The graphic design program at CBT is proud to offer students the opportunity to receive a degree in a quickly evolving profession on the rise. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there will be a 13% growth in the graphic design industry by 2020. This influx of design jobs will create a competitive employment market where prospective employees should aim to stand out in the crowd.
The first impression you will make when seeking a job is the resume you submit. If you are preparing for a graphic design job search you’ll want to focus on your resume to ensure the best first impression.
In order to boost your graphic designer resume, include:
- A specific, targeted personal statement Each time you send a resume off to a potential employer you want it to be targeted toward the job you are applying for. You should begin the resume with a specific personal statement that briefly outlines why you are seeking the job and what makes you qualified. This is the perfect opportunity to simply connect your abilities and experience to the available position.
- Relevant experience You should encapsulate your relevant graphic design experience to show the employer that you are qualified for the job. You will want the work experience to be focused on graphic design but may also choose to include job history that shows additional skills. For example, if you worked outside of the design field in customer service this may show the employer that you possess both design skills and the ability to work effectively with clients.
- Educational history You need to concisely summarize your educational history including the school(s) you attended, degrees or certificates awarded, GPA, and any other relevant educational information. Your entire educational history is important but you should find ways to emphasize the portion of your education dedicated to design. This is especially true if you changed programs or had several different educational emphases.
- Technology capabilities Since the world of graphic design is relying more and more on technology it is important to outline the applications and software you have experience with. Before you submit your resume pay particular attention to the job description you are seeking. Take note of any technology or software requirements outlined. If you have relevant experience with these programs include that information. If not, still ensure this section is robust. Even if your expertise doesn’t align exactly with the employer’s current technology expectations you can demonstrate your knowledge and willingness to learn.
- Awards, accolades, or features Take a few lines to list any awards or accolades you received while in school or the workforce. Employers pay attention to a prospective employee who stands out from the rest of the crowd. These awards or accolades provide further evidence to support your design skills and abilities as a future employee. Make sure to mention any publications or websites that have featured your work.
- Unique experiences, abilities, and affiliations Sometimes you have additional information to share that doesn’t fit within the traditional resume sections. If you have unique experiences or abilities find a creative way to include them in the resume. You want to paint the best picture of yourself as a future employee. The more relevant information the employer has about you the more accurate their impression will be. If you are affiliated with any design organizations mention these as well to show your commitment to the profession outside of work.
- A nod to your design style You want the resume to be easy to read and to understand but you can avoid a boring template by including a hint of your design style. Consider ways to infuse your style into the resume via the paper choice, layout, typography, and structure. Avoid a resume that is cliche or loaded with unnecessary images and design elements. A little design can go a long way to reinforcing why you are the best candidate for the job.
What do you think is the most important part of a graphic designer resume?