Discussing achievements, awards and relevant accolades can also help you portray your competency and expertise.

Some items you might incorporate in the first paragraph of your letter include awards like an Interior Designer of the Year Award, emerging Interior Designer of the Year Award or Hotel Public Space Designer of the Year Award. This can highlight your expertise and emphasise any design specialities that might relate to the role.

Related: Writing a Cover Letter With a Resume (Plus Tips and Examples)

4. Show gratitude to the hiring organisation

Hiring managers typically appreciate candidates who express gratitude in their cover letters. In your last paragraph, consider dedicating a sentence to thanking the hiring manager for their time and effort in reviewing your application. This can highlight your professionalism, along with many other interpersonal qualities, such as respect, integrity, consideration and empathy.

Related: Samples of the Best Cover Letters (With Writing Tips)

5. Avoid content included on your resume

When you submit your job application, the hiring manager may review both your resume and cover letter. If your cover letter includes unique content not mentioned in your resume, you can typically engage the hiring manager and encourage them to carefully review your application. You can still include details outlined on your resume, but consider elaborating on your credentials with examples and additional information. For example, your resume may state you have a bachelor's degree. You can mention your degree in your cover letter but consider elaborating by discussing the skills and knowledge you gained through your studies.

Related: Interior Designer Resume Examples (And How to Write One)

Cover letter template for an interior designer

Below, you can find a helpful cover letter template to consider:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] [Post code]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your resume]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Related: Cover Letter for Entry-Level Jobs (Template and Examples)

Cover letter examples for an interior designer

Below, you can explore two cover letter examples for candidates with and without extensive experience, applying for an interior designer role:

Cover letter example for an inexperienced interior designer

Here, you can find a cover letter example for a candidate with minimal experience, applying for an interior design job:

Ellen Morales, Bachelor of Interior Design 047 383 4094 | Morales@email.com | Perth, WA | 6022

17 January 2023

Hexon Design Group

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm excited to express my interest in the role of Interior Designer with Hexon Design Group. I'm a recent graduate from Saints University with a Bachelor of Interior Design, hoping to apply my theoretical knowledge in a professional environment, develop my practical skill set and commence my career as an interior designer. Hexon Design Group's versatility in design styles inspired me to apply for this position, as I hope to develop my knowledge and expertise in varying design styles.

I have one year of experience as an Interior Designer Intern, where I assisted qualified Interior Designers to complete their daily activities, such as reviewing designs for compliance, identifying space requirements and ensuring designs are functional and safe. During my time as an Intern, I impressed my employers by identifying issues with blueprints that other team members missed. While I have minimal experience in the industry, I believe the theoretical knowledge I gained from my degree, along with the practical skills I learned during my internship, make me a suitable candidate for the role.

Thank you for the time and effort you've put into reviewing my application. I'm extremely dedicated and passionate about interior design and I hope to develop my expertise to become an integral team member of Hexon Design Group. I look forward to hearing from you and please feel free to contact me at 047 383 4094 or email me via Morales@email.com

Sincerely,
Ellen Morales

Related: Cover Letter Examples for Job Applications (With Tips)

Cover letter example for an experienced interior designer

Below, you can review a cover letter example for a candidate with extensive experience, applying for an interior designer job:

Lewis Cortez, Bachelor of Interior Design 045 047 5077 | cortez@email.com | Perth, WA | 6022

17 January 2023

Garland Design Services

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm excited to express my interest in the role of Interior Designer with Garland Design Services. I'm an experienced and motivated Interior Designer, hoping to gain employment with like-minded individuals where I can develop my expertise. Garland Design Services' prestige and expert design teams are what inspired me to apply for this position, as I hope to learn from the most skilled interior designers in the industry.

I have many years of experience as an interior designer, creating spaces for a variety of clients with different styling requirements, including modern, contemporary and traditional. During my employment as an interior designer, I've collected several accolades, including the 2019 Upcoming Interior Designer Award and the Interior Designer Excellence Award 2021. I believe my experience, skills and dedication to interior design make me an excellent candidate for the vacant role with Garland Design Services.

Thank you for the time you've put into reviewing my application. I hope I can contribute my passion and dedication to the team at Garland Design Services and help satisfy its clients with flawless designs. I hope to hear from you soon so we can discuss my potential future with the company. Please feel free to contact me at 0450 475 077 or email me via cortez@email.com

Sincerely,
Lewis Cortez