Starting your journey as an entry-level graphic designer? This guide offers proven resume examples and key advice. Learn how to present your skills, experience, and education to align with industry expectations. Discover the essentials for making a strong first impression and stand out in a competitive field.
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Here's what we see in the best entry-level graphic designer resumes:
Use Numbers To Show Impact: The best resumes use metrics to show impact. Common ones are
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Popular ones are
Highlight Versatility: Employers look for versatility in portfolios. A snippet from a good resume:
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If you're starting your career as a graphic designer, place your education at the top of your resume. Doing this tells the person reading that your recent graduation is the most relevant point in your career so far. Mention the degree you received, the school you attended, and any significant projects or achievements, like a standout portfolio.
For a graphic designer just beginning, it's vital to list any relevant courses, such as typography or digital media. Show software skills such as proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, as these are tools you will likely use most. If you have experience with design-specific software that's in demand, make sure to include that too. These details can set you apart early in your career.
Include a link to your online portfolio in your resume. This is essential for breaking into graphic design as employers need to see your work to judge your creativity and skill level.
Make sure your portfolio is up to date and includes a variety of work such as logos, web designs, and print materials. This will show your range and versatility.
Keep your resume to one page. You are starting out, so focus on your most relevant experiences. Include projects that show your skills in design. It's good if you can share examples of your work. Choose a template that helps you fit this into one page without making the text too small.
Hiring managers often look at the first page fast. Make sure you list your strong points early on. This means your best design experience comes first. Use clear headings. This helps hiring managers see your skills and work fast.
Make sure you list specific graphic design software you are familiar with, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. These are crucial for most design roles.
Any experience with additional tools like Sketch or Figma can also set you apart from other candidates. Mention these in your skills section or relevant job experiences.
When you apply for a job as an entry-level graphic designer, your resume may first be read by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is a type of software used by employers to sort and rank resumes. It is important to make your resume ATS-friendly to increase your chances of it being seen by a human hiring manager.
Here are a few tips to help your resume stand out:
To stand out as an entry-level graphic designer, show that you understand what the job involves and how you fit. Your resume must reflect the specific needs of the role. Think about the skills and experiences that are most relevant and display them clearly. Use simple language and focus on how you can bring value to the team. Keep it crisp and to the point, so hiring managers can see you’re the right match.
When you're starting as a graphic designer, showing the right skills on your resume is key. Here are skills you should consider including:
You may not have all these skills, and that's okay. Choose those that match the jobs you want. If you’re aiming for web design, focus on
Remember, as you gain experience, update your resume. Keep learning and adding new skills like
As an entry-level graphic designer, showing the impact of your work through numbers can greatly improve your resume. You may not have extensive professional experience, but using metrics will demonstrate the value you can bring to a team. Think about projects you have completed, whether in school, internships, or freelance work, and quantify your contributions.
When you quantify your work, you make it easy for hiring managers to see your potential impact. If you're unsure about exact numbers, it's okay to give an informed estimate. Ensure these estimates are reasonable and based on actual outcomes when possible. Remember, numbers stand out and can set you apart from other candidates.
When you apply for a graphic design role, think about the company size. You need to show your skills the right way for small businesses or large companies. If you aim for a small company like a local design studio, you might add phrases like 'flexible and ready to wear many hats' or 'eager to bring fresh ideas to a dynamic team'. Small places often need you to do different tasks.
For a big business like Adobe or IBM, your resume should show you can handle complex projects and work with many teams. Phrases like 'able to work with cross-functional teams' or 'experienced in large-scale design projects' would be good to use. Big companies value experts who can work with others and handle big tasks.