How to Write CV for Graphic Designer

Arrange the headings of the CV (i.e. Education, Work Experience, Skills) appropriately according to relevance of applying for a Graphic Designer. For example, if you recently graduated from college, or are about to, and have little relevant experience in the graphic design industry, then order your resume with your educational background first, followed by any relevant work experience. If you have an extensive track record in the industry, then list your work experience first. Whichever aspect of your life is most relevant to the position, list first.

Flush out the content under your headings. List what qualifications you achieved or what projects you worked on in school getting your degree. Illustrate the types of graphics you were assigned to develop; were they commonly practiced designs in that particular field, or revolutionary new styles and techniques? Explain your work ethic and usual tasks at any relevant jobs you have had in the past -- did you meet deadlines and keep communicative with others on your team? The idea is to make your CV more tailored specifically to you in relation to the graphic design position. This presents the employer with a better view of who you are and what your abilities are.

Fine tune your cover letter. This is an important stage of the application process, because if you have a poor cover letter, employers will never get to your carefully crafted CV. A good cover letter is short and concise. It tells the hiring manager what position you are applying for and summarizes the key points of your CV. Usually the cover letter will be roughly three paragraphs: one to highlight the position and your interest in it, one to explain your academic background and another to show off your work experience and any other qualifications that might help you get the job. To pique the hiring manager's interest and let him get to know you, mention the designs you have worked on in the past, how long they took you and how much you enjoyed it. Funny details about previous work alleviates much of the stress in the hiring manager's job and cuts through the thick layer of formality separating him from you.

Prepare your work samples. Select only your best pieces of work. This process should take a considerable amount of time and consideration. This is the one chance you have of impressing the employer with your actual ability, so take it seriously. Only choose samples that apply to the position directly. If you have a background in designing magazine advertisements for a cereal brand, do not send a cluster of these to the manager hiring a graphic designer for a ritzy fashion line. If you do not have any samples from previous employment that are applicable to the position, create them. Explain to the employer that you do not have relevant previous work experience, but you are demonstrating your ability in their specific industry.