Tips for Creating a Great Resume as a Graphic Designer

Download: Sample Resume Docx

Creating a resume as a graphic designer is your chance to show off your creativity while keeping things professional and easy to read. Here are some tips to help you craft a resume that stands out:

1. Showcase Your Skills

Highlight not just the software you’re proficient in, like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, but also the types of projects you excel at. Whether it’s branding, app design, web design, or page layout, make it clear what kinds of problems you can solve. Employers want to see that you can apply your skills to real-world challenges and deliver effective solutions.

2. Keep It Clean and Readable

While it’s tempting to make your resume a design masterpiece, remember that simplicity and clarity are key. Use your design skills to create a layout that’s clean, professional, and easy to navigate. A personal logo or a subtle color scheme can add a touch of creativity without overwhelming the content.

3. Tailor Your Experience

Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing your most relevant experience. Use bullet points to list your achievements and be sure to quantify your impact whenever possible. For example, “Created a branding campaign that increased client engagement by 20%.”

Don’t forget to include a link to your online portfolio where employers can see your work in action. Ensure your portfolio is up to date and showcases the projects that best represent your skills. A custom website is ideal, especially if you plan to work as a web designer, but Behance is also a good option. Just be sure not to rely solely on Behance for your presentation—format your graphics to be as attractive and engaging as possible.

5. Keep It Short and Sweet

Your resume should be concise — aim for one page. Focus on the highlights of your career and leave out any unnecessary details. Use white space effectively to make the document easy to read.

6. Use .docx Format

To make sure your resume gets through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), save it as a .docx file. This format is more likely to be read correctly by the software many companies use to screen resumes.

7. Proofread!

Zero mistakes. Seriously you must have excellent grammar and spelling. Even one little mistake makes the whole thing seem like you just don’t care enough to proof, and have someone else proof, your document.

8. Include Testimonials

If you’ve received great feedback from clients or colleagues, consider including a short testimonial. It adds a personal touch and reinforces your credibility.

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. By keeping it clean, professional, and easy to read, you’ll show off your skills and make sure the right people take notice.