October 31, 2023
Esports offers exciting opportunities for gamers, coaches, analysts, and more. Crafting a good cover letter can help you get an edge to land your dream job, be it on a pro team, coaching, or casting. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through creating an effective cover letter for your esports journey!
The crucial point to remember is that your cover letter is likely the first piece of information about you a recruiter will see. We all know how first impressions work, so try to ensure your cover letter shines to prevent it from being the reason a hiring manager rejects your application!
Basic Skeleton
- Start with a friendly greeting
Begin your cover letter with a warm and friendly greeting. “Dear [Recipient’s Name]” is a safe and respectful choice. If you don’t know the recipient’s name, a simple “Hello,” or “Greetings” will suffice.
Your career roadmap and job level will influence your approach. For more senior roles, you may want to stick to “Dear [Recipient’s Name]”. For a junior or more informal position, you could try to take some pressure off by using a warm and simple “Hi there!”. Most importantly, let your personality shine through the document.
2. Beginning: Who You Are and Why You’re Writing
The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you are writing the cover letter.
Show them you know the company you’re applying for, and you know who they are and what they do, and tell them why you’re an ideal candidate. Focus on the top three requirements listed in their job posting and, using your education and skills, address them one by one. Generally, these top requirements are the company’s key priorities. Here’s a small introduction example:
“Dear Hiring Manager,
As a passionate game designer with [years] of experience driving vision and execution in competitive gaming, I was thrilled to see the opening for a [position] at [company].”
3. Middle: Highlight Your Past Experience
If you have the needed previous experience, talk about your past achievements and important milestones that build your career there. If you don’t have the experience, then lean on your character traits that would make you the best fit for the role. Keep in mind this part is not a repeat of point in your resume. You want to show how your past experiences and character traits directly relate to the job you are applying for. Here’s an example as if I was applying for a coach position (please, don’t hold it against me that I don’t have much knowledge about the coaching position).
“As a coach at [Previous Company], I crafted enhanced strategies and improved current routines. I tailored strategies for different teams, emphasizing team synergy and optimizing individual performance. My coaching approach was instrumental in clinching victory in key esports tournaments, showcasing my ability to guide and mentor players effectively.”
4. End: Time to Say Goodbye
A simple and confident “Thank you for your time, I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further.” clears the way for the hiring manager to contact you.
Don’t stress about being overly formal; just make the call to action.
Finish your cover letter with a sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Customization is key when applying for any job, and esports is no exception. Research the organization or team you’re applying to and tailor your cover letter accordingly. Mention specific achievements, values, or goals of the organization to show that you’ve done your homework.
Esports is all about passion, and your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the industry. Always emphasize why you’re passionate about esports and how it has influenced your life. Sharing a personal anecdote or story can help convey your dedication.
If you have any gaps in your resume or concerns that might come up during the application process, it’s a good idea to address them in your cover letter. Be honest and concise in explaining any issues and, more importantly, emphasize how you’ve grown and learned from those experiences.
Final Touches
If you’re sending the cover letter as a document attachment, try to keep a font and style similar to what you’ve used for your resume.
Before hitting the send button, take a moment to proofread your cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member review it for clarity and coherence.
Remember, your cover letter is your chance to stand out and make a memorable impression. Craft it with care, showcase your passion and skills, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that dream role. Good luck!