Graphic Designer Resume Writing Guide & Examples

As a Graphic Designer, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It’s important to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd and showcases your skills and experience in the best possible way. In this guide, we’ll provide you with actionable insights and practical advice on how to write a Graphic Designer resume that will help you land your dream job.

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How to Write Graphic Designer Resume That Stands Out?

When it comes to writing a Graphic Designer resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you create a resume that stands out:

Showcase your design skills: Your resume should be a reflection of your design skills. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to read. Use a clean and modern design, and include relevant images and graphics to showcase your work.
Highlight your experience: Your experience is one of the most important things potential employers will look at. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, including any design projects you’ve worked on in the past.
Include relevant keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume to increase your chances of getting past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter.
Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “Designed logos for various clients,” say “Designed logos for 10 clients, resulting in a 20% increase in brand recognition.”
Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Research the company and the job description, and make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

By following these tips, you can create a Graphic Designer resume that stands out from the crowd and helps you land your dream job.

What Recruiters Consider in Graphic Designer Resume?

When recruiters receive a graphic designer resume, they look for specific elements that showcase the candidate’s skills and experience. Firstly, they look for a strong portfolio that demonstrates the candidate’s design abilities. The portfolio should include a variety of projects that showcase the candidate’s range of skills, such as branding, web design, and print design.

Secondly, recruiters look for relevant experience in the field. This can include internships, freelance work, or previous employment in a design-related role. Candidates should highlight their experience in their resume and provide specific examples of their contributions to projects.

Lastly, recruiters look for a candidate’s technical skills. This includes proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of design principles and techniques. Candidates should list their technical skills in their resume and provide examples of how they have used them in their work.

Key Elements to Include in Your Graphic Designer Resume

When creating a graphic designer resume, it’s important to include key elements that showcase your skills and experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

Summary Statement: A brief statement that highlights your skills and experience as a graphic designer.
Portfolio: A link to your online portfolio that showcases your design work.
Experience: A list of relevant work experience, including internships, freelance work, and previous employment in a design-related role.
Technical Skills: A list of design software and technical skills that you are proficient in.
Education: A list of your educational background, including any relevant degrees or certifications.
Awards and Honors: A list of any awards or honors you have received for your design work.
References: A list of professional references who can speak to your skills and experience as a graphic designer.

By including these key elements in your graphic designer resume, you can showcase your skills and experience to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Graphic Designer Chronological Example

John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555
[email protected]
Objective: To obtain a graphic designer position utilizing my creativity and design skills.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
XYZ University, Anytown, USA
Graduated May 20XX
Experience:
Graphic Designer
ABC Company, Anytown, USA
June 20XX – Present
– Create and design marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and advertisements
– Collaborate with marketing team to develop and execute creative concepts
– Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
– Utilize Adobe Creative Suite to design and edit graphics
Graphic Design Intern
DEF Company, Anytown, USA
May 20XX – August 20XX
– Assisted senior designers in creating and editing graphics for various projects
– Contributed to brainstorming sessions and provided creative input
– Gained experience in project management and meeting deadlines
Skills:
– Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
– Strong understanding of design principles and typography
– Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
– Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Awards and Honors:
– Dean’s List, XYZ University, Anytown, USA (Fall 20XX – Spring 20XX)
– Graphic Design Award, XYZ University, Anytown, USA (20XX)
– Best in Show, ABC Company Design Competition (20XX)

The chronological resume template is a popular format for job seekers with a consistent work history. This template highlights the candidate’s work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. This format is ideal for those who have a strong work history in their field and want to showcase their career progression. The template includes sections for education, experience, skills, and awards and honors. The education section lists the candidate’s degree and university, while the experience section details their work history and responsibilities. The skills section highlights the candidate’s proficiency in relevant software and design principles, and the awards and honors section showcases their achievements and recognition in the field.

Graphic Designer Functional Resume Example

John Doe
123 Main Street, Anytown USA 12345
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Objective: To obtain a graphic designer position where I can utilize my skills and experience to create visually appealing designs that meet clients’ needs.
Summary: Highly creative and skilled graphic designer with 5 years of experience in creating visually appealing designs for various clients. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work effectively with clients and team members to ensure project success.
Skills:
Adobe Creative Suite
Typography
Layout Design
Color Theory
Print Design
Web Design
Project Management
Client Communication
Experience:
Graphic Designer
ABC Company | Anytown USA
January 2018 – Present
Create visually appealing designs for various clients, including logos, brochures, and websites.
Collaborate with clients and team members to ensure project success.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and clients are satisfied with the final product.
Graphic Designer
XYZ Agency | Anytown USA
June 2015 – December 2017
Designed marketing materials for various clients, including print ads, billboards, and social media graphics.
Collaborated with clients and team members to ensure project success.
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met and clients were satisfied with the final product.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
University of Anytown | Anytown USA
Graduated May 2015

The above functional resume example showcases the skills and experience of a graphic designer. The objective statement highlights the candidate’s goal, while the summary section provides an overview of their skills and experience. The skills section lists the candidate’s technical and soft skills, while the experience section details their work history and accomplishments. The education section provides information on the candidate’s academic background. This functional resume format is ideal for candidates who want to highlight their skills and experience, rather than their work history.

Graphic Designer Combination Resume Example

John Doe
123 Main Street
Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555
[email protected]
Objective: To obtain a position as a Graphic Designer utilizing my skills and experience in both print and digital media.
Summary: Highly creative and skilled Graphic Designer with over 5 years of experience in both print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines. Proven track record of delivering high-quality designs that meet client needs and exceed expectations.
Experience:
Graphic Designer
XYZ Company
Anytown, USA
January 2018 – Present
– Design and produce marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, and social media graphics
– Collaborate with marketing team to develop and execute creative campaigns
– Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
Freelance Graphic Designer
Self-Employed
Anytown, USA
June 2015 – Present
– Work with clients to develop branding and marketing materials
– Design and produce print and digital materials, including logos, business cards, and websites
– Manage client relationships and ensure satisfaction with final products
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
ABC University
Anytown, USA
Graduated May 2015
Skills:
– Adobe Creative Suite
– HTML/CSS/JavaScript
– Print and digital design
– Project management
– Strong communication and collaboration skills
References: Available upon request

The combination resume example for a Graphic Designer showcases the candidate’s skills and experience in both print and digital media. The resume begins with an objective statement and a summary of the candidate’s qualifications. The experience section highlights both the candidate’s current position as a Graphic Designer at a company and their freelance work. The education section lists the candidate’s degree in Graphic Design. The skills section includes technical skills such as Adobe Creative Suite and HTML/CSS/JavaScript, as well as soft skills such as project management and communication. The resume is designed to showcase the candidate’s versatility and ability to work in a variety of settings.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Graphic Designer Resume

As a graphic designer, your resume is your first impression to potential employers. It’s important to make sure your resume stands out and showcases your skills and experience in the best possible way. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your graphic designer resume:

Do’s:

Showcase your portfolio: Your portfolio is your best tool to showcase your skills and experience. Make sure to include a link to your portfolio on your resume.
Highlight your skills: Make sure to highlight your skills and experience in graphic design, including software proficiency and any relevant certifications.
Use keywords: Use keywords relevant to the graphic design industry to make sure your resume is picked up by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Customize your resume: Customize your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Don’ts:

Include irrelevant information: Don’t include information that is not relevant to the position, such as hobbies or personal information.
Use a generic resume: Don’t use a generic resume for every job you apply for. Customize your resume for each position.
Use a generic objective statement: Don’t use a generic objective statement. Instead, use a summary statement that highlights your skills and experience.
Use a generic design: Don’t use a generic design for your resume. Make sure your design showcases your skills and creativity.
Forget to include contact information: Make sure to include your contact information, including your email address and phone number.

Conclusion

Writing a graphic designer resume can be challenging, but by following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible way. Remember to customize your resume for each job you apply for, highlight your skills and experience, and use keywords relevant to the graphic design industry. With a well-crafted resume, you can land your dream job as a graphic designer.