Graphic designers create customer-focused designs, frequently working on projects like websites, games, product packaging, and advertising campaigns. Most graphic design work is based around marketing and visual branding, but employment opportunities can include everything from creating logos for multinational corporations to working with local governments and schools.
As a graphic designer, you’ll work account managers and creative directors to create a brief, develop concepts, and finalize a design that meets the client’s objectives. You’ll need excellent time management, the ability to collaborate well and work under pressure, and of course a hefty dose of creativity. Traditionally, graphic designer jobs ask for an undergraduate graphic design degree, but recent trends have seen the industry move away from requiring formal qualifications and toward online short courses. Either way, you’ll need hard skills with a variety of design software including Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and InDesign, along with an impressive portfolio to showcase your skills.
Graphic Designer Resume Tips
As a hiring manager, I've reviewed countless graphic designer resumes. I've seen applications from candidates vying for roles at top companies like Apple, Google, and Adobe. While the specific skills and experience required may vary depending on the company and role, there are certain elements that consistently make a graphic designer resume stand out. In this article, I'll share some tips to help you craft a compelling resume that showcases your strengths as a graphic designer.
Showcase your versatility as a designer
Employers want to see that you have a diverse skill set and can handle various aspects of graphic design. Highlight your proficiency in different areas, such as:
- Branding and logo design
- Web and mobile app design
- Print design (brochures, posters, packaging)
- Illustrations and infographics
By demonstrating your versatility, you show that you can adapt to different projects and contribute to the company in multiple ways. Remember to provide specific examples of your work in each area to give the employer a clear picture of your capabilities.
Emphasize your software proficiency
As a graphic designer, your software skills are crucial. Employers want to know that you're proficient in industry-standard tools. Instead of simply listing the software you know, provide context to showcase your expertise:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Sketch
- InVision
A more effective way to highlight your skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, with 5+ years of experience creating print and digital designs
- Skilled in using Sketch and InVision to create and prototype mobile app interfaces, collaborating closely with development teams
By providing specific examples and context, you demonstrate the depth of your knowledge and how you apply these skills in your work.
Quantify your impact and achievements
When describing your work experience, use metrics to quantify your impact and achievements. This helps employers understand the scale and significance of your contributions. For example:
- Designed logos for various clients
- Created social media graphics
Instead, try:
- Designed logos for 20+ clients across industries, resulting in an average 30% increase in brand recognition
- Created engaging social media graphics that contributed to a 25% increase in follower count and 40% higher engagement rates
By using numbers and percentages, you provide concrete evidence of your success and make your resume more impactful.
Include non-traditional design experience
Don't limit your resume to just your professional experience. Include relevant projects, even if they weren't part of a paid role. This could be:
- Freelance work
- Personal projects or side hustles
- Pro bono work for non-profits or community organizations
- Design competitions or hackathons
These experiences demonstrate your passion, initiative, and ability to apply your skills in different contexts. They can also help fill gaps in your work history and showcase your continuous learning and growth as a designer.
Tailor your resume to the job description
One common mistake graphic designers make is sending a generic resume to every job application. Instead, take the time to tailor your resume to each specific role and company. Here's how:
- Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and requirements
- Highlight the experiences and projects that are most relevant to the role
- Use similar language and terminology as the job description to show your fit
- Research the company and incorporate your knowledge into your resume summary or objective
By customizing your resume, you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and make it easier for the employer to see how you can contribute to their team.
Showcase your unique design style
As a graphic designer, your unique style and creative approach are what set you apart. While it's important to demonstrate your versatility, don't be afraid to showcase your signature style in your resume. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Include a link to your online portfolio or website that showcases your best work
- Incorporate design elements or branding that reflect your personal style (while still keeping the overall resume design clean and professional)
- In your resume summary or objective, mention your unique design philosophy or approach
Passionate graphic designer with a bold, minimalist style and a focus on creating impactful, user-centric designs.
By infusing your resume with your unique design perspective, you give employers a taste of what makes you stand out as a creative professional.
