- Chaya Arbiv
- 7 days ago
- 10 min read
Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →
Learning how to write a cover letter for a portfolio is about connecting your skills directly to the proof of your work. It bridges the gap between your resume and your creative samples, giving hiring managers a clear roadmap of why you’re the right person for the job.
This guide breaks down exactly how to structure your letter, what to include and how to seamlessly weave in your portfolio website link. You'll learn how to frame your projects so they speak to the company's needs, turning a simple application into a compelling argument for hiring you.
Learn more: How to make a portfolio
With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio in just a few clicks. Customizable templates and intuitive tools make it easy to showcase your work with confidence, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.
TL;DR: how to write a cover letter for a portfolio
If you're racing against an application deadline, here is the quick version. A great portfolio cover letter needs to guide the recruiter to specific projects that prove you can do the job they are hiring for.
You need to establish a professional website for your work, address the right person and clearly link your experience to the role's requirements. Most importantly, you must direct them to your portfolio early and often.
Features of a great cover letter for a portfolio
Feature | Why it matters |
Direct portfolio link | Makes it easy for the hiring manager to view your work right away. |
Specific project mentions | Shows relevant experience by pointing to concrete, real-world examples. |
Tailored introduction | Demonstrates that you’ve researched the company and understand its goals. |
Result-oriented language | Emphasizes the impact of your work rather than just the tasks you completed. |
Clear call to action | Confidently invites the reader to explore your full portfolio or start a conversation. |
Learn more:
How to write a cover letter for a portfolio in 9 steps
Creating a cover letter that works in harmony with your portfolio doesn't have to be complicated. By following a logical flow, you ensure that every part of your application supports the others. Here is the step-by-step process to get it right.
01. Build your portfolio website
Before you can write your cover letter, your work needs a place to live. While a PDF works in a pinch, a website looks much more professional and is way easier to share.
Start by picking a custom domain name. Using your full name is usually the best way to look credible to recruiters. If your first choice is taken, try a domain name generator for some fresh ideas.
Once you have your name, you’ll need a website builder to get it online. Wix gives you the tools to make a portfolio website, fast, from free website hosting to customizable templates.
You can choose from 2,000+ website design templates designed specifically for portfolios, saving you hours of work. With simple drag-and-drop features, you can customize the look to match your personal brand and get your site ready in no time.
Pick a clean, professional template that puts your work front and center, giving you a central place to link to in every application.
Check out Wix's templates:
Discover the best portfolio website builders to get started on your journey.
02. Design your portfolio website
Once the structure is in place and you’ve learned how to start a website, organize your best work. Don't just dump every project you've ever done onto the page. Curate your selection to show the type of work you want to be hired for. Each project needs a clear description explaining the brief, your role and the outcome.
Add an "About" page so people can get to know the human behind the work. Make sure your contact details are impossible to miss. If a hiring manager loves your portfolio but can't figure out how to email you, you've lost an opportunity. Include your professional email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Pro tip: Not sure where to begin? Check out the best portfolio websites for some inspiration.
03. Decide how you’ll deliver your cover letter
Context changes everything. If you're emailing a cover letter as the body of an email, it should be punchy and direct with clickable links. If you're attaching it as a formal PDF to an application portal, you can afford a more traditional letter structure.
Consider where the interview is happening. If you're bringing a physical copy to an in-person meeting, the design should match your resume and business cards. Consistency across all formats shows attention to detail and strong personal branding.
Explore these portfolio name ideas.
04. Address the right person
"To Whom It May Concern" often signals that you didn't look very hard. Check the job listing, the company's LinkedIn page or their "About Us" section to find the hiring manager's name. It instantly builds a connection.
If you absolutely can't find a name, use a specific title. "Dear [Department] Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Team" is much better than a generic, robotic greeting. It shows you know who you're talking to even if you don't know their name yet.
05. Write a strong opening
Grab their attention immediately. State clearly who you are and exactly which role you're applying for. Mention something specific about the company that excites you, perhaps a recent campaign they ran or a value they hold dear.
Crucially, drop a link to your portfolio right here in the first paragraph. Don't make them hunt for it. Say something like, "You can see examples of my work at [YourPortfolioURL]." This invites them to look at your skills before they even finish reading the letter.
06. Mention referrals when relevant
A shared connection is a powerful trust signal. If a current employee or a mutual professional contact suggested you apply, mention it early on. It adds a layer of credibility that a cold application just doesn't have.
Be careful not to overplay it though. Ensure the person actually knows you're using their name. Avoid dropping names if it creates a conflict of interest or if your relationship with that person is vague. It should feel like a bridge, not a barrier.
07. Highlight your qualifications using your portfolio
This is the core of your letter. Don't just list skills; prove them. Instead of saying "I am a great graphic designer," say "As you'll see in my portfolio, I led the redesign for Client X which resulted in a 20% increase in engagement."
Connect the dots for the reader. Pick one or two projects that are most relevant to this specific job. Explain what those projects demonstrate about your problem-solving abilities or your creative process.
Expert tip from Doreen Weissfelner, head of Wix analytics and home:
“Your portfolio is your chance to direct the narrative. Decide what story you want to tell and build everything else around that.”
08. Show your interest and fit
Skills get you the interview but culture fit gets you the job. Explain why you want to work there specifically. Align your strengths with what the company is trying to achieve.
If you have non-traditional experience, this is the place to frame it as an asset. Maybe your background in customer service makes you a more empathetic UX designer. Show them how your unique path brings value to their team.
09. Close with confidence
Wrap it up with energy. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Remind them one last time to check out your portfolio website if they haven't already.
End with a clear call to action, like "I'd love to discuss how my skills can help your team." Sign off with "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Keep it professional, clean and confident.
Learn more: How much does a portfolio website cost?
Key components of a cover letter for a portfolio
A well-structured letter makes it easy for hiring managers to find the info they need. It shows you respect their time and know how to communicate effectively. Here are the essential building blocks you need to include.
Header
Always address the hiring manager or the relevant team by name whenever possible. A personalized greeting is much more effective than a generic opener. It sets a warm, professional tone right from the start.
Introduction
Clearly state the role you’re applying for and exactly why you’re interested in the company. Briefly connect your skills and your portfolio work to their goals, brand or aesthetic. This establishes relevance immediately.
Body (2–3 paragraphs)
Highlight relevant work by referencing one or two specific projects from your portfolio that best match the role. Don't just share a link without context; guide them to what matters.
Explain the impact or process behind the work. Describe the outcome, the results or the research that informed your creative decisions. This shows how you think, not just what you create.
Connect your abilities to the company’s needs. Show that you’ve done your research and explain how your specific skills can support the team or help the business grow.
Portfolio link
Include a clear, clickable link to your online portfolio. Mention that your full body of work is available for review there. Make it easy to access at a glance so there is no friction in seeing your talent.
Closing
Reaffirm your interest in the role. Suggest a natural next step, such as a conversation or an interview. Keep the tone confident, professional and forward-looking.
Portfolio cover letter template
If you're stuck on how to start, use this structure. Fill in the brackets with your specific details to get a draft ready quickly.
Subject: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have long admired [Company Name]’s work in [Industry/Specific Project] and I believe my background in [Your Field] would be a great asset to your team.
You can view my full portfolio and examples of my recent work here: [Link to Portfolio Website]
In your job description, you mentioned looking for someone who can [Key Skill 1]. As you’ll see in my portfolio, I recently completed a project for [Client/Project Name] where I [explain what you did and the result]. This experience taught me how to [relevant lesson] effectively.
Additionally, my work on [Project 2] allowed me to hone my skills in [Key Skill 2] which aligns with your team's current focus on [Company Goal]. I am passionate about creating work that drives results and fits the brand voice.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my experience and creativity can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Portfolio URL]
Portfolio cover letter sample
Sometimes it helps to see a finished example. Here is what the template looks like when it's filled out for a specific role.
Subject: Application for Senior Graphic Designer - Alex Taylor
Dear Sarah Jenkins,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Graphic Designer position at BrightWave Marketing. I have long admired BrightWave’s work in the sustainable energy sector and I believe my background in branding and digital design would be a great asset to your team.
You can view my full portfolio and examples of my recent work here: www.alextaylordesigns.com
In your job description, you mentioned looking for someone who can manage complex rebranding projects. As you’ll see in my portfolio, I recently completed a total brand overhaul for GreenTech Solutions where I led a team of three to redesign their logo, website and marketing collateral. This project resulted in a 40% increase in brand recognition for the client.
Additionally, my work on the CityRun Marathon campaign allowed me to hone my skills in large-format print design which aligns with your team's current focus on outdoor advertising. I am passionate about creating visual identities that tell a story.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my experience and creativity can contribute to BrightWave Marketing. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Alex Taylor
555-0199
www.alextaylordesigns.com
Cover letter and portfolio examples built on Wix
A strong cover letter complements your portfolio. These web design portfolio examples demonstrate how professionals effectively connect their portfolio to a compelling narrative that catches the attention of potential employers or clients.
01. Anissa Hexton
Anissa Hexton's portfolio shows the importance of a personable yet professional introduction. A cover letter can do the same—opening warmly, briefly summarizing your experience and guiding the reader to your portfolio. Clear calls to action, like links to projects or contact options, make it easy for the recipient to explore your work further.
Like what you see? Build your own interview portfolio using this same template.
Template name: Business CV website template
02. Lauryn Higgins
Lauryn Higgins' work shows how credibility and specificity strengthen a cover letter. She highlights her experience with major publications, pairing concise descriptions with concrete examples. Referencing projects or achievements directly from your portfolio can give the reader immediate proof of your impact and expertise.
Like what you see? Build your own interview portfolio using this same template.
Template name: Food photographer website template
Editor’s note: Don’t worry about the template’s original niche. Wix templates are fully customizable, so choose a design that feels right and adapt it to your brand.
03. Toni Bonini
Toni Bonini’s portfolio highlights creativity and visual storytelling. When translating this into a cover letter, draw attention to standout projects or skills that reflect your personal style and approach. Using vivid examples from your portfolio helps the reader quickly grasp what makes your work unique.
Like what you see? Build your own interview portfolio using this same template.
Template name: Illustrator website template
04. Christina Sterbenz
Christina Sterbenz’ approach emphasizes clarity and focus. Her cover letter would mirror her portfolio’s clean minimal design, highlighting her experience and writing skills while reflecting her personality. Thoughtful structure guides the reader through her qualifications without distraction, making it easy to see her value at a glance.
Like what you see? Build your own interview portfolio using this same template.
Template name: Creative CV website template
05. Dylan Wirth
Dylan Wirth’s portfolio example demonstrates the power of organization. A cover letter that clearly presents your education, experience and skills in alignment with your portfolio makes it simple for a hiring manager to understand your strengths. Including subtle personal details can make your introduction memorable without overshadowing your professional qualifications.
Like what you see? Build your own interview portfolio using this same template.
Template name: Business CV website template
Best practices for your portfolio cover letter
Following a few best practices can help your portfolio cover letter stand out and clearly showcase your skills and experience. As Chava Katz, PMM @ Wix Pages at Wix says:
“Your portfolio is your visual resume, it speaks before you do. It’s how clients, employers or collaborators understand what makes your work special. The stronger the story it tells, the more doors it opens.”
How to write a cover letter for a portfolio FAQ
How long should a cover letter be for a portfolio?
It should be concise, ideally under one page. Aim for about 250 to 400 words. Recruiters are busy so get to the point, highlight your best work and direct them to your website.
What makes a portfolio submission stand out to employers?
It’s all about making a connection. Your application will shine if your cover letter points to specific projects that solve the employer's current problems. Plus, make sure your link is ready to go so they can dive right into your work.
Should I mention my portfolio in my cover letter?
Definitely. It’s your best asset for proving what you can do. Mention it right away in your intro and pop a link in your signature so it’s impossible to miss.
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