How To Write A Creative Graphic Designer Resume That Gets You Hired
This handy guide will teach you how to write a creative graphic designer resume that gets you hired.

Updated 12 min read
The graphic design industry is notoriously difficult to break into. Graphic designers are in high demand, and finding work can be tough. The good news is that if you do your research and learn how to write a creative graphic designer resume, it will help you stand out from the competition. Here are three fool-proof steps for how to create an eye-catching resume that will land you the job of your dreams.
Step 1: Make your resume look great
First impressions are important. Your resume is your first impression, so you want to make a good one. A resume that looks great and stands out from other resumes will get you noticed by employers.
One thing that many people forget about graphic design resumes is that they should be visually pleasing. You can use bold colors and fonts to make your resume look great. One tip for making your resume stand out: Keep it short and sweet. Employers want to know what you're capable of doing with as little information as possible, so focus on the most important information in your resume – like skills, education, and work experience – and cut out the rest.
Step 2: Put in the hard work
After you gather all the information about your experience and skills, it's time to put in the work. Writing a resume is a lengthy process, but it's worth it.

Here are some things you should think about when writing your resume:
- Write a cover letter: Include a cover letter with your work history if you have one. A cover letter can be a brief introduction to your resume and provide context for why you're interested in the job. For example, if you're a recent graduate who wants to get into graphic design, tell the employer how this company makes an appealing opportunity for someone just starting their career.
- Make sure you have an objective statement: An objective statement is what sets your resume apart from others vying for the same position. It should clearly state what type of work you're looking for and should match up nicely with what positions are available at the company where you're applying.
- Be specific: The more specific your skills are, the more likely it will be that someone will hire you based on them. Don't worry about taking up too much space listing every skill or experience; instead, focus on making each one stand out. This can help give employers an idea of what they'll get if they hire
Step 3: Polish it off with some personality
The final step in creating a creative graphic design resume is the most crucial. Your personality and creativity will get you noticed, but polish it off with a professional touch. This means making sure your resume is cohesive and well-structured, and that it follows all industry standards.
Graphic designers are creatives at heart, but they also need to create and present their work in a way that editors and hiring managers will recognize as professional. That's why it's so important to make sure your final draft looks polished and perfect!
When designing your resume, stay away from excessive fonts or colors to avoid looking amateurish. Stick to one font for your headings, such as Arial or Georgia, and one color palette for your entire design. Make sure each section of your design has enough white space so that important details stand out without being crowded together. And don't forget to add some personality with a creative cover letter!
Add your personality into your resume
Your resume is a business document, which means it's not the place to express your personal style. That being said, it's still important that you show a little of your personality on your resume. You can do this by adding a picture of yourself and including a brief introduction about who you are as a person.
Include a photo on your resume to make it more memorable and help the employer remember you. In addition to making your resume stand out, including a photo will show off your best features and highlight any tattoos or other distinguishing features that might otherwise be lost in words on paper.
Get creative by telling a story (remember, they want to know who you are!)
A resume is a sales pitch. It's your chance to sell yourself to an employer so they'll be excited about hiring you.
Think of your resume as a story that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments. The best way to do this? Tell a story! Each section should have a beginning, middle, and end. Here are some examples of how to write killer resumes:
- List out all of your high school accomplishments in the "Education" section
- Explain the steps you took to achieve success in each job (i.e., created 20 blog posts per month)
- Highlight the training you received for jobs (i.e., attended Google Analytics Academy)
List your Skills as Graphic Designer
Start your resume with a short paragraph about yourself and what makes you the perfect candidate.
Next, list your skills and experience in design, print, photography, or digital media.
For example: "I have over five years of experience working in the graphic design industry and I am proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat."
This shows that you're experienced and professional at what you do. It also gives the employer an idea of your qualifications for the position.
Education Section
Graphic design is a field where experience can trump formal training. A degree from a top-tier design school is nice, but it's not essential—especially if you have been doing freelance work or have been working as a graphic designer for many years.
However, there is one section on your resume that will help potential employers determine if you're qualified and worth hiring: the education section. It's important that this section of your resume include any relevant degrees and certifications you may have.
If you're trying to land an entry-level position, you don't need to list out all of your past jobs or internships. Instead, make sure to list out any degree programs you've completed as well as relevant certifications (like those from Adobe Creative Cloud). For those with more experience, make sure your list of past positions includes the company name and the job title.
Write a Cover Letter for your Graphic Designer Resume
Your cover letter should be concise and to-the-point. It should be just one paragraph that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and interests.
This is your opportunity to tell the hiring manager why you're perfect for the position. This is your chance to show them what an asset you would be to their team.
The best way to do this is by highlighting any relevant experience you have in graphic design. Mention any schools or courses related to graphic designers, and also mention any work you've done in the industry such as freelance or internships.
A good cover letter might say:
"I am a recent graduate of UCLA with a BFA in Graphic Design. I am excited about the creative possibilities that await me in this field and look forward to hearing more about your company's opportunities."
Key Takeaways on How to Create a Graphic Design Resume
- Graphic designers are in high demand, which means competition for jobs is tough. If you want your resume to stand out from the crowd, be creative and use your creativity to your advantage on the page.
- The first thing a potential employer will notice when they see your resume is the design. What colors do you use? What typeface? Does it have an aesthetic that's cohesive with what you're trying to accomplish with your resume?
- Next, they'll scan the page looking for key pieces of information: name, contact information, education or previous experience, and any relevant skills or qualifications. Make sure these pieces of information are easy to spot on the page.