Graphic designers face a special trap: a resume so decorative that screening software can't read it. The safest approach is a clean, well-typeset resume with a prominent portfolio link. Let the portfolio do the showing and the resume do the telling.
This example is for a brand designer with five years of agency and in-house experience. It lists the software by name and connects design work to business results such as launches, sales and engagement.
Below you'll find summary examples for different levels, the skills to include, bullet points you can adapt and tips from the way recruiters read graphic designer resumes.
Two or three sentences at the top of your resume: who you are, your strongest result and what you're looking for. Pick the one closest to your level and make it yours.
Entry-levelDesign graduate with a portfolio of branding and editorial work, including a zine that won a student award. Skilled in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
Mid-levelGraphic designer with 4 years of in-house experience at a fashion retailer, producing 50+ campaign assets a month for web, social and stores.
SeniorSenior brand designer and art director with 10 years of experience leading identity projects for national brands and managing a team of 4 designers.
Screening software compares your resume with the job ad, so use the same words the employer uses, but only for skills you really have. Put the most relevant ones first.
Show soft skills in your bullet points rather than listing them alone: "trained 6 new hires" proves leadership better than the word itself.
Start with a strong verb, say what you did and end with the result, ideally a number. Adapt these to your own work and never claim results you can't back up.
Use one clear column or a simple two-column layout, real text (not text in images) and standard section names. Screening software needs to read it.
Put the link at the top and make sure it works on a phone. Show 6 to 10 of your best, most relevant pieces.
Sales, sign-ups, engagement or saved costs show that your work matters beyond looking good.
Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Figma and After Effects are common keywords. List them in plain text.
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Contact SupportTasteful, not decorative. Good typography, spacing and one accent color show your skill without confusing applicant tracking systems.
Yes. For designers the portfolio is usually the deciding factor. A clean website, Behance or a PDF with 6 to 10 projects works.
Describe the project and result on the resume, and show a redacted or re-created version in your portfolio if allowed.
See all resume examples, check yours with the free ATS resume checker, browse resume templates or read how resumes differ by country.
Start from this example or a blank page. Edit it on the page, run the ATS checks as you go and download a clean PDF.
