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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Makeup Artist Job

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Makeup Artist Job

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How do you convince someone to hire you for a makeup artist job?
The proof is in what you do, so it might seem like you should be able to send them some pictures of your work and you’d be in!

Unfortunately, finding a job is rarely that easy. Most job postings want you to start off by sending them a resume or CV and a cover letter even when the job they’re hiring for has nothing to do with your ability to communicate effectively using these kinds of documents.

The good news is that we’ll walk you through the process of writing your cover letter.
 

What your cover letter should do

One of the hardest things about writing this type of document is that you may not really understand the purpose of a cover letter.

For example, you might find yourself simply listing the same information that you have put in the resume.

This can make you feel like the letter is a waste of time for you to write and for the recipient to read.

You can and should include some of the information from your resume, but think of the cover letter as a chance to highlight any of the most important information that you want to draw the reader’s attention to.

In addition to particular accomplishments or awards, this could include explaining gaps in your resume or any other information that you think the recipient should have.

Your letter should also convey enthusiasm for the position and explain how you learned about the job. It should not be longer than a page.
 

Your greeting and introduction for a makeup artist cover letter

The cover letter may be the first impression that you make, so you want to make sure it is a good one by including a professional greeting.

When it comes to cover letter dos and don’ts, one of the “dos” is to address the letter to a specific person if possible.

However, this needs to be the right person. Don’t try to be clever by writing to the CEO if you don’t know the name of the hiring manager or whoever is in charge of looking over applications.

If you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to or you are unsure, you can use a standard polite business greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

In case you would like to use an alternative greeting, you may want to have a look at our article “Dear Sir or Madam — 10 Great Alternatives.

In the introductory paragraph, you should say what job you are applying for and how you found out about the job.

It’s fine to be enthusiastic here if this is a position you are really excited about applying for.
 

What to put in the body of your cover letter for a makeup artist job

In the body of your letter, you should include enough information to demonstrate that you meet the basic qualifications for the position, such as your educational background and years of experience.

However, it is also the place to draw attention to accomplishments relevant to the job that you are particularly proud of.

This can be the hardest part of your letter to write because there many be a lot of different information that you want to include.

If you find yourself struggling to figure out what to put here, choose the two or three most important points that you want to convey.

Ideally, the body of your letter should be one to two paragraphs long with just a few sentences in each paragraph.

If you do have to go longer for some reason, make sure to break up any long paragraphs. You want the document to be something that can be quickly skimmed.

Depending on your particular situation, there is one other thing you might want to include in your cover letter.

If your background is in a certain niche of being a makeup artist, such as for weddings, and you want to switch into something different, such as being a makeup artist for the theater, you may want to include some extra information to help persuade the recipient that even though you may not necessarily have experience in their particular area, you are right for the job.

Like someone writing a cover letter for an airline job with no experience, you might need to think of transferable skills you can bring over to the new position.

For example, both are high-pressure positions. It’s very important to a bride to look just right for the wedding photograph or the ceremony itself just as it is important to make sure your actors look perfect for their parts.
 

Writing a conclusion to your cover letter for a makeup artist job

Your concluding paragraph should just be two or three sentences long.

You basically need to thank the recipient and suggest meeting for an interview.

Once again, this is a good place to convey your enthusiasm.

You should then use a professional-sounding sign off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best.”

Once you have finished the letter, set it aside for a few hours or overnight, and then proofread it to make sure you haven’t made any errors.

You can use a spell and grammar check program and have someone else look over it. Reading it out loud can help you catch mistakes as well.
 

Sample letter 1 for a makeup artist cover letter

Dear Ms. Harris,
 
I am writing to apply for the position of a makeup artist for Westwood Spa. I saw this position posted on your website, and I believe I would be an excellent addition to the Westwood team.
 
I have a cosmetology degree and am licensed in the state of Florida. I have five years of experience working first as a freelance makeup artist in the wedding industry and later on the staff of Cumberland Spa. I love working with clients, getting to know them and their style and helping them look their very best as well as being able to offer them tips to recreate a similar look at home.
 
I have strong communication and customer service skills, and I believe in making sure that every customer who passes through the door is treated with the utmost care and respect. During my time at Cumberland Spa, I won several Employee of the Month awards for my customer care that went above and beyond.
 
I would love to take that work ethic and commitment to client satisfaction to Cumberland Spa. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience for an interview.
 
Best,
 
Tabitha Hughes

 

Sample letter 2 for a makeup artist cover letter

Dear Mr. Hildebrandt:
 
I am applying for a job as a makeup artist with Dreamwatch Film Studio. A friend of mine in the industry, Lisa Smith, suggested I send in my application.
 
I have a cosmetology degree and started out working with clients in spas and salons but quickly branched out into doing the makeup for models on runways and photo shoots. However, I have always loved special effects makeup, and for the past two years, I have been working part-time for the West Side Theater as their lead makeup artist.
 
In 2021, I was the makeup artist on the independent horror film “Age of Man.” I did old-age makeup on two of the actors and creature makeup for a third, for which I won a Scream Award at the Clearwater Horror Film Festival. I fell in love with the experience of working on a film set, and I feel that my passion and my five years of experience make me an excellent candidate for the Dreamwatch position. I am hardworking, conscientious and creative.
 
I would love the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss my qualifications and how I feel I could be an asset to Dreamwatch Film Studio. Please let me know when a convenient time would be for you to discuss the position further.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jamie Davis