The Ultimate Guide to Graphic Design Resume Examples in 2020

It’s no surprise that graphic designers need a portfolio to show off their work, but a great graphic design resume needs to do more. It needs to show that you can work effectively in teams, communicate well with clients or employers, and get results.

Considering you’re likely submitting a design portfolio or personal website to show off your graphic design work, your resume should focus on demonstrating your other skills. Try to focus on the projects you’ve worked on and what results they had (be specific!)

Also be sure to tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. A tailored resume is always going to be more effective than a one-size-fits all approach. Read the job description and consider how you can show you’re right for that exact job.

As a junior graphic designer, you’re not going to have as much of a developed portfolio. So the best way to stand out is to show that you’re eager to learn and mention interest in some specific areas like editorial design, UI, or illustration. Of course if one is more relevant for your specific role, it’s best to emphasize that one.

With your portfolio, don’t just throw everything you’ve done out there. It pays to be selective. Don’t try too hard to turn your resume into a masterpiece or overcrowd it with graphics. Show what matters and use a simple format that has personality but leaves the focus on the text.

Lastly, side projects can be very impactful even if they weren’t paid. Be sure to list all of the relevant things you’ve worked on. This can help bolster your experience section even if you don’t have much formal work experience as a graphic designer.

As an applicant for a graphic design intern position, you aren’t expected to have an enormous portfolio or a lot of work experience. So how do you stand out? Your biggest leg up will come from showing you have the right attitude and passions.

The expectation is that you’re going to be learning in your internship, so demonstrate that you’re ready and eager to learn. If you can mention the specific areas where you have an interest, that will make your resume even more effective.

Adding side projects like creating logos for clubs or designing posters for events is also very impactful. It both shows your eagerness to practice your craft and that you have some experience (even if it isn’t paid).

A great web designer is more than a portfolio. You need a resume which shows passion and impact. First, all of your experience should be impact-focused. Simply stating that you’ve designed X websites doesn’t tell a potential employer very much. Instead, list specific metrics where possible. Show how your designs improved time on page, CTRs, etc.

Also, be selective with your experience. Bombarding the person reading your resume with unnecessary information isn’t going to get you hired. Carefully read the job description and only include information which helps show why you’re the perfect candidate for them.

The last thing to include is something about you as a person. This could be your passions, how you spend your time, or the accomplishments you’re most proud of. This can help demonstrate culture fit and make you more memorable as a candidate.

Besides the basics like listing the software you’re proficient with, a great front end developer resume needs to go above and beyond. That means showing that you’ve had real impact in your previous roles along with the passion and personality you’ll bring to your next role.

Begin with the job description itself. Your resume should focus primarily on showing that you’re as close as possible to the ideal candidate they’re looking for. That means carefully listing all of the experience, skills, and qualifications the job is looking for and ensuring they’re all on your resume (if possible).

Now, just finish your front end developer resume off with some personality. Talk about your influences, what you’re most passionate about, or your greatest accomplishments. Here you can demonstrate skills beyond what’s in your formal job experience and really make yourself stand out as a candidate.