Graphic Design Resume Examples for 2024

Your graphic designer resume must be your next masterpiece. That’s because your job application needs to stand out like one. You're a quick scroll-down away from a perfect graphic design resume sample—read on and learn how to make one yourself.

In this article, you’ll find:

• A graphic designer resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a graphic designer resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a graphic design resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a graphic designer to get any job you want.

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Before you dive deeper, look at the video created by our career expert Caio on how to create a resume for a graphic designer:

Graphic Design Resume Example

Now, let’s learn how to write a graphic designer resume that’s as spectacular as this example:

1. Create a Perfect Format for Your Graphic Design Resume

Before you start working, you visualize what the end project will look like. I am describing both your day-to-day designer’s tasks and creating a perfect resume for a graphic designer. So let’s discuss your resume layout.

How to perfectly format your graphic designer resume sample?

• Divide your document into sections and categories to make it more readable. This division can look like this:
• Resume Header
• Career Objective or Resume Summary Statement
• Resume Work Experience Section
• Resume Education Section
• Relevant Skills
• Additional Resume Sections (such as languages, hobbies, certificates, courses, etc.)
• Include your contact information. Do it below the header to ensure your recruiter won’t miss that part!
• Select a modern resume-friendly font. There are more to choose from than you might expect!
• Choose the right margins for your resume. An inch on each side and a line spacing of 1.15 would work perfectly.
• Have a correct name for your resume.
• Save your graphic designer resume as a PDF file.

And now you know what a graphic designer's resume format should look like. Let’s get to writing.

Pro Tip: I usually recommend a reverse chronology resume format, as it makes your latest accomplishments the most visible. However, for a creative individual such as yourself, you might want to consider a functional resume format, also called a skill-based resume. This structure emphasizes how you’ve practically used your skills in the past, and it showcases them over your employment history. You can also consider using a mix of these two formats: a combination resume format.

2. Impress Recruiters with Your Experience on a Graphic Designer CV 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designer employment (including you) is projected to grow by 3 percent by 2032. That's rather slow, and the competition is fierce. You need an amazing resume to land the best jobs. And the most important part of it? Your professional experience.

How to highlight your experience in a graphic designer resume?

• Re-read the job description carefully. That’s the only way to tailor your resume to fit it perfectly.
• Talk about your accomplishments on a resume instead of your duties. Everyone has duties. But those who have accomplishments get hired.
• Add some resume action words, as they make every resume impressive.
• Quantify your achievements whenever it’s possible. Nothing says you’ve accomplished something better than some solid numbers.
• Don’t list non-critical or routine day-to-day tasks unless they’re in the job ad.
• Include the most impressive achievement in a separate bullet point.

Let’s see a good example of a resume for a graphic designer. And then compare it with a bad one!

Graphic Designer Job Description for a Resume

The first example, filled with achievements, clarifies everything. The second one contains only responsibilities and therefore is not impressive at all.

But what if you’re trying to write a graphic designer resume with no experience? 

There can be some hard and soft skills to put on a resume for a graphic designer, hiding in your past duties and accomplishments. Think about some transferable skills and consider creating an eye-catching resume to show you have the skills necessary to impress.

Finding the right internship might also be a good idea if you want to start your work as a graphic designer.

Here’s a resume for a graphic designer without experience: 

Graphic Designer Resume Job Description Examples—No Experience

As you can see, you can highlight some relevant experience, even if you didn’t work as a graphic designer in the past. Or you can make it irrelevant, just like the second candidate.

There’s your experience section. Now let’s talk about your education!

A graphic designer resume or a graphic designer CV? If you’re wondering what’s the difference visit our guide: CV vs Resume

3. Shine with Your Education Section on a Resume for a Graphic Designer

Showing your years in college on a resume is a must, as it shows your recruiter what’s your educational background.

A high school diploma works well, if added correctly to your resume. The same goes for an unfinished college degree on a resume. And if you put your college diploma on a resume, it can also impress the recruiter. 

How to show your education in a graphic designer resume?

• Build your education section using the following information:
• School Name and Location
• Years in School
• Degree
• Add some extra information, if there are any worthy of highlighting. It can be a high GPA on a resume, relevant coursework, something that highlights your soft skills, etc.

Now it’s time for some examples.

Graphic Designer Resume Examples – Education

The first example gives necessary details, while the second one misses some information, making a candidate look unprofessional from the start.

But what if you’re still learning?

You can still write a great graphic design resume education section even if you haven't finished college yet. Just focus on your areas of passion, interest, and accomplishments so far.

Let’s see what it can look like:

As you can see, your ongoing education can still look amazing on your graphic design resume.

We’ve mentioned some skills before. Let’s talk a bit more about them and how you can make them stand out among other resumes.

Pro tip: If you're wondering how far back your resume should go, avoid going beyond 20+ years of experience unless required.

4. Put Skills on a Graphic Design Resume

Did you know that, according to the HR statistics we’ve gathered, it takes 100–200 job applications to get one job offer? And a recruiter spends an average of 7 seconds looking at resumes. So, you need to highlight key skills, like creating eye-catching logos, social media graphics, and promotional materials, to grab attention. Showcasing how you've built brand recognition for clients can set your resume apart.

How to highlight your graphic designer skills on a resume?

• Read the graphic designer job description. 
• Highlight all the relevant skills you’ve spotted.
• Create a master list of all the skills you have. Think about your hard and soft skills.
• Include all the necessary software skills you possess. 
• List up to 10 professional skills on your resume that the company you’re applying to prioritizes. Try to search for the clues in the job ad and on their website!

Let’s see just what your final skills list for a resume for a graphic designer can look like!

20+ Graphic Designer Resume Skills Examples

• Communication Skills
• Detail-Oriented Skill
• Organizational Skills
• Customer Service Skills
• Stress Management
• Active Listening
• Teamwork Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• MS Office Skills
• Creative Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Conceptual Skills
• Photoshop 
• Illustrator 
• InDesign 
• Acrobat 
• HTML/CSS 
• Free Hand 
• Corel Draw
• Sketching 
• Typography 
• Layout

Let’s take a look at how to put them on a resume.

Graphic Design Resume Skills Section

That’s a perfect example of showing your skills on a resume. The candidate only chose those that are impressive and relevant to the job. Which is enough for the recruiter to take an interest in this resume.

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6. Add Other Sections to Your Graphic Design Resume

You might impress your recruiter with your experience, education, and skills. But you can add one more thing that doesn’t fit into those three categories and can mirror what was highlighted within them.

It’s what we call additional sections on your resume.

What to put in the additional section on your graphic designer resume?

• Licenses & certifications
• Language skills
• Conferences you attended
• Publications on a resume
• Memberships and associations
• Hobbies and interests
• Awards
• Volunteer work

Once again, let’s see some examples!

Graphic Design Resume Examples—Additional Sections

See the difference? The first candidate gives an overview of different, relevant things that didn’t fit any previous resume section. The second one uses it poorly. Plus, mentioning an interest in graphic design on a graphic designer's resume is a poor choice.

Time to create a perfect resume profile from what you’ve already written.

Pro tip: Choose only what’s the most relevant for the job opening and what’s the most suitable for the company you're applying for. Then include it as an additional resume section.

7. Write an Ideal Resume Summary or Resume Objective for a Graphic Design Resume

It’s time to take a step back and create a perfect beginning for your resume. We do this part now, because after you’ve put all the other sections, it will be way easier to create what goes on the top of your resume. And that’s a resume summary or a resume objective.

What’s the difference between these two?

• A resume summary is for an experienced candidate. 
• A resume objective is for a candidate with less than a year of experience.

Now that you know the difference, just structure your summary or objective using the following formula:

Here are two examples: 

Graphic Designer Resume Examples—Two Resume Summaries

Filled with great achievements vs dull and demanding. The choice is simple.

Don't have that kind of experience? Then use a resume objective.

A resume objective shows your passion when you lack experience. But here's a trick: even a graphic designer resume with no experience should have a great objective.

Just look at these resume profile examples: 

Entry-Level Graphic Designer Resume Examples

As you can see from the first example, you don’t need a lot of experience to prove you’re the right candidate. Or you can do it like the second candidate and keep looking for a job forever.

Now your resume is ready. But hold for just a second! Let’s boost your chances of getting hired even more.

Pro Tip: Write your resume objective or summary last. It’s easier to create them when you have all your resume sections ready.

8. Include an Impressive Online Portfolio in Your Graphic Designer Resume

 As a graphic designer, you might want to show your previous work. That way your recruiter will know immediately what you’re capable of. 

Here’s how to create a portfolio for a graphic designer resume:

• Select the right online platform for your graphic design portfolio. You can also try to make a personal website that will help you show your work.
• Choose your best work. Think not only about what’s the most impressive but also what’s the most relevant for the position you’re after.
• Include necessary information. Some of your designs might require an explanation and further information about awards they helped you win.

Let’s see an example.

Graphic Design Resume Portfolio Samples

Great overview of skills + link to an online portfolio. That’s enough for every hiring manager to make the right decision.

Almost there. One more thing to add: a cover letter.

Want to combine your resume with your portfolio? Read our guide: Portfolio Resume

9. Add a Superb Cover Letter to Your Resume for a Graphic Designer

If you’re wondering how to secure an interview, you should also wonder how to write a cover letter. Because having it written well will skyrocket your chances of securing an interview, just as politeness will skyrocket your chances of not hearing that beeping noise on the other side of the line.

How to write a cover letter for a graphic designer?

1. Format your cover letter. Make it consistent with your resume.

2. Start your cover letter by showing passion and some achievements. That’s how you grab the reader’s attention.

3. Mind the correct length of your cover letter. Keep it on one page.

4.End your cover letter by suggesting a precise date and time for a meeting. It’s a call to action, and it’s really hard to refuse.

To write a perfect graphic design cover letter, use your resume as an inspiration. It’s all there! You just need to add some small words to it, and you have a second document to your application process!

Learn more about writing a perfect cover letter for the position you’re after. See our guide: Graphic Design Cover Letter

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Make sure to see other guides for related positions, if you want to broaden your job search:

• Artist Resume
• Animator Resume
• Interior Designer Resume
• 3D Artist Resume
• Photographer Resume
• Game Design Resume
• Instructional Designer Resume
• Fashion Designer Resume
• Illustrator Resume
• 500+ More Resume Examples

Key Takeaway

Even with great graphic designer resume templates to work from, writing your own is still a challenge. Make sure you cover these key points:

• Start with the graphic designer job description. Follow it with your education.
• Prove the skills. Do it with bullet points in the experience section of your graphic designer resume.
• Add extra sections. They make great additions to resumes for graphic designers. Pick strengths that make you stand out in a good way.
• Include an online portfolio and a cover letter that will boost your chances of landing the job you’re after!

Good luck! In the meantime, if you have any questions, drop us a comment below!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
• https://www.hrdive.com/news/eye-tracking-study-shows-recruiters-look-at-resumes-for-7-seconds/541582/