Applying for a new role can be a daunting experience. Whether you're new to the design industry or you're an experienced creative practitioner, we hope these tips will help you land your next dream role!
For every design role that gets advertised, there are close to 250 applications, if not more. Your resume needs to stand out from the crowd and land you that dream interview.
Here are our top tips to consider:
1. Resume design is essential – Graphic design resumes are more than an official document. Essentially, it's a creative work sample. So, you want to showcase some form of creative flair in the visual elements of colour choice, typography and layout. Hiring managers will notice your resume design straight away. We recommend using programs such as InDesign or Illustrator to add that extra sparkle to your resume and make Art Directors go Wow! Visit Canva's 50 inspiring resume design examples here.
2. Choosing your fonts carefully – Stick with simple, clear and easy-to-read fonts. This doesn't mean it has to be dull, opt for something stylish but still legible! Visit Easil for 73 best free fonts to create stunning designs or Design Shack for 60+ Best Free Fonts for Designers 2019. If you require a font that is free for commercial use, check out 70+ Best Free Fonts for Designers.
3. Keep it brief – According to The Ladders, hiring managers and recruiters, on average, take around 6 seconds to scan a resume. It is vital to keep your resume to a single A4 page, or at the most, 2 pages. Your resume should include:
- Name and key contact information: Include details like your contact numbers and email.
- Work experience: List your professional experience in chronological order, starting with the most recent. You don't need to divulge your life story, keep it to the most significant roles you have held and anything relevant to the position you're applying for.
- Education: include all your degrees and certifications.
- Design skills: this section states which computer languages, software and programs you have competency in, such as HTML, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator etc.
- Special achievements (optional but will earn you extra brownie points!): these can include significant projects and campaigns you've worked on or awards you've won
4. Add that touch of sparkle: Show your personality: your resume reflects you and your brand, it's your persona. You can add simple visual elements and clean but clever personal touches to your resume, helping you stand out from the hundreds of applications!
5. Include a professional portfolio – As a graphic designer, you should always include visual samples of your creative work along with your resume. We recommend selecting 8-10 pieces of your best and most compelling work to present to hiring managers and recruiters. You will need to confidently explain and communicate your ideas and involvement in these samples and their significance to you and the team. You can present your work in PDF format or link to an online design portfolio (make sure the link is visible on your resume).
We hope you found our top 5 tips helpful in preparing for your resume, and we wish you every success in your design journey! For more great advice check out our podcast on CV tips or our podcast on Cover Letter preparation here.