Graphic Designer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Graphic Designer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Graphic designers are creative problem-solvers who work within an organization to create compelling visuals that communicate a brand’s identity and inspire consumer engagement. Whether you want to work in advertising or fashion, graphic design is a great field for anyone who has an eye for aesthetics and a passion for visual communication.
When it comes time to write your resume, you’ll want to make sure it reflects your creativity and problem-solving skills. Here are some tips and an example resume for reference when writing yours.
How to Write a Graphic Designer Resume
Here’s how to write a graphic designer resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters and hiring managers will see. And they’re the best way to showcase your experience and skills.
But many job seekers make the mistake of using generic bullet points that don’t really tell a story or provide any context about their work.
Instead, you should use your bullet points to tell a story about your work. And that story should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Related: What Is a Graphic Designer? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume online, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. These programs are designed to rank resumes based on how many of the desired terms they detect. If your resume doesn’t have enough relevant keywords, the ATS might not forward it to a recruiter.
To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS, use this list of keywords as a starting point:
- Graphic Design
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Logo Design
- Adobe Photoshop
- Graphics
- Page Layout
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Typography
- Branding & Identity
- Web Design
- Photography
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- After Effects
- Social Media Marketing
- Visual Communication
- Brochures
- Poster Design
- Corporate Identity
- Sketching
- Concept Development
- Art Direction
- Branding & Logo Design
- Concept Art
- Freelance Work
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Video Editing
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a graphic designer, you rely on technology to create your artwork. That’s why it’s important to list your technical skills prominently on your resume. By doing so, you’ll show that you’re a valuable candidate who is familiar with the essential tools and systems used in your field.
Recruiters are looking for graphic designers who are proficient in programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They also want to see that you have experience with specific systems and methodologies, such as the Adobe Creative Suite and the waterfall model. So be sure to list all of your relevant technical skills prominently on your resume.
Related: How Much Does a Graphic Designer Make?
Remember The Basics
As you write your resume, it’s important to keep a few basic rules in mind.
Make Sure Your Resume Is Easy to Scan
There are a few things you can do to your resume to make it easier to read and understand quickly. Aligning everything to the left, using a standard font type and size, and keeping bullets under 2 lines will help make your resume more skimmable. You should also try to leave some white space on the page to help the recruiter easily scan through your information.
Be Concise
There is no one perfect length for a resume – it depends on your experience and how much you want to include. A one-page resume is a good rule of thumb for recent graduates or those with less than five to eight years of professional experience, while a two-page resume is more common for those with eight or more years of experience. When trimming down your resume, focus on removing irrelevant information and highlighting the most relevant and recent experience.
Check Your Work
Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.
Consider a Summary
A resume summary statement is an excellent way to show off your most relevant skills and experiences, as well as to state your intentions for the future. When writing your own, be sure to focus on your key selling points, and make it easy for potential employers to see how you might be a good fit for the role you’re hoping to land. Keep it short and sweet, and make sure to tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.
Related Resume Examples
