Designer Resumes

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  • Gnash3

    these guys offer some useful freebies, including a resume template

    https://www.thefutur.com/resourc…

    • also a good youtube channel full of smart advice for designersGnash
    • Yes, the Futur is top! Those template example are a good recipe for a CV. BUT keep it 1 page!grafician
    • ^ ya, at most 2 pagesGnash
    • I used to have a 2 page resume because I started in 1994 but it's pointless, Just go back as far as will fit nicely on a page.CyBrainX
    • What you did more than 10 years ago is probably not very relevant anyway.CyBrainX
    • but but but... I did all my best work 10y ago...ArchitectofFate
    • ^ haha, me tooGnash
  • ok_not_ok0


  • BK3

    HR folks aren't designers and need stuff simply laid out so they can sort through it quickly.

    That said you are a designer and your resume will ultimately be sent on to an AD or CD so it should look like you actually know what the fuck you're doing.

    Infographics about how well you know Photoshop smack of just out of school or being an insufferable douche.

    • Everyone is saying just make it a simple text layout, but that is designing. I'm not trying to be semantic about it but we're putting a bad spin on "design".CyBrainX
  • shapesalad1

    I once spent a lot of time on my pdf CV, nice typography... etc... when I found a job I really wanted to apply for - they requested CV's be submitted as a word doc.

    • exactly why it should be simple textmonospaced
    • loleighteen
    • Hiring manages prefer standardized documents they can process internally, all the over-ddesigned shit you see on the net is bad.zarkonite
    • @zarko ^ this! keep it 1 page, black & white, A4, PDF if they ask for .doc f* not worth itgrafician
    • +1 zarkonite and graficianMrT
    • Screenshot. New Word doc. Insert > Image from File > screenshot.jpg. SUBMITnb
  • grafician-2

    Well, if they ask for a resumé you and they both failed...

    In 10+ years in the industry never I had to send a resumé to get a job. Basically you give THE resumé only if HR asks for it, to keep on file AFTER you get the job to justify your qualifications for the job.

    Sorry if it sounds pretentious, but it's not the case.
    Good agencies/studios will always hire based on these things:

    - who referred you
    - your attitude
    - good portfolio to back it up (this can include both commercial AND personal projects/ideas)

    Also f* "resumé", it's curriculum vitae aka CV actually...

    But back on topic, some specific tips - if needed:
    - 1 page - A4
    - your name and contact info - top
    - url to portfolio
    - your experience in the industry aka past jobs (agency - year - clients)
    - black and white, 2 column grid if needed, sans typeface
    - export .pdf file, fonts flat
    - triple spell check!

    BUT AGAIN, if they really need a CV, then walk away...best jobs always come by referrals, so put yourself in the position to never ever need to submit a CV to get a job.

    My 2 cents...

    • I take your point but the big networks like McCann etc. all have standard hiring procedures where you would have to produce a CV.zarkonite
    • thank youeighteen
    • I worked with McCann, no they don't if you directly speak to the CD in charge. "Standard hiring procedures" is only HR talk AFTER you secure the position 1/2grafician
    • definitely working on the referrals, and portfolio. Realize those are more important but I wanted to check on industry standards for CVeighteen
    • based on a good talk with the CD who is the main person looking for fresh blood on a new position 2/2grafician
    • @eithteen ^ what Gnash posted above from the Futur, that's THE good CV template. no infographics and bshit like that!grafician
    • ❤ f* resuméMrT
    • @gracian: my point exactly, you HAVE to give them a CV at some point.zarkonite
    • I wasn't talking about getting the job, so yeah you should do your pr with the person who will decide if you're on the team or not.zarkonite
  • robotron3k1

    Think of applying for a job like flirting with someone.

    Tell them just enough information to get them interested in asking you more questions.

    Design your resume, yes, but keep it minimal.

    If you don't have tons of experience, use white space to show your design touch.

    Your roles should ladder up to what your current position is.

    Keep descriptions simple and name drop big clients but be vague enough to get them to call you in and want to ask more questions.

    Keep them curious.

    Do not spam your resume everywhere, as people keep it on record and you want to be able to pivot if it's not working.

    Do not give out your resume until you get a job description, then you can give it out.

    It's like an exchange, don't give it up easy.

    Test your resume first, send out 3 times and you better get at least one response.

    If you don't get a response, try again to 2 more times.

    Still no response, redo your resume make it better.

    Hope that helps.

    FYI, same goes for your portfolio, never show it to anyone unless they gonna give you a job.

    • If applying is like flirting I'm at a huge disadvantageeighteen
    • ^lolcolin_s
    • Just wait, once you master this, you'll be getting responses and soon you'll try and get to first base...robotron3k
    • It's hard to judge the number of responses based on your resume's appearance opposed to the experience listed. You can ask during an interview what they thoughtCyBrainX
    • @eighteen ^ do your homework regarding pay grade in your country at your level, if they ask you how much, ask them back what "package" they offer for your levelgrafician
    • then say you have other offers and you will need to consider their offer! even if you're a junior, this works 100% and you get a better dealgrafician
  • Morning_star2

    B&W CV nicely typeset, easy to read and not overly long + hard copy portfolio + show reel.

    Personally, if you have to 'design' your CV you're at a disadvantage to start with.

    • yup this is literally the first design job ive applied to, my experience is not great. I'm wondering if designing it will look desperate/eighteen
    • /like im trying to look like more than I am. Just wondering where a safe middle ground would beeighteen
    • Pick up design project from friends, even if they not paid. Make logos for local shops, create on your own and fatten your experience.robotron3k
    • Employers are even happy to see works in progress if your in the middle of something cool. They will respond to your energy regardless...robotron3k
    • Thanks robo and morning_star, also any resources for some slick typesetting I could browse?eighteen
    • You're welcome and good luck. If you feel you want to share your CV/portfolio or ideas here then most people will give honest constructive feedback. I'm a...Morning_star
    • ...little long in the tooth (nearly 30yrs in creative depts in agencies) and s ohave a lot of baggage. I really appreciate a good CV. It should be factual but..Morning_star
    • ...shouldn't paint the whole picture, people need a reason to see you, iff you give them it all in a CV there is no reason for them to pick up the phone.Morning_star
    • Also, what Showpony says down there, a few posts, is great advice.Morning_star
    • @robo and @morning_star yes, agreed, all good tips, glad you senior guys help out a yung one!grafician
  • showpony0

    you can tell if someone's a proper chef by how they cook an egg. it's "simple," but requires true skill to deal with such a delicate ingredient. for designers, your resume is a bit like this. don't over design it, but don't neglect it. can you "simply" and flawlessly execute black type on a white sheet... no graphs... no charts... and for god's sake, not portraits... just a knowing nod among those who know.

  • Nairn1

    é

    • lol oops. Thats the kinda mistake that they told me in school would get my resumÉ thrown right in the trash.eighteen
  • desmo0

    properly typeset your resume. it shows you care and know what you're doing. not just a word dump of your accomplishments.

    no adobe skills pie charts, infographics, etc.