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When you offer your services as a graphic designer, two items will help you stand out from the crowd: your resume and your portfolio. Of the two, the resume is more important, because a potential client or employer will not even look at the portfolio if the resume is not impressive. Since many hiring managers and potential clients go through several resumes, if not hundreds, before choosing the best candidates, you must make yours truly shine. Here are the factors to focus on to make your resume stand out:

• Included Information

So what should your resume include? All graphic design resumes need to include the following:

1. Name and Contact Information – This should be the prominent thing on the page, and include your title (graphic designer) nearby.
2. Personal Statement – State your goals, objectives, potential benefit to the employer, and the position you are applying for.
3. Experience – List the employer, job title, dates, and description for previous work in the field.
4. Education – Include your degree, date of graduation, and name and location of school.
5. Capabilities – What skills do you have that would make you a good fit for the position?
6. Software Skills – What software are you knowledgeable in?
7. Awards and Organizations – List any applicable awards you have seen or any design-related organizations you belong to
8. Interests – Only necessary if it truly applies to the job you are applying for.
9. References – You will not have room for references, so add a sentence at the end stating they are available upon request.

• Paper

The paper you print the resume on is as important as the content. Choose resume paper, not standard computer paper. This will show a potential employer that you do not cut corners and are quite attentive to little details.

• Layout

 As a graphic designer, layout is crucial in your resume, more so than it would be for other occupations. Add a little design into the graphic design resume to showcase your skills in a subtle, yet effective way. Consider using colors and fonts to create an eye-catching layout, but avoid the temptation to make it look like a brochure instead of a resume.

• Font Choice

No matter what font you choose, do not use Times New Roman. Everyone else uses this font, and it points to nothing about your quality as a designer. Since fonts play a major role in your work, take the time to choose your font carefully. Make it easy to read, but also impress your client with your ability to make the font really stand out. Keep the print large enough to be easily read.

• Design Resume Don’ts

As you create your resume, do not fall prey to these common mistakes:

1. Including a generic objective – Make the personal statement apply to the job you are applying for.
2. Offensive material – Your resume is not the place to put information about politics, religion, or other controversial topics.
3. Non-design interests – If you include and “interests” section, keep it related to design.

Final Tips

Once you have finished writing your resume, have someone who knows about resumes check it over for you. Read it several times yourself, and make sure it contains no grammar or spelling errors. Make sure all formatting is consistent, and look at the overall design to ensure that it is appealing.