Makeup Artist Cover Letter Sample

Today’s Date

Hiring Manager’s Name

842 Company Address

Los Angeles, California, 90028

(xxx)xxx-xxxx

hiring.manager@gmail.com

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

My name is Amber, and I saw your job posting on Indeed.com last weekend. I’ve been working as a makeup artist for over 5 years, and it’s something I’m very passionate about. Your production company is extremely well known in the entertainment industry for its polished costume and set designs, and I would be thrilled to contribute my expertise in theatrical and special effects makeup toward its future success.

One of the most important aspects of being a successful makeup artist is the ability to work accurately and in a timely manner. Throughout my time in the entertainment industry, I’ve never missed a single deadline or been responsible for a delay in production. My professional history is spotless, characterized by efficiency and good communication. I relish a challenge, and enjoy the pressure that comes with working in a fast-paced production studio.

Amidst the seemingly universal shift away from practical effects in the entertainment industry, it is refreshing to see that [TARGET COMPANY] has maintained its resolve and stuck with them. My experience and proficiency with special effects and prosthetic makeup would make me a great fit at [TARGET COMPANY], and help bring practical effects back into prominence.

[TARGET COMPANY] has been making waves in the entertainment industry for years, and has a great reputation as an employer. I believe that the company’s drive to produce unique, original content is what sets it apart, and I would love to contribute to this positive public image. I would be thrilled to come in for an interview if possible. You can reach me anytime at [EMAIL] or [PHONE]. Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Amber Machenal

While all cover letters should follow the same basic format, it goes without saying that for different jobs, the emphasis and focus should be different. Below, we outline 5 things you can do to tailor yours for success as a makeup artist.

makeup artist on the job — Makeup artists will always be needed

1. Specify the industry you specialize in

Makeup artist positions can range from freelance work with individuals to movie sets at big production studios – and everything in between. It is important you specify which type of work you have done, and which type you are looking for.

You should also emphasize only related work experience in your cover letter.

2. Research your target company

Put in a little time and research the company you are applying to. If the company is known for anything, has a good reputation, or excels at anything, mention it in your cover letter.

Also suggest how you could contribute to that success in some way. Notice how Amber appears to have done a lot of research on the hiring company and uses it to her advantage:

Makeup Artist Company Research Examples

The hiring manager will be impressed that you’ve done your homework, and you will leave him or her with a great impression of you as a result.

3. Highlight special skills

As a makeup artist, it will be assumed that you have basic skills with makeup and cosmetics. One thing that can really set you apart, however, is the inclusion of some additional, special skills.

In our sample, Amber emphasizes her proficiency with prosthetic and special effects makeup. She is applying for a position at a production studio that encourages the use of practical effects, so it makes sense for her to emphasize these skills.

If you specialize in wedding photos makeup, mention it – as long as it’s relevant to the position you are applying for.

4. Use phrases from the job posting

Most job postings in this industry will list the key responsibilities that makeup artists will be expected to perform if they are hired. This is incredibly useful information as an applicant, as you can use it to tailor your cover letter. Pull words and phrases from the job posting and include them. The benefits are two-fold:

I. Seeing these words and phrases on your application will strike a chord with the hiring manager. He or she will recognize them and begin to think that you are capable and qualified.

II. Applicant tracking software (ATS) identifies keywords and phrases in every document to automatically determine whether the applicant is a good fit for the company. By using words from the job posting, you will increase your chances of being earmarked as a qualified candidate and being brought in for an interview. Read more about Applicant Tracking Software in our how to write a cover letter guide.

5. Focus on consistency

Before you have a chance to interview, your resume and cover letter are probably the only pieces of information the hiring company will have about you (unless you include a portfolio). These documents will paint a picture of you, and you want it to be a good one. Outside of writing great individual documents, it is important that they dovetail with each other.

You can achieve this by pulling out some of the specific skills mentioned in your resume for use in your cover letter. You can also take some of the bullets you want to highlight from your professional history and work them in. Doing so will provide a strong, consistent impression of you as an applicant and strengthen your overall application.

Look how Amber emphasizes some skills she also specifically mentions in her resume:

Makeup Artist Skills Examples That’s it! You should be ready to get started on your own, but if you’d prefer a different look, check out our library of professional cover letter templates.

And if you’re pressed for time, try our quick and easy cover letter builder. Either way, we’re sure you’ll be on your way to your dream job in no time. Good luck!