A graphic design resume should display your skills as well as state them. Design elements are key. Do you know how to make a great graphic design resume?
How You Can Write Your Best Graphic Designer Resume
Graphic Design Resume
Graphic design is a creative industry where visuals are important, so it is key to ensure that your resume looks good. A visually appealing resume will catch a hiring manager’s attention, but the content of your resume is still crucial. The right certifications and graphic design skills will help your resume rank well in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and convince recruiters that you are the best candidate for the job!
How Important Is Design in a Graphic Design Resume?
Design and visual elements are fairly important to a graphic design resume as they will stand as a representation of your skills. However, you should not include too many complicated or bold design elements as they can make your resume hard to scan for an ATS. If your resume cannot rank well in ATS, then it will not make it to a hiring managers’ desk.
Rather than investing in fancy design elements, it is more important to create a simple, elegant, and consistent branding through color theory and subtle formatting and elements. If you want to make a strong impression on any recruiters who see your application, make your personal branding and design consistent across your resume and cover letter.
What Skills Should A Graphic Designer Have?
Once you find a graphic design job that you want to apply for, first read the job description carefully. The job description will provide you with all the information you need to fill your skills section with relevant, valuable skills. Here are examples of the commonly listed skills on graphic designer resumes:
Hard Skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Font design
- Web design
- Print design
- Adobe Creative Suite
- HTML/CSS
- Adobe InDesign
- Infographics
- Adobe Acrobat
- Color theory
- Design principles
Soft Skills
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Planning and organization
- Creativity skills
- Research
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration
These resume skills will remain relevant and important whether you are applying for an entry-level job title or a senior graphic designer position. As you progress in your career path your resume’s unique selling points will be your specific work experience and the professional certifications you have. Take the time to consider graphic design resume samples for inspiration about what experiences, achievements, and certifications are most beneficial.
Graphic Designer Resume Example
How To Write A Great Graphic Design Resume
Though it is important, the skills section is only one part of a resume. If you want to write the perfect resume and land your dream job, you need to take as much care in the creation of every section. Here’s how to write the best resume you can:
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Create an eye-catching header
Your resume header should contain all of the contact information a hiring manager will need to reach you if they wish. This means including your full name, phone number, and other relevant contact information. You can also include your LinkedIn profile or links to professional portfolios.
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Write a strong resume summary or objective statement
A great resume objective or resume summary can make all the difference to your job application. If you have a lot of professional experience, a resume summary is the best choice. This should be a sum-up of your most relevant and impressive skills and achievements. By contrast, a resume objective is better for those who lack work experience and should be a statement of intentions.
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Give examples of achievements in your work experience
When you write your work experience section, you should feature up to 10 years of professional experience, presented in reverse-chronological order. If you want your professional resume to stand out, you should provide specific examples of achievements and successes in these roles. For example, if you list a role as an art director, you should give an example of particularly effective design work or a highly successful project. Be specific, too, and use numbers or precise measurements where you are able to.
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Use active language
Whether you are discussing your use of design software or your work as a freelance graphic designer, use active language to grab a recruiter’s attention. Rather than saying, “Was responsible for” use phrases like “Planned” or “Created” to take firm ownership of your successes and choices.
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Include additional sections
If you have professional certifications or a list of freelance projects to feature, creating specific additional sections for this information can be useful. Your education section may contain information like your bachelor’s degree. If you have more than a couple of certifications, you can separate them from academic achievements.
