When I first started my journey as a graphic designer, crafting the perfect CV felt like a daunting task. It’s not just about listing your qualifications and experience; it’s about showcasing your creativity, technical skills, and unique style—all on a single sheet of paper. So, if you’re wondering, “What should be in my CV as a graphic designer?” you’re in the right place. I’m here to guide you through the process, sharing insights from my own experiences to help you create a CV that not only gets noticed but also lands you the job you want.
Personal Information and Contact Details
The first section of your CV should be your personal information. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. As a graphic designer, you should also include a link to your online portfolio. This is your chance to make a great first impression, so make sure your contact details are easy to read and accurate.
When I was updating my CV, I made sure that my email address was professional, avoiding any quirky or informal names. Remember, your CV is a reflection of your professional persona. A clean, straightforward email address and an up-to-date LinkedIn profile can make a big difference.
Professional Summary or Objective
Next, you’ll want to include a professional summary or objective. This is a brief paragraph that introduces who you are as a designer, what you specialize in, and what you’re looking for in your next role. When I crafted mine, I focused on my passion for design and my desire to create visually compelling work that communicates effectively.
See; How to Become an Effective Communicator
10 Effective Communication Skills for Career Success
For example, you might say, “As a passionate graphic designer with over five years of experience in branding and web design, I specialize in creating visually appealing and user-friendly designs that help businesses stand out. I am seeking a challenging role where I can apply my skills to create innovative designs that resonate with audiences.”
This section is key because it’s often the first thing a hiring manager will read. It’s your opportunity to hook them right away, so make sure it’s engaging and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Skills Section
The skills section of your CV is where you can really shine. This is where you list the specific tools, technologies, and design principles you’re proficient in. When considering what should be in my CV as a graphic designer, I made sure to include both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are your technical abilities, like proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of typography, and experience with UX/UI design. Soft skills, on the other hand, are attributes like creativity, communication, and time management.
For example, my CV includes skills like:
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Sketch and Figma for UX/UI design
- Typography and color theory
- Branding and identity design
- Creative problem solving
- Effective communication and teamwork
When you list your skills, be honest about your proficiency. If you’re still learning a tool or technique, consider mentioning it but perhaps placing it lower in the list. This approach shows you’re eager to grow and learn without overstating your abilities.
See; 21 of the Best Digital Marketing Tools
Work Experience
Your work experience is the backbone of your CV. This section should detail your previous roles, the companies you’ve worked for, the dates of your employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. When I asked myself, “What should be in my CV as a graphic designer?” I realized the importance of not just listing tasks but highlighting accomplishments.
For each job, consider including:
- Job Title: Clearly state your role (e.g., “Graphic Designer,” “Senior Visual Designer”).
- Company Name and Location: Mention the company you worked for and where it’s located.
- Dates of Employment: Include the start and end dates of your employment.
- Responsibilities and Achievements: Here’s where you can dive into what you did and how you made an impact. Instead of saying “designed logos,” you might say “created over 50 unique logos that helped clients increase brand recognition by 20%.”
Achievements are particularly important. They show potential employers the value you brought to your previous roles and give them a sense of what you could do for their company.
Education
In the education section, list your degrees, the schools you attended, and the dates of your attendance. If you’re a recent graduate or you don’t have a lot of work experience, you might also want to include relevant coursework or academic projects.
For example, when I was fresh out of school, I included projects that demonstrated my design skills, like a branding project for a fictitious company or a web design project that earned high marks. If you have more work experience, you might keep this section brief, focusing on your degree and any honors or awards you received.
Certifications and Additional Training
Certifications and additional training can give you an edge over other candidates, especially in a field as competitive as graphic design. I found that listing certifications like “Adobe Certified Expert” or any UX/UI design courses I’ve taken added a layer of credibility to my CV. This section shows that you’re committed to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest design trends and tools.
If you’ve attended workshops, webinars, or other professional development courses, include those as well. They not only show your dedication but also expand the range of skills you bring to the table.
Portfolio Link
As a graphic designer, your portfolio is arguably more important than your CV. It’s where you get to showcase your best work and prove your design skills. In my experience, the portfolio link should be prominently displayed at the top of your CV, right after your contact information or in the professional summary.
When considering what should be in my CV as a graphic designer, I realized the importance of curating my portfolio. Make sure the work you include is relevant to the job you’re applying for and highlights a range of skills. If you’re applying for a branding role, for example, focus on logo designs, brand identity projects, and related work.
Designing Your CV
This is where being a graphic designer really comes into play. Your CV should not only contain great content but also be visually appealing. When I was designing my CV, I kept in mind that the design should reflect my personal style while remaining professional and easy to read.
Some tips to consider:
- Layout: Use a clean, organized layout that guides the reader’s eye through the content.
- Typography: Choose fonts that are professional and easy to read. Stick to one or two fonts to maintain consistency.
- Color Scheme: Use a color scheme that reflects your personal brand but ensure it doesn’t distract from the content.
- White Space: Don’t overcrowd your CV. White space helps to make your CV more readable and professional-looking.
- Consistency: Ensure that the design elements, such as spacing, font sizes, and colors, are consistent throughout the document.
Remember, your CV is your first chance to show off your design skills, so take the time to make it look great.
Tailoring Your CV for Each Job Application
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of tailoring your CV for each job application. This means adjusting the content to match the job description and highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
When I apply for a job, I take the time to read the job description carefully and make sure my CV reflects what the employer is looking for. This might mean emphasizing certain skills or reordering my work experience to highlight the most relevant roles.
For example, if a job requires expertise in UX/UI design, I would make sure to highlight my experience with tools like Sketch and Figma, as well as any relevant projects I’ve worked on. This shows the employer that I’m not just sending out a generic CV but that I’m genuinely interested in the role and have the skills they need.
Proofreading and Editing
Before you send out your CV, it’s crucial to proofread and edit it thoroughly. I can’t stress enough how important it is to catch any typos or grammatical errors. These small mistakes can make you appear careless, which is the last thing you want when applying for a job.
I usually take a break after finishing my CV and then come back to it with fresh eyes. This helps me catch mistakes I might have missed earlier. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review your CV—they might catch something you overlooked.
What If I Don’t Have the Above Experience as a Graphic Designer? What Should I Do?
If you’re just starting out in your graphic design career, you might be wondering, “What should be in my CV as a graphic designer if I don’t have the above experience?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every designer starts somewhere, and there are several ways to build a compelling CV even if you’re lacking in professional experience.
1. Focus on Your Education and Relevant Coursework
When I was beginning my journey, I leaned heavily on my education and the projects I completed during my studies. If you’re in the same boat, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, group projects, or personal assignments that showcase your skills. For example, if you worked on a branding project in a class, include it in your CV as though it were a professional project. Describe what you did, the tools you used, and the outcomes.
2. Create Personal Projects or Freelance Work
If you don’t have much formal work experience, creating personal projects can be a great way to demonstrate your skills. When I was building my portfolio, I took on personal design challenges—such as redesigning a well-known brand’s logo or creating mockups for a website. These projects not only helped me hone my skills but also gave me tangible work to include in my CV and portfolio.
Additionally, you might consider taking on freelance work, even if it’s for free or at a reduced rate to start. Websites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you connect with clients who need design work. These projects, no matter how small, can add valuable experience to your CV.
3. Highlight Transferable Skills from Other Jobs
If you’ve worked in other fields before transitioning to graphic design, consider which skills from those roles are transferable. For example, if you’ve worked in marketing, you likely have a strong understanding of branding and communication, which are crucial in design. In my CV, I made sure to emphasize these skills, even though they were developed in a different context.
4. Use Internships and Volunteer Work
Internships and volunteer work are excellent ways to gain experience and build your CV. When I was starting out, I took on a couple of unpaid internships that allowed me to work on real projects and collaborate with other designers. Even if these roles were short-term or unpaid, they provided valuable experience that I could list on my CV.
5. Join Design Communities and Participate in Competitions
Engaging with design communities, either online or in person, can help you build connections and learn from more experienced designers. Competitions are another great way to build your portfolio. When I participated in design contests, it not only gave me projects to add to my CV but also pushed me to improve my skills.
6. Show Your Passion and Commitment
Finally, even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience, showing your passion and commitment to design can go a long way. When writing your CV, let your enthusiasm shine through. Mention any self-directed learning you’ve undertaken, such as online courses, tutorials, or books you’ve read. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their growth and learning.
Final Thoughts on Starting Out
Starting with little experience can feel challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to be creative in how you present yourself. When you ask yourself, “What should be in my CV as a graphic designer?” remember that everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to leverage educational projects, personal work, and transferable skills. The key is to demonstrate your potential and your commitment to growing as a designer. With time, experience, and persistence, your CV will naturally evolve, reflecting the professional journey you’re on.
Tips for Crafting a Graphic Designer CV
As a graphic designer, your CV is not just a document—it’s an opportunity to showcase your design skills and creativity. When I was putting together my CV, I discovered that there are several tips and tricks that can make a big difference in how your CV is perceived. Here are some key tips to help you craft a CV that stands out:
1. Keep It Clean and Professional
Your CV should reflect your design sensibilities, but it should also be professional and easy to read. Avoid cluttering your CV with too many design elements or excessive colors. When I was designing my CV, I aimed for a clean, minimalist layout that allowed my content to shine. Use plenty of white space to make the document easy on the eyes, and choose a simple, modern font that is easy to read.
2. Tailor Your CV to the Job
One of the most effective strategies I’ve learned is to tailor your CV for each job application. This means emphasizing the skills, experiences, and projects that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Before sending out my CV, I always take the time to tweak it based on the job description. This might involve rearranging sections, highlighting certain skills, or adding specific keywords that match the job posting.
3. Showcase Your Portfolio Effectively
Your portfolio is an essential part of your application, so make sure it’s easily accessible from your CV. I always include a link to my online portfolio right at the top of my CV, near my contact information. If possible, incorporate a QR code that links to your portfolio—this adds a tech-savvy touch and makes it easy for employers to view your work on their devices.
4. Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs like “designed,” “developed,” “created,” or “implemented.” These verbs convey a sense of action and impact. Additionally, where possible, quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “designed websites,” you might say “designed over 20 websites, leading to a 30% increase in client traffic.” Numbers help to illustrate the impact of your work, making your accomplishments more tangible to potential employers.
5. Include Relevant Keywords
In today’s digital job market, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen CVs before they ever reach a human reader. To increase your chances of getting past the ATS, include relevant keywords from the job description in your CV. When I was preparing my CV, I made sure to weave in industry-specific terms and tools, like “Adobe Creative Suite,” “UX/UI design,” and “branding.” Just be careful to use these keywords naturally within your text to avoid keyword stuffing.
6. Proofread Thoroughly
A CV with typos or grammatical errors can be a red flag to employers. Before submitting my CV, I always proofread it multiple times and ask a friend or colleague to review it as well. It’s easy to miss small mistakes when you’ve been staring at the same document for hours, so a fresh set of eyes can make all the difference.
7. Highlight Continuous Learning
The design field is constantly evolving, with new tools, trends, and technologies emerging regularly. Show that you’re committed to staying up-to-date by including any relevant courses, certifications, or workshops you’ve completed. When I add new skills to my CV, I list them in a separate “Certifications and Training” section, which demonstrates my dedication to ongoing professional development.
8. Use Visuals Sparingly
While it’s tempting to load your CV with graphics and images, remember that content is king. Visual elements should complement your text, not overwhelm it. I usually incorporate subtle design elements, like icons or a small splash of color, to add visual interest without detracting from the information.
9. Keep It Updated
Your CV should be a living document that you update regularly as you gain new experiences and skills. I make it a habit to update my CV every few months, even if I’m not actively job hunting. This way, I’m always ready to apply for new opportunities as they arise, and I don’t have to scramble to remember my latest projects or accomplishments.
10. Stay Authentic
Finally, while it’s important to present yourself in the best light, always stay true to who you are as a designer. Your CV should reflect your unique style, personality, and approach to design. When I crafted my CV, I made sure it felt like a genuine representation of my work and myself. Authenticity resonates with employers and can set you apart from other candidates.
Conclusion
Creating a CV as a graphic designer is about balancing form and function. You need to showcase your skills, experience, and creativity while also ensuring that your CV is professional and easy to read. By including all the essential elements—personal information, professional summary, skills, work experience, education, certifications, portfolio link, and a well-designed layout—you’ll have a CV that not only answers the question, “What should be in my CV as a graphic designer?” but also helps you stand out from the competition.
Remember, your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so take the time to make it as strong as possible. And don’t forget to tailor it for each job application, proofread it carefully, and ensure it reflects your unique style as a designer. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing the graphic design job of your dreams.