Graphic Designer resume example & writing guide

What is a graphic designer?

Graphic designers are responsible for designing visual concepts for different projects. These could be in the form of logos, infographics, sketches, or art designs. While some graphic designers work full-time jobs at marketing firms, ad agencies, software companies, and other organizations, many of them prefer freelance work with flexible working hours. 

Why use this graphic designer resume?

This graphic designer resume is ideal for individuals who have some experience in the field. The resume begins with the applicant’s name and contact details and then moves on to a professional summary. The objective of this summary is to introduce the applicant, mention their previous experience, and highlight some of their key accomplishments to help them stand out.

The next section focuses on the applicant’s technical skills and proficiencies. Unlike traditional resumes, this “skills” section is divided into three parts: print, photography, and multimedia. When hiring graphic designers, organizations are on the lookout for people who have created visually appealing graphics across multiple media platforms (print and online). This is why dividing the applicant’s skills into different categories is important. 

The applicant’s professional experience is listed in a reverse chronological sequence, with the most recent job title mentioned first. Each job detail is divided into two sections: daily tasks and key accomplishments. It’s important to note that this section includes several industry-specific keywords that can be found in multiple graphic designer job postings.

Most graphic designer jobs require a college education or some certification courses in art design, multimedia, or a similar discipline. Similarly, graphic designers are expected to be well-versed in using a wide variety of graphic designing and editing tools. For this reason, the final section of the resume focuses on the applicant’s education, technical proficiency, and licenses/certifications. 

How to write a great graphic designer resume?

Here are a few tips on writing an effective graphic designer resume:

1. Don’t focus too much on adding designs and graphics. At the end of the day, the resume still needs to be parsed through an applicant tracking system, which is why it’s important to focus more on words rather than graphics.

2. If you have a portfolio, make sure to add a link to that portfolio in your resume. This section can be placed towards the end of your resume.

3. Include key accomplishments in your resume and back them with relevant facts, figures, and statistics. 

Which key skills are relevant to a graphic designer resume?

As a graphic designer, you should be familiar with different editing tools and possess the necessary people skills to succeed. Here are a few skills worth considering:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to work under pressure and meet short deadlines

• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite

• Photography and illustration skills

• Photo and video editing skills

• Social media management

• Knowledge of print media

• Storytelling skills