The Ultimate Graphic Designer Resume Tip Sheet

Article

Designers have an extra challenge when crafting a graphic designer resume: It must not only include compelling content but also look great.

While technology has changed how graphic designers approach portfolios and job interviews, one thing has remained the same: the need for a standout resume. You might be surprised that a formal resume is still a requirement when applying for jobs, but it is in most cases.

Most designers have a resume-like section in their digital portfolios, but you still need a strong standalone resume that they can quickly email to employers.

Why? Most hiring managers are just more comfortable with a resume that they can easily open, print and make notes on. It’s hard to break old habits and it’s a comfort level people have with traditional resumes that can be printed.

Whether you’re revising your resume or writing one from scratch, there are still basic rules — some old and some new — that will help your document rise to the top. The following tips will help your graphic designer resume stand out for all the right reasons.

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Tips for a Graphic Designer Resume That Gets Noticed

Graphic designer resume essentials
Highlight your achievements with evidence and metrics
Design matters: Make your resume visually stand out
Optimize for different formats
Get the details right

Whether you're revising your resume or starting from scratch, these rules will ensure your graphic designer resume rises to the top of the pile:

Skip the objective and focus on a summary

Objectives have become passé, and hiring managers tend to gloss over them. Instead, consider writing a professional summary. In a sentence or two, describe who you are and what you do best. Your summary should highlight your most relevant qualifications for the role and convincingly answer the question “Why should we hire you?”

Be brief

One page is usually enough unless you have a significant amount of highly relevant experience. If your resume is bleeding onto a second page and you’re reluctant to cut content, ask an editor or copywriter friend if there are phrases you can tighten to buy more space on the page. Add more information and context in your cover letter.

Customize your content for every job

One of the do’s of resume writing for any position: Your resume should be tailored for each job you seek. Keep a master version that includes all of your work history and accomplishments, and pick and choose those that are most pertinent each time you apply for a new position. For example, for one job, you might play up your mastery of specialized software, while for another you can spotlight your stellar client communication abilities.

It’s one thing to list your skills — it’s another to demonstrate their impact. Hiring managers want to see tangible results, so be sure to show how your talents have benefited employers or clients.

Provide proof

Don't list what you do; show how you do it. Think about the skills you leveraged in past positions and include power verbs to explain how you used those talents to benefit your employer or clients.

Focus on numbers

It can be difficult for creatives to shift from thinking conceptually to zeroing in on hard data. But hiring managers want to see the results of your work, and the more measurable the better. Sales statistics, response rates, fundraising figures and other quantifiable information will grab attention and show that you’re a results-oriented employee.

Spotlight your soft skills

While job-related skills are important, today’s hiring managers are becoming more attuned to non-technical skills like problem-solving, flexibility and time management. Include examples that illustrate how you put these types of skills into action.

As a designer, the visual elements of your resume are just as important as the content. Make sure the design enhances readability and complements your personal brand.

Dare to design

Your resume is an opportunity to showcase your design abilities. Creative directors, art directors and in-house managers will pay close attention to your use of typography, visual hierarchy and white space.

Show off your personal brand

Your graphic designer resume is a key marketing vehicle and it needs to convey your unique personal brand or style. In fact, your cover letter, resume and portfolio should work as a package to communicate the image you want to project. In short, cohesive branding matters.

Prioritize readability

While it's important to express your style as a designer through your resume design, readability must come first. If your design confuses readers, simplify it. Make sure both designers and non-designers can easily understand the content.

Use color wisely

If you choose to incorporate color, use it sparingly. It should enhance, not detract from, the readability and overall design of your resume.

When submitting your resume, consider both digital and physical formats. You want it to look sharp and professional, whether viewed on a screen or printed out.

Create multiple versions

Always have a text-based version of your resume ready for digital submissions. But when it comes time to showcase your graphic designer portfolio or attend an interview, bring along a fully designed version that reflects your brand.

Check your file size

Ensure your PDF is high-res enough to print clearly but small enough to email without issue. A good balance will keep your resume looking polished in every format.

A flawless resume is essential in a competitive job market. Be diligent about proofreading and making sure your resume is error-free.

Cut the clichés

While it’s okay to talk about your accomplishments in terms that other creatives will understand, avoid using empty clichés and buzzwords. Your application may have to first go through the human resources department, so a non-designer should be able to understand it easily.

Proofread

Often, it’s hard to spot mistakes in content you’ve worked with repeatedly. But one typo could cost you an interview, especially for a competitive position. Before submitting your resume, reread it on screen and paper. If possible, ask two friends to read it, too: a designer and someone who is an expert at copy editing.

Include relevant keywords

Think in terms of SEO. It’s crucial to integrate exact keywords from the job listing into your resume to show that your experience is a good match with the job description. Some companies use Applicant Scanning Systems (ATS) to flag resumes that do not contain terms from the listing.

Ultimately, the goal of the resume is to leave the employer wanting more: Wanting to review your portfolio. Wanting to read your whole cover letter. Wanting to interview you. And, hopefully, wanting to hire you. With this in mind, give your graphic designer resume the time and attention needed to do its job so you can land yours.

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