key skills resume designer

• Get Unlimited Access

• See All Courses >
• SUCCESS STORIES

• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>

• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>

• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>

• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>

• ResyMatch.io Scan and score your resume vs. any target job.
• ResyBuild.io Build a job-winning resume using proven templates and advice.
• CoverBuild.io Have AI generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Transform your LinkedIn headline into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBullet.io Scan, score, and upgrade your resume bullets.
• Mailscoop.io Find anyone’s professional email address in seconds.
• The Job Search Email Playbook Our 100+ page guide to writing job-winning emails.
• Value Validation Project Starter Kit Everything you need to create a job-winning VVP.
• No Experience, No Problem Learn how to change careers with no experience.
• The Interview Preparation System A proven system for job-winning interview prep.
• The LinkedIn Launch Formula A proven system for six-figure success on LinkedIn.
• See All Blog Posts Check out all of our job search articles & posts.
• HeadlineAnalyzer.io Scan your LinkedIn Headline and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization Our comprehensive guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
• LinkedIn Headlines Learn how to write a crazy-effective LinkedIn headline.
• LinkedIn Profile Picture Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn profile picture.
• LinkedIn About Section Write a job-winning About section (with examples!)
• LinkedIn Cover Photos Learn how to create a job-winning LinkedIn cover photo.
• GET YOUR FREE LINKEDIN HEADLINE SCORE >>
• ResyMatch.io Scan your resume and turn it into a job-generating machine.
• ResyBuild.io Build a beautiful, job-winning resume using recruiter-approved templates.
• Resume Examples Check out example resumes for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Resume Learn how to write a resume that actually wins job offers.
• Resume Summaries Our guide on writing a job-winning resume summary.
• Resume Tips & Action Words 175+ tips & examples to supercharge your resume.
• GET YOUR FREE RESUME SCORE >>
• CoverBuild.io Use our tool to generate a personalized, job-winning cover letter in
• Cover Letter Examples Check out example cover letters for a range of job titles and industries.
• How To Write A Cover Letter Learn how to write a cover letter that actually wins job offers.
• Cover Letter Templates Check out our proven, job-winning cover letter templates.
• Addressing A Cover Letter Learn how to start a cover letter the right way.
• GENERATE YOUR JOB-WINNING COVER LETTER >>
• Mailscoop.io A tool to help you find anyone’s professional email in seconds.
• How To Get A Job Without Applying Online Our flagship guide for effective job searching in today’s market.
• How To Network Our comprehensive guide on learning how to network.
• Tips For Better Networking Emails 6 tips for writing networking emails that actually get results.
• What To Ask In An Informational Interview 10 great questions to ask during a networking conversation.
• FIND ANY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS >>
• How To Prepare For Interviews Our proven preparation framework for turning more interviews into offers.
• How To Create A Job-Winning Interview Presentation Learn our “silver bullet” Value Validation Project presentation strategy.
• Interview Questions & Answer Examples Job-winning example answers for common interview questions.
• What To Wear To An Interview A simple guide to dressing for the job you want.
• How To Write A Job-Winning Thank You Note Learn how to write a post-interview thank you that wins job offers.

Graphic Designer Resume Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

• LinkedIn 48
• Pinterest 0

Looking to score a job as a Graphic Designer?

You're going to need an awesome resume. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer resume using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.

All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.

If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Graphic Designer role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume
• The Best Skills To Include On A Graphic Designer Resume

How To Write A Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume Summary

How to write offer-winning graphic designer resume bullets.

• 3 Graphic Designer Resume Examples

The 8 Best Graphic Designer Resume Templates

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Graphic Designer Resume Overview: What To Know To Write A Resume That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when they're hiring a Graphic Designer?

Companies typically look for Graphic Designers with a combination of technical skills, creativity, and relevant experience. Technical skills include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite — like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign — Figma, Microsoft Suite, G-suite, and an understanding of design principles and techniques. Creativity, on the other hand, is a valued skill in developing unique and compelling designs that appeal to the company's audience.

Plus, relevant experience demonstrated through a portfolio of past work shows an ability to complete projects and tackle challenges in a professional setting.

Companies may also value communication skills and the ability to work well in a team, as designers often collaborate with other departments.

Your resume should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Graphic Designer resume:

• Craft your resume to the job description you are applying for: Tailor your resume for each application, aligning your skills with the specific requirements of each job description.
• Detail previous experiences: Provide detailed descriptions of your roles, emphasizing hard and soft skills related to the job description. Highlight your proficiency with software like Abobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Suite, G-suite, and Figma.
• Bring in your key achievements: Showcase measurable achievements in previous roles and share your best work.
• Highlight your skills: List relevant hard and soft skills, such as proficiency in design software tools, creativity, marketing, and communication.
• Make it visually appealing: You're a designer — so design! Use a professional and clean layout with bullet points for easy readability. Also, ensure formatting and font consistency throughout the resume and limit it to one or two pages.
• Use keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increase your chances of being noticed by hiring managers.
• Proofread your resume: Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate errors (I recommend Hemingway App and Grammarly ). Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to ensure clarity and effectiveness!

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Graphic Designer Skills To Include On Your Resume

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Graphic Designer Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Graphic Designer resume.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of real Graphic Designer job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Development
• Illustrators
• Organization
• Cross-Functional
• Time Management
• Consistency
• Social Media
• Presentations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Resume And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your resume is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your updated Graphic Designer resume
• Open a copy of your target Graphic Designer job description
• In the widget below, paste your resume on the left, paste the job description on the right, and hit scan!

ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.

If you're ready to get started, use the widget below to run your first scan and get your free resume score:

Copy/paste or upload your resume here:

Click here to paste text

Upload a PDF, Word Doc, or TXT File

Paste the job post's details here:

Scan to compare and score your resume vs the job's description.

Scanning...

And if you're a visual learner, here's a video walking through the entire process so you can follow along:

Employers spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.

If you want to win more interviews and offers, you need to make that time count. That starts with hitting the reader with the exact information they're looking for right at the top of your resume.

Unfortunately, traditional resume advice like Summaries and Objectives don't accomplish that goal. If you want to win in today's market, you need a modern approach. I like to use something I can a “Highlight Reel,” here's how it works.

Highlight Reels: A Proven Way To Start Your Resume And Win More Jobs

The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.

It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.

The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:

• A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
• An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high-level value
• A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
• A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy

For example, if we were writing a Highlight Reel for a Graphic Designer role, it might look like this:

You can see how the first bullet includes the Graphic Designer job title, the years of experience this candidate has, and it wraps up with a value-driven pitch for how they've helped companies in the past.

The next two bullets are “Case Studies” of specific results they drove at their company. The last bullet wraps up with extracurricular information, such as volunteer work and awards.

This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is that they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.

Here's one more example of a Graphic Designer Highlight Reel:

The content of this example showcases the candidate's years of experience and wraps up the first bullet with a high-value pitch, while the following bullet points focus on measurable results and relevant experience. Then, they highlight their focus on volunteer work and high GPA.

If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.

Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.

Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.

If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:

❌ Graphic Designer with 8+ years of experience

✅ Graphic Designer with 8+ years of proven experience, excelling in brand development and digital marketing strategies, boosting customer acquisition by 30% through effective collaboration

The second bullet makes the candidate's value  so much more clear, and it's a lot more fun to read! That's what we're going for here.

That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.

Using ResyBullet To Write Crazy Effective, Job-Winning Resume Bullets

ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:

• Head over to ResyBullet.io
• Copy a bullet from your resume and paste it into the tool, then hit “Analyze”
• ResyBullet will score your resume bullet and show you exactly what you need to improve
• You edit your bullet with the recommended changes and scan it again
• Rinse and repeat until you get a score of 60+
• Move on to the next bullet in your resume

Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:

First, we had, “Graphic Designer with 8+ year of experience.” 

ResyBullet gave that a score of 25/100.  Not only is it too short, but it's missing relevant skills, compelling language, and measurable outcomes:

Now, let's take a look at our second bullet,  “Graphic Designer with 8+ years of proven experience, excelling in brand development and digital marketing strategies, boosting customer acquisition by 30% through effective collaboration.”

ResyBullet gave that a 69 / 100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the experience in the Graphic Designer role, while also highlighting measurable results:

Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam-packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!

If you're ready, grab a bullet from your resume, paste it into the widget below, and hit scan to get your first resume bullet score and analysis:

Free Resume Bullet Analyzer

Learn to write crazy effective resume bullets that grab attention, illustrate value, and actually get results., copy and paste your resume bullet to begin analysis:, 3 graphic designer resume examples for 2024.

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:

Graphic Designer Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background

Graphic Designer Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

For our second Graphic Designer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background. In this case, they are coming from a background as an elementery school teacher, but leverage experiences that can help them transition to a Graphic Design role. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:

Graphic Designer Resume Example #3: Graphic Designer With Experience As A Freelancer

For our third Graphic Designer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has only worked as a freelancer. Here's an example of what their resume might look like when applying for Graphic Designer roles:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Graphic Designer resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Free Job-Winning Resume Templates, Build Yours In No Time .

Choose a resume template below to get started:.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer resume:

• Start with a proven resume template from ResyBuild.io
• Use ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your resume for each role you apply to
• Open your resume with a Highlight Reel to immediately grab your target employer's attention
• Use ResyBullet.io to craft compelling, value-driven bullets that pop off the page
• Compare the draft of your resume to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like HemingwayApp or Grammarly to proofread your resume before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Graphic Designer interviews and job offers.

Now that your resume is taken care of, check out my guide on how to get a job anywhere without applying online!

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Most Popular Posts

YOU’VE SEEN AUSTIN IN

WHAT CAN I HELP WITH?

Welcome Back To Cultivated Culture!

Log into your Cultivated Culture account using one of the options below:

You have exceeded the maximum number of phone messages in a 24 hour period. We limit the number of times you can request security codes in order to protect your security. Please try again later or /contact">contact us for assistance with accessing your account.

Forgot your password? Click here to reset.

Need a free acount? Click Here To Sign Up

By logging in, you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and agree to receive email updates.

One Free Account, Four Job-Winning Tools

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account and get access to all of our job search tools:

Your Bullet Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your bullet along with suggestions for improving it:

Sign Up To Save & Export Your Resume

Sign up to create, save, and export your resume and get access to our suite of job search tools!

Sign Up To Get More Free Email Searches

Create a free account to unlock more email searches and get access to all four of our job-winning tools:

Your Headline Score is:

Sign up for a free Cultivated Culture account to get the full breakdown of your headline along with suggestions for improving it:

Already have an acount? Click Here To Log In

We Just Need You To Verify Your Email.

We just emailed you a 6-digit code. Please check your email and enter it below.

Note: Your progress will not be saved until your email is verified. Closing this pop up or window might cause you to lose your progress.

Invalid Code

Choose one of the options below to get the verification code we sent you!

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free scans.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free templates, saves, and exports.

We'll need you to verify your email address before you're able to unlock free email searches.

We sent a verification code to your email, all you have to do is paste that code here and submit to get full access!

Looks Like You Still Need To Verify Your Email Address!

Whoops! Looks like you still haven't verified your email address. We'll need you to do that before granting free, unlimited access to our tools.

If you can't find the original verification email, click the link below and we'll send a new one:

Sent! Please check your email.

Oops you've hit your credit limit..

Looks like you've used all 10 of your free credits for the month. Your credit limit will refresh in days. You can learn more about your credit limit here.

Want to stop worrying about credits?

Sign up for our Unlimited plan to get instance unlimited access to all of our jon search tools for one low price. Click below to learn more:

Go Unlimited!

Change plan.

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our full suite of tools to help you craft personalized job application materials in 15 minutes (or less!).

Go Unlimited (& Save 10%)!

Upgrade to get unlimited access to our full suite of tools to help you craft personalized job application materials in 15 minutes (or less!), and 10% off our regular pricing thanks to your friend :

Your Unlimited plan comes with...

Unlimited access to 6 of our job search tools

Unlimited AI optimizations and generations

200 Mailscoop searches per week

No obligations - cancel any time

By clicking "Upgrade My Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

By clicking "Change Plan," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Confirm Your Plan Change

Here is a summary of your plan change:

Current Plan:

Please note the following for plan changes:

Your new plan and rebill date will be effective immediately

The number above depict retail plan pricing, any adjustments or credits will be available in the Invoices section of your Billing tab

If you're moving to a lower cost plan, the difference will be credited to your account and applied towards your next payment

By clicking "Confirm Plan Change," you agree to Cultivated Culture's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Unlimited Plan Upgrade

Change payment method.

Promo code has been applied to your purchase!

Note: This is a monthly subscription, your card will be automatically charged every month until you cancel your plan.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

(C) 2024 Cultivated Culture

Note: You will not be charged for updating your credit card using this form. After your new card is added, you will be billed on the date of your next billing cycle.

Upgrade Complete!

You are officially a

Unlimited Member

Invoice Details

Paid Today:

Start Date:

Subscription:

Next Bill Date (Est.):

Note: This receipt and future invoices will be available in the Billing Tab of your Account Dashboard .

Do You Want To Secure Your Account?

Increase your account security with one of our multi-factor authentication options:

Choose An Authentication Method

Awesome! Let's make your account more secure.

Choose your preferred authentication method:

Text Message Authentication

Enter the phone number that you want to use to set up text-based authentication for your account:

Text Message Verification Code Sent!

Please check your phone for verification code and enter below:

Email Verification Code Sent!

Please check your email for verification code and enter below:

No problem, we'll skip this for now. Do you want us to remind you to secure your account?

It's great to have you. We just have a few questions so we can personalize your experience with our tools:

• I haven't applied to any jobs yet and I am not sure where to start
• I know what types of jobs I am looking for and I have started applying or I plan to start soon
• I have been applying to jobs for 3 months or longer, but haven't gotten the results I'd hoped for
• Get a job in the same industry I currently work in
• Switch careers and get a job in a new industry
• Get promoted at my current company
• Improve my resume
• Improve my cover letter
• Enhance my LinkedIn presence
• Find jobs that I am compatible with

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

22 Graphic Designer Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Graphic Designer Resume

• Graphic Designer Resumes by Experience
• Graphic Designer Resumes by Role

Writing Your Graphic Designer Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

You can whip up a new logo in a flash, your friends turn to you when they need help with Photoshop, and you’re always doodling on your notes. You’re a great graphic designer, and it shows.

But when it comes to making a resume to prove your skills (not to mention writing cover letters ), employers want more than just your portfolio pieces. Plus, discussing your design skills and experience on your resume can take a lot of effort.

Our graphic designer resume examples have  helped graphic designers land highly coveted jobs at companies like Stripe and Apple,  so they’re an excellent place to get inspired to create your great resume.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• This can be tricky for some graphic design roles, so it’s okay if your work isn’t the sole reason for improvement. Simply highlight your overall impact as part of the graphic design, marketing, or sales team.
• Portfolios are more or less a requirement for graphic design roles, so make sure to include a link to your own.
• If you choose to add a  resume objective  to your graphic designer resume, you need to customize it for each job to which you apply. One way to do this is to include keywords from the job description. Don’t forget to mention the company by name! 

Beginner Graphic Designer Resume

• One thing that you can count on is a career objective that’s both inspiring and clear on what you intend to do once you’re hired.

Junior Graphic Designer Resume

• If you’re light on relevant work experience, include any relevant projects or internships. Just make sure to include metrics when you can, as any recruiter will treat an internship like a job and will thus expect a demonstration of your impact.
• You don’t have to be an expert, but generally speaking, only include skills you can talk about in an interview.

Senior Graphic Designer Resume

• Demonstrating your impact proves you’re a designer who thinks about your work within a broader context and does their best to help a company grow.
• If you’re wondering what to include, start with metrics relating to time or people. How many hours did you help your team save? How many new customers did you gain? How many people viewed your designs?
• The activities section isn’t always a good choice, but it can be a useful addition in some cases. If your  resume’s section of hobbies and interests  demonstrates leadership, persistence, or other useful skills, you can include this section to give you a boost over the competition. 

Graphic Design Student Resume

• Showcase projects where you’ve used Affinity Designer, Adobe Fresco, or Canva to create compelling visuals or your use of resources like Pixabay and Coolors for inspiration and project enhancement.
• School work totally counts, too, so highlight available metrics from completed projects like grades or peer reviews.
• This approach underscores your hands-on experience with design tools and ability to complete projects successfully, irrespective of traditional employment.

Self Taught Graphic Designer Resume

• In addition, line up one or two projects, which if adopted into real-world scenarios, would help transform marketing trends and outcomes for all-size businesses.

Freelance Graphic/UI Designer Resume

• In other words, don’t stop at making a list of job-specific tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, and Coolors in your freelance graphic/UI designer resume. Take them on a journey through your past gigs, painting a picture of those moments your designs stole the show or the times your creativity drew gasps and nods of approval.

Graphic Designer/Production Specialist Resume

• Essentially, sprinkle those gems throughout your graphic designer/production specialist resume like confetti, a hack Michael executed well at the start of each bullet point. You want every line on that resume to shout from the rooftops that you’re the hands-on visionary who doesn’t just do the job but redefine it.

Graphic Designer Illustrator Resume

• Capitalize on your graphic designer illustrator resume’s side columns to parade graphic design and illustration tools you’re well-versed in. Brandon, for instance, curates a list of tools (cue GIMP, Vectr, Prezi and more), and then weaves in evidence of him wielding these tools in the work history section.

Creative Designer Resume

• If you can back your creative designer resume with a fine arts degree in graphic design, you’ll be able to show your enthusiasm for the work and be on the hiring list for any employer.

Visual Designer Resume

• Mention tools like Adobe Photoshop, Inkscape, Figma, and InVision that speak volumes about your artwork. Adding such skills will convey that you’re well-versed with the latest design tools and can create modern designs with ease!

Logo Designer Resume

• Borrow a script from how Ben weaves competencies in Blender, Figma, CorelDRAW, and so on to get things done and increase user engagement.

Motion Graphic Design Resume

• An experience at a junior level accompanied by what you learned and your input can be an effective anchor you can use to boost the chances of your motion graphic designer resume making it beyond the shortlisting stage.

Social Media Graphic Designer Resume

• Put everything in its place and let the hiring teams find it easy to follow your career path. Most importantly, ensure there’s no clutter because that is a big turn-off.

Web and Graphic Designer Resume

• Following the same tactic, achieving 97% customer satisfaction for several projects is a true testimony to your work ethic and client-focused approach.

Freelance Graphic Designer Resume

• Highlight how you’ve leveraged Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, or CorelDRAW to deliver creative solutions to client projects, citing specific examples.
• Discuss using project management tools like Asana to meet deadlines and coordinate with clients—all while delivering high-quality work.

Graphic Design Specialist Resume

• For example, you mention how your work generated more traffic on social media or how you helped the marketing team create a campaign.
• Including numbers that highlight your impact will drastically increase your chances of landing an interview. Companies often receive hundreds of applications for a single role, so as you  craft your resume , keep in mind how you can stand out.
• Graphic designers are expected to be proficient with many different tools, especially the industry standard, Adobe Creative Suite. So make sure to let employers know if you’re skilled at Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Creative Graphic Designer Resume

• Some of the most popular mediums we’ve seen are print media, video, website design, and logo design.
• Make sure to add any experience you have with heading a project or leading a team.
• Showing an increase in responsibility throughout your career is another great way to show your initiative.
• For example, mentoring other graphic designers demonstrates positive growth as a leader.

Production Artist & Graphic Designer Resume

• You can improve your format by choosing two tastefully contrasting fonts, utilizing white space throughout your resume, and using bold (but not garish) colors in your header and titles.
• Don’t get so caught up in formatting that you neglect your content—use a  resume template  to help speed up the formatting process.
• Focus on picking relevant projects that have some link to the job description.

Marketing/Graphic Design Coordinator Resume

•  If you choose to include a summary, you’ll need to ensure it’s unique and personalized for every application you submit. Otherwise, skip adding it and focus on your work experience instead.
• Specialize your summary by mentioning the specific job title you’re seeking, the company’s name, and any examples of work you’ve done throughout your career that’s highly relevant for the job. Just be sure to keep it under three sentences. 

Senior Apparel & Graphic Designer Resume

• Giving a two-to-three sentence rundown of your career can be a challenge, so break it down into three components: who you are, your biggest success, and what assets you bring to the company.
• Think back on your career and list your biggest accomplishments that you can quantify/explain in a single sentence. Did you increase site engagement by 72 percent by incorporating a more modern, user-friendly layout and graphics? Did you design the company’s newsletter which was sent out to 2,000 customers? 
• Adobe offers certification courses for many of their Creative Cloud products, and there are many courses offered through universities to give you a leg-up over the competition. 

Graphic Designer/Administrative Assistant Resume

• Since you’re in a creative field, you can include more kinds of projects than a technical role would allow, but try to limit your choices to activities/projects that require(d) taking initiative, additional research, or learning a completely new skill. 
• If you choose to include one, you’ll need to ensure it’s unique and personalized for every application you submit. 
• Though including a  resume objective  is optional, it gives you a chance to address the employer by name and establish what they will gain by hiring you. 

Related resume guides

• Interior Design
• Social Media Manager

Graphic design is one of the most profitable professions in the freelance industry, and the position is growing more popular. Graphic designers serve as visual communicators who craft concepts using a stroke of their pen or a click of their specialized graphic design software.

Their main aim is to convey ideas to inform, inspire, or capture customers through physical and virtual art forms like words, images, and abstract elements like colors and shapes. However, graphic designers aren’t just glued to their drawing tables—they spend a lot of their time communicating with clients, customers, and other creators to ensure that their designs replicate the intended message and hit the intended audiences.

Standing out in the graphic design field isn’t easy. There are about 266,000 graphic designers already in the competitive market, and the number continues to rise. Even if you’re working on your letter of resignation email and giving your job application your best shot, you don’t want to end up in the “reject pile” because of your resume.

The best way to increase your chances of getting hired is with an AI resume builder . You can showcase your skills, explain your experience, and quantify your impact in a way your portfolio can’t.

When it comes to your graphic designer resume,  we’ve got four critical tips for taking your resume from the trash bin to the top choice . When you understand the role of your skills section, resume formatting, metrics, and customization, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next job. 

Put the spotlight on your graphic design skills

Most recruiters don’t have time to go through the nitty-gritty details in your graphic designer resume. They have only seconds to spare, which they’ll likely use to examine your  resume’s list of skills  and determine whether or not they’re relevant to their needs.

Recruiters aren’t the only ones you have to impress; when recruiters have a stack of resumes to weed through, they depend on an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter out resumes lacking keywords—skills relevant to the specific job. 

That’s why the skills section of your graphic designer resume is vital. Because graphic design jobs can differ greatly in duties and requirements, your skills section should reflect your knowledge and abilities in relation to the company or organization. If you properly showcase your various skills, you can easily beat the ATS.

Here’s how you can spotlight your skills in your graphic designer resume:

• Write specific skill keywords in a bulleted list in your resume’s skills section
• Use numbers and examples to quantify and demonstrate your skills in the work experience section
• Emphasize your most relevant skills in the resume objective or summary

We don’t recommend adding more than 10 skill keywords to your skills section, but there’s still plenty of room to catch an employer’s eye. Here are some of the top hard (technical) and soft (general) skills you could include in your graphic designer resume: 

• Adobe Illustrator 
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Gravit Designer 
• Sketch 
• Activating negative space
• Color theory
• Typography 
• Visual hierarchy 
• JavaScript 
• Communication
• Organization

Formatting your graphic designer resume

Your resume is more than just your relevant experience, employment history, education, and skills; it also serves as a marketing tool. Recruiters only spend seconds looking at a given resume and tend to pass over the boring or generic ones. They want to see your unique accomplishments and the value you can provide to their company.

This is a direct ticket to an interview. That’s why you should ensure your resume reveals the best  you  possible. As such, you’ll want to choose the right  resume format  for your graphic designer resume. While many job seekers choose skills-based or hybrid-based formats, it’s almost always best to choose a reverse-chronological format. Employers can hone in on your most recent and relevant experience, letting your most relevant accomplishments and achievements shine. 

Consider these vital points when crafting your graphic designer resume:

1. Fixing up your resume’s appearance:

• Consistency in layout, punctuation, font, and font size
• Work experience is in bullet points for readability
• Minimal color (headers and titles only)
• Left-aligned text (your contact header is the exception)
• Headers to distinguish sections

2. Meeting organization and technical requirements:

• Only a page long
• A recognized file format (such as PDF)
• An objective/summary when necessary

Graphic designer resume objective

Speaking of an objective/summary, perhaps you’re wondering whether you need one in your graphic designer resume. First, let’s explain the difference between the two.

A  summary  is a two-to-three-sentence statement that summarizes your skills, work experience, and any specializations. It’s best used when someone has been in graphic design for 10+ years. 

On the other hand, an  objective  is a two-to-three sentence statement that introduces your interests, qualifications, and how you’ll add value to the role you’re seeking. A  resume objective  is best used for career changers or entry-level job candidates. 

The two are very similar, so it’s less important to understand the difference between them and more important that you pay attention to what you write for them. Vague statements and generalizations waste your and the recruiter’s time, so if you’re in doubt or are struggling to get it right, exclude it altogether. 

If you’re a graphic designer looking for an entry-level position, an objective can specifically emphasize personal qualities and skills. To get the recruiter’s attention, mention the company by name and share how you intend to contribute to your desired company: 

How to measure your impact as a graphic designer

Clients and customers appreciate your designs, but it can be tricky to link graphic design to business growth. Don’t gloss over metrics, though; they’re worth the extra effort. 

Design can become a key contributor to success, but only if you demonstrate how design is related to growth. There are various ways you can measure your impact on your graphic designer resume:

• Online success: if you’re dealing with digital design projects like a website or email marketing, it’s easy to trace metrics like engagement and conversions. A/B tests may also help you compare particular design details to determine which projects perform best.
• Improved sales: your design project(s) may facilitate an increase in the number of customers or number of purchased goods, pointing to successful work on your end.
• Increased customer retention: if your graphic design work piques a customer’s interest, they’re more likely to stick around and purchase something. Or, they can share your work and increase your company’s reach.
• Customer reviews and comments: keep track of good client reviews to show companies that your work is loved and impactful. 

You may be thinking, “that’s great, but how do you translate that into a resume?” Our samples can provide some worthwhile inspiration, as seen here: 

Build a custom graphic designer resume

For every graphic design job you apply for, you need to tailor your resume accordingly. Customizing your graphic designer resume not only demonstrates competency but also care and attention towards the employer and the specific position. Trust us: there aren’t many job seekers taking the extra time to tailor their resumes accordingly, so make yours unique by tailoring your skills, work experience, and objective/summary sections for every job.

We also have customization tips for different  graphic designer job descriptions  and  graphic designer cover letters .

Graphic designer or graphic design specialist resume

• As a graphic designer or graphic design specialist, you likely have solid experience under your belt already, so this might be the time to include a summary statement highlighting your best skills and achievements. 
• Again, pay close attention to the skill keywords listed in the job description.

Creative graphic designer resume

• For example, if you design ads for social media, reflect this in your skills and work experience. 
• Leverage your job description bullet points to showcase your leadership and teamwork abilities. Include any work on various projects with co-workers or cross-functional teams. 

Senior graphic designer resume

• Lead a team 
• Communicate with cross-functional teams and internal management
• Manage (and finish) projects
• Additionally, with this level of experience, you may choose to include a career summary. Don’t forget to tailor it to the new role you’re seeking! 

Junior graphic designer resume

• Nabbing that first real job can feel daunting when most employers want at least a year of experience, but all is not lost.
• Include any internship experience, if you have it. If you don’t, consider getting an internship to gain useful skills and a new addition to your resume.
• Projects can also be priceless. Have you designed a custom website for a friend? Did you create a logo for your aunt’s small business? These sorts of one-time projects may not pay well (or at all), but they can prove you have what it takes to do the job. 

Key points for your graphic designer resume

By taking your graphic designer resume seriously, you’ll be far ahead of the average applicant and much closer to accepting a job offer. 

Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and actually write your resume. Upload an old resume or start from scratch with our  free resume maker . You can choose from our  best resume templates  for an attractive and ATS-friendly layout that’s sure to snag the attention of recruiters.

Your dream job is just around the corner, so get your resume in tip-top shape and land the job you’ve been waiting for!

Top 15 Graphic Design Skills to Get You Hired (2022)

Get a list of the most important graphic designer skills employers & clients look for. Learn how to improve your graphic design skills and build your career.

Renee Fleck

Written by Renee Fleck

Published on Jan 19, 2022

Last updated Mar 11, 2024

As a new graphic designer, you’re about to embark on an exciting adventure. Whether you’re applying for graphic design jobs at an agency or want to venture into the world of freelancing , you’ll be getting paid to use your natural creative talents. To distinguish yourself from other graphic designers in the job pool, you need just the right combination of graphic designer skills. In this guide, you’ll learn what technical and soft skills you need to get hired and succeed in your career.

Visual Designer vs. Graphic Designer

First, you need to determine whether you want to be a graphic designer or visual designer. While there are similarities in skill sets, understanding the difference between graphic design and visual design will help you build a career that best suits your talents and interests.

Graphic designers are responsible for using text and images to communicate a specific message. Logos, print advertisements, and brochures are all examples of projects completed by graphic design professionals. 

Visual designers are responsible for building brands on digital media . Although they use some of the same skills as graphic designers, their goal is to create a consistent brand image across multiple digital platforms such as websites, apps, social media, etc. 

Skills needed to be a graphic designer

Graphic designer skills can be classified as technical skills or soft skills. Technical skills are specific to your job, while soft skills are the skills and personality traits that allow you to succeed in any role. For a graphic designer, one of the most important technical skills is the ability to use Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) to complete design projects.

Technical skills for graphic designers

Employers look for versatile graphic designers who have the technical abilities needed to hit the ground running. These are some of the most desirable technical skills for a graphic designer:

• Typography skills:  As a graphic designer , you must be able to arrange words and letters in a visually appealing way.
• Font selection:  Font type, size and weight all affect the appearance of your designs and may influence the way people perceive your message, so you must be able to choose an appropriate font for each project.
• Ability to follow branding guidelines:  Branding guidelines are standards used to determine how a brand will be presented to audience members. To succeed in the industry, you must be able to follow these guidelines closely.
• Design principles:  Successful graphic designers know how to use white space, color, hierarchy and other principles to compose well-balanced designs.
• RGB and CMYK : You must be able to choose the right color set for each project. CMYK is ideal for print projects, while RGB is typically used for digital designs.
• UX design:  Skilled graphic designers understand how to create simple designs that are useful and meet established accessibility guidelines.
• Digital technology (HTML, CSS, JS):  Technology skills are especially helpful if you plan to design websites or work as a visual designer.
• Picture skills (photography)/photo editing:  You may have to incorporate photos into your graphic design projects, so it’s important to know how to edit stock photos or take high-quality photos of your own.

Soft skills for graphic designers

No matter how good your technical skills are, it’s difficult to succeed in the design industry if you don’t have the soft skills employers desire. As we noted earlier, soft skills are personality traits that can help you succeed in any industry. These traits help you communicate effectively, collaborate with others and build positive relationships with colleagues and clients. As a graphic designer, you should have the following soft skills:

• Collaboration skills:  Good collaboration skills make it easy to work with others in pursuit of a common goal. A skilled collaborator listens to others, communicates consistently, and owns up to their mistakes.
• Emotional intelligence:  People with high levels of emotional intelligence excel at managing their emotions, allowing them to resolve conflict and reduce stress on their team members.
• Communication skills:  You must be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders. Potential employers are always looking for graphic designers who have strong communication skills that can express their ideas clearly and consistently.
• Time management:  Graphic design is a deadline-driven profession, so you must be able to manage your time effectively.
• Creativity:  Creativity refers to the ability to generate new ideas and use them to solve problems or communicate with others. Successful graphic designers are highly creative and innovative, making sure to stay up to date on the latest graphic design trends .
• Storytelling:  If you’re trying to appeal to a specific group of people, storytelling is a great way to find out what audience members need and show them how your employer can help. Storytelling skills are especially helpful for visual designers charged with building consistent brand images.

How to improve your graphic design skills

Now that you know what skills you need to become a graphic designer , it’s time to start building your portfolio. Here are some of the best ways to enhance your graphic design skills or build on your existing expertise.

Take online classes

If you don’t have a degree in graphic design, there are plenty of ways to develop the skills you need to succeed as a designer. Taking online classes is one of the best, as it gives you an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and complete projects that can be used to build your portfolio . Some organizations even offer free classes, making it easier for designers of all ages and backgrounds to access high-quality education. If you’re ready to learn, check out these options:

• Canva Design School:  Canva Design School offers a series of 12 lessons to help you build basic graphic design skills. The course touches on typography, color theory, and other important design principles, ensuring you understand how to create visually appealing designs that get your message across. 
• Dribbble Workshops: Build your graphic designer skills learning alongside industry leaders in Dribbble’s live, interactive design workshops . Whether you want to learn relevant skills like logo design, or how to become a successful graphic designer, Dribbble has a workshop for you.
• Udemy:  Udemy has hundreds of courses on graphic design, from short intro classes to training programs with 10+ hours of educational content. You can learn more about the principles of graphic design or do a deep dive into a specific skill, such as using Adobe Photoshop to edit images or brainstorming tools (Miro, Figma) for motion design.
• CalArts graphic design specialization:  The California Institute of the Arts offers a graphic design specialization made up of five courses. Each course builds on the previous one to ensure that you can apply basic and advanced design skills to multiple projects.
• LinkedIn Learning:  LinkedIn Learning , previously known as Lynda, offers courses to help users improve their professional skills. The graphic design learning path includes 11 courses to help you learn in-demand technical skills and improve the soft skills needed to collaborate with others. These courses include Illustrator 2021 Essential Training, Color Trends, Photoshop 2021 Essential Training, and Color for Design and Art.
• Creative Live:  LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer asynchronous learning opportunities; once you sign up for a course, you can access the content at any time. Creative Live is a little different. Live instructors teach their classes at specific times, so you must be online while the course is in progress, or you won’t be able to access the content later.

Read graphic design books

Reading graphic design books is an inexpensive way to learn specific skills, refine your design process, or get a better idea of what it’s like to be a professional designer. Check out these books the next time you need some inspiration or want to learn a new skill:

• Thinking with Type:  In Thinking with Type, Ellen Lupton explains the principles of typography, focusing on spacing, alignment, shape, and order. You’ll learn more about using style sheets, captions, ornaments, font licensing, and enlarged capitals, among other typography topics.
• Designing Brand Identity:  In some cases, it’s not enough to be a great designer. You also need to know how to use your design skills to build cohesive brands. In Designing Brand Identity, Alina Wheeler explains how to develop and implement effective brand identities. The book includes 30 case studies to show you how well-established companies have used graphic design to build consistent brand images.
• 100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design:  Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne provide an overview of how graphic design has changed throughout history, commenting on how new ideas led to technological and stylistic advancements in the field.
• The Non-Designer’s Design Book:  If you’re just starting out in the graphic design field, you might benefit from Robin Williams’ guide to the fundamental principles of design. Williams explains how to design with color and type, work with multiple typefaces and think from a design perspective. The book also includes tips for completing specific types of design projects, including newsletters and brochures.
• How Do I Do That in InDesign?  Once you understand the fundamentals of design, you’ll need to be able to use industry tools to work on projects. In How Do I Do That in InDesign, Dave Clayton and Scott Kelby explain how to complete specific actions in Adobe’s design software. You’ll learn how to add grids to each document, drag out ruler guides, check for errors, change the pasteboard size, and much more.

Find a design mentor

Everyone can benefit from working with a design mentor—someone who has experience completing a wide variety of design projects and collaborating with others. To find a design mentor , designer Jenna Freitas recommends reaching out to famous graphic designers via social media. She says:

“DM your heroes. I’m serious. Reach out to them. This sounds crazy but we are so lucky to have social media as a platform to connect to all these people we admire.”

Many designers remember how difficult it was to find their footing when they first entered the industry, so you might get a few responses. If you don’t hear from any of the people you contacted, check out the LinkedIn profiles of successful designers. LinkedIn profiles are a good place to find out what skills successful designers have, the schools they attended, and what organizations they recommend joining to advance your graphic design career.

Create self-initiated projects

Completing paid projects is great, but if you’re always following someone else’s guidelines, you won’t have many opportunities to improve your design skills or develop your own signature design style.

Maria Galybina comments, “In my opinion, the most important thing is to focus on creating things you really love. Then, you won’t feel like you’re putting in so much effort, and the art of creating will fill you with joy.” Take Maria’s advice by setting aside some time to create self-initiated projects. These are projects you complete simply for the joy of improving your craft. You don’t have to follow a client’s style guide or adhere to an established set of brand rules; you just have to sit down and start creating.

Another benefit of working on self-initiated projects is that they can help you branch out into other types of design. Graphic designer Patrick Moriarty states:

“One of the best pieces of advice that I’ve received is to create the work you want to get paid to make.”

If you’ve been spending all your time on logos when you really want to be designing brochures or annual reports, use your personal time to create samples that align with the type of work you want to do.

Ask for feedback

If you never ask for feedback, you won’t know what people really think about your work, causing you to miss out on valuable opportunities to improve your graphic design skills.

Although it’s important to get feedback from design professionals, you should also be asking non-designers to look at your work and tell you what they think. This is especially important if you focus on business-to-consumer design rather than business-to-business projects. Someone who isn’t a professional designer can look at your portfolio and tell you if the designs are visually appealing and easy to understand, two hallmarks of effective graphic design.

Online forums and communities like Dribbble are a great resource for graphic designers looking to get feedback on their work. When people can’t see your reaction to their feedback, they’re much more likely to be honest. If you ask a stranger for feedback, you also won’t have to worry about how it will affect your relationship.

Sign up for design communities, post your recent design project, and ask people to provide constructive feedback that you can use to make improvements. You’ll be surprised by how many people are willing to take a few minutes out of their day to help you grow as a design professional.

Showcase your graphic design skills in your portfolio

Graphic design is a rewarding career filled with creative challenges. But to become a graphic designer, you’ll need to showcase graphic design skills in your portfolio and resume that demonstrate using design software, selecting fonts, and following the basic principles of design throughout your creative process. You’ll also need to demonstrate strong collaboration skills, creative thinking, effective communication, and that you can come up with innovative ideas. If you build just the right combination of technical and soft skills, you’ll have a better chance of landing the design job of your dreams.

It's free to stay up to date

Ready for some inspiration in your inbox?

• For designers
• Hire talent
• Inspiration
• Advertising
• © 2024 Dribbble
• Freelancers

• Career Blog

Creative Designer Resume in 2024: Examples and Tips

Your resume is the key to unlocking countless opportunities in the creative designing industry. It is the first impression you make on potential employers, and therefore, it is essential to create a resume that stands out from the crowd. The importance of a well-designed, professional-looking creative designer resume cannot be overstated.

In this article, we will explore tips and examples of how to create a creative designer resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a recent graduate, our aim is to provide you with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you create a standout resume and land your dream job.

We will start by discussing the crucial elements to include in a creative designer resume, such as a clear objective statement, relevant work experience, and notable achievements. We will also provide examples of design layouts and formats to help you create a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume.

Next, we will delve into the essential skills and qualifications that every creative designer should possess. These include traditional graphic design skills, such as typography and layout, as well as proficiency in software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch.

In addition to technical skills, we will also highlight the importance of interpersonal skills, such as communication, collaboration, and project management, as these are crucial in a team environment.

Finally, we will provide some practical tips on how to tailor your creative designer resume for specific job opportunities and industries. We will also discuss common mistakes to avoid and answer common FAQs about creative designer resumes.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to creating a creative designer resume that effectively highlights your skills, experience, and achievements. By following our tips and utilizing the provided examples, you will be on your way to landing your dream job in no time.

Key Elements of a Creative Designer Resume

When it comes to creating a truly effective and impactful creative designer resume, there are several key elements that must be included in order to stand out from the crowd. These elements include:

Headline and Personal Information

The headline and personal information section of your resume is one of the most important areas, as it is the first thing that potential employers will see when reviewing your application. Your headline should be a brief, attention-grabbing statement that summarizes who you are as a designer and what you can bring to the table. Your personal information should also be included here, including your name, contact information, and any relevant social media handles or websites.

Objective Statement/Summary

Your objective statement or summary should be a brief, well-crafted statement that highlights your key skills and professional goals as a designer. This section should be tailored specifically to the employer and job you are applying for, and should focus on your unique strengths and qualifications.

Professional Experience

Your professional experience section should highlight your past work as a designer, including all relevant positions you have held and any key projects you have worked on. This section should be presented in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and relevant experience listed first. Be sure to include key accomplishments and achievements from each role.

Education/Training

Your education and training section should showcase any relevant degrees, certifications, or courses that you have completed in the field of design. This section should also be presented in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and relevant education listed first.

Skills/Tools

Your skills and tools section should be a comprehensive list of all of the key software, tools, and technologies that you are proficient in as a designer. This section should be tailored specifically to the job you are applying for, and should highlight any unique or specialized skills that you possess.

Certifications

Your certifications section should highlight any relevant certifications or licenses that you hold in the field of design. This section should also be tailored specifically to the job you are applying for, and should showcase any specialized certifications that you possess.

Awards and Achievements

Your awards and achievements section should highlight any relevant honors, awards, or achievements that you have received as a designer. This section should be presented in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and relevant awards listed first.

By including these key elements in your creative designer resume and tailoring them to the specific job and employer you are applying for, you can create a powerful and impactful resume that showcases your unique skills, talents, and qualifications as a designer.

How to Customize Your Resume for Your Target Audience

As a creative designer, you need to make sure that your resume showcases your skills and experience in a way that resonates with your target audience. There are several strategies you can use to customize your resume to match the needs of the company and the job description.

Understanding the Company and Its Values

Before you start tailoring your resume, take the time to research the company and understand its values. Look at the company’s website, social media profiles, and press releases to get a sense of the company’s culture, mission, and vision. This will help you highlight your skills and experience in a way that aligns with the company’s values.

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

When customizing your resume, it is important to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Look at the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the company is looking for. Then, tailor your resume to showcase your relevant skills and experience in those areas.

For example, if the job description emphasizes the need for proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, make sure to highlight your experience with that software. If the company is looking for someone who can work well in a team, highlight your experience collaborating with others on projects.

Using Keywords to Match the Job Description

Another effective strategy for customizing your resume is to use keywords that match the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so it is important to include the right keywords to ensure your resume gets through the screening process.

Look for keywords in the job description and use them throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections. This will help your resume get past the ATS and in front of a human hiring manager who can see your potential.

Customizing your resume for your target audience is essential to landing your dream job as a creative designer. By understanding the company and its values, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and using keywords to match the job description, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your talents and gets you noticed.

Creative Designer Resume Examples

In this section, we will provide you with four creative designer resume examples that showcase the different design positions you can hold in the industry. Each example will provide a brief overview of the designer’s experience, skills, and achievements.

Example 1: Junior Graphic Designer

As a junior graphic designer, you may have limited experience but a strong passion for design. Your resume should focus on showcasing your creativity, technical skills, and ability to work with a team.

Sample job description: “Assist in creating digital and print designs for marketing campaigns and materials, while utilizing design software and staying current with industry trends.”

Skills to highlight:

• Graphic design principles
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure

Example achievements:

• Developed a new brand identity for a local restaurant that increased their social media followers by 20%
• Designed a brochure for a non-profit organization that led to a 15% increase in donations

Example 2: Senior UI/UX Designer

As a senior UI/UX designer, you are responsible for creating compelling user experiences across digital platforms. Your resume should highlight your strategic thinking, ability to lead a team, and technical skills.

Sample job description: “Lead the design of digital products and services from concept to delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure user-centered design solutions.”

• User experience design
• Human-computer interaction
• Design thinking methodology
• Agile development
• Prototyping tools such as Sketch or Figma
• Redesigned a mobile app that increased user engagement by 25%
• Led a team to develop a new website that increased website traffic by 30%

Example 3: Motion Graphics Designer

As a motion graphics designer, your focus is on creating engaging and dynamic visuals for digital media. Your resume should showcase your expertise in animation, visual storytelling, and video production.

Sample job description: “Design and animate graphics, titles, and visual effects for video and digital media. Collaborate with art directors, writers, and producers on creative concepts and execution.”

• Motion graphics design
• Adobe After Effects
• Video editing software such as Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
• 2D and 3D animation
• Visual storytelling
• Created a motion graphics video that increased website engagement by 40%
• Developed a series of animated illustrations for a social media campaign that increased brand awareness by 30%

Example 4: Art Director

As an art director, you are responsible for overseeing a team of designers and ensuring that the creative vision is executed efficiently and effectively. Your resume should showcase your leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and ability to manage projects.

Tips for Creating a Standout Creative Designer Resume

Creating a standout creative designer resume is crucial if you want to get noticed by hiring managers in the design industry. Here are some tips to help you create a resume that will stand out:

Use a clear and readable format:  Make sure that your resume is easy to read and visually appealing. Use a readable font and a clean layout that showcases your skills and experience.

Keep it concise and relevant:  Your resume should be no more than two pages long and should only include relevant information. Highlight your most important skills and experience and make sure that they are tailored to the job you are applying for.

Highlight your unique skills and experience:  Showcase your unique skills and experience in a way that sets you apart from other candidates. Use specific examples of your work and accomplishments to demonstrate your skills and expertise.

Use relevant keywords and phrases:  Use industry-specific keywords and phrases throughout your resume to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. This will help your resume get past applicant tracking systems and into the hands of hiring managers.

Include a strong call-to-action:  End your resume with a strong call-to-action that encourages hiring managers to take the next step and contact you for an interview. Use a professional and confident tone to showcase your enthusiasm for the job and your ability to contribute to the team.

By following these tips, you can create a standout creative designer resume that will help you land your next job in the design industry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Creative Designer Resume

When crafting a creative designer resume, there are several common mistakes that candidates often make. To ensure that your resume stands out, be sure to avoid these pitfalls:

Using Long Paragraphs and Blocks of Text

Employers are often short on time, and sifting through large blocks of text can be daunting. To avoid turning off potential employers, break your resume up into sections with bullet points and short paragraphs. This allows for easier reading and helps hiring managers quickly find the information they need.

Repeating Information from Your Portfolio or Cover Letter

While it may be tempting to rehash information from your cover letter or portfolio, avoid the urge to do so. Your resume should provide new information that is not included elsewhere in your application. Use your resume to highlight your best work and showcase your skills and experience, rather than repeating what your cover letter or portfolio already says.

Focusing Too Much on Previous Job Duties Instead of Achievements

Rather than simply listing your job duties for each role, focus instead on your achievements in those positions. Highlight specific accomplishments and how your work positively impacted the organization. This showcases your value as an employee and makes you a more desirable candidate.

Neglecting to Proofread and Edit

Finally, don’t forget to proofread and edit your resume thoroughly. One typo or grammatical error can make you look unprofessional and careless. Take the time to review your document carefully, and consider having a friend or colleague take a look as well.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a standout creative designer resume that helps you land your dream job.

How to Incorporate Your Portfolio into Your Resume

As a creative designer, your portfolio is an essential component of your resume. It showcases your skills, creativity, and previous work experience. Here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate your portfolio into your resume:

Including a Link to Your Portfolio

It is crucial to include a link to your portfolio on your resume. This will allow employers to easily access your work and evaluate your skills. Make sure to provide a working link to your most updated portfolio. You can add the link under your contact information or in the header or footer of your resume. Remember, the easier it is to access your portfolio, the more likely employers are to check it out.

Including Relevant Portfolio Pieces

When choosing which portfolio pieces to include in your resume, make sure they are relevant to the job you are applying for. Only select projects that showcase your skills and creativity in the specific role you are seeking. Avoid cluttering your portfolio with irrelevant work. Keep it concise and impactful.

Highlighting the Impact of Your Portfolio Work on Previous Projects/Jobs

Finally, when presenting your portfolio within your resume, it is essential to highlight the impact of your work on previous projects or jobs. This will show the employer the value that your creative abilities and experience can bring to their company. Quantifiable achievements are always helpful. For instance, if you redesigned a website that increased traffic by 30%, make sure to include this information. This will show how your work contributes to the success of a project or company.

Incorporating your portfolio into your resume is crucial for success in the creative design industry. By providing a link to your portfolio, including relevant pieces, and highlighting the impact of your work, you can effectively showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.

Networking Strategies for Creative Designers

Networking is crucial for the success of creative designers looking for employment opportunities. Attending industry events and meetups, building a strong online presence, and reaching out to contacts and potential employers can help designers increase their visibility and expand their network. Below are a few strategies that designers can use to network effectively.

Attending Industry Events and Meetups

Networking events and industry meetups are excellent opportunities for designers to connect and engage with other professionals in their field. Attending these events allows designers to learn about industry trends, build relationships with potential employers, and gain knowledge about different design disciplines. Additionally, attending these events provides designers with the chance to showcase their work, which can help them get noticed by potential clients and employers.

Building a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for creative designers. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Dribbble provide designers with an avenue to showcase their work and connect with other professionals in their field. When designing a profile on these platforms, designers should ensure that their content is high quality and aligns with their career goals.

Moreover, developing a personal website or online portfolio is an excellent way for designers to showcase their skills, knowledge, and experience. A well-designed website can help designers establish their brand and create a positive impression on potential employers and clients.

Reaching out to Contacts and Potential Employers

One of the best ways to expand a designer’s network is to reach out to contacts and potential employers. Designers should leverage their professional network by reaching out to contacts who work in their field or in a related industry. Additionally, designers should research potential employers and create a targeted list of companies they would like to work for.

When reaching out to potential employers, it’s important for designers to be concise, professional, and personalize their message. A well-crafted outreach message can help designers stand out and increase the chances of getting an interview.

Networking is essential for the success of creative designers. Attending events and meetups, building a strong online presence, and reaching out to contacts and potential employers can all help designers increase their visibility and expand their network. By implementing these strategies, designers can increase their chances of getting noticed by potential clients and employers and land their dream job.

Related Articles

• 10 Account Manager Resume Samples Proven to Succeed in 2023
• Working a Job Fair: How to Make the Most of the Opportunity
• Executive Director Cover Letter: 10 Examples & Writing Tips
• Administrative Coordinator Resume: Samples & Guide
• Explaining Gaps in Employment: How to Handle it in 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

10 Skills Every Designer Needs on Their Resume

Even if you aren’t actively looking for a job, your resume is an important piece of your digital portfolio. From sites such as LinkedIn to personal portfolio pages such as Behance that showcase your work, glimpses into your design career are everywhere.

You want to control that message to ensure that you are putting the right vibe out there about who you are, the work you do and why (quite frankly) you are a rock star designer. And while a stellar portfolio is a great way to start that conversation, your resume is equally important. It should highlight some of the skills that aren’t as apparent from looking at a few marquee pieces.

As a bonus, every example resume here is a template from Envato Elements. Visit and download usable graphic design assets to boost your resume design today!

19+ Million CV & Resume Templates, Cover Letters + More

Download thousands of resume templates, cover letters, and many other design elements, with an Envato membership. It starts at $16 per month, and gives you unlimited access to a growing library of over 19+ million presentation templates, fonts, photos, graphics, and more.

Pro Resume Template

Doc, psd, ai.

Colorful Resume

Illustrator.

Pastel Resume

Ai, pdf, doc.

Simple CV Template

Resume Anna

Word / psd / indesign.

Unique Resume Template

See More Resume Templates

1. Problem-Solving Ability

You solve problems every day. That’s the essence of good design. It creates a visual solution that communicates something to others. Your resume needs to show that you can do more than just make something pretty; it needs to show that you can develop solutions.

How can you do this? Provide examples or case studies that present problems that you have solved in the cover letter that you attach to a resume or in the portfolio section of the document. Explain how you developed an idea with a team and executed it in a manner that created a great end product.

2. Marketing

Some of your marketing skills will inevitably show up in the resume itself. You need to have some marketing knowledge and background so that you can both sell design projects (and yourself to a potential client or employer).

Make it your job to understand concepts in SEO, advertising and how companies are targeting and reaching customers. You don’t have to be an expert, but should be able to talk logically about these concepts and understand them enough to include them in your resume.

3. Print Knowledge

Most clients and firms will tell you they need a design team that’s flexible and can complete a variety of tasks. One of those includes printed design. While much of the design conversation tends to center around digital concepts, it is just as important to know how to create something and get it printed, from posters to packaging labels to billboards.

Make sure to include some printed projects in your portfolio and verse yourself in formats, colors, and moving projects from digital to print and back. Just as important as understanding how to create printed items is working with vendors or other third parties to produce these elements.

4. Digital Design Knowledge

If you are someone who has always focused on print, you need to get versed in digital design today. And if you are already fluent in website design, make sure to include that information, including programming languages, content management system platforms, and relevant tools that you can use with ease.

One of the things that often happens as we put together a resume, is that you forget all the things you know, almost taking for granted that everyone has the same skills. When it comes to a resume, it is important to note all relevant items because many job sites use these keywords to “read” and sort resumes based on potential fits. You don’t want to miss an opportunity because you forgot to list skills you consider to be second nature.

5. Basic HTML

Be honest and upfront about your level of HTML and code understanding. How much you need can vary greatly by position, but in today’s job market it is almost always important.

Even design candidates with basic HTML skills can beat out candidates without these skills. Can you read HTML? Write a little? Are you versed enough to change stylesheets in an existing website design? Include this information.

6. Software

Most job postings will note what software skills are important, but any fluency in design tools should be standard on your resume. As with HTML, consider including notations for software that you have certifications or particular expertise in.

Designers will almost always find that including the Adobe Create Suite is a great starting point. Further note which programs within the toolset you use regularly. (Remember those keywords!) Don’t pack your resume with software that is so common that everyone should be able to use it. If you are fluent in Adobe InDesign, you can probably leave off that you know how to use Microsoft Word.

7. Social Media and Networking

Your network will follow you everywhere. Even from job to job, this is important and most employers want to see that you know how to use social media and can do it well. This often extends to your personal accounts (if they are public) and knowledge of how to create design elements for these platforms.

Make sure you understand the differences in the major channels and they type of visual elements they use. Include social media links to your public or professional profiles so that others can see how well you have mastered the tools.

8. Flexibility and Time Management

Nobody likes a diva designer. You know the one that gets one project, hogs it for months, and then flips out at any suggestion to make a change. Employers are equally terrified of this unknown and want to know that you are flexible, can be part of a team, and manage your time and tasks well.

This is one of those soft skills areas that can be a little tough to visualize as you put the resume together. Consider a few strong verbs that show your skills in a way that isn’t full of clichés. (Consider this a creative challenge.)

9. Understanding of Typography

If it’s not readable, what’s the point? Every designer needs to have a good understanding of typography. Again, this is one of those skills that you might almost forget to mention. But what sets you out from the pack when you think about lettering?

Have you drawn your own typeface? Do you have a particular style or flair for combining words and letterforms? While you can list these skills on your resume, it is also a great place to show that you understand how to pair type and create killer content that’s easy to read and look at.

10. Communication

At the end of the day, it all comes down to communication. How good of a designer you are parallels to how well you communicate. While visual communication is vital, written and spoken communication are also important. Are you a great public speaker? Have you taught classes or held seminars?

Include these elements in your resume as proof of performance. Examples of excellent ability to communicate can help you stand out from a crowd. These skills are quite valuable on a daily basis. Team members who communicate well are going to find it easier to work on projects with a team and share and sell ideas.

From hard skills such as technical ability to soft skills like teamwork and flexibility, your resume is someone else’s first glimpse into your professional self.

Your resume should include the right keywords to help you make it through screening processes, but then contain enough information about your abilities to make you stand out. Keep your resume current and consider posting a version online to complement your portfolio. You never know where the next opportunity might be waiting.

Resume builder

Key Graphic Design Skills for a Resume

As a graphic designer, showcasing your skills effectively on your resume is crucial in capturing the attention of potential employers and securing job opportunities. Your resume should highlight the key design skills you possess and demonstrate your expertise and ability to create visually captivating designs. 

Table of Contents

What Are Graphic Design Skills?

Graphic design skills refer to the abilities and competencies that enable designers to create visually appealing designs.

Examples of these skills include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, knowledge of typography for creating legible text elements, understanding of color theory to create harmonious palettes, expertise in layout and composition for arranging design elements effectively, and the ability to edit and manipulate images.

Additionally, skills in branding and identity design, user experience (UX) design , and strong communication skills are also essential for designers.

Jobs That Require Graphic Design Skills

Graphic design skills are highly sought after in various industries. Here are some jobs that often require these skills:

• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Art Director
• Branding Specialist
• Marketing and Advertising
• Multimedia Designer
• Print Production Designer

1. Proficiency in Design Software

Mention your proficiency in design software and experience in using a variety of digital tools to deliver a modern and thought-through product.

When highlighting your proficiency in design software on a graphic designer resume, it is essential to mention specific software programs that you are skilled in. Here are some examples of software that you can include:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

For example: “Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to create visually compelling designs and manipulate images.”

2. Design Principles

Don’t just rely on your professional title and education background in the field of graphic design to make an impression on hiring managers. To stand out from the competition, showcase your proficiency in applying advanced design principles . Here are some key principles to highlight:

• Visual Hierarchy
• Color Theory
• Reading Direction
• Activating Negative Space

For example: “Demonstrated expertise in selecting appropriate fonts, adjusting spacing, ensuring readability, and color theory principles to create visually appealing text elements.”

3. Basic Coding

Incorporating basic coding abilities not only allows you to optimize and publish your graphics online, but it also demonstrates your ability to save time and resources for potential employers.

Here are some essential coding languages to consider:

For example: “Utilized HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create visually stunning and responsive web designs, ensuring seamless user experiences and optimal accessibility.”

4. User Experience (UX) Design

Highlight your understanding of UX design principles and its application in creating user-friendly interfaces:

• User-Centric Design
• User Interface (UI) Design
• Wireframing

For example: “Applied UX design principles to design intuitive interfaces, focusing on information hierarchy, usability, and visual hierarchy for optimal user experiences.”

5. Organizational Skills

In the fast-paced world of graphic design, it is common to juggle multiple projects from different departments with diverse requirements. To impress hiring managers, showcase your exceptional organizational skills. Highlight the following skills and provide an example of how you have demonstrated them:

• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management

For example: “Maintained a calm and focused approach during high-pressure situations, effectively managing project demands and delivering exceptional results.”

6. Creativity

When applying for a graphic design job, it’s not enough to simply mention your software skills and design concept knowledge. Instead, showcase your creative approach by providing concrete evidence of how you use your technical skills in imaginative ways.

• Including the following skills on your resume demonstrates that you are creative:
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Brainstorming
• Curiosity and Open-Mindedness
• Fine Art and Music

For example: “Leveraged a combination of fine art techniques and digital design skills to create a series of visually captivating illustrations for a client’s branding campaign.” 

7. Communication and Collaboration

When applying for a graphic design job, it’s important to showcase your communication and collaboration skills, as they are essential for working effectively in a team-oriented environment. 

Including the following skills on your resume demonstrates that you are a strong communicator and collaborator:

• Effective Communication
• Collaboration
• Client Interaction
• Presentation Skills

For example: “Collaborated closely with the marketing team, actively participating in brainstorming sessions and providing valuable design insights.”  

8. Versatility

To stand out among a sea of other applications, highlight your flexibility on your resume. Showcase skills that demonstrate your ability to go beyond image creation. Consider including the following skills to convey your versatility:

• Writing Skills
• Video Editing
• Freehand Drawing

For example: “Leveraged animation skills to create engaging motion graphics for an e-learning platform, effectively bringing static content to life and enhancing user engagement.”

9. Branding And Marketing

To capture the attention of hiring managers in the competitive field of graphic design, highlight your skills in branding and marketing on your resume. These skills go beyond design aesthetics and demonstrate your ability to create cohesive visual identities and contribute to effective marketing campaigns:

• Brand Strategy
• Marketing Collateral
• Brand Guidelines
• Market Research
• Advertising Design

Example: Executed successful digital marketing campaigns, including social media advertising, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), resulting in a 30% increase in online sales.

10. Packaging Design

Showcase your expertise in creating visually appealing and functional packaging designs that effectively communicate brand identity and attract consumers:

• Structural Design
• Material Selection
• Print Production
• Brand Alignment

For example: “Applied strong packaging design skills to create innovative and visually captivating packaging solutions for a range of consumer products.”

How to Choose Graphic Design Skills for a Resume

When choosing the  skills to include on your resume, consider the following:

Relevance: Select skills that are directly applicable to the job you are applying for. Tailor your skills to match the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

Expertise: Focus on the skills in which you have a high level of proficiency and experience. Highlight the skills you are most confident in and can demonstrate with examples.

Diversity: Include a mix of technical and creative skills to showcase your versatility. Highlight skills in design software, typography, color theory, layout, and any other areas that demonstrate a well-rounded skill set.

Industry Standards: Prioritize skills that are commonly used in the field. Research industry trends and identify skills that are in high demand or considered essential in the current job market.

Accomplishments: Support your skills with specific examples of projects or experiences where you have successfully applied those skills. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to use those skills effectively.

Where To List Graphics Skills on Resume

When showcasing your graphic design skills on a resume, there are multiple sections where you can include them.

• Skills Section: Create a dedicated section where you list your graphic design skills. Use bullet points to highlight specific skills, such as software proficiency, typography, color theory, and layout.

– Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – Strong typography skills with knowledge of font matching, sizing, and spacing – Excellent understanding of color theory and its application in design – Demonstrated expertise in layout and composition principles – Experience with UI/UX design and wireframing tools

• Experience Section: Within your experience section, describe projects or roles where you utilized your graphic design skills. Highlight specific accomplishments and the impact of your designs on the project or organization.

Graphic Designer | XYZ Company | Dates – Created visually captivating marketing materials, including brochures and social media graphics, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement. – Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to manipulate images, develop illustrations, and design visually appealing layouts. – Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement brand identities and ensure design consistency across platforms.

• Education Section: If you have relevant coursework, certifications, or a degree in graphic design, include this information in your education section. Mention any specialized skills or projects you completed during your studies.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | ABC University | Dates – Completed coursework in typography, color theory, and layout design. – Developed a strong foundation in using industry-standard design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. – Successfully executed various design projects, including branding, print collateral, and digital media.

Portfolio or Work Samples: Include a link to your online portfolio or attach work samples that demonstrate your graphic design skills. This allows employers to see visual examples of your work and further assess your abilities.

Additional Sections: Depending on your resume format, you can create separate sections like “Projects,” “Clients,” or “Awards” to showcase specific design-related achievements or experiences.

Example of a Resume Emphasizing Graphic Design Skills

John Smith 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] Summary: Highly skilled and creative graphic designer with 5+ years of experience in creating visually captivating designs. Demonstrated expertise in utilizing industry-standard design software and applying design principles to deliver compelling visual solutions. Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects. Excellent collaboration and communication skills with a passion for delivering impactful designs. Skills: – Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – Typography: Font matching, sizing, and spacing – Layout and Composition: Visual hierarchy, balance, and flow – Color Theory: Harmonious color palettes and emotions – Branding and Identity Design: Logo creation and brand guidelines – User Experience (UX) Design: Wireframing and prototyping – Print Production: Prepress and print specifications Experience: Graphic Designer | XYZ Creative Agency | Anytown, USA | 2018 – Present – Collaborated with clients to conceptualize and create impactful designs for various marketing campaigns and brand identities. – Developed visually engaging print and digital assets, including brochures, logos, social media graphics, and website layouts. – Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to manipulate images, create illustrations, and design layouts for diverse client projects. -Applied typography principles to ensure legibility and visual appeal in text-based designs. – Implemented color theory to create harmonious color palettes that effectively conveyed brand messaging and evoked desired emotions. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Anytown University | Anytown, USA | 2014 – 2018 – Developed a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and layout through coursework and hands-on projects. – Participated in collaborative design projects, honing teamwork and communication skills. Portfolio: www.johnsmithportfolio.com

How to Improve Graphic Design Skills

To improve your graphic design skills, consider the following:

Expand design knowledge: explore different design disciplines such as typography, illustration, motion graphics, or user experience (UX) design. 

Use online learning platforms: websites like Udemy, Skillshare, and Lynda offer a wide range of design courses taught by industry professionals.

Read design blogs and websites: follow design blogs like Creative Bloq, Smashing Magazine, and Designmodo for tutorials, inspiration, and design resources.

Join design communities: engage with design communities such as Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit’s r/DesignCritiques to seek inspiration, share your work, and receive feedback.

Listen to design podcasts: Listen to podcasts like “The Futur,” “Design Matters with Debbie Millman,” and “The Honest Designers Show” to gain insights from experienced designers and industry leaders.

Read design books: explore design books like “The Elements of Typographic Style” by Robert Bringhurst, “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton, and “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug for in-depth knowledge and inspiration.

Did you know that the global graphic design market size , measured by revenue stands at  $45.0bn in 2023? What’s more, the average salary for a graphic designer in 2023 ( according to Glassdoor ) is $51,463 per year. The best part? A lot of graphic designers can work remotely giving you the flexibility to travel the world and have a better work life balance. To get a high paying job as a graphic designer, make sure to have a powerful resume and cover letter ready. 

Here’s more: Resume Skills – Complete Career Hub 2023

What Are the Most Important Skills for a Graphics Designer?

The most important skills for a graphic designer include creativity, proficiency in design software, typography, layout and composition, color theory, attention to detail, creativity , and communication and collaboration, These skills enable designers to create visually appealing designs that effectively communicate messages and engage audiences.

What Are Graphic Design Skills for a Resume for Freshers?

Graphic design skills for a resume for freshers may include proficiency in design software, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively. These skills demonstrate a foundation in design and the potential for growth and development in the field.

How Many Skills Should I List for a Graphic Design Resume?

When it comes to listing skills on a resume, it is recommended to include a concise selection of your strongest and most relevant skills. Aim for around 5-8 key skills that align with the job requirements and showcase your proficiency in critical areas such as design software, typography, layout, color theory, and any specialized skills specific to the job or industry. Quality and relevance of skills are more important than quantity, so focus on highlighting the skills that best represent your expertise and make you a strong candidate for the position.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Graphic Designer Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

• November 25, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

If you are a graphic designer looking for a new role, without a doubt, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure that your graphic designer resume is the best it possibly can be.

Unlike other industries, being a graphic designer lets you show off your skills. Although you should still ensure that your resume is easy to read, making an effort to format it in an eye-catching way is a useful secondary tool for helping you stand out from the crowd. A strong resume will help you stand out to potential employers, therefore highlighting your strengths and suitability for a role.

Using our guide, you can create a role-winning resume before landing the jobs you deserve.

Table of contents

• Graphic Designer Resume Example

How to Write a Graphic Designer Resume

• 5 Actionable Tips to Help You Compose a Graphic Designer Resume

1. Start with a Graphic Designer Resume Objective that Turns Heads

• 2. Familiarise Yourself with the Graphic Designer Resume Job Description

3. How to Put Skills on a Resume for a Graphic Designer

4. list your awards and certifications on a graphic designer resume, 5. add or create a portfolio section in your resume.

• Graphic Designer Resume Template for MS Word, Pages

Graphic designer resume 150040

Graphic designer cover letter 150040, graphic designer resume sample, janet jones.

Senior Graphic Designer Phone: +1 (123) 568-7799 Address: 1St Ave Chicago, IL 12390 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/jjones  

Professional Summary:

Over 15 years of experience working within the graphic design industry, producing packaging designs and associated products accordingly. Seven years as the senior team leader in a department of 12, including being responsible for overseeing projects from start to finish and delegating tasks wherever necessary. Highly skilled in problem-solving with the result that deadlines are consistently reached. Experienced working with Adobe and Microsoft suites as well as fluency in Java and HTML scripts. Awarded employee of the quarter three times due to outstanding performance as well as the successful implementation of time-saving measures.

Key Skills:

• HTML and Java
• Microsoft suites
• Adobe Suites
• Team management
• Timekeeping
• Mentoring capabilities
• Problem-solving

Employment History:

Senior Graphic Designer The Graphic Design of People 2013-current

• Responsible for overseeing a 12-member graphic design team within a successful marketing company
• Project manager role on more than 50 separate occasions
• Supervised and mentored 14 junior team members in order to promote progress and achievements
• 50% increase in productivity and staff satisfaction over five years

Graphic Designer, Team Leader PDQ Graphic Design 2009-2013

• Project lead on ten occasions
• Promoted to team leader after six months
• Ensured project completion within deadlines on 100% of occasions
• Improved staff satisfaction within my team by more than 60%

Junior Graphic Designer Altered Images 2006-2009

•   Completed training in Adobe suite and Microsoft suite within the first six months
• Promoted twice in 3 years
• Recognized as the most improved newcomer within 12 months of joining the company

BAhons Graphic Design Name of Your College 2002-2006

Awards and Certifications:

• Certified Microsoft Expert ( 2012)
• Awarded Industry Recognised Progress Award ( 2021)
• Children’s book – Designed the layout for That’s My Tiger children’s book while collaborating with the author and illustrator for design input.
• Web development – Designed website for webuyhouses.net by adding new pages and adjusting existing design, among other responsibilities, in order to provide a better user experience.
• Newsletters – Created a range of templates for a local High School, which are used for creating newsletters and parent information emails.

Knowing where to start when putting together your resume can sometimes take time and effort. The tips below will help provide a framework in order to guide your resume-writing process .  

The objective – or summary – will be the first thing potential employers will see when they look at your resume. This is the opening paragraph of your resume. It should provide an overview of your abilities and how you are suited to the role you are applying for.  

It would help if you always used the job description to help you write your objective . This will provide insight into the type of person prospective employers are looking for and can help you to highlight the most important areas of your skills and experience.

Graphic Designer Resume Summary – Example

Experienced graphic designer with more than ten years of industry experience, five years of team-leading experience, and two years of experience as department head. Trained in every step of the process from inception to completion. Skilled in Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, as well as web design.  

Objectives for a Graphic Designer Resume – Example

Five years working as a team leader, including leading a team of 10 through various projects and ensuring their completion within set timelines. Trained and experienced in Adobe and Microsoft Suites as well as a variety of other software. Skilled in web design and coding in HTML, Java, and Dreamweaver. Experienced in overseeing projects from beginning to end while problem-solving and troubleshooting.

2. Familiarise Yourself with the Graphic Designer Resume Description

You should never underestimate how much information you can glean from a job description. By outlining the role and key responsibilities, employers are therefore able to tell candidates the skills they need to show to fulfill the role.

Make sure to thoroughly read the job description before applying so that you can tailor your resume accordingly.

Graphic Designer Job Description – Example

Candidates will work as part of a team within a fast-paced and continuously developing graphic design department. Individuals will be required to collaborate with individuals from other marketing and development departments in order to create and develop campaigns. Projects will vary in format and style, so a broad range of knowledge will be required. Attention to detail is vital, alongside an ability to meet tight deadlines and adjust to potential changes within a brief. The ideal candidate will have experience working as part of a team , mentoring less-experienced staff members in order to help them develop their skills. A desire for continuous learning in addition to self-development is desirable, and we will ensure that these opportunities are offered.

As you will notice, the underlined areas highlight the crucial skills and experience that an employer is hoping for in potential candidates. Using this information within your resume can be done in several ways. For example, you can list the relevant skills at the top of your skills section or note team leader experience within your work history.

Every recruiter will want to know that you have the skills necessary to do the job thoroughly and effectively. This is why it’s essential to list your skills in your resume . As a general rule, you should always list the most relevant ones at the top of the list, then followed by those less relevant ones. 

Skills for Graphic Designer Resume – Examples

• Fluent in Java
• Experienced in leading a team
• Using Adobe suite
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Team management experience
• Collaborating with other departments

Below is a list of skills commonly found on Graphic Designer resumes. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should help guide you when writing this section for yourself.  

List of Skills to Put on a Graphic Designer Resume – Example

By emphasizing these key skills on your graphic design resume, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who possesses both technical expertise and artistic vision – qualities that employers value when hiring for this dynamic field.

If you have gained awards and certifications through your career as a graphic designer, then you should want to show them off. Especially if you have any industry-recognized awards. Making sure they are listed within your resume tells recruiters that you have been publicly acknowledged for your talents and have worked hard to gain the skills you have obtained.  

Awards and Certifications – Example

• Adobe Certified Expert
• Google Analytics IQ
• FreeCode Camp Certification – Information and Security QA

Whether you are an experienced graphic designer or just starting out, a portfolio is essential to any resume. This is where you can show off your talents and impress potential employers in order to demonstrate your skills.  

Your portfolio should include a selection of samples of your work in order to show off different areas of work and experience.

If you are a new graphic designer, you might not have examples of paid projects to show off. This doesn’t have to mean you can’t create a portfolio. Instead, mock up some samples for pretend companies and projects which highlight your skills and expertise.

Graphic Designer Resume Portfolio Examples

• Web Design – Worked with the web design team to build a new website for the eCommerce company, CozyNights, with the result that their sales increased by 150% in six months.
• Newsletter Formatting – Designed and formatted newsletters for That Marketing Company by chiefly including their new branding in a way that was easily digestible for consumers.
• Advertising Campaign – Worked as part of a team for the purpose of creating an advertising campaign for Sell That Car. Created flyers, newsletters, and billboards, in order to promote a deal on car sales throughout Spring 2020.
• Packaging Design – Designed the packaging for a bedding set for the Haymarket department store. In essence, creating a new design as part of their rebranding project. In this case, the project implemented new branding alongside an eye-catching design.

MS Word Graphic Designer Resume Template

Download Graphic Designer Resume 150040 Download it here →

Popular related posts:

• Thank You Email After Interview: Examples, Dos, and Don’ts
• 7 Ways to Improve Your Cover Letter Today
• Resume Objective Examples for 2024 [+How-to Guide]
• Cover Letter Format: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2023
• How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps

Get Expert Resume Writing Help

No time to polish your resume and cover letter? Send it to our team of resume-writing experts.

• No products in the cart.
• Resume Writing Service
• Free Resume Review
• Resume Templates
• Career Advice

Jobscan > Skills > Graphic Design

Graphic Design Skills

Boost your career with these essential graphic design skills for your resume based on our database of over 10 million real job listings.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, these skills are integral to showcasing your potential and advancing your career.

How we got the data

The data in this report was pulled from Jobscan’s database of more than 10 million job descriptions and 17 million resumes.

We analyzed the job descriptions to find the skills that employers want the most. Then we analyzed the resumes to see which skills appeared most frequently.

Armed with this knowledge, job seekers can easily tailor their resumes and cover letters to highlight the most relevant skills for each job they apply to.

top 10 graphic design Hard Skills

Top 10 graphic design soft skills, top 10 graphic design skills on resume with high match rate.

• Graphic Design
• Social Media
• Communication
• Professional

Get a personalized resume report

See the exact skills you need on your resume based on the job you're applying for. Tailor your resume to show why you're the best candidate.

Top 10 graphic design skills

• Adobe Creative
• Creative Design

Examples of how to write this skill on your resume:

• Conceptualized and executed original designs for various marketing campaigns.
• Implemented creative solutions to design challenges, enhancing overall brand aesthetic.
• Developed innovative design concepts that effectively conveyed the desired brand message.
• Created compelling graphic designs for print and digital media.
• Applied graphic design principles to produce high-quality marketing collateral.
• Designed engaging graphics that increased social media engagement by 30%.
• Leveraged design skills to create impactful marketing materials that boosted sales by 25%.
• Developed visually compelling marketing collateral that increased brand awareness.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to design promotional graphics that drove customer engagement.
• Utilized Photoshop to edit images and enhance visual appeal.
• Skilled in Photoshop for image manipulation, color correction, and retouching.
• Efficiently used Photoshop to create and modify design elements for various projects.
• Proficient in using Indesign to create engaging layouts for brochures and magazines.
• Utilized Indesign to design and format comprehensive product catalogs.
• Applied expertise in Indesign to produce compelling print and digital layouts.
• Skilled in various Adobe software to create comprehensive design solutions.
• Utilized Adobe Suite to create high-quality visuals and layouts.
• Leveraged Adobe software to create engaging digital and print designs.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud tools for comprehensive design and editing tasks.
• Applied Adobe Creative skills to produce visually compelling marketing materials.
• Leveraged Adobe Creative Suite for designing and editing tasks across multiple projects.
• Excelled in creating designs that effectively conveyed the brand’s identity and message.
• Leveraged creative design skills to enhance visual communication.
• Used creative design principles to create engaging visuals that increased social traffic by 20%.
• Designed brand-compliant visuals that enhanced brand recognition.
• Maintained brand consistency across all design outputs, strengthening brand identity.
• Applied branding principles to create a cohesive visual identity for multiple campaigns.
• Applied knowledge of typography to enhance the readability and aesthetic appeal of design projects.
• Utilized typography principles to create balanced and harmonious designs.
• Skillfully incorporated typography into designs, improving user engagement and readability.

5 tips for writing a graphic designer resume

Create a bulleted resume skills section.

Use a simple, clean format that highlights your skills and experiences. Focus on readability by using bullet points and short phrases to present your skills. Properly organize your resume into education, experience, and skills sections.

“Adding a skills section to your resume is a great way to draw the recruiter’s attention to your most relevant strengths and competencies.” – Ashley Watkins , NCRW, NCOPE, Job Search Coach

For example, a graphic designer’s bullet points might look like this:

Hitting all the top job requirements with your skills list will help you rank highly for a keyword search within an applicant tracking system. But don’t stop there. Add context for every skill elsewhere in your work experience . If a recruiter is excited by adobe creative in your skills section, the first thing they’ll do is skim your work experience to figure out when, how, and how much you used that skill.

Highlight skills and achievements in your work experience section

As a graphic designer, you must emphasize your skills and achievements in the work experience section of your resume. This will make you stand out to potential employers and show them you possess the expertise they seek.

As you list your responsibilities, it’s also important to highlight your specific achievements wherever you can.

“For soft skills, it’s often more effective to demonstrate them in the context of your past work experience. Instead of merely stating “excellent team player”, you are better off saying “collaborated with a cross-functional team of 6 on a new product launch that boosted sales by 30% in one year”. Examples of specific accomplishments or business outcomes speak louder than buzzwords.” – Ana Lokotkova , Career Coach and Advisor

Instead of saying,

“Created graphic designs for print and digital media.”

You could say,

“Designed engaging graphics that increased social media engagement by 30%.”

Using these detailed and quantified statements, you can effectively highlight your graphic design skills and achievements, making your resume more attractive to potential employers.

Break resume skills sections into categories

If you’re applying for a role requiring a broad skillset, categorize your skills.

“If you opt to include a designated skills section on your resume, include up to 10 of your core competencies. Excessive skills lists are overwhelming and sometimes confusing to the reader.” – Kelli Hrivnak , Marketing and Tech Recruiter

For instance, someone applying for the role might benefit from segmenting their skill lists as follows:

Design and Creativity Skills:

• Creative Thinking: Excelled at generating innovative design concepts that elevated the visual appeal of various digital and print marketing materials.
• Graphic Design: Demonstrated proficiency in creating compelling visual content for diverse marketing campaigns.
• Creative Design: Excelled in creative design principles to create unique and visually stimulating designs.

Technical Proficiency Skills:

• Adobe Suite: Demonstrated expertise in Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating high-quality visuals and comprehensive design solutions.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficient in utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud tools to deliver comprehensive design and editing tasks.
• Indesign: Proficient in Adobe InDesign for crafting engaging layouts for various print and digital media.

Marketing and Branding Skills:

• Marketing: Effectively incorporated design principles to create visually stimulating marketing collateral that increased brand awareness.
• Branding: Expertise in designing and maintaining a consistent visual identity, effectively enhancing brand recognition across various marketing platforms.

Typography Skills:

• Typography: Applied a keen understanding of typography to improve the design’s readability and aesthetic appeal, enhancing overall user engagement.

Communication and Teamwork Skills:

• Collaboration: Effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure design alignment with overall marketing strategy.
• Presentation: Demonstrated strong communication skills in presenting design ideas and receiving feedback.

Please note that while the skills are largely the same, the way they’re categorized and presented can make a significant difference in how they’re perceived by potential employers.

This method of categorizing skills allows potential employers to understand your diverse expertise quickly and makes your resume more readable.

Quantify your achievements

Use numbers to quantify your achievements wherever possible. This helps potential employers understand your abilities and the impact you can have on their organization.

“Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for relevancy of how and when you applied those skills, so provide examples of this in your experience section. Bonus tip: Don’t just insert the skill like a task–include results.” – Kelli Hrivnak , Marketing and Tech Recruiter

“Created engaging visuals.”

“Used creative design principles to create engaging visuals that increased web traffic by 20%.”

Using numbers gives hiring managers a better sense of your value and demonstrates your expertise in graphic design.

Quantifying your achievements makes your resume more compelling and effectively communicates the impact you can have on a potential employer’s organization.

Tailor your resume to the job description

Read the description carefully and emphasize the relevant skills and experiences. Highlight the skills that the employer seeks and provide examples of how you’ve used those skills in your previous roles. Doing so can demonstrate that you’re a strong fit for the position and increase your chances of being invited to an interview.

“The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach doesn’t work when it comes to your resume. For every job application, tailor your skill set to match the job description. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter candidates based on keywords and skills listed in the job description. So, research the role you’re applying for and distill the skills required.” – Ana Lokotkova , Career Coach and Advisor

In order to do this, “you must first understand what skills are most important for the target role,” says Ashley Watkins.

Job Title: Graphic Designer at a Digital Marketing Company

Requirements:

Experience with digital design projects, ability to work independently, and skill in various Adobe software.

Tailored Resume Description:

• Successfully managed and independently executed a diverse range of digital design projects for a leading marketing agency, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Utilized these tools to create high-impact visual content, improving engagement by 30% across all digital platforms.
• Worked autonomously on multiple projects concurrently, maintaining high-quality standards and meeting all deadlines.

“Focus on the sought-after and in demand skills. A great way to figure out what is currently in demand is by researching current job openings from your preferred companies and reading through the posting. Pay close attention to the preferred requirements section and build your skills section based on this list.” – Chelsea Jay , Career & Leadership Development Coach – Seasoned and Growing

By tailoring your resume in this way, you can demonstrate that you have the specific skills and experiences the employer is looking for, thus increasing your chances of getting an interview.

Bonus Tip: Use action verbs

Start each bullet point with an action verb . An action verb expresses an action, such as “create,” “build,” “manage,” “lead,” or “implement.”

Action verbs grab the reader’s attention and paint a vivid picture of what you accomplished at work.

Action verbs make your resume more interesting to read. They also show the kind of can-do attitude that employers are looking for.

What skills do you need to be a freelance graphic designer?

• Design Skills: Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, is essential. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Communication Skills : As a freelancer, you must communicate effectively with your clients to understand their vision and deliver satisfactory results.
• Time Management: You’ll often work on multiple projects simultaneously, so you need to manage your time effectively.
• Business Skills: Basic understanding of business practices, like invoicing, contract negotiation, and marketing, can be helpful for a freelance career.

How can you improve your graphic design skills as a beginner?

• Practice Regularly: The more you design, the more you learn. Regular practice helps you understand design principles and software tools better.
• Enroll in Courses: Online platforms offer numerous design courses that can help you improve your skills.
• Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and accept constructive criticism to improve.
• Stay Updated: Keep up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques.

What are the most important graphic design skills on a resume?

• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with graphic design software like Adobe Creative Suite is crucial.
• Creativity: Your ability to create unique, attractive designs is key.
• Typography: Understanding of how to use fonts effectively in designs.
• Color Theory: Knowledge of how to use colors to evoke emotions and meanings.
• Branding: Ability to create designs that align with a brand’s identity.

What are hard skills in graphic design?

• Proficiency in Design Software: Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Typography: Understanding of fonts and how to use them effectively.
• Photo Editing: Ability to edit and manipulate images.
• Layout Design: Skills in arranging elements on a page effectively and attractively.

What are the soft skills of graphic designers?

• Communication: Ability to articulate your ideas clearly and understand client needs.
• Creativity: Coming up with unique, attractive designs.
• Time Management : Meeting deadlines while juggling multiple projects.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring no element is out of place in your designs.

Is graphic design a resume skill?

Yes, graphic design is a resume skill , especially for jobs in the creative industry. It can be particularly useful for graphic designers, art directors, marketing specialists, and more. Even in non-design jobs, having graphic design skills can be a bonus, as it can be useful for creating presentations, marketing materials, etc.

Explore More Skills

The Right Way to Add Skills to Your Resume in 2023 (With 250+ Example Skills)

Stripped down to the core, the most important thing to show employers in any job search is your skills.

Everything in your application and candidacy comes down to your skills: Your past experience shows how you’ve used your skills to help other employers, your interview shows you understand what skills an employer is looking for and proves you have both the hard and soft skills needed to work well as part of their company, and your skills test…well it’s right in the name. Even checking your references—that’s just asking other people to vouch for how you’ve used your skills in the past.

If you’ve heard that employers care about all your interactions throughout the hiring process—like how you’ve greeted receptionists, how you’ve answered emails, and whether or not you sent that thank you note —that’s true, and it’s because these things show off your communication , interpersonal , and other professional skills.

Skills matter. And your first encounter with most employers is going to be via your resume. So how you put skills on your resume can make or break your job search.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Hard vs. soft skills

There are two major categories of skills:

• Hard skills are the abilities or knowledge you need to complete specific work tasks. For example writing software code, driving a specific kind of vehicle, and scheduling social media posts are all hard skills.
• Soft skills are the traits and qualities that categorize how you work and relate to the people you work with. For example, managing your time well, motivating others, and being curious are all soft skills.

For any job, you’ll need a mix of soft and hard skills—and you’ll want to show them both on your resume. Hard skills are fairly clear cut: You either have them or you don’t. They’re also easier than soft skills to prove that you possess—and to add to a resume. Meanwhile, soft skills are a bit more open to interpretation—for example, everyone’s definition of a good leader is different. But you can still show them on your resume if you use the right techniques.

Read More:   Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What the Heck Is the Difference?

Top skills for your resume

Every resume will need skills that are specific to the job you want. For example, to be a software engineer you’ll need coding skills. But here are some of the types of skills that can be valuable for any job or industry:

1. Communication skills

Whether you’re a teacher interacting with students all day, a copywriter making sure you understand the needs of a given project, or an employee working in any other role, you’re going to need to give and receive information. Employers are always looking for those who can communicate clearly and effectively—in writing , in person, or over the phone, email, or any other platform.

Read More: Your Communication Skills Matter for Every Job—Here’s How to Use, Improve, and Show Off Yours

2. Time management skills

Time is a social construct, but unfortunately it’s one we’ve all more or less agreed on. Every job will require you to get tasks done on time, show up for scheduled meetings and events, and organize your schedule effectively. If you’re applying to a role with many different responsibilities or one where you’ll be managing or collaborating with a team, time management skills are even more vital to ensure that you’re hitting goals.

Read More: These Time Management Skills Can Make You a Better Employee—and Improve Your Work-Life Balance

3. Organizational skills

Organization is more than just making sure a physical area is well arranged and clean—though it is that too! Organization skills also encapsulate ensuring digital files are accessible, teams are well coordinated, events and projects are efficient, your work is on schedule, and a lot more. Though the type of organization you’ll be doing will vary from job to job, the need to logically arrange and plan is universal.

Read More: Your Guide to Organizational Skills on the Job—and During the Job Hunt

4. Technical skills

Technical skills are the knowledge you need to use a certain piece of technology, equipment, or technique. They’re a subset of hard skills and most jobs will require specific technical know-how to complete core tasks. However, there are also broader technical skills that are useful for all or many jobs such as the ability to use email, office suite software, and common communication programs like Zoom.

Read More: What Are Technical Skills and How Should You Include Them On Your Resume? (Plus a List of Examples)

5. Computer skills and literacy

Technology is constantly changing, and of course you can’t know how to use any new feature or piece of software immediately after it comes out. But if you can show employers that you have digital literacy, they’ll be confident in your ability to quickly adapt to new technology and troubleshoot basic computer issues.

Read More: Computer Skills You’ll Need in the Workplace—and How to Show Them Off on a Job Search

6. Management and leadership skills

You don’t need to be an executive or anyone’s boss to need management and leadership skills. These are the skills that help you plan, coordinate, motivate (both yourself and others), and complete any project or initiative. They also help you hit long-term goals and allocate resources well.

Read More: How to Improve Your Management Skills (and Show Them Off in a Job Search)

7. Analytical skills

Lots of jobs have the word “analyst” right in the title, but these skills aren’t just for them. Analytical skills cover any of the skills you need to take in or gather information, organize and synthesize it, and use it to make decisions or predictions.

Read More: No, Analytical Skills Aren’t Just for Analysts—Here’s How to Show Yours Off in a Job Search

8. Interpersonal skills

These are the skills that help you work, communicate, and build relationships with others. Employers are always looking for people with strong interpersonal skills like empathy, persuasion, and conflict resolution because it allows them to work well as part of a team. Employees with good interpersonal skills are better at resolving and avoiding issues with others, which helps keep companies working efficiently. For jobs where you’d be working with clients or customers, interpersonal skills are especially important to help drive business and uphold a company’s reputation.

Read More: How Strong Interpersonal Skills Can Help You at Work—and in Your Job Search

9. Problem-solving skills

Most roles are created to solve a problem the company is facing—whether it’s broad like “we need more business” or specific like “we need an expert in Javascript who has experience boosting page-load speed to make our web pages more appealing to the Google algorithm.” Even if a job feels like it’ll follow a set daily routine, issues are still going to pop up, and employers are more likely to hire people who can spot and identify potential or ongoing problems, communicate those problems, look for causes, brainstorm solutions, and/or implement them. 

Read More: How to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills (and Show Them Off in Your Job Hunt)

10. Decision-making skills

Many jobs require you to make choices all the time. For example, picking a new vendor for office supplies, making cuts to a budget, deciding to bring other people in to solve an issue, or prioritizing work tasks on your to-do list all require decision-making skills. Employers want to know you can identify options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose a path in a logical way.

Read More: You’ll Need Decision-Making Skills in Any Job—Here’s How to Get Them, Use Them, and Show Them Off

11. Other transferable skills

Broadly speaking, your transferable skills are any abilities you gained or used in one context that are also helpful in another. Some transferable skills, like the ability to communicate in a second language, pay attention to detail , or manage a project can be useful in almost any job or workplace. But others might be transferable in only certain situations.

For example, maybe you managed the budget for a club in college and now you’re applying to a position where you’d be managing a budget for freelancers. Or maybe you’ve used Excel to do data analysis in the past, but the company you’re applying to uses Excel to track project progress.

As you’re making your resume, don’t discount any of your skills just because you haven’t used them in exactly the same way and context this job opening calls for.

Read More: Transferable Skills: The Key to Landing Your Dream Job

How to list skills on a resume

Here are some tips for making sure anyone who reads your resume comes away with the right impression of what you can do for them if they hire you.

1. Identify which skills belong on your resume.

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t necessarily have a lot of time to devote to looking at your resume for the first time—about 7.4 seconds, according to the most recent data . So your resume has to make it very clear very quickly that you’re qualified for any job you apply to. The best way to do this is to tailor your resume —or change your resume for every application to match the specific requirements and language of the job description . Take a good look at any posting you’re applying to and note any mentions of skills you have. Also, think about any experience or skills you have that might be transferable to the role. These are the skills that belong on your resume.

For soft skills, you might need to read between the lines a bit. Some postings might mention that they’re looking for a skilled multitasker, but you’re not necessarily going to get an explicit list of all the qualities the employer is looking for in a hire. So think about which of your soft skills can help you accomplish the duties of the job. If there’s a lot of mentions of other teams you’ll be working with, for example, you’ll want to emphasize your collaboration abilities in your resume. Or if you’ll be giving a lot of presentations, you might want to highlight your public speaking chops.

And don’t feel like you need to include every skill you have. Scuba diving is a hard skill, but only relevant to very specific jobs. Remember, hiring managers are reviewing your resume with the job you applied for in mind, so keep your skills at least tangentially relevant to avoid a “Wait, why did they apply for this?” reaction.

2. Don’t oversell or undersell your skills.

Before you add skills to your resume, be honest with yourself (and companies you’re applying to) about your ability level. A hiring manager in the finance industry once told Muse writer Lily Zhang that he hated it when people listed skills in their resume and then added the word “basic” in parenthesis next to it. If you only have a basic understanding of something, it may not belong in your skills section. But if you’re saying your skill level is basic just to be modest, maybe don’t do that. Your future employer can’t pick up how humble you are from this document—you’ll just look less qualified than you are.

Hiring managers might also use your skills section to judge how truthful a candidate has been in their application. If a candidate lists a string of 20 programming languages, but only has done projects in one, it’s not a good look. In general, a good rule of thumb is to only include skills you’re comfortable talking about in an interview.

3. Create a skills section.

A skills section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Remember that 7.4-second initial look that you get from recruiters? That’s why the skills section exists. If you’re applying for a role where a certain skill or skill set is absolutely required for consideration, it’s not unusual for the reader to take a little shortcut and scan the skills section of all the resumes submitted to see if they’re there—and only look at those more intently.

Generally, your skills section is a list of the skills you have without any additional context. If you have a lot of skills to list, consider grouping your skills to make the section even easier to scan. For example, a web developer may have a “design skills” and a “coding skills” subheading within their skills section.

Note that your skills section is usually reserved for hard skills over soft skills.

4. Put your skills section in the right place.

Most commonly, you’ll place your skills section after your work experience section, toward the bottom of the page. But in certain situations , you may decide to put it elsewhere—most commonly near the top of the page just after your heading or your summary (if you have one). You might do this if:

• You’re using a hybrid resume format. As opposed to the more common chronological resume , a hybrid resume puts your skills at the top of the page along with some additional context around how you’ve used your skills.
• You’re in a career where skills sections commonly go at the top of the page. For example, product management resumes often list skills before experience. Look for example resumes for your field to see if they have any specific quirks
• You’re changing or pivoting careers. If your previous job titles might make someone reading your resume assume you applied to the wrong position, consider putting your skills section first. Career pivots and transitions are often dependent on transferable skills or skills you’ve picked up outside of your main work experience. (For career changes, you should probably also lead with a resume summary to help clear up any confusion.)
• You’re in any other situation where your skills boost your qualifications more than your past work experience. For example, if you’ve recently graduated, you may choose to put your skills ahead of your experience (though often after your education section) rather than have a reader comb through your internships, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars looking for what you can do.

5. Show how you’ve used your skills in your bullet points.

Anyone can list skills in a skills section. To really prove that you have them, you need to show how you’ve used your skills in the past—and that you’ve gotten results. Your skills section should actually be rather redundant. Ideally, a close read of your experience section should get across all your hard and soft skills.

Rather than just listing job duties under your past positions, phrase your bullet points as accomplishments . Then, add in the skills you used to achieve those accomplishments and what the results were. Inserting numbers when possible will also show anyone reading your resume just how much your skills have done for your past employers.

Tuck soft skills into your bullets rather than adding them to your skills section. Making the first word relate to your soft skills is particularly effective. For example, instead of, “Assisted with annual corporate retreat,” you could write, “Collaborated in a group of four to plan and facilitate annual corporate retreat for 200 employees.” While both bullets describe the same task, only the second one shows that you’re a team player. Instead of, “Attended monthly sales meetings,” you could write, “Presented product insights to 12 clients in monthly sales meetings,” to demonstrate strong communication skills.

For example, here’s a solid bullet point for your resume with the skills bolded:

• Produced and edited three 10-minute “Day in the Life” videos for different jobs at the company; running initial brainstorming meetings for each over Zoom ; coordinating and communicating with 10+ employees for each video using Airtable, Google Calendar, email and Slack ; arranging shot composition, lighting, and sound and overseeing shoots ; editing using Final Cut Pro and Adobe Creative Suite ; and uploading to YouTube resulting in 200K views and a 10x boost in job applications for focus jobs.

All your bullet points don’t need to be this hefty, of course. But it shows just how many skills can go into one professional accomplishment.

6. Include your skills in other resume sections.

Your work experience isn’t the only place you can drop in those skills. You can also weave them into your:

• Resume summary
• Education section (especially if you’re a recent graduate)
• Volunteer section
• Activities section
• Projects section
• Awards section

7. Add certificates, classes, and certifications that prove your skill set.

If you’ve gotten certifications that prove you’re skilled at something, like project management, don’t forget to put that on your resume. If you’ve taken courses to further your professional development, you can add those too—particularly if you haven’t gotten the chance to use all the skills you learned in your day job yet.

8. Use the same language as the job description.

Most employers use applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to parse and organize candidate’s resumes. Hiring managers and recruiters will search ATSs for the most relevant resumes using skills as their search terms. So whenever possible, use the same language as a job description to describe your skills to increase your chances of landing an interview. For example, if a job listing wants experience with project management software, say “project management software” on your resume, not just “Trello.”

List of skills for different jobs

Below are some examples of specific roles you might be applying for and skills that could be appropriate to list, but remember that a job posting is always the best place to find the skills you need for a specific role. To get a more robust list for your specific industry, you can check out O*NET , a resource developed by the U.S. Department of Labor that breaks down occupations by skills, tasks, and activities.

Accountant resume skills

• Accounting software
• ADP Workforce Now
• Analytical software
• Budget forecasting
• Cash flow analysis
• Cost accounting
• Credit/debt management
• Estate planning
• Financial accounting
• Financial compliance
• Financial reporting
• Forensic accounting
• Google Sheets
• Income tax planning
• Intuit QuickBooks
• Management accounting
• Microsoft Excel
• Payroll management
• Reconciliation
• Revenue forecasting
• SPSS Statistics
• Tax preparation

Administrative assistant resume skills

• Administrative support
• Booking travel
• Calendaring
• Customer service
• Google Workspace
• Meeting coordination
• Meeting minutes recording
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Office support
• Proofreading
• Social media management
• Video conferencing software

Back-end developer resume skills

• Application scaling
• Back-end framework
• Back-end programming languages
• Database administration
• Front-end web technologies
• Hosting environment
• Load changes
• Security compliance
• Version control (e.g. Git)

Customer service resume skills

• Account management
• Chat support
• Language skills (spoken and/or written)
• Phone support
• Resolutions

Data scientist resume skills

• Apache Hadoop and Spark
• AWS software
• Data analysis
• Data cleaning
• Data modeling
• Data sampling
• Data structure
• Git and GitHub
• Key libraries
• Scikit-learn
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• UNIX command line

Executive assistant resume skills

• Corporate communications
• Editing and proofreading
• Preparing agendas
• Report generation
• Reviewing contracts

Financial analyst resume skills

• Microsoft Dynamics
• Montgomery Investment Technology FinTools
• Montgomery Investment Technology Utility XL
• Oracle Business Intelligence
• S&P Capital IQ
• SAP software
• SAS Financial Management

Front-end developer resume skills

• Back-end data display
• Dynamic web page design
• Framework templates
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Software workflow
• Styling and color design
• Web page creation
• Website content display
• Website navigation optimization

Full-stack engineer resume skills

Graphic designer resume skills.

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• After Effects
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Data visualization
• Design principles
• Dreamweaver
• Illustrator
• Product Design

Human resource manager resume skills

• Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Benefits administration and management
• Benchmarking
• Candidate screening
• Climate surveys
• Conducting background and reference checks
• Conflict resolution and management
• Contract negotiations
• Human resource information systems (HRIS)
• Interviewing
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Organizational development
• Orientation
• Payroll administration and management
• Performance improvement and management
• Recruitment
• Vendor negotiation
• Writing and posting job descriptions

Marketer resume skills

• Audience building
• Blog writing
• Brand management
• Content creation
• Content marketing
• Conversion rate optimization
• Customer acquisition
• Copywriting
• Demand generation
• Digital marketing
• Email marketing
• Facebook management
• Google Analytics
• Instagram management
• Lead generation
• LinkedIn management
• Marketing automation and technology
• Market research
• Marketo marketing automation
• Power editor
• Project management
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Social media
• TikTok management
• Twitter management

Office manager resume skills

• Billing software
• Document management
• Executive support
• Expense reporting
• Facilities management
• Inventory management
• Office supply management
• Payroll processing
• Reports generation
• Vendor management

Product designer resume skills

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• ADA compliance
• Crashlytics
• Google Design Sprint Method
• Omnigraffle
• Story mapping
• Style guides/Pattern libraries for React
• Ubertesting

Product manager resume skills

• A/B Testing
• Beta testing
• Customer analysis
• Data analytics
• Financial analysis
• Forecasting
• Quality assurance
• Release management
• Risk management
• Roadmapping
• Scrum management
• SWOT analysis
• Troubleshooting
• User research
• UX/UI design

Project manager resume skills

• Change management
• Client communication
• Deployment management
• Development and testing
• Impact assessment
• Microsoft Project
• Process development
• Process improvement
• Project life cycle
• Project management software
• Quality control
• Resource allocation
• Scheduling and planning
• Scope management
• Stakeholder management

Sales resume skills

• Business analysis
• Business development
• Cold calling
• Consultative selling
• Customer relations
• Executive relationships
• Prospecting
• Relationship management

Teacher resume skills

• Blended learning
• Character education
• Classroom management
• Collaborative environments
• Data-driven instruction
• Inclusive classroom
• Interactive classroom
• MAP Testing
• Mystery Math
• Personalized learning
• Remote instruction
• Social-emotional learning
• Student-guided learning

Web developer resume skills

• Application coding
• Command line tools
• Google Angular
• LAMP development
• Object-oriented design
• Responsive design
• Server-Side scripting
• Writing modules

Lily Zhang  also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

Resume Worded   |  Resume Skills

Skill profile, curriculum designer, improve your resume's success rate by using these curriculum designer skills and keywords ..

• Hard Skills and Keywords for your Curriculum Designer Resume
• ATS Scan : Compare Your Resume To These Skills
• Sample Resume Templates
• How To Add Skills
• Curriculum Designer More Resume Templates

Browse Skills from Similar Jobs

Frequently asked questions.

• 3. Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Get a Free Resume Review

Looking for keywords for a specific job search for your job title here., © 2024 resume worded. all rights reserved., curriculum designer resume keywords and skills (hard skills).

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Curriculum Designer job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume. Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

• Curriculum Development
• Instructional Design
• Educational Technology
• Educational Leadership
• Classroom Management
• Articulate Storyline
•  Find out what your resume's missing
• Curriculum Innovation
• Staff Development
• Lesson Planning
• Teacher Training
• Learning Management Systems
• Elementary Education
• Higher Education
• K-12 Education
• Program Development

Resume Skills: Instructional Tools

• Adobe Captivate
• Lectora Inspire
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Storyline 360
•  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Pedagogical Techniques

• ADDIE Model
• Backward Design Method
• Bloom's Taxonomy
• Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction

Resume Skills: E-Learning Platforms

• Google Classroom

Resume Skills: Languages

Resume skills: project management, resume skills: software proficiency.

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace

Resume Skills: Software

Resume skills: learning management systems (lms).

• Process Street

Resume Skills: E-Learning Tools

• Learnworlds

Resume Skills: Language & Other

• Proficient in APA Style
• Knowledge of SCORM and xAPI standards

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

   Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Curriculum Designer Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Curriculum Designer Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or skills section , like we've shown in the examples below. use the examples below as inspiration..

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

How do I add skills to a Curriculum Designer resume?

Go through the Curriculum Designer posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Instructional Design, Classroom Management and Educational Technology are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Educational Leadership, E-Learning and Curriculum Innovation - into your resume if they're relevant.

Incorporate skills - like Editing, Elementary Education and Captivate - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

A popular skill set for a Curriculum Designer is creativity and design, so try to include evidence of them on your resume.

Try to add the exact job title, Curriculum Designer, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Curriculum Designer Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Curriculum Designer job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual curriculum designer recruiter sees it. for free., curriculum designer resume templates.

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example UX Designer (User Experience Designer)

An effective Description of the templates...

Download this resume template

UX designer is a role that blends visual design skills, writing, coding, and research. As a UX designer, you’ll be designing apps, building prototypes, and performing testing and analytics as well as collaborating with clients and other teams. A resume that emphasizes your hard skills and hands-on experience is your key to landing the perfect role.

Tips on why this template works

   focus your resume on ux design.

Keep your resume focused on your most relevant work experience. Recruiters want to see your UX design experience, not your years of working in an unrelated field. Let your experience speak for itself by using action-oriented bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and keep additional information, like volunteer work or educational awards, to a minimum.

   Good use of skills section targeted in UX

You don’t need a massive list of skills — prioritizing a few of the most relevant skills is the best way to stand out. Choose skills like wireframing, prototyping, and interaction design, that you’ll actually be using on the job. Breaking your list of skills into categories is another great way of making a longer list more readable.

Resume Example Senior Graphic Designer / Director of Graphic Design

As a senior graphic designer or graphic design director, you’ll be taking on high-level responsibilities and overseeing an entire department. Your resume needs to show significant experience as a graphic designer, as well as the capacity to lead a team to success. Make sure you’re emphasizing past leadership roles you’ve held as well as a commitment to ensuring the overall success of a company.

   Shows growth in promotions

If you want to land a senior role, you’ll need to show a steady pattern of career growth. If you’ve landed a promotion that represents a significant increase in responsibilities, you can list the positions separately under the same company heading. If the job title alone doesn’t make it clear that this was a promotion, your bullet points will.

   Lists the exact graphic design job title

It’s always a good idea to use the exact title of the job you’re applying for on your resume. If you’ve held a position with the same responsibilities but under a different name, or if the titles are often used interchangeably, you can list both job titles at the start of your resume.

Resume Example E-Learning Designer

E-learning designers make virtual learning programs for learners. Typically, they first understand the learning needs of the student population and then tailor a syllabus around it. Part of the responsibilities of eLearning designers includes determining the correct media for learning and administering educational material accordingly. Experience in adult learning is usually a desired quality by employers. A 10-year stint in a particular profession justifies the opinion that you are a subject matter expert in your line of work. Therefore, as this resume illustrates, focus on showcasing your technical experience. If possible, demonstrate your top achievements to help you explain why you are the best candidate.

   Give specific details highlighting what you've done in your e-Learning designer career

Make your resume stand out by giving as much information as possible. Instead of simply writing "Collaborated with others to identify training needs of a certain company," write "collaborated with 18 experts and 5 members of staff to identify RW Inc., training needs." Use numbers, job titles, organizations' names, dates, and locations to show hiring managers you know your thing.

   Write an Instructional Designer Resume Summary

It might be challenging to grab the attention of hiring managers in the 6-7 seconds they skim through your resume, but it's doable. Here is what to do: if you've been an e-Learning designer for 5+ years and understand what flowcharting is, use a resume summary to introduce yourself as an experienced professional with proof of accomplishments.

Resume Example Graphic Designer

A graphic designer communicates ideas through visual concepts. Their role is to conceptualize and develop a layout that communicates what stakeholders need to show. Graphic design can be used for many purposes, including captivating, informing, or inspiring consumers. That’s why their work is often used in advertising, social media channels, or reports. To become a graphic designer you should ideally have a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field. However, it’ll depend on your potential employer’s requirements. There are many high-talented graphic designers out there with non-traditional training. Yet, you should consider one thing; highlight your technical and creative skills on your resume.

   Mention your user experience skills.

User experience (UX) is the way users interact with a particular product or design. This design should be accessible, usable, and appealing. This is particularly important when you’re working or trying to get a job in tech: recruiters want to know whether you can apply your offline skills to the online world. Even though both developers and graphic designers are not related, they can work together on integrating a design into web/software development.

   Emphasize projects where you crafted a brand or identity.

Branding and identity play a huge role in graphic design. It’s a combination of visual elements that represent a company’s identity. It is the way they want to portray themselves to the consumers.

Resume Example Creative Graphic Designer

A creative graphic designer has a strong background in art and visual design. They create visual concepts to communicate a brand’s message to its consumers. They usually work in advertising agencies, marketing companies, or independently as freelance designers. If you want to reflect your expertise in your resume, it’s a good idea to showcase some certifications. These provide a better idea of your abilities and experience in the graphic design industry.

   Mention the illustration software you use for graphic design.

Creative graphic designers use multiple tools like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, etc. It is a good idea to mention those programs you use for developing your projects in your skills section, or intertwined into your work experiences (e.g. Designed prototypes using Figma...). It’ll give recruiters a practical view of what your tool stack looks like and if it aligns with that of their product/graphic design teams.

   Talk about products or experiences you've prototyped.

Prototyping is an experimental process in which graphic designers propose a design idea to evaluate how end users would react to the final result. It is essentially a 'testing' phase, which helps reduce a company's risk of spending several weeks developing something that isn't usable or doesn't achieve the company's goals. Creative graphic designers should put experimentation at the heart of their work, and it's often useful to emphasize it in your resume. You could use the action verb, "Prototyped", in an example like "Prototyped 25+ designs by rapidly iterating with the client over 8 weeks...".

A UX designer is a technically inclined and creative professional who designs products that are enjoyable for the end customer to use. The UX designer’s main responsibility is to create efficient, engaging and aesthetically pleasing interfaces. They may work in a variety of industries from cellular phones to web page development. A UX designer will design all customer-facing applications, optimize applications for better efficiency, and make design recommendations to software teams. To land this role, you will need a college degree in graphic design, motion graphics, animation, or another similar field. This role requires a mix of artistic and technical skills. Hiring managers will look for someone with previous experience in roles such as illustrator, artist, or graphic designer. An ideal candidate will have considerable experience using key software tools such as Adobe Illustrator and InVision, as well as desired soft skills like color theory knowledge and creativity.

   Demonstrate your understanding of software development

Though the UX designer is involved with the ‘front-end’ of an application, they must understand how design changes to the front end can change software requirements on the back end. Earning certifications in software engineering or computer sciences, and adding them to your resume, will show hiring managers you understand the crucial technical aspects of UX design.

   Make a visual portfolio of UX designs

Aesthetics are a key piece of any UX design. An application that is poorly organized or unpleasant to look at will not perform. For this reason, it’s important to showcase your artistic skills to land the role. You can make a portfolio of prior designs, or create some custom designs with the sole purpose of putting them in a portfolio.

What skills should you add to a Curriculum Designer resume?

Some effective Curriculum Designer skills you can add to your resume include:

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume. It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters. Start targeting your resume

Most resumes get auto-rejected because of small, simple errors. These errors are easy to miss but can be costly in your job search. If you want to make sure your resume is error-free, upload it to Score My Resume for a free resume review. You'll get a score so you know where your resume stands, as well as actionable feedback to improve it. Get a free resume review

Scan your skills and keywords.

Creating an account is free and takes five seconds. you'll get instant access to all skills and keywords, plus be able to score your resume against them - no strings attached., choose an option..

• Have an account? Sign in

E-mail Please enter a valid email address This email address hasn't been signed up yet, or it has already been signed up with Facebook or Google login.

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number. It looks like your password is incorrect.

Remember me

Forgot your password?

Sign up to get access to Resume Worded's Career Coaching platform in less than 2 minutes

Name Please enter your name correctly

E-mail Remember to use a real email address that you have access to. You will need to confirm your email address before you get access to our features, so please enter it correctly. Please enter a valid email address, or another email address to sign up. We unfortunately can't accept that email domain right now. This email address has already been taken, or you've already signed up via Google or Facebook login. We currently are experiencing a very high server load so Email signup is currently disabled for the next 24 hours. Please sign up with Google or Facebook to continue! We apologize for the inconvenience!

Password Show Your password needs to be between 6 and 50 characters long, and must contain at least 1 letter and 1 number.

Receive resume templates, real resume samples, and updates monthly via email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Lost your password? Please enter the email address you used when you signed up. We'll send you a link to create a new password.

E-mail This email address either hasn't been signed up yet, or you signed up with Facebook or Google. This email address doesn't look valid.

Back to log-in

Find out what keywords recruiters search for. These keywords will help you beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System).

   get a resume score., find out how effective your resume really is. you'll get access to our confidential resume review tool which will tell you how recruiters see your resume..

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Can’t keep your job search organized?

Track all your applications in one place with the Zippia extension for Chrome.

Fashion Designer skills for your resume and career

Fashion designers need a variety of hard skills to excel in their profession. These include knowledge of fashion design, sketching, and apparel production techniques. Proficiency in software like Adobe Illustrator and CAD is also essential. Additionally, designers must be able to research trends, develop design concepts, and create tech packs. As Chris Chapin , Professor and Chair of the Product Design department at Kansas City Art Institute, puts it, "It is part business, part implementation strategy, and can manifest as a new business, as social entrepreneurship, or as intrapreneurship."

Soft skills are equally important for fashion designers. They must be able to work well in a team and effectively communicate their ideas. According to Lisa TenHulzen , Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at Albion College, "The skill of a theatre artist can stagnate if it is not used." This highlights the importance of staying creative and continually developing one's skills. Mark Boyer, Director and Reich Teaching Professor at Louisiana State University and A&M College, also emphasizes the need for designers to be "teachable, reliable, thoughtful, articulate, adaptable, engaged, critical thinker, technologically adept, able to think big and small, empathetic, and good listener."

15 fashion designer skills for your resume and career

1. fashion design.

Fashion design is the process of creating original clothing and accessories. Fashion designers use fashion design to create custom luxury garments, personal shopping services, and closet organization. They also use it to inspect vehicles for damaged parts and repair sewing machines. In addition, they work with other fashion designers and companies, and even compete on reality TV shows focused on fashion design.

• Fashion designer, Wardrobe/Fashion stylist with services including original design, personal shopping, closet organization, tailoring/alterations.
• Offered full-time position Fashion Designer due to outstanding performance during internship.

A sketch is a rough drawing that represents an idea or concept. Fashion designers use sketches to develop new designs, patterns, and ideas for their collections. They sketch out concepts, create specification packages, and even use sketches to communicate with clients about their designs. As Lorrie Ivas, Full-time Faculty at Santa Monica College's Photo, Fashion Department, puts it, "The ability to communicate your design concepts to the team (or future boss/interviewer) is vital. Hand and digital fashion sketching and illustration skills are necessary at every step."

• Fashion sketch Artist, Designing for clients, Generating trendy and innovative ideas, Consulting with Productions and Creating Silhouettes.
• Sketch and develop new concepts, patterns, toys, and prints for baby gear collections.

Apparel refers to clothing and other wearable items. Fashion designers use apparel to create and design clothing, accessories, and fabrics for a variety of markets. They research and develop seasonal apparel product lines, create detailed technical packages for manufacturing, and even start their own business in a small community or rural area. As Professor Linda Manikowske Ph.D. from North Dakota State University's Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design & Hospitality Management puts it, "Graduates with a degree in Apparel, Retail Merchandising, and Design find work in all locations. Some find jobs in major cities working for large retail corporations, while others start their own business in a small community or rural area. There are many opportunities in this diverse industry."

• Researched and developed seasonal apparel product lines through expert trend forecasting.
• Study global trends across apparel categories and Analyze international brands based on their Product offerings and hence derive trend directions.

4. Design Concepts

Design concepts are the ideas and plans behind a creation. Fashion designers use design concepts to develop their collections, color boards, and seasonal presentations. They come up with these concepts by researching trends, analyzing sales data, and consulting with directors and other production staff. They also use these concepts to plan their productions and create designs based on their original ideas.

• Initiated design concepts, introduced and developed collection according to seasonal concepts.
• Researched knitwear trends and developed general direction of design concepts, color boards and made seasonal presentations of proposed designs.

5. Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a software program used to create vector graphics. Fashion designers use Adobe Illustrator to create line art, patterns, and color ways for their designs. They also use it to illustrate and sketch their designs, and to create tech packs and flat sketches. For example, they may design an entire sportswear collection for an upcoming season using Illustrator.

• Create line art, patterns, and color ways in Adobe Illustrator.
• Fashion Illustration; illustrating designs by using Adobe Illustrator.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a technology that helps create digital designs and models. Fashion designers use CAD to create presentations that include sketches, colors, fabrics, and embellishments. They also use it to design patterns, prints, and yarn dyes. As Rich Youmans , Chief Communications Officer & Publisher at MJSA, puts it, "CAD/CAM and lasers have become commonplace, but these technologies continue to be honed. the best tools for jewelers are still their hands-there will always be a market for handmade work done by skilled craftsman."

• Create CAD presentations that include sketches, colors, fabrics, embellishment, construction, dye techniques and screen print designs.
• Helped with the research and development of key fabrics, prints and patterns with fabric team and Cad designers.

Choose from 10+ customizable fashion designer resume templates

7. tech packs.

Tech packs are detailed documents that outline the specifications and requirements for producing a garment. Fashion designers use tech packs to communicate with manufacturers and ensure that their designs are produced to a high standard. They create these documents from the early stages of design development, including photo development, and continue to update them through production. Tech packs typically include information such as fabric and trim requirements, construction details, and measurement specifications.

• Communicate with China office daily basis for tech packs, sample development, sample revision and all sample development related works.
• Designed roughly 150 styles each season, issued tech packs, developed fabrics, trims and accessories.

8. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a digital image editing and manipulation software. Fashion designers use Adobe Photoshop to refine their designs, create fine art paintings, and retouch product and model photos. They also use it to create design layouts and perform freehand artistry. As Sue Jenkins, Associate Professor at Marywood University, explains, "Evidence of creative engagement beyond the classroom stands out most on a resume. A better solution is to list skills and proficiency in years, such as Adobe Photoshop, three years."

• Create fine art paintings for clients, as well as design layouts using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create Design layouts for clientele.

9. Fashion Trends

Fashion trends refer to the popular styles or directions that fashion takes at a particular time. Fashion designers use fashion trends to create original garments or design garments that follow well-established styles. They research and analyze emerging trends, consumer preferences, and general trends related to fabrics, colors, and shapes. This helps them design clothing and accessories that are relevant and appealing to their target audience.

• Gather and review information about fashion trends and consumer preferences to discuss with Designer in order to create a line.
• Keep up to date with emerging fashion trends as well as general trends relating to fabrics, colors and shapes

10. Production Techniques

Production techniques are the methods used to create a product. Fashion designers use these techniques to turn their ideas into reality. They research trends, fabrics, and new methods to decide the best materials and techniques for their products. For example, they might travel to learn about new trends or fabrics that they can use in their designs.

• Capitalized on the hottest trends; traveled globally to research new trends, fabrics, and production techniques.
• Selected materials and production techniques to be used for products.

11. Textile

Textile is the production of fabric, and it's a vital part of a fashion designer's job. They use textile to create clothing patterns, sew samples, and stay up-to-date with the latest fabrics. They visit textile showrooms to research trends, negotiate prices, and purchase fabric. They also design textile for each season, ensuring their designs are always current and relevant.

• Executed trend and textile international resource.
• Researched fashion, textile, make up, accessory, and footwear trends.

12. Product Development

Product development is the process of creating and improving a product. Fashion designers use product development to create new designs, manage prototypes, and resolve quality issues. They work closely with merchandisers and participate in product development courses to improve their skills. As Gina Pisut Ph.D. , Chair of the Department of Human Sciences, says, "3D Design and AI technology for fashion design and product development. Their use for improving cost, efficiency and customer experience is pivotal. However, there will never be a replacement for the human element that contributes to fashion creativity."

• Reported and assistant to a German Product Development Director.
• Organized & plan merchandising fashion forecast product development.

13. Market Research

Market research is the process of gathering information about a target market, competitors, and customers. Fashion designers use market research to identify industry trends, seasonal color stories, and style inspirations. They conduct research through shopping trips, trade magazines, industry websites, and sometimes even traveling to Europe for fabric selection. This helps them create concept boards and clarify their target market before designing a new collection.

• Designed collections for clients, conducted market research, conceptual presentations, brainstorm, and fabrication of collection.
• Market Research trends, seasonal color story inspirations, styles and cut for each season.

14. Embroidery

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric using needle and thread. Fashion designers use embroidery to add embellishments to their designs. They source these embellishments by working with vendors, design embroidery layouts, and guide the preparation of embroidery samples. They also use embroidery to create custom designs, patterns, and artwork for their collections.

• Source embellishments by acting as a liaison between domestic and foreign vendors, such as embroidery houses, rhinestone vendors.
• Developed print, designed embroidery layout, and lead fitting from initial prototype sample to production with Asia offices.

15. Photo Shoots

Photo shoots are events where fashion designs are captured on camera. Fashion designers use them to showcase their work in advertising materials, update product images, and create content for their websites. They plan and direct these sessions, style the outfits, and coordinate with other professionals like photographers and models. For example, they might organize a photo shoot to show off a new seasonal collection or create promotional content.

• Style Director- Conceptualized overall look for photo shoots and product presentation.
• Organized exclusive photo shoots of seasonable collections that paid off in no-flow maintenance of the company website and sale team functioning.

5 Fashion Designer Resume Examples

Build a professional fashion designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5 + resume templates to create your fashion designer resume.

What skills help Fashion Designers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want. Get Started

What technical skills for a Fashion Designer stand out to employers?

Lecturer , University of Rhode Island

What Fashion Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Lorrie Ivas

Full-time Faculty , Santa Monica College

List of fashion designer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a fashion designer resume and required skills for a fashion designer to have include:

• Fashion Design
• Design Concepts
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Fashion Trends
• Production Techniques
• Product Development
• Market Research
• Photo Shoots
• Graphic Design
• Fashion Shows
• Design Ideas
• Garment Construction
• Research Trends
• Market Trends
• Line Sheets
• Mood Boards
• Design Process
• Presentation Boards
• Target Market
• Technical Design
• Product Line
• Trade Shows
• Trend Forecasting
• Technical Sketches
• Patternmaking
• Fabric Selection
• Design Development
• Technical Specifications
• Overseas Factories
• Aided Design
• Sample Room
• Color Schemes
• Fashion Illustration
• Management Executives

Updated June 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Fashion Designer Related Skills

• Apparel Designer Skills
• Assistant Designer Skills
• Associate Designer Skills
• Clothes Designer Skills
• Costume Designer Skills
• Designer Skills
• Dress Designer Skills
• Fashion Assistant Skills
• Fashion Coordinator Skills
• Fashion Design Internship Skills
• Fashion Director Skills
• Fashion Internship Skills
• Fashion Show Director Skills
• Fashion Stylist Skills
• Freelance Designer Skills

Fashion Designer Related Careers

• Apparel Designer
• Assistant Designer
• Associate Designer
• Clothes Designer
• Costume Designer
• Dress Designer
• Fashion Assistant
• Fashion Coordinator
• Fashion Design Internship
• Fashion Director
• Fashion Internship
• Fashion Show Director
• Fashion Stylist
• Freelance Designer

Fashion Designer Related Jobs

• Apparel Designer Jobs
• Assistant Designer Jobs
• Associate Designer Jobs
• Clothes Designer Jobs
• Costume Designer Jobs
• Designer Jobs
• Dress Designer Jobs
• Fashion Assistant Jobs
• Fashion Coordinator Jobs
• Fashion Design Internship Jobs
• Fashion Director Jobs
• Fashion Internship Jobs
• Fashion Show Director Jobs
• Fashion Stylist Jobs
• Freelance Designer Jobs

What Similar Roles Do

• What Does an Apparel Designer Do
• What Does an Assistant Designer Do
• What Does an Associate Designer Do
• What Does a Clothes Designer Do
• What Does a Costume Designer Do
• What Does a Designer Do
• What Does a Fashion Director Do
• What Does a Head Designer Do
• What Does a Shoe Designer Do
• What Does a Sweater Designer Do
• Zippia Careers
• Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Industry
• Fashion Designer
• Fashion Designer Skills

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs

• Latest News

• Cryptocurrencies
• White Papers

Best Free AI Resume Building Apps

In today's competitive job market, a standout resume is more important than ever. Job seekers need to ensure their resumes not only reflect their skills and experience but also grab the attention of potential employers. Traditional resume-building methods can be time-consuming and often result in generic documents that fail to make an impact. However, AI-powered resume builders are changing the game, making it easier for job seekers to create professional, eye-catching resumes quickly and efficiently. Here, in this article we will explore some of the best free AI resume building apps available and their features:

1. Canva: Design-Oriented AI Resume Builder

Canva is widely recognized for its intuitive design tools, which cater to a broad range of creative needs, including resume creation. Canva's built-in resume builder aims to create visually creative yet professional and polished works for job searching.

Key Features:

a. AI-Generated Content: Canva's AI tools push one to build content once they fill in their templates' required sections. This is most useful since it is a challenge for candidates to describe what they have done, achievements and roles.

b. Customization Options: With thousands of pre-designed templates and design elements, Canva means business in personalizing your resume to really pump up the style and completely fit the job applied for. Log in to Canva, be it for a minimalistic or an elaborate design for your resume.

c. Real-Time Feedback: As you create your resumes, Canva gives real-time feedback, hence making the content and design better in real time. What this means is that your end product has turned out attention-grabbing while communicating what you are qualified for justly.

Would be of more usefulness to users who just want something professional, done quickly, and with enough room for a lot of customization options. The design-oriented nature of the platform really makes it perfect for creative professionals who wish to have their personal branding bleed over into the resume.

2. Teal: Tailored Resumes for Specific Jobs

Teal is an AI resume builder designed to help tailor one's resume to fit as closely as possible with any one job opening at hand. The application targets all of those job seekers who need their résumés tailored in such a way that employers will email them back for more information.

a. AI-Generated Content: With GPT technology , Teal will generate exciting summaries, achievements, and even cover letters right out of what a user feeds into it. That way, the content is always relevant and impactful.

b. Resume Keyword Matching: One of the rare features of Teal is to ingest a job posting and inject relevant keywords back into the resume. This elevates the chances of the resume passing through ATS and reaching human recruiters even more.

c. Advanced Resume Analysis: Teal offers detailed feedback on the resume’s structure, content, and overall effectiveness. This feedback helps users refine their resumes to better match the job they’re applying for.

Teal is ideal for any job seeker who wants to create a resume that talks about their skills but perfectly fits the target job. Its focus on ATS optimization makes it a very important tool in increasing the chances of getting through the initial screening stages.

3. Rezi: ATS-Friendly Resume Builder

One more great AI resume builder, Rezi is known for creating resumes that get through ATS filters. This is potentially one of the coolest places to create an exceptional CV the easy way, thanks to its easily usable interface and fun, powerful AI tools .

a. AI Skills Explorer: Rezi's AI Skills Explorer will discover associated skills that will strengthen your resume, ensuring all relevant qualifications are showcased.

b. Expert Resume Review: Members can mail their resumes away for human feedback so they can sharpen their document with professional guidance.

c. Flexible Formatting Tools: Rezi provides the tools to ensure that your résumé fits on one page yet remains well-organized throughout, a requirement in many job applications.

Many job seekers alike just wish their resume was in front of a hiring manager, that's what makes Rezi an application popular with jobseekers. This, coupled with the expert review feature, brings out more confidence in users.

4. Enhancv: AI-Powered Resume Builder with Customization

Enhancv uses OpenAI's ChatGPT to assist users in making optimized resumes. It can create professional resumes tailored to individual needs through AI-generated content combined with a host of customization options.

a. AI-Generated Content: Enhancv takes input from users and makes the content accordingly, so users can represent their skills and experiences in the best way.

b. ATS Optimization: Enhancv has a huge template bank and designing features which one can include in their resume to follow the personal style of the user, nature of job etc. Enhancv has an easy design flow, powerful AI tools, and excellent functionality.

c. Customization Options: Enhancv has a huge template bank and designing features which one can include in their resume to follow the personal style of the user, nature of job etc.

Enhancv has an easy design flow, powerful AI tools, and excellent functionality. More appropriate for those who are looking for professionalism and personal touches in their resume, it is best suited to those who value customization without sacrificing ATS compatibility.

5. Resume Genius: Simple Yet Powerful

Resume Genius is one of the most popular AI resume builders available today, fully featured and user-friendly. This is meant to assist people in developing professional resumes in the shortest time possible and with no or minimal advanced design skills.

a. AI-Generated Content: It assists one to easily create a resume that would effectively disclose qualifications; based on inputs, it is easy to establish.

b. Customization Options: Employing multi-user friendly templates and design tools, one must be permitted to design his/her resume in such a way that it appears aggressively different from the rest.

c. Real-Time Feedback: Users get real-time feedback in the course of updating their resumes, providing them with updates regarding improvements in the documents in process.

Resume Genius is a great tool for any job candidate looking to make a professional resume in the most time- and work-effective way. With an easy-to-use interface and live feedback, it is accessible to users at all skill levels.

6. Kickresume: From Scratch to Finish

Kickresume is basically an AI resume builder, suggesting you draft a resume from scratch. Armed with very powerful AI tools and driven by an intuitive user interface, Kickresume indeed makes it really easy to create a resume that will stand out in the toughest of job markets.

a. AI-Generated Content: It generates sample content for the document based on the input given to it by the user; this ensures that the information provided in the content is relevant and structured correctly.

b. Customization Options: The platform offers a variety of templates and design elements, allowing users to personalize their resumes.

c. Real-Time Feedback: Kickresume allows the user to get real-time feedback while working on the resume. This will further help them finetune the content they are putting across and its formatting.

Kickresume is just the right solution for job seekers who care about creating a resume from scratch yet not at the cost of quality and effectiveness in any instance. Smooth, easy, and effective with stepping AI tools and real-time feedback.

7. Resume Worded: Stand Out with AI

Resume Worded is an AI resume builder that makes you outstanding in your resume. It focuses on optimization for an ATS and gives real-time feedback on how to strengthen the resume.

a. AI-Generated Content: Resume Worded will create content with AI based on user inputs so that the user will end up having a very relevant and effective resume.

b. Customization Options: This platform uses hundreds of templates and design elements in the necessary aspect, which is attractive to the user's around the world.

c. Real-Time Feedback: The user can edit the resume at their own will, to get the resume built it gives real feedback about that resume and its comprising quality of content and text.

Resume Worded is ideal for job seekers who want to ensure their resume stands out in a competitive job market. Its focus on ATS optimization and user-friendly design make it a great option for creating professional resumes.

AI resume builders have changed the resume-writing process for job applicants. These tools offer a range of features, from AI-generated content to real-time feedback, making it easier than ever to create professional, eye-catching resumes. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance in your field, these AI resume builders can help you stand out in a crowded job market. By leveraging the power of AI, you can create a resume that not only showcases your qualifications but also increases your chances of landing your dream job.

1. What are AI resume builders, and how do they work?

AI resume builders are tools that use artificial intelligence to help users create professional resumes. They work by analyzing user input, such as job experience and skills, and then generating content, formatting, and layout suggestions. Some AI resume builders also optimize resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including relevant keywords and ensuring proper formatting. These tools simplify the resume creation process, making it faster and more efficient for job seekers.

2. Are AI resume builders effective for getting past ATS?

Yes, many AI resume builders are specifically designed to optimize resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). They analyze job postings, identify relevant keywords, and format the resume to increase the chances of passing through ATS filters. This is crucial, as many companies use ATS to screen resumes before they reach human recruiters. By using an AI resume builder, you can improve your chances of getting noticed in a competitive job market.

3. Can I customize the design of my resume using AI resume builders?

Absolutely! AI resume builders typically offer a wide range of customization options, including templates, fonts, colors, and layout choices. This allows users to create a resume that not only highlights their skills and experience but also reflects their personal style. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or something more creative, these tools make it easy to tailor your resume’s appearance while maintaining professionalism.

4. Do AI resume builders provide real-time feedback?

Yes, many AI resume builders offer real-time feedback as you create your resume. This feedback can include suggestions for improving content, structure, and formatting to enhance the overall effectiveness of your resume. Real-time feedback helps ensure that your resume is clear, concise, and optimized for the job you’re applying for, making it more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers.

5. Are free AI resume builders as effective as paid ones?

Free AI resume builders can be highly effective, offering many of the same features as paid versions, such as AI-generated content, ATS optimization, and customizable templates. However, paid versions may offer additional features like advanced design options, expert reviews, or more in-depth feedback. For most job seekers, free AI resume builders provide sufficient tools to create a professional and competitive resume, making them an excellent starting point.

Related Stories

Chief Executive Officer Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Chief Executive OfficerResume Templates and Examples (Download in App)
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Chief Executive Officer Resume

Chief executive officer resume templates and examples (download in app).

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Chief Executive Officer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

• Hospital CEO
• Construction CEO

Aliya Jackson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio New York, NY 12345

A hospital CEO with 10 years of experience, specializing in health care management, organizational development, and program management. A strong history of defining strategies to refine clinical operations, drive positive patient outcomes, and reduce operating costs for major hospitals with over $400 million in assets.

Professional Experience

Chief Executive Officer , St. Mark’s Hospital, New York, NY | March 2019 – present

• Oversee all aspects of business, clinical, and finance operations for a premiere hospital with 300 beds and over $400 million in assets
• Collaborate effectively with C-suite executives to define strategic direction for the hospital and lead initiatives to drive profitability through enhanced resource allocation, resulting in a $25 million cost reduction over five years
• Identify opportunities to enhance the delivery of patient-centered care in coordination with physicians and nursing teams, resulting in a 17% increase in patient satisfaction

Executive Director , Brooklyn Medical Center, New York, NY | June 2014 – March 2018

• Managed all aspects of daily operations and clinical programs for a 250-bed hospital, which included developing and allocating a $100 million-dollar operating budget
• Supervised 150 personnel and identified opportunities to improve clinical efficiency, resulting in a 16% reduction in patient wait times
• Coordinated with C-level executives and department leaders to evaluate staffing needs, recruit top talent, and establish an inclusive, forward-thinking work culture, resulting in 60 new hires and a 15% increase in employee retention

Certifications

• Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE), FACHE | 2015
• Six Sigma Greenbelt | 2014
• Clinical operations
• Hospital administration
• Operations management
• Program management
• Strategy development

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Healthcare Administration University of Syracuse, New York, NY | September 2014 – June 2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Healthcare Administration University of Syracuse, New York, NY | September 2012 – June 2014

John Bergsen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Philadelphia, PA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A dynamic and forward-thinking CEO with 12 years of experience building multi-million dollar companies within the construction industry. A proven track record of managing and scaling residential and commercial construction businesses. Adept at defining long-term growth strategies and building successful project management organizations.

Chief Executive Officer , Bergsen Construction Co., Philadelphia, PA | May 2017 – present

• Manage, scale, and build a residential and commercial construction company from the ground up, including hiring over 100 personnel, developing multi-million dollar budgets, driving new business development
• Define high-impact growth strategies and develop strategic partnerships to scale the business from pre-revenue to $32 million in gross revenue over seven years
• Liaise with project managers, architects, and client stakeholders to ensure alignment with business requirements, safety standards, and local and state regulations

Project Management Director , Highland Construction, Philadelphia, PA | June 2012 – May 2017

• Oversaw over 50 residential and commercial construction projects valued at $3 million to $25 million, managed all aspects of project delivery, and ensured strict compliance with OSHA safety regulations and building codes
• Implemented a new Agile-Waterfall hybrid methodology to improve resource allocation, eliminate roadblocks, and improve on-time delivery rates to 92%
• Interfaced with the C-suite and senior leadership teams to define strategic objectives and develop a $10 million operating budget
• Agile methodology
• Construction management
• Organizational development
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Project Management Professional (PMP), 2012
• Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), 2012

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)  Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2012 – June 2014

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Project Management  Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2008 – June 2012

Allison Rosenberg (123) 456-7890 [email protected] Seattle, WA 12345 LinkedIn | Portfolio

A CEO with 10 years of experience within the banking industry, specializing in change management, business strategy, and portfolio management. A proven track record of delivering executive leadership to major banks with over $200 million in assets.

Chief Executive Officer , First Financial Bank, Seattle, WA | March 2018 – present

• Oversee all aspects of banking operations across seven branch locations and define long-term investment and business strategies in collaboration with the board of directors for a bank with over $200 million in assets
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and evaluate and approve loan multi-million dollar loan applications for businesses, school districts, and local governments
• Spearhead change management initiatives to transform the bank’s culture with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and public service initiatives

Senior Investment Banker , Starlight Credit Union, Seattle, WA | June 2014 – March 2018

• Developed successful investment strategies for client portfolios valued at up to $25 million and delivered presentations to stakeholders
• Built relationships with corporate leaders and facilitated meetings between C-level executives and investors throughout the due diligence process
• Executive leadership
• Banking operations
• Investment banking
• Change management
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute | 2014

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)  University of Washington, Seattle, WA | September 2012 – June 2014

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Economics University of Washington, Seattle, WA | September 2008 – June 2012

To write a truly great CEO resume, capture what makes you successful as a thought leader within your industry. As a CEO, every aspect of business operations is your responsibility. Whether it’s hiring team members, building strategic partnerships, or defining the long-term vision of the company, organizations turn to you for leadership. We’ll provide expert tips to translate your career into a CEO resume that sets you apart from other executives.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications

First impressions play a critical role in the hiring process, especially when applying for C-level positions at higher-end companies. Your opening summary needs to illustrate the most impressive and relevant aspects of your career in a succinct yet compelling manner.

Start with a sentence that captures your title, years of industry experience, and key areas of expertise. Use the remainder of the paragraph to highlight one or two stunning career achievements.

For example, if you built a multi-million-dollar company from the ground up, feature this accomplishment in your profile to demonstrate your track record of successfully managing and scaling businesses. Showcase these types of unique insights in your profile to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Strong Profile Example

Weak profile example.

An experienced hospital CEO with advanced solution-finding and leadership skills. Skilled in managing large hospitals and clinical teams. Seeking a position with St. Mark’s Hospital to continue growth as a leader in the health care field.

2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section

The professional experience section serves as the focal point of your CEO resume. This is where you’ll paint a clear and compelling image of your career achievements. Quantifying your accomplishments with monetary figures is important, as this is the best way to establish a sense of scope for the reader. Also, provide context for how you achieved these results to demonstrate your industry expertise.

For example, say you successfully scaled a business and grew revenue by $5 million. What strategies did you implement to generate this increase? How did you navigate the market landscape? How did you hire top talent and drive new business development while maintaining profitability? This information helps to brand you as a thought leader and strategic executive who can bring genuine value to potential organizations.

Strong Professional Experience Example

Chief Executive Officer, St. Mark’s Hospital, New York, NY | March 2019 – present

Weak Professional Experience Example

• Responsible for managing the daily operations of a large hospital, including solving complex business problems and improving process efficiency
• Work with executives to create strategies and manage high-value budgets
• Strive to improve the quality of patient-care delivery during tenure

3. Include relevant education and certifications

Although your work history will play the largest role in whether or not you receive an interview, CEOs are usually expected to have particular certifications and degrees depending on the industry. Many employers will be looking for an MBA when reviewing applicants, so it’s worth pursuing if you only have a bachelor’s degree. The value of a certification will vary depending on the industry.

For example, if you were pursuing a CEO position at a construction company, having a Project Management Professional (PMP) could be valuable even though you won’t be directly managing projects. In this situation, having a comprehensive understanding of project management gives you a nuanced perspective when developing high-level business plans and strategies.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Healthcare Administration
• University of Syracuse, New York, NY | September 2015 – June 2017
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Healthcare Administration
• University of Syracuse, New York, NY | September 2011 – June 2015
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

4. List pertinent key skills

At the executive level, you might already have a formal introduction or connection at the company you’re targeting, allowing you to bypass an applicant tracking system (ATS).

Even if this is the case, feature keywords and skill sets that match the organization’s needs. Provide a mix of leadership, business, and industry-related skill sets to convey the full breadth of your capabilities as a CEO. Below, you’ll find a list of potential keywords you may encounter during the job search:

How To Pick the Best Chief Executive Officer Resume Template

As a CEO, you need a professional resume template that captures your personal brand and conveys your experience in an accessible manner. Be conservative in your usage of color, graphics, and logos unless they serve a distinct purpose. At the end of the day, organizations will be far more interested in learning about your career achievements, so prioritize the readability of your content over visual elements.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chief Executive Officer Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for chief executive officer resumes -.

A CEO is expected to take the lead in all aspects of the organization. Your bullet points need to reflect that through proactive language and action verbs. For example, “Responsible for leading initiatives” is far less compelling than “spearheaded change management initiatives,” despite the minor alterations in word choice. Below, you’ll find a list of action verbs to craft the professional experience section of your CEO resume:

How do you align your resume with a chief executive officer job description? -

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average median income for chief executives was $258,900 in 2023. Due to the lucrative nature of C-level positions and the stakes at play for the company, it’s important to tactically align your resume with the position you’re applying for.

For example, say you were targeting a hospital that needs a CEO who can help transform the organization’s culture. In this situation, you would emphasize change management initiatives you’d led and demonstrate how they improved work environments, employee retention, and clinical effectiveness. Applying this strategy will immediately communicate the value you can bring to potential employers and organizations.

What is the best chief executive officer resume format? -

Reverse chronological is the best format for a CEO resume. As a C-level executive, your professional experience needs to be prioritized. This approach places your most recent and relevant work history towards the top of your document. A combination or functional resume format should always be avoided, as your skills and certifications should never take precedence over your career achievements.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Once you’ve completed your CEO resume, consider adding a strong cover letter to help strengthen your job application. Provide additional insights regarding how your leadership expertise and industry knowledge would be a valuable asset to the organization you’re targeting. For more information, visit our executive cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Chief Information Officer Resume Examples and Templates

Chief Marketing Officer Resume Examples and Templates

Executive Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How To Build a Resume Learn More
• How To List a Degree on a Resume Learn More
• Top 10 Soft Skills Employers Love Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More