Graphic Designer Resume: Examples and Tips for 2024

Why’s it hard to write a good graphic design CV?

It’s not.

But nobody does it. Why not? Poor branding. Fix that, and you’ll get so much work you’ll need a new Wacom in a month.

It all comes down to proving you’re no stranger to Photoshop, Illustrator, typography, and print design.

But you’ve got to walk a fine line.

This guide will show you:

• A graphic design CV template better than most.
• How to ace your graphic design job description on a CV.
• How to write a graphic design agent CV that gets the interview.
• Why picking the right few design achievements is the #1 key to get hired.

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Looking for a different creative position? Explore our other guides:

• Interior Designer
• Makeup Artist
• Photographer
• Production Assistant
• UX Designer / UI Developer
• .NET Developer
• Video Editor
• Videographer
• Visual Artist
• Web Designer

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Professional CV Examples.

Graphic Design CV Example

A graphic designer creates visual designs and graphics for a wide range of projects, including websites, advertisements, marketing materials, packaging, and more. A graphic design job requires creativity, strong visual design skills, and proficiency in using design software and tools.

Now, here’s how to write a graphic design CV:

1. Use the Right Graphic Design CV Format

Rule #1:

Get graphic design CV format right.

If you don’t, the manager knows you can’t tell CMS from crop marks.

Here’s how to format your CV:

• Pick the reverse-chronological CV format. It puts your most hi-res achievement first.
• Use the best CV fonts, 10–14pt, 1-inch margins, big headings, and negative space.
• Avoid creative graphic design CVs printed on pizza boxes or brochures. Cute won’t get you hired.
• Write a one page CV. No more, no less.
• Start with a CV header. Name, phone number, email address. No snail mail or photo.
• After the header, add a graphic design CV objective, then work experience, then education.
• Add CV extras like skills, additional activities, and hobbies to make the marketing manager notice you.

Expert Hint: Use a graphic design CV PDF unless the job description says no. They’re noiseless, and machine-readable.

2. Start With a Hero Graphic Design CV Objective

What’s first?

Lead off with a CV objective (or CV summary).

Make it like a hero graphic, with—

1. An adjective (Talented, hard-working, creative)

2. Job title (Graphic Designer)

3. Years of experience (3+, 4+)

4. How you’ll help (provide high-quality design)

5. Flashiest achievements (cut costs by 15%)

These two graphic design CV examples are your proof:

Bam. That first graphic design CV sample is responsive. The measurable achievements will make hiring managers ooh and ahh.

What if You’ve Got No Experience?

You’ve still got achievements. Pack them into your graphic design CV objective.

See? No job, but a great graphic design CV summary.

Should you write a graphic design CV objective or a CV summary? An objective used to list your goals. It’s more powerful to show how you can help.

Expert Hint: Write your CV objective or summary for graphic design jobs last. That’ll give you a whole palette of great material to pick from.

3. Write a Gorgeous Graphic Design CV Job Description

Here’s the magic:

Most won’t write a good CV job description.

Do it, and you’ll stand out like Paula Scher.

Here’s how:

1. Read the job ad.

2. Highlight the graphic design CV skills and duties.

3. In your CV bullets, show you bleed those things.

Let these graphic design CV examples paint the picture.

Why will #1 excite the art director? It’s those juicy measurable CV achievements.

Graphic Design CV Example—No Experience

Even with no job experience, you can write a graphic design CV sample like that.

Bonus tip:

Don’t copy-paste CV skills from a list.

To hiring managers, that looks like forgetting to k e r n.

Instead:

1. Spot the design skills in the job ad.

2. List them in your CV for graphic design jobs.

3. Inject proof in your CV bullets.

Job ad wants: (1) daily design experience (2) leadership skills (3) strong design skills.

That graphic design CV example fits you to the job like it was sprayed on. Those accomplishments with numbers do the trick.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

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Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Use the ResumeLab builder now.

Graphic Design CV Skills List

Remember, Don’t use skills lists.

For reference, here are the most important:

Expert Hint: Got stock imagery skills? Those are in demand. Check out this study by Graphic Design USA.

4. Turn the Education Section Into a Reason to Hire You

Who cares about education?

The sad truth? On graphic design agent CVs: nobody. But— Use your CV education section as a rebrand and you’ll stand nine feet above the rest.

These graphic design CVs examples show how:

That first graphic design agent sample is a Rembrandt. Those achievements prove your passion. Why?

You cared about it way back when.

Expert Hint: Is your graphic design CV experience thinner than a raster layer? Show more CV education achievements like teams, groups, and projects.

5. Beautify Your Graphic Design CV With These Bonus Sections

Most graphic design CVs look identical.

Like Lorem Ipsum text.

Make yours stand out, and you’ll look like David Carson in a world of kitsch. To do it, add CV extra sections that show you love design.

These two graphic design CV examples will help:

Striking.

Those first graphic design CV samples stick out like a Banksy. They prove you love your art. That means you’ll self-motivate.

Expert Hint: For rave reviews, add a cover letter to your CV for graphic design jobs. Your job options will fractalize.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

For a great graphic design CV:

• Use the graphic design CV template up top. It’s got all the elements to get you in the door.
• Customise your graphic design CV like a Maceala MacKenzie original. Each bullet point should match the job description.
• Don’t be arbitrary. Even education in a CV for graphic design jobs should show accomplishments that fit.
• Add aesthetic extras like conventions and pro associations. But—only if they match the job offer.

Do you need to write a cover letter as well? Check out the guide to write a cover letter for a Graphic Design position.

Got questions on how to write a great CV for a graphic designer? Not sure how to show graphic design on a CV? Leave a comment. We’re happy to reply.

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