graphic designer resume introduction

10 Entry-Level Graphic Designer Resume Examples for 2024

Starting your journey as an entry-level graphic designer? This guide offers proven resume examples and key advice. Learn how to present your skills, experience, and education to align with industry expectations. Discover the essentials for making a strong first impression and stand out in a competitive field.

• 31 Oct 2024 - 1 new section (Highlighting leadership in design) added
• 11 Oct 2024 - 1 new resume template (Entry-Level Graphic Designer Specializing in Print Design) added
• 24 Sep 2024 - 1 new section (Tailor for company size) added

  Next update scheduled for 23 Nov 2024

Here's what we see in the best entry-level graphic designer resumes:

Use Numbers To Show Impact : The best resumes use metrics to show impact. Common ones are increased team productivity by 20% , decreased project time by 15% , boosted user engagement by 30% , and cut production costs by 10% .

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Popular ones are Adobe Illustrator , Photoshop , InDesign , UX/UI Design , and HTML/CSS . Don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Highlight Versatility : Employers look for versatility in portfolios. A snippet from a good resume: designed multiple styles , adapted to new tools .

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Entry-Level Graphic Designer Resume Sample

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Want to know if your resume stands out to hiring managers? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of how your graphic design resume measures up. You'll get instant feedback on key areas that matter to employers in the creative industry.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. You'll receive a score and specific tips to improve your chances of landing that entry-level graphic design role.

Highlight your education first

If you're starting your career as a graphic designer, place your education at the top of your resume. Doing this tells the person reading that your recent graduation is the most relevant point in your career so far. Mention the degree you received, the school you attended, and any significant projects or achievements, like a standout portfolio.

For a graphic designer just beginning, it's vital to list any relevant courses, such as typography or digital media. Show software skills such as proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, as these are tools you will likely use most. If you have experience with design-specific software that's in demand, make sure to include that too. These details can set you apart early in your career.

Show your portfolio

Include a link to your online portfolio in your resume. This is essential for breaking into graphic design as employers need to see your work to judge your creativity and skill level.

Make sure your portfolio is up to date and includes a variety of work such as logos, web designs, and print materials. This will show your range and versatility.

Junior Graphic Designer Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

Keep your resume to one page. You are starting out, so focus on your most relevant experiences. Include projects that show your skills in design. It's good if you can share examples of your work. Choose a template that helps you fit this into one page without making the text too small.

Hiring managers often look at the first page fast. Make sure you list your strong points early on. This means your best design experience comes first. Use clear headings. This helps hiring managers see your skills and work fast.

Senior Graphic Designer Resume Sample

Highlight software skills.

Make sure you list specific graphic design software you are familiar with, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. These are crucial for most design roles.

Any experience with additional tools like Sketch or Figma can also set you apart from other candidates. Mention these in your skills section or relevant job experiences.

Entry-Level Graphic Designer Specializing in Web Design Resume Sample

Beating the resume bot.

When you apply for a job as an entry-level graphic designer, your resume may first be read by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is a type of software used by employers to sort and rank resumes. It is important to make your resume ATS-friendly to increase your chances of it being seen by a human hiring manager.

Here are a few tips to help your resume stand out:

• Use standard section headings like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills' as these are easily recognized by the ATS.
• Include keywords from the job description, such as 'Adobe Creative Suite', 'layout design', or 'branding', as the ATS looks for these to determine if your skills match the job requirements.

Transition to Entry-Level Graphic Designer Resume Sample

Shape your resume for the role.

To stand out as an entry-level graphic designer, show that you understand what the job involves and how you fit. Your resume must reflect the specific needs of the role. Think about the skills and experiences that are most relevant and display them clearly. Use simple language and focus on how you can bring value to the team. Keep it crisp and to the point, so hiring managers can see you’re the right match.

• Highlight any design projects or coursework that show you can use design software like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Share examples of when you had to meet tight deadlines or work as part of a team, which are key parts of a designer's job.
• If you have done any work that is related, like an internship, make sure to include impactful results like increased social media engagement by 25% with visually appealing content .

Mid-Level Graphic Designer Specializing in Branding Resume Sample

Essential skills for your resume.

When you're starting as a graphic designer, showing the right skills on your resume is key. Here are skills you should consider including:

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Layout design
• Print design
• UI/UX principles
• Color theory
• Photo editing

You may not have all these skills, and that's okay. Choose those that match the jobs you want. If you’re aiming for web design, focus on web design , UI/UX principles , and Adobe Creative Suite . For print, emphasize print design , layout design , and typography . Include these skills in a dedicated section for easy scanning by hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Remember, as you gain experience, update your resume. Keep learning and adding new skills like motion graphics or 3D design to stay current. This shows you are growing in your field. Good luck!

Associate Graphic Designer Specializing in Social Media Resume Sample

Highlighting leadership in design.

When you're crafting your resume, it's important to show any leadership roles or promotions you've had. Even entry-level positions can lead to opportunities where you've shown leadership. Here's how you can add this to your resume:

• Include any project where you led a team or a part of a project. Even if you didn't have a formal title, managing a project or a team effort shows leadership.
• If you've received a promotion, even in internships or part-time roles, make sure to highlight it. It shows you are trusted and can take on more responsibility.

Think about times when you have had to take the lead on a project or when your ideas have been used to guide a project's direction. It's also beneficial to mention if you've trained or supervised new members in a club, class, or work setting. Remember, any experience where you were responsible for guiding others or making design decisions can reflect your leadership ability.

Entry-Level Graphic Designer Specializing in Print Design Resume Sample

Illustrate impact with numbers.

As an entry-level graphic designer, showing the impact of your work through numbers can greatly improve your resume. You may not have extensive professional experience, but using metrics will demonstrate the value you can bring to a team. Think about projects you have completed, whether in school, internships, or freelance work, and quantify your contributions.

• Consider the percentage of increased engagement on digital campaigns due to your designs.
• Highlight any time savings achieved by streamlining a creative process.
• Show how your designs contributed to a rise in social media followers or website traffic .
• Quantify the number of design iterations you produced for a certain project, showing your ability to generate a wide range of ideas.
• Estimate the cost reduction in production due to your efficient use of resources.
• Measure the increase in customer satisfaction or user experience scores if your designs were part of a user interface improvement.
• Mention any awards or recognitions you received for your work, even if they were academic or from design competitions.
• Include the number of views or shares your online portfolio has received, as a metric of your design's popularity and reach.

When you quantify your work, you make it easy for hiring managers to see your potential impact. If you're unsure about exact numbers, it's okay to give an informed estimate. Ensure these estimates are reasonable and based on actual outcomes when possible. Remember, numbers stand out and can set you apart from other candidates.

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