Graphic-iti

Filling out your resume with valuable information is a daunting task. Your resume should have detailed information about you aptitude toward a position without being and auto-biography. Graphic designers resume have a variety of categories. The following is a list of categories no graphic designer should leave out of their resume.

1. Name and contact info

Your full name, phone number and e-mail are standard resume information. Avoid using unconventional emails like Butterflyqueen or muscleman_101. I recommend creating an email account to use specifically for you job hunting; ideally one that contains your name. If you have more than one phone, write the hours that you are available for each number {e.g. 555-123-4567 (6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)}. If you have an on-line portfolio or web page, add the url in this area. Please avoid social pages such as Myspace and Facebook. Something you might find funny may be seen as bad taste by others.

2. Objective or statement

Write what you plan to accomplish in your new job and how the company will benefit from your recruitment. Do a bit of research about the company and its goals and make sure that you goal is in the same direction.

3. Experience

This is where you show off the jobs you’ve done and who you have worked with. If you have had big name clients, put them here. Try to name jobs that are relevant to the type of position you are trying to get.

4. Skills

Manual and software skills are very important for any designer. Write any and all that are needed for the position. If in the job description there are skills that are preferred but not necessary and you have them, write them down. Be sure that you really posses the skills that you say. Your resume might look great but if you lie you will only be in for a deception. It’s better to be honest than to be fired for not knowing to do something that your resume states you know.

5. Awards

Impress the person reading your resume by enlisting the awards you have won. Be it in school or in the last company you worked in, awards always make you look good.

6. Organizations

Guilds, Associations and Magazine subscriptions go here. It’s wise to let your future employer know that you keep yourself up to date in your niche’s current affairs. Also note that if you have a position in any organization related to the job you’re applying for, let your employer know.

7. References

Normally, a reference contains a name, position and phone number in order to contact that person. Two to four references are the norm. If you’re going to post your resume openly online it’s better to write “references available upon request”. Just make sure to notify the people you are referring.

These categories may be organized in any manner, except the contact info which should always be the first thing a person reads. The most important thing is that you spell check everything. Another good idea is to have someone proof read it and catch any mistakes before you send it. Follow these guide lines to have a good resume and good luck with your job hunting.

Written by: Juan Rivera