There are tons of Graphic Design jobs out there. However, graphic design is booming and a competitive field. It’s important that you impress your potential employers from the very first steps with a well thought out, eye-catching resume.
Here are our best resume tips for Graphic Designers looking for jobs in this exciting and lucrative field …
1. Choose Your Materials Wisely
You’re a designer, so dress to impress. This means dressing up your cover letter and resume package like a work of art. Choose paper that shows you’ve paid attention to even the most minor of details. If you have a portfolio, include it on a well-designed CD-ROM. If you have a portfolio website, make sure you post the link.
2. Pay Attention to Typography
People who are applying for desk jobs have it easy – all they need is a well written resume and some good experience in a fancy array of bullet points. Unfortunately, some plain-jane word processing program and a boring sans serif font aren’t going to cut it when it comes to developing a great looking Graphic Design resume. So break out the design programs you know best. Using these programs to design your resume not only gives you much more artistic freedom, but also demonstrates your knowledge of the software.
3. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Not to say that Graphic Designers can’t spell, but let’s admit it, when you’re a designer you end up paying the most attention to form over function. Unfortunately, your resume may look beautiful and clever, but if you have even one misspelling, your chance for an interview could end up in the trash. The best resume an employer can hope to receive is one that is both well designed and well written. If you need help writing a resume, you can access Resume Writing, Career Coaches and a Resume Services Directory by registering at Job.com.
4. Create Your Portfolio on As Many Mediums as Possible
When designing your resume and cover letter, remember that accessibility is key. If you are emailing a PDF of your cover letter and resume to an agency, make sure to include a text version in the email. First include your pleasantly designed resume, and tell them that for easy-viewing, you’ve pasted your resume in text format at the bottom of the email. The recruiter will appreciate your flexibility. Even if you don’t have any HTML skills, try broadening your horizons by using any of the many online portfolio sites out there. Also, create a CD-ROM with all of your portfolio projects on it get a bound version of them put together at your nearest copy center.
5. Keep it Clean
Above all else, remember what you’ve learned: white space is good. The best resume format is well thought out with fonts chosen carefully and spaced strategically. The graphics will accentuate the quality of the resume rather than overpower or distract from it.
In the end, the only thing you can do with a resume is make a first impression. Once you’ve done that well, you’ll get a chance at a second impression, and maybe a third.
The Graphic Design field is competitive—there are so many people out there, creative and passionate, with impressive portfolios. On the other hand, there’s nobody out there like you, who has created the same things you have created or have the same ideas that you do. Applying for a Graphic Design job is unlike applying for anything else. You have the ability to create a work of art from your works of art. So start creating!