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Graphic Designer Resume Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to score a job as a Graphic Designer?

You're going to need an awesome resume. This guide is your one-stop-shop for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer resume using our proven strategies, skills, templates, and examples.

All of the content in this guide is based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers (just like you!) who went on to land offers at the world's best companies.

If you want to maximize your chances of landing that Graphic Designer role, I recommend reading this piece from top to bottom. But if you're just looking for something specific, here's what's included in this guide:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume
• The Best Skills To Include On A Graphic Designer Resume

How To Write A Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume Summary

How to write offer-winning graphic designer resume bullets.

• 3 Graphic Designer Resume Examples

The 8 Best Graphic Designer Resume Templates

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Graphic Designer Resume Overview: What To Know To Write A Resume That Wins More Job Offers

What do companies look for when they're hiring a Graphic Designer?

Companies typically look for Graphic Designers with a combination of technical skills, creativity, and relevant experience. Technical skills include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite — like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign — Figma, Microsoft Suite, G-suite, and an understanding of design principles and techniques. Creativity, on the other hand, is a valued skill in developing unique and compelling designs that appeal to the company's audience.

Plus, relevant experience demonstrated through a portfolio of past work shows an ability to complete projects and tackle challenges in a professional setting.

Companies may also value communication skills and the ability to work well in a team, as designers often collaborate with other departments.

Your resume should show the company that your personality and your experience encompass all these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Graphic Designer resume:

• Craft your resume to the job description you are applying for: Tailor your resume for each application, aligning your skills with the specific requirements of each job description.
• Detail previous experiences: Provide detailed descriptions of your roles, emphasizing hard and soft skills related to the job description. Highlight your proficiency with software like Abobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Suite, G-suite, and Figma.
• Bring in your key achievements: Showcase measurable achievements in previous roles and share your best work.
• Highlight your skills: List relevant hard and soft skills, such as proficiency in design software tools, creativity, marketing, and communication.
• Make it visually appealing: You're a designer — so design! Use a professional and clean layout with bullet points for easy readability. Also, ensure formatting and font consistency throughout the resume and limit it to one or two pages.
• Use keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords from the job description to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and increase your chances of being noticed by hiring managers.
• Proofread your resume: Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate errors (I recommend Hemingway App and Grammarly ). Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to ensure clarity and effectiveness!

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Graphic Designer Skills To Include On Your Resume

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your resume. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan resumes for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized resume. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Graphic Designer Keywords

The first is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for a Graphic Designer resume.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of real Graphic Designer job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Development
• Illustrators
• Organization
• Cross-Functional
• Time Management
• Consistency
• Social Media
• Presentations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Resume And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific resume and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your resume is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your updated Graphic Designer resume
• Open a copy of your target Graphic Designer job description
• In the widget below, paste your resume on the left, paste the job description on the right, and hit scan!

ResyMatch is going to scan your resume and compare it to the target job description. It's going to show you the exact keywords and skills you're missing as well as share other feedback you can use to improve your resume.

If you're ready to get started, use the widget below to run your first scan and get your free resume score:

Copy/paste or upload your resume here:

Click here to paste text

Upload a PDF, Word Doc, or TXT File

Paste the job post's details here:

Scan to compare and score your resume vs the job's description.

Scanning...

And if you're a visual learner, here's a video walking through the entire process so you can follow along:

Employers spend an average of six seconds reading your resume.

If you want to win more interviews and offers, you need to make that time count. That starts with hitting the reader with the exact information they're looking for right at the top of your resume.

Unfortunately, traditional resume advice like Summaries and Objectives don't accomplish that goal. If you want to win in today's market, you need a modern approach. I like to use something I can a “Highlight Reel,” here's how it works.

Highlight Reels: A Proven Way To Start Your Resume And Win More Jobs

The Highlight Reel is exactly what it sounds like.

It's a section at the top of your resume that allows you to pick and choose the best and most relevant experience to feature right at the top of your resume.

It's essentially a highlight reel of your career as it relates to this specific role! I like to think about it as the SportsCenter Top 10 of your resume.

The Highlight Reel resume summary consists of 4 parts:

• A relevant section title that ties your experience to the role
• An introductory bullet that summarizes your experience and high-level value
• A few supporting “Case Study” bullets that illustrate specific results, projects, and relevant experience
• A closing “Extracurricular” bullet to round out your candidacy

For example, if we were writing a Highlight Reel for a Graphic Designer role, it might look like this:

You can see how the first bullet includes the Graphic Designer job title, the years of experience this candidate has, and it wraps up with a value-driven pitch for how they've helped companies in the past.

The next two bullets are “Case Studies” of specific results they drove at their company. The last bullet wraps up with extracurricular information, such as volunteer work and awards.

This candidate has provided all of the info any employer would want to see right at the very top of their resume! The best part is that they can customize this section for each and every role they apply for to maximize the relevance of their experience.

Here's one more example of a Graphic Designer Highlight Reel:

The content of this example showcases the candidate's years of experience and wraps up the first bullet with a high-value pitch, while the following bullet points focus on measurable results and relevant experience. Then, they highlight their focus on volunteer work and high GPA.

If you want more details on writing a killer Highlight Reel, check out my full guide on Highlight Reels here.

Bullets make up the majority of the content in your resume. If you want to win, you need to know how to write bullets that are compelling and value-driven.

Unfortunately, way too many job seekers aren't good at this. They use fluffy, buzzword-fill language and they only talk about the actions that they took rather than the results and outcomes those actions created.

If you apply this framework to each of the bullets on your resume, you're going to make them more compelling and your value is going to be crystal clear to the reader. For example, take a look at these resume bullets:

❌ Graphic Designer with 8+ years of experience

✅ Graphic Designer with 8+ years of proven experience, excelling in brand development and digital marketing strategies, boosting customer acquisition by 30% through effective collaboration

The second bullet makes the candidate's value  so much more clear, and it's a lot more fun to read! That's what we're going for here.

That said, it's one thing to look at the graphic above and try to apply the abstract concept of “35% hard skills” to your bullet. We wanted to make things easy, so we created a tool called ResyBullet.io that will actually give your resume bullet a score and show you how to improve it.

Using ResyBullet To Write Crazy Effective, Job-Winning Resume Bullets

ResyBullet takes our proprietary “resume bullet formula” and layers it into a tool that's super simple to use. Here's how it works:

• Head over to ResyBullet.io
• Copy a bullet from your resume and paste it into the tool, then hit “Analyze”
• ResyBullet will score your resume bullet and show you exactly what you need to improve
• You edit your bullet with the recommended changes and scan it again
• Rinse and repeat until you get a score of 60+
• Move on to the next bullet in your resume

Let's take a look at how this works for the two resume bullet examples I shared above:

First, we had, “Graphic Designer with 8+ year of experience.” 

ResyBullet gave that a score of 25/100.  Not only is it too short, but it's missing relevant skills, compelling language, and measurable outcomes:

Now, let's take a look at our second bullet,  “Graphic Designer with 8+ years of proven experience, excelling in brand development and digital marketing strategies, boosting customer acquisition by 30% through effective collaboration.”

ResyBullet gave that a 69 / 100. Much better! This bullet had more content focused on the experience in the Graphic Designer role, while also highlighting measurable results:

Now all you have to do is run each of your bullets through ResyBullet, make the suggested updates, and your resume is going to be jam-packed with eye-popping, value-driven content!

If you're ready, grab a bullet from your resume, paste it into the widget below, and hit scan to get your first resume bullet score and analysis:

Free Resume Bullet Analyzer

Learn to write crazy effective resume bullets that grab attention, illustrate value, and actually get results., copy and paste your resume bullet to begin analysis:, 3 graphic designer resume examples for 2024.

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three resume examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds:

Graphic Designer Resume Example #1: A Traditional Background

Graphic Designer Resume Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

For our second Graphic Designer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has a non-traditional background. In this case, they are coming from a background as an elementery school teacher, but leverage experiences that can help them transition to a Graphic Design role. Here's an example of what their resume might look like:

Graphic Designer Resume Example #3: Graphic Designer With Experience As A Freelancer

For our third Graphic Designer Resume Example, we have a candidate who has only worked as a freelancer. Here's an example of what their resume might look like when applying for Graphic Designer roles:

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Graphic Designer resume that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with our ResyBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

Just click any of the templates below to start building your resume using proven, recruiter-approved templates:

Free Job-Winning Resume Templates, Build Yours In No Time .

Choose a resume template below to get started:.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Graphic Designer Resume

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Graphic Designer resume:

• Start with a proven resume template from ResyBuild.io
• Use ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your resume for each role you apply to
• Open your resume with a Highlight Reel to immediately grab your target employer's attention
• Use ResyBullet.io to craft compelling, value-driven bullets that pop off the page
• Compare the draft of your resume to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like HemingwayApp or Grammarly to proofread your resume before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Graphic Designer interviews and job offers.

Now that your resume is taken care of, check out my guide on how to get a job anywhere without applying online!

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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Resume builder

Key Graphic Design Skills for a Resume

As a graphic designer, showcasing your skills effectively on your resume is crucial in capturing the attention of potential employers and securing job opportunities. Your resume should highlight the key design skills you possess and demonstrate your expertise and ability to create visually captivating designs. 

Table of Contents

What Are Graphic Design Skills?

Graphic design skills refer to the abilities and competencies that enable designers to create visually appealing designs.

Examples of these skills include proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, knowledge of typography for creating legible text elements, understanding of color theory to create harmonious palettes, expertise in layout and composition for arranging design elements effectively, and the ability to edit and manipulate images.

Additionally, skills in branding and identity design, user experience (UX) design, and strong communication skills are also essential for designers.

Jobs That Require Graphic Design Skills

Graphic design skills are highly sought after in various industries. Here are some jobs that often require these skills:

• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• UI/UX Designer
• Art Director
• Branding Specialist
• Marketing and Advertising
• Multimedia Designer
• Print Production Designer

1. Proficiency in Design Software

Mention your proficiency in design software and experience in using a variety of digital tools to deliver a modern and thought-through product.

When highlighting your proficiency in design software on a graphic designer resume, it is essential to mention specific software programs that you are skilled in. Here are some examples of software that you can include:

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

For example: “Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to create visually compelling designs and manipulate images.”

2. Design Principles

Don’t just rely on your professional title and education background in the field of graphic design to make an impression on hiring managers. To stand out from the competition, showcase your proficiency in applying advanced design principles. Here are some key principles to highlight:

• Visual Hierarchy
• Color Theory
• Reading Direction
• Activating Negative Space

For example: “Demonstrated expertise in selecting appropriate fonts, adjusting spacing, ensuring readability, and color theory principles to create visually appealing text elements.”

3. Basic Coding

Incorporating basic coding abilities not only allows you to optimize and publish your graphics online, but it also demonstrates your ability to save time and resources for potential employers.

Here are some essential coding languages to consider:

For example: “Utilized HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to create visually stunning and responsive web designs, ensuring seamless user experiences and optimal accessibility.”

4. User Experience (UX) Design

Highlight your understanding of UX design principles and its application in creating user-friendly interfaces:

• User-Centric Design
• User Interface (UI) Design
• Wireframing

For example: “Applied UX design principles to design intuitive interfaces, focusing on information hierarchy, usability, and visual hierarchy for optimal user experiences.”

5. Organizational Skills

In the fast-paced world of graphic design, it is common to juggle multiple projects from different departments with diverse requirements. To impress hiring managers, showcase your exceptional organizational skills. Highlight the following skills and provide an example of how you have demonstrated them:

• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management

For example: “Maintained a calm and focused approach during high-pressure situations, effectively managing project demands and delivering exceptional results.”

6. Creativity

When applying for a graphic design job, it’s not enough to simply mention your software skills and design concept knowledge. Instead, showcase your creative approach by providing concrete evidence of how you use your technical skills in imaginative ways.

• Including the following skills on your resume demonstrates that you are creative:
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Brainstorming
• Curiosity and Open-Mindedness
• Fine Art and Music

For example: “Leveraged a combination of fine art techniques and digital design skills to create a series of visually captivating illustrations for a client’s branding campaign.” 

7. Communication and Collaboration

When applying for a graphic design job, it’s important to showcase your communication and collaboration skills, as they are essential for working effectively in a team-oriented environment. 

Including the following skills on your resume demonstrates that you are a strong communicator and collaborator:

• Effective Communication
• Collaboration
• Client Interaction
• Presentation Skills

For example: “Collaborated closely with the marketing team, actively participating in brainstorming sessions and providing valuable design insights.”  

8. Versatility

To stand out among a sea of other applications, highlight your flexibility on your resume. Showcase skills that demonstrate your ability to go beyond image creation. Consider including the following skills to convey your versatility:

• Writing Skills
• Video Editing
• Freehand Drawing

For example: “Leveraged animation skills to create engaging motion graphics for an e-learning platform, effectively bringing static content to life and enhancing user engagement.”

9. Branding And Marketing

To capture the attention of hiring managers in the competitive field of graphic design, highlight your skills in branding and marketing on your resume. These skills go beyond design aesthetics and demonstrate your ability to create cohesive visual identities and contribute to effective marketing campaigns:

• Brand Strategy
• Marketing Collateral
• Brand Guidelines
• Market Research
• Advertising Design

Example: Executed successful digital marketing campaigns, including social media advertising, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), resulting in a 30% increase in online sales.

10. Packaging Design

Showcase your expertise in creating visually appealing and functional packaging designs that effectively communicate brand identity and attract consumers:

• Structural Design
• Material Selection
• Print Production
• Brand Alignment

For example: “Applied strong packaging design skills to create innovative and visually captivating packaging solutions for a range of consumer products.”

How to Choose Graphic Design Skills for a Resume

When choosing the  skills to include on your resume, consider the following:

Relevance: Select skills that are directly applicable to the job you are applying for. Tailor your skills to match the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

Expertise: Focus on the skills in which you have a high level of proficiency and experience. Highlight the skills you are most confident in and can demonstrate with examples.

Diversity: Include a mix of technical and creative skills to showcase your versatility. Highlight skills in design software, typography, color theory, layout, and any other areas that demonstrate a well-rounded skill set.

Industry Standards: Prioritize skills that are commonly used in the field. Research industry trends and identify skills that are in high demand or considered essential in the current job market.

Accomplishments: Support your skills with specific examples of projects or experiences where you have successfully applied those skills. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to use those skills effectively.

Where To List Graphics Skills on Resume

When showcasing your graphic design skills on a resume, there are multiple sections where you can include them.

• Skills Section: Create a dedicated section where you list your graphic design skills. Use bullet points to highlight specific skills, such as software proficiency, typography, color theory, and layout.

– Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – Strong typography skills with knowledge of font matching, sizing, and spacing – Excellent understanding of color theory and its application in design – Demonstrated expertise in layout and composition principles – Experience with UI/UX design and wireframing tools

• Experience Section: Within your experience section, describe projects or roles where you utilized your graphic design skills. Highlight specific accomplishments and the impact of your designs on the project or organization.

Graphic Designer | XYZ Company | Dates – Created visually captivating marketing materials, including brochures and social media graphics, resulting in a 20% increase in engagement. – Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to manipulate images, develop illustrations, and design visually appealing layouts. – Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement brand identities and ensure design consistency across platforms.

• Education Section: If you have relevant coursework, certifications, or a degree in graphic design, include this information in your education section. Mention any specialized skills or projects you completed during your studies.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | ABC University | Dates – Completed coursework in typography, color theory, and layout design. – Developed a strong foundation in using industry-standard design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. – Successfully executed various design projects, including branding, print collateral, and digital media.

Portfolio or Work Samples: Include a link to your online portfolio or attach work samples that demonstrate your graphic design skills. This allows employers to see visual examples of your work and further assess your abilities.

Additional Sections: Depending on your resume format, you can create separate sections like “Projects,” “Clients,” or “Awards” to showcase specific design-related achievements or experiences.

Example of a Resume Emphasizing Graphic Design Skills

John Smith 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] Summary: Highly skilled and creative graphic designer with 5+ years of experience in creating visually captivating designs. Demonstrated expertise in utilizing industry-standard design software and applying design principles to deliver compelling visual solutions. Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects. Excellent collaboration and communication skills with a passion for delivering impactful designs. Skills: – Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – Typography: Font matching, sizing, and spacing – Layout and Composition: Visual hierarchy, balance, and flow – Color Theory: Harmonious color palettes and emotions – Branding and Identity Design: Logo creation and brand guidelines – User Experience (UX) Design: Wireframing and prototyping – Print Production: Prepress and print specifications Experience: Graphic Designer | XYZ Creative Agency | Anytown, USA | 2018 – Present – Collaborated with clients to conceptualize and create impactful designs for various marketing campaigns and brand identities. – Developed visually engaging print and digital assets, including brochures, logos, social media graphics, and website layouts. – Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to manipulate images, create illustrations, and design layouts for diverse client projects. -Applied typography principles to ensure legibility and visual appeal in text-based designs. – Implemented color theory to create harmonious color palettes that effectively conveyed brand messaging and evoked desired emotions. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Anytown University | Anytown, USA | 2014 – 2018 – Developed a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and layout through coursework and hands-on projects. – Participated in collaborative design projects, honing teamwork and communication skills. Portfolio: www.johnsmithportfolio.com

How to Improve Graphic Design Skills

To improve your graphic design skills, consider the following:

Expand design knowledge: explore different design disciplines such as typography, illustration, motion graphics, or user experience (UX) design. 

Use online learning platforms: websites like Udemy, Skillshare, and Lynda offer a wide range of design courses taught by industry professionals.

Read design blogs and websites: follow design blogs like Creative Bloq, Smashing Magazine, and Designmodo for tutorials, inspiration, and design resources.

Join design communities: engage with design communities such as Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit’s r/DesignCritiques to seek inspiration, share your work, and receive feedback.

Listen to design podcasts: Listen to podcasts like “The Futur,” “Design Matters with Debbie Millman,” and “The Honest Designers Show” to gain insights from experienced designers and industry leaders.

Read design books: explore design books like “The Elements of Typographic Style” by Robert Bringhurst, “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton, and “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug for in-depth knowledge and inspiration.

Did you know that the global graphic design market size , measured by revenue stands at  $45.0bn in 2023? What’s more, the average salary for a graphic designer in 2023 ( according to Glassdoor ) is $51,463 per year. The best part? A lot of graphic designers can work remotely giving you the flexibility to travel the world and have a better work life balance. To get a high paying job as a graphic designer, make sure to have a powerful resume and cover letter ready. 

Here’s more: Resume Skills – Complete Career Hub 2023

What Are the Most Important Skills for a Graphics Designer?

The most important skills for a graphic designer include creativity, proficiency in design software, typography, layout and composition, color theory, attention to detail, creativity , and communication and collaboration, These skills enable designers to create visually appealing designs that effectively communicate messages and engage audiences.

What Are Graphic Design Skills for a Resume for Freshers?

Graphic design skills for a resume for freshers may include proficiency in design software, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively. These skills demonstrate a foundation in design and the potential for growth and development in the field.

How Many Skills Should I List for a Graphic Design Resume?

When it comes to listing skills on a resume, it is recommended to include a concise selection of your strongest and most relevant skills. Aim for around 5-8 key skills that align with the job requirements and showcase your proficiency in critical areas such as design software, typography, layout, color theory, and any specialized skills specific to the job or industry. Quality and relevance of skills are more important than quantity, so focus on highlighting the skills that best represent your expertise and make you a strong candidate for the position.

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Resume Worded   |  Resume Skills

Skill profile, graphic designer, improve your resume's success rate by using these graphic designer skills and keywords ..

• Hard Skills and Keywords for your Graphic Designer Resume
• ATS Scan : Compare Your Resume To These Skills
• Sample Resume Templates
• How To Add Skills
• Graphic Designer More Resume Templates

Resume Skills and Keywords from Related Jobs

Browse skills from similar jobs, frequently asked questions.

• 3. Effective Action Verbs for your Resume

Get a Free Resume Review

Looking for keywords for a specific job search for your job title here., © 2024 resume worded. all rights reserved., graphic designer resume keywords and skills (hard skills).

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Graphic Designer job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume. Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

• Graphic Design
• Adobe Illustrator
• Logo Design
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Creative Suite
•  Find out what your resume's missing
• Photography
• Illustration
• Page Layout
• Advertising
• Video Editing
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• After Effects
• Poster Design
• Corporate Identity
• Concept Development
• Art Direction
• Branding & Identity
• Visual Communication

Resume Skills: Design

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• QuarkXPress
• Color Theory
• Layout Design
• Infographics
• Print Design
• Digital Design
• Illustrator
• Design Strategy
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Adobe Creative Suite(Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects)
• business cards
• infographics
• newsletters
• poster design
• Branding & Identity
• Photomanipulation
•  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Graphic Tools

Resume skills: web design.

• SEO principles
• Mobile-responsive design
• UX/UI Design
• SEO Optimization
• Responsive design
• wire-framing
• user flow diagramming
• prototyping

Resume Skills: Visual Arts

• Social Media Graphics
• Motion Graphics
• Digital Printing

Resume Skills: UX/UI Design

• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• Information Architecture
• Responsive Design
• User Testing
• Interaction Design
• User Research
• A/B Testing
• Visual Design
• User-centered Design

Resume Skills: Other

• Grid Structures
• Colour Theory
• Layout/Conversion Optimization
• Brand Development and Rebranding
• Print Production
• Printing and Prepress Knowledge
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Design
• 3D Design (Maya, Cinema 4D)
• Project Management
• Brand Identity
• Brand Building

Resume Skills: 3D Design

• 3D Studio Max
• Adobe After Effects
• Flash Animation

Resume Skills: Programming

Resume skills: ui/ux.

• User Persona Creation

Resume Skills: Animation

• Adobe Flash

Resume Skills: Coding

Resume skills: project management.

• Microsoft Project
• Google Workspace

Resume Skills: Typography

• Typography Design
• Layout Optimization
• Image Manipulation

Resume Skills: Languages

Resume skills: multimedia.

• Video Editing (Premiere Pro)
• Animation (After Effects)
• 3D Modeling (Blender)

Resume Skills: File Management

• Google Drive
• Microsoft OneDrive

Resume Skills: Marketing Tools

• Google Analytics

Resume Skills: Visualization

• MindMeister

Resume Skills: Multimedia Editing

• Final Cut Pro

Resume Skills: Typography and Color Theory

• Font pairing & selection
• color palettes
• color psychology

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Alternatively, you can also include a Skills section where you can list your technical skills in order of your proficiency. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

   Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Graphic Designer Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Graphic Designer Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or skills section , like we've shown in the examples below. use the examples below as inspiration..

  Where on my resume do I add these buzzwords? Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences , education or projects. Only include these technical skills or keywords into your resume if you actually have experience with them.

How do I add skills to a Graphic Designer resume?

Go through the Graphic Designer posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Adobe Creative Suite, Graphics and Adobe Illustrator are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Web Design, Graphic Design and Adobe Photoshop - into your resume if they're relevant.

Incorporate skills - like Illustration, Photography and Branding & Identity - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

A popular skill set for a Graphic Designer is creativity and design, so try to include evidence of them on your resume.

Try to add the exact job title, Graphic Designer, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Graphic Designer Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Graphic Designer job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

We also found variations and further specializations to your job title. Browse through the related job titles to find additional keywords that you can include into your resume.

• Social Media Marketing
• Computer Graphics
• Adobe Acrobat
• Autodesk 3ds Max
• 3D Modeling
• Motion Design
• Storyboarding
• Video Production
• Video Post-Production
• Compositing
• Digital Photography

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual graphic designer recruiter sees it. for free., graphic designer resume templates.

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example UX Designer (User Experience Designer)

An effective Description of the templates...

Download this resume template

UX designer is a role that blends visual design skills, writing, coding, and research. As a UX designer, you’ll be designing apps, building prototypes, and performing testing and analytics as well as collaborating with clients and other teams. A resume that emphasizes your hard skills and hands-on experience is your key to landing the perfect role.

Tips on why this template works

   focus your resume on ux design.

Keep your resume focused on your most relevant work experience. Recruiters want to see your UX design experience, not your years of working in an unrelated field. Let your experience speak for itself by using action-oriented bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and keep additional information, like volunteer work or educational awards, to a minimum.

   Good use of skills section targeted in UX

You don’t need a massive list of skills — prioritizing a few of the most relevant skills is the best way to stand out. Choose skills like wireframing, prototyping, and interaction design, that you’ll actually be using on the job. Breaking your list of skills into categories is another great way of making a longer list more readable.

Resume Example Junior Graphic Designer

Landing a role as a junior graphic designer isn’t as hard as you might think. Most employers are looking for graphic design ability — as evidenced by your portfolio and qualifications — over extensive experience, which means emphasizing your hard skills and any relevant educational background. If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget about university projects and internships, which can go a long way toward making up for minimal work experience.

   Strong Education section highlighting graphic design interest

As a recent graduate — or even if you’re a few years out and still applying for junior roles — your education section is a lot more important than it is for someone with more experience. You can use your education section to your advantage by listing any awards you’ve won, professional memberships, or specific qualifications that stress hard graphic design skills.

   Internships and university projects relevant to graphic design

If you’re applying for an entry-level graphic design role, don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of experience. You can list any internships in the same way as you would regular work experience, using action verbs to emphasize what you accomplished. If you’ve completed any relevant university projects, make sure you highlight those, too.

Resume Example Senior Graphic Designer / Director of Graphic Design

As a senior graphic designer or graphic design director, you’ll be taking on high-level responsibilities and overseeing an entire department. Your resume needs to show significant experience as a graphic designer, as well as the capacity to lead a team to success. Make sure you’re emphasizing past leadership roles you’ve held as well as a commitment to ensuring the overall success of a company.

   Shows growth in promotions

If you want to land a senior role, you’ll need to show a steady pattern of career growth. If you’ve landed a promotion that represents a significant increase in responsibilities, you can list the positions separately under the same company heading. If the job title alone doesn’t make it clear that this was a promotion, your bullet points will.

   Lists the exact graphic design job title

It’s always a good idea to use the exact title of the job you’re applying for on your resume. If you’ve held a position with the same responsibilities but under a different name, or if the titles are often used interchangeably, you can list both job titles at the start of your resume.

Resume Example Freelance Graphic Designer

Freelance graphic designers work on the same kinds of projects as any other graphic designer, but as self-employed contractors. If you’re looking to pick up more freelance work, or to transition from freelance to regular employment, you’ll need a resume that emphasizes your ability to take initiative, work to a deadline, and understand your clients’ needs.

   Freelance graphic design projects

If you’ve been freelancing for a while, it might make sense to structure your work experience section according to different projects rather than clients. This lets you highlight your most impressive accomplishments in a way that is easy to follow and is clear about your specific role and achievements.

   Specific use of metrics

Not all employers fully understand the nature of freelance work, so the more specific you can be about your accomplishments, the better. Listing the number of projects, designs, and proposals you completed makes it clear how you were spending your time and helps emphasize soft skills like time management and work ethic.

Resume Example Creative Graphic Designer

The role of a creative designer can be broader than just graphic design. Creative designers need an excellent understanding of branding, marketing, and social media as well as proficiency with graphic design software. To land a role as a creative graphic designer, make sure your resume highlights your understanding of brand awareness and experience guiding products through the entire creative process.

   Tailored to the creative design job

Tailoring your resume to the exact job you’re applying for doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. Including job-specific keywords in your resume title and skills section are two of the easiest ways to target your resume. Make sure you’re including keywords like product design, social media marketing, and specific graphic design programs that ATS are likely to scan for.

   Strong resume summary to tell hiring managers about graphic design focus

Including a resume summary is a great way of tailoring your resume and providing additional information about your background and accomplishments. They’re especially useful for career changers or people without a lot of experience in graphic design, but can be used to great effect to highlight your particular strengths and contextualize the achievements in your bullet points.

Resume Example E-Learning Designer

E-learning designers make virtual learning programs for learners. Typically, they first understand the learning needs of the student population and then tailor a syllabus around it. Part of the responsibilities of eLearning designers includes determining the correct media for learning and administering educational material accordingly. Experience in adult learning is usually a desired quality by employers. A 10-year stint in a particular profession justifies the opinion that you are a subject matter expert in your line of work. Therefore, as this resume illustrates, focus on showcasing your technical experience. If possible, demonstrate your top achievements to help you explain why you are the best candidate.

   Give specific details highlighting what you've done in your e-Learning designer career

Make your resume stand out by giving as much information as possible. Instead of simply writing "Collaborated with others to identify training needs of a certain company," write "collaborated with 18 experts and 5 members of staff to identify RW Inc., training needs." Use numbers, job titles, organizations' names, dates, and locations to show hiring managers you know your thing.

   Write an Instructional Designer Resume Summary

It might be challenging to grab the attention of hiring managers in the 6-7 seconds they skim through your resume, but it's doable. Here is what to do: if you've been an e-Learning designer for 5+ years and understand what flowcharting is, use a resume summary to introduce yourself as an experienced professional with proof of accomplishments.

What hard skills should you include on a Graphic Designer resume?

The most common skills and keywords we found on Graphic Designer resumes and job postings were Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator, Logo Design, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Graphics, Adobe Creative Suite and Web Design. Skills like Branding & Identity, Illustration, Page Layout, Photography and Advertising also appeared on related job postings.

How do resume skills compare between a Marketing Graphic Designer and a Creative Graphic Designer?

Popular skills we often see on resumes for Marketing Graphic Designer positions include:

In comparison, skills we see on Creative Graphic Designer resumes include:

What are good resume skills to include for different Graphic Designer roles and job titles?

Depending on the specific role you apply to, you may need to emphasize different skill sets. Here are a few examples:

• Marketing Graphic Designer : Graphic Design, Logo Design, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite
• Motion Graphic Designer : Motion Graphics, Cinema 4D, After Effects, Motion Design and Animation
• Multimedia Graphic Designer : Multimedia, Graphics, Page Layout, Typography and Video Editing
• Computer Graphic Designer : Adobe Photoshop, Computer Graphics, Web Design, Brochures and Illustration
• Creative Graphic Designer : CorelDRAW, Advertising, Photography, Branding and Branding & Identity

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume. It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters. Start targeting your resume

Most resumes get auto-rejected because of small, simple errors. These errors are easy to miss but can be costly in your job search. If you want to make sure your resume is error-free, upload it to Score My Resume for a free resume review. You'll get a score so you know where your resume stands, as well as actionable feedback to improve it. Get a free resume review

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Find out what keywords recruiters search for. These keywords will help you beat resume screeners (i.e. the Applicant Tracking System).

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10 Skills Every Designer Needs on Their Resume

Even if you aren’t actively looking for a job, your resume is an important piece of your digital portfolio. From sites such as LinkedIn to personal portfolio pages such as Behance that showcase your work, glimpses into your design career are everywhere.

You want to control that message to ensure that you are putting the right vibe out there about who you are, the work you do and why (quite frankly) you are a rock star designer. And while a stellar portfolio is a great way to start that conversation, your resume is equally important. It should highlight some of the skills that aren’t as apparent from looking at a few marquee pieces.

As a bonus, every example resume here is a template from Envato Elements. Visit and download usable graphic design assets to boost your resume design today!

2 Million+ CV & Resume Templates, Cover Letters + More

Download thousands of resume templates, cover letters, and many other design elements, with a monthly Envato Elements membership. It starts at $16 per month, and gives you unlimited access to a growing library of over 2,000,000 presentation templates, fonts, photos, graphics, and more.

Unique Resume Template

Colorful Resume

Illustrator.

Simple CV Template

Pastel Resume

Ai, pdf, doc.

Resume Anna

Word / psd / indesign.

Minimal Resume

See More Resume Templates

1. Problem-Solving Ability

You solve problems every day. That’s the essence of good design. It creates a visual solution that communicates something to others. Your resume needs to show that you can do more than just make something pretty; it needs to show that you can develop solutions.

How can you do this? Provide examples or case studies that present problems that you have solved in the cover letter that you attach to a resume or in the portfolio section of the document. Explain how you developed an idea with a team and executed it in a manner that created a great end product.

2. Marketing

Some of your marketing skills will inevitably show up in the resume itself. You need to have some marketing knowledge and background so that you can both sell design projects (and yourself to a potential client or employer).

Make it your job to understand concepts in SEO, advertising and how companies are targeting and reaching customers. You don’t have to be an expert, but should be able to talk logically about these concepts and understand them enough to include them in your resume.

3. Print Knowledge

Most clients and firms will tell you they need a design team that’s flexible and can complete a variety of tasks. One of those includes printed design. While much of the design conversation tends to center around digital concepts, it is just as important to know how to create something and get it printed, from posters to packaging labels to billboards.

Make sure to include some printed projects in your portfolio and verse yourself in formats, colors, and moving projects from digital to print and back. Just as important as understanding how to create printed items is working with vendors or other third parties to produce these elements.

4. Digital Design Knowledge

If you are someone who has always focused on print, you need to get versed in digital design today. And if you are already fluent in website design, make sure to include that information, including programming languages, content management system platforms, and relevant tools that you can use with ease.

One of the things that often happens as we put together a resume, is that you forget all the things you know, almost taking for granted that everyone has the same skills. When it comes to a resume, it is important to note all relevant items because many job sites use these keywords to “read” and sort resumes based on potential fits. You don’t want to miss an opportunity because you forgot to list skills you consider to be second nature.

5. Basic HTML

Be honest and upfront about your level of HTML and code understanding. How much you need can vary greatly by position, but in today’s job market it is almost always important.

Even design candidates with basic HTML skills can beat out candidates without these skills. Can you read HTML? Write a little? Are you versed enough to change stylesheets in an existing website design? Include this information.

6. Software

Most job postings will note what software skills are important, but any fluency in design tools should be standard on your resume. As with HTML, consider including notations for software that you have certifications or particular expertise in.

Designers will almost always find that including the Adobe Create Suite is a great starting point. Further note which programs within the toolset you use regularly. (Remember those keywords!) Don’t pack your resume with software that is so common that everyone should be able to use it. If you are fluent in Adobe InDesign, you can probably leave off that you know how to use Microsoft Word.

7. Social Media and Networking

Your network will follow you everywhere. Even from job to job, this is important and most employers want to see that you know how to use social media and can do it well. This often extends to your personal accounts (if they are public) and knowledge of how to create design elements for these platforms.

Make sure you understand the differences in the major channels and they type of visual elements they use. Include social media links to your public or professional profiles so that others can see how well you have mastered the tools.

8. Flexibility and Time Management

Nobody likes a diva designer. You know the one that gets one project, hogs it for months, and then flips out at any suggestion to make a change. Employers are equally terrified of this unknown and want to know that you are flexible, can be part of a team, and manage your time and tasks well.

This is one of those soft skills areas that can be a little tough to visualize as you put the resume together. Consider a few strong verbs that show your skills in a way that isn’t full of clichés. (Consider this a creative challenge.)

9. Understanding of Typography

If it’s not readable, what’s the point? Every designer needs to have a good understanding of typography. Again, this is one of those skills that you might almost forget to mention. But what sets you out from the pack when you think about lettering?

Have you drawn your own typeface? Do you have a particular style or flair for combining words and letterforms? While you can list these skills on your resume, it is also a great place to show that you understand how to pair type and create killer content that’s easy to read and look at.

10. Communication

At the end of the day, it all comes down to communication. How good of a designer you are parallels to how well you communicate. While visual communication is vital, written and spoken communication are also important. Are you a great public speaker? Have you taught classes or held seminars?

Include these elements in your resume as proof of performance. Examples of excellent ability to communicate can help you stand out from a crowd. These skills are quite valuable on a daily basis. Team members who communicate well are going to find it easier to work on projects with a team and share and sell ideas.

From hard skills such as technical ability to soft skills like teamwork and flexibility, your resume is someone else’s first glimpse into your professional self.

Your resume should include the right keywords to help you make it through screening processes, but then contain enough information about your abilities to make you stand out. Keep your resume current and consider posting a version online to complement your portfolio. You never know where the next opportunity might be waiting.

Top 12 Designer Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today’s competitive job market, equipping yourself with a well-crafted resume is paramount, especially for designers aiming to stand out. Highlighting the top designer skills not only showcases your proficiency but also aligns your capabilities with the evolving demands of the design industry.

Designer Skills

• Illustrator
• After Effects

1. Photoshop

Photoshop is a digital image editing software used by designers for manipulating, enhancing, and creating images and graphics for various projects and media.

Why It's Important

Photoshop is crucial for designers as it provides versatile tools for creating, enhancing, and editing visual content, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life with precision and efficiency.

How to Improve Photoshop Skills

To enhance your Photoshop skills as a designer, follow these concise strategies:

• Learn Keyboard Shortcuts : Mastering keyboard shortcuts speeds up your workflow significantly.
• Customize Your Workspace : Tailor your workspace for efficiency. Adobe’s guide on workspace customization can help.
• Use Non-Destructive Editing Techniques : Employ layers and masks for edits to preserve original images. This non-destructive editing guide explains the concept in detail.
• Practice Color Theory and Management : Understanding color theory improves your designs. Adobe offers insights on working with color.
• Stay Updated on New Features : Adobe frequently updates Photoshop. Keep an eye on the latest features to stay ahead.
• Utilize Adobe’s Tutorials and Resources : Adobe provides a wealth of tutorials and resources for all skill levels.
• Explore Third-Party Plugins and Tools : Expand Photoshop's capabilities with plugins. Creative Bloq lists some of the best free and premium plugins.

Remember, consistent practice and experimentation are key to becoming proficient in Photoshop.

How to Display Photoshop Skills on Your Resume

2. Illustrator

Illustrator is a vector graphics software used by designers for creating logos, illustrations, typography, and complex artwork for any medium.

Illustrator is essential for designers as it offers powerful tools for creating scalable vector graphics, enabling precise, editable, and high-quality designs suitable for any size or medium, from logos and branding to illustrations and typography.

How to Improve Illustrator Skills

To improve your Illustrator skills as a designer:

Master the Basics : Start with understanding the core tools and functions. Adobe's official tutorials are a great resource.

Practice Regularly : Consistent practice is key. Challenge yourself with projects from Behance to see how others utilize Illustrator.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts : Speed up your workflow significantly. Adobe provides a useful guide to Illustrator shortcuts .

Explore Advanced Techniques : Once comfortable, delve into more complex features like the Mesh Tool or Blend Modes. Tutorials from sites like Tuts+ offer advanced lessons.

Join Communities : Engage with other designers on platforms like Reddit for feedback, tips, and inspiration.

Stay Updated : Illustrator is constantly updated. Keep abreast of new features and how to use them on Adobe's What's New page.

How to Display Illustrator Skills on Your Resume

3. InDesign

InDesign is a professional desktop publishing software used by designers for creating and designing layouts for print and digital media, such as magazines, flyers, ebooks, and interactive PDFs. It offers advanced typography, page design, and graphics tools.

InDesign is crucial for designers as it provides advanced tools for creating complex layouts, typographic precision, and seamless integration of text and graphics, essential for professional-quality print and digital publications.

How to Improve InDesign Skills

Improving your skills in Adobe InDesign as a designer involves a combination of practice, learning new techniques, and staying updated with the latest features. Here are concise tips with resources:

Learn the Basics : Start with understanding the core functionalities. Adobe's official tutorials are great for beginners.

Master Keyboard Shortcuts : Speed up your workflow by memorizing InDesign shortcuts. Refer to Adobe’s shortcut guide .

Use Templates : Jumpstart projects and learn from professionally made templates. Explore options on sites like Adobe Stock .

Stay Updated : Adobe regularly updates InDesign. Keep up with the latest features through the Adobe Blog.

Practice Typography : Good design relies on effective type handling. Experiment and learn more about typography principles through TypeWolf .

Explore Plugins : Enhance InDesign’s capabilities with plugins. Check out options on Adobe Exchange .

Participate in Forums : Join communities like the Adobe Support Community to learn from other designers and solve specific problems.

Follow Tutorials and Courses : Beyond Adobe’s resources, platforms like Lynda and Udemy offer in-depth courses for all levels.

Experiment with Projects : Apply what you learn in real-world projects. Set personal challenges or take on diverse client work to test your skills.

Critique and Feedback : Share your work on platforms like Behance for feedback from the design community.

By consistently applying these practices, you’ll significantly improve your InDesign skills and efficiency as a designer.

How to Display InDesign Skills on Your Resume

Sketch is a vector graphics editor and digital design tool primarily used for user interface and user experience design of websites and mobile apps, offering features like vector editing, prototyping, and collaboration.

Sketch is important for designers because it offers a versatile, vector-based platform tailored for UI/UX design, enabling efficient creation, collaboration, and iteration of high-fidelity prototypes and design assets.

How to Improve Sketch Skills

Improving your skills in Sketch for design involves practice, learning from professionals, and leveraging resources effectively. Here are concise tips and resources:

Master the Basics : Understand Sketch's interface and shortcuts to streamline your workflow. The Sketch Keyboard Shortcuts guide is a great starting point.

Use Plugins and Extensions : Enhance Sketch's functionality with plugins. Explore popular ones on the Sketch Plugin Directory .

Embrace UI Kits and Templates : Accelerate your design process with UI kits and templates. Check resources like Sketch App Sources for free and premium options.

Follow Tutorials and Courses : Sharpen your skills by learning from professionals. Websites like Sketch Together offer tutorials for all levels.

Join the Community : Engage with other designers through forums and social media. The Sketch Community is a good place to start.

Practice Regularly : Like any skill, regular practice is key. Set yourself design challenges or recreate existing designs to improve.

Stay Updated : Sketch frequently updates its software. Keep abreast of changes via the Sketch Blog .

Remember, improvement comes with consistent effort and eagerness to learn from every available resource.

How to Display Sketch Skills on Your Resume

Figma is a cloud-based design tool used by designers for creating user interfaces, prototyping, and collaborating in real-time with team members.

Figma is important for designers because it offers a versatile, collaborative platform for UI/UX design, enabling real-time teamwork, feedback, and prototyping within a single, web-based interface.

How to Improve Figma Skills

To enhance your Figma experience as a designer, focus on mastering the following aspects:

Utilize Figma Plugins : Explore and integrate Figma Plugins to automate tasks, improve workflows, and add functionality not available by default.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts : Familiarize yourself with Figma Keyboard Shortcuts to speed up your design process significantly.

Stay Updated : Keep up with Figma’s Updates to make the most out of new features and improvements.

Use Figma Community : Explore the Figma Community for templates, UI kits, and inspiration that can streamline your design process.

Optimize Asset Organization : Develop a systematic approach to organizing your files, components, and layers. This Figma Organization Tips guide offers strategies to keep your workspace tidy and efficient.

Attend Workshops and Webinars : Participate in Figma Workshops and Webinars to learn directly from experts and stay ahead with the latest design trends and techniques.

Collaborate and Share Feedback : Leverage Figma’s collaborative features to share your work with peers, collect feedback, and iterate quickly.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a designer in Figma.

How to Display Figma Skills on Your Resume

6. Adobe XD

Adobe XD is a vector-based user experience design tool for web and mobile applications, enabling designers to prototype and create interactive user interfaces with ease.

Adobe XD is crucial for designers as it streamlines the design process, enabling efficient creation of user interfaces, prototyping, and collaboration, thus enhancing user experience design and communication with stakeholders.

How to Improve Adobe XD Skills

Improving your Adobe XD skills as a designer involves practice, exploring new features, and integrating efficient workflows. Here are concise tips to enhance your Adobe XD proficiency:

Master Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with Adobe XD's keyboard shortcuts to speed up your design process. Adobe's official shortcut guide is a great resource.

Utilize Plugins: Explore and integrate plugins to automate tasks and add functionality. Browse the Adobe XD Plugin Manager for tools that suit your needs.

Learn Repeat Grids: Master the Repeat Grid tool to efficiently duplicate lists, galleries, or any repeated elements. This Adobe guide explains its usage.

Explore Auto-Animate: Enhance your prototypes with smooth transitions and animations using Auto-Animate. Learn how through Adobe's Auto-Animate tutorial.

Stay Updated: Adobe XD is constantly updated with new features. Stay informed about the latest updates and how they can improve your workflow by regularly visiting the Adobe XD Blog.

Join the Community: Engage with other designers in the Adobe XD community for inspiration, feedback, and tips. Participate in forums and groups such as the Adobe XD User Group .

Practice: The best way to improve is by continuously working on projects. Take on challenges and personal projects to apply what you've learned and discover new techniques.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your Adobe XD skills and streamline your design process.

How to Display Adobe XD Skills on Your Resume

7. HTML/CSS

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and design web pages by marking up content with elements that structure and define its content. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language used to describe the presentation (appearance and formatting) of the HTML documents, allowing designers to control layout, colors, fonts, and more, ensuring web pages look visually appealing and consistent across different browsers.

HTML/CSS is essential for designers as it enables them to create and style the visual and structural layout of web pages, ensuring an engaging and responsive user experience.

How to Improve HTML/CSS Skills

Improving your HTML/CSS skills, especially as a designer, is crucial for creating visually appealing and responsive designs. Here are concise steps and resources to help you enhance your abilities:

Practice Regularly : The more you code, the better you'll get. Use platforms like CodePen or JSFiddle to experiment with new ideas and challenges.

Learn Responsive Design : Understanding how to make designs that work on all screen sizes is crucial. Start with CSS Tricks' guide to Media Queries to learn about responsive design.

Master Flexbox and Grid : These layout models are powerful tools for creating responsive designs. CSS Tricks offers an excellent guide to Flexbox, and their Complete Guide to Grid is invaluable for understanding CSS Grid.

Follow Design Trends : Stay updated with the latest design trends by following blogs and websites like Behance and Awwwards .

Experiment with CSS Animations : Enhance user experience with interactive designs. Begin with MDN's guide to CSS animations .

Use CSS Preprocessors : Learn to use preprocessors like SASS or LESS to write cleaner and more efficient code. Sass Basics is a good starting point.

Utilize Design & Code Frameworks : Familiarize yourself with frameworks like Bootstrap or Foundation to speed up your development process. Start exploring Bootstrap's documentation .

Join Online Communities : Engage with communities on Stack Overflow , GitHub , or Reddit to learn from others and get feedback on your work.

Follow Online Tutorials and Courses : There are numerous free and paid resources online. Sites like freeCodeCamp and Codecademy offer comprehensive courses on HTML/CSS.

Practice Design-to-Web Workflow : Use tools like Sketch or Adobe XD to design, and then convert these designs into HTML/CSS. This will help you understand how to translate design concepts into web reality efficiently.

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly improve your HTML/CSS skills, making you a more effective and versatile designer.

How to Display HTML/CSS Skills on Your Resume

8. JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language used primarily for creating interactive and dynamic content on websites, enabling functions like animations, form validation, and user interaction enhancements.

JavaScript is important for a designer because it enables interactivity, dynamic content, and enhances user experience on websites and web applications, bringing designs to life.

How to Improve JavaScript Skills

Improving your JavaScript skills as a designer can significantly enhance your ability to create dynamic and interactive web designs. Here are concise tips:

Understand the Basics Well : Start with the fundamentals. Grasp the core concepts such as variables, functions, loops, and DOM manipulation. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) is a great resource.

Practice : Implement your learning by building small projects. Websites like CodePen and JSFiddle offer a platform to test and showcase your JavaScript projects.

Learn from Others : Study the code of experienced developers. GitHub is a treasure trove of projects. Start with GitHub .

Stay Updated : JavaScript evolves rapidly. Follow blogs, forums, and newsletters to stay up to date. JavaScript Weekly is a good starting point.

Use Libraries and Frameworks : Familiarize yourself with popular JavaScript libraries and frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular to speed up your development process. The official websites for React , Vue , and Angular offer comprehensive guides and documentation.

Debugging Skills : Learn how to debug your JavaScript code effectively. Tools built into browsers, like Chrome's Developer Tools, are invaluable. The Chrome DevTools documentation is a useful resource.

By following these steps and continuously practicing, you'll see a significant improvement in your JavaScript skills, thereby extending your design capabilities to include interactive and dynamic elements.

How to Display JavaScript Skills on Your Resume

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used by designers for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models across various industries, including architecture, engineering, and construction.

AutoCAD is crucial for designers as it enables precise and efficient creation, modification, and optimization of 2D and 3D models, significantly enhancing design accuracy, productivity, and collaboration.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

Improving your AutoCAD skills as a designer involves a combination of practice, utilizing advanced features, and staying updated with the latest trends and tools. Here’s a concise guide:

Master the Basics : Before diving into complex features, ensure you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Autodesk’s official tutorials are a great starting point.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts : Keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Memorize the most common ones and customize your own. Check out the shortcut guide for a quick reference.

Leverage Advanced Features : Dive into advanced features such as dynamic blocks, fields, and sheet sets to streamline your work. Autodesk’s knowledge network provides in-depth articles and tutorials.

Stay Updated : AutoCAD regularly updates its software. Stay informed about the latest features and how they can improve your design process by visiting the AutoCAD blog.

Practice Regularly : Like any skill, proficiency in AutoCAD comes with regular practice. Challenge yourself with new projects that push your boundaries.

Join Forums and Communities : Engage with other professionals through forums and communities. The Autodesk forums are a great place to start, offering a platform to ask questions, share knowledge, and stay connected with the industry.

Attend Workshops and Training : Consider attending AutoCAD workshops or training sessions to enhance your skills. Autodesk offers certification courses that can also add value to your professional profile.

By following these steps and actively seeking out new learning opportunities, you can significantly improve your AutoCAD skills and efficiency as a designer.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

Ds Max, likely referring to Autodesk 3ds Max, is a professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software used by designers and visual artists to create high-quality 3D designs, animations, and visual effects for games, films, and architectural visualizations.

Ds Max is important for designers because it offers advanced tools for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, enabling the creation of high-quality visuals and complex designs with efficiency and precision.

How to Improve Ds Max Skills

Improving your skills in 3ds Max as a designer involves a combination of practicing modeling techniques, learning new tools, understanding lighting and texturing, and staying updated with the latest plugins and features. Here are concise steps with resources to help you advance:

Master the Basics : Start with the fundamentals of 3ds Max to ensure a strong foundation. Focus on navigation, basic modeling tools, and simple lighting setups. Autodesk's official tutorials are a great resource.

Practice Modeling : Regular practice is key. Challenge yourself with projects that push your skills further. Websites like CGTrader offer models for reference and inspiration.

Learn Texturing and Lighting : Understanding how to effectively texture and light your models can dramatically improve your renders. Explore tutorials on Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) that cover these topics in detail.

Explore Advanced Techniques : Dive into more complex areas like particle systems, dynamics, and character rigging. Pluralsight offers in-depth courses on these subjects.

Stay Updated with Plugins and Tools : Plugins can significantly expand 3ds Max’s capabilities. Regularly visit forums like CGPress to learn about new plugins and tools.

Join Online Communities : Engage with other 3ds Max users to exchange knowledge, tips, and feedback on your work. Forums like CGSociety are great for networking and inspiration.

Practice Efficient Workflow : Learn shortcuts and develop a workflow that saves time and enhances productivity. Autodesk provides a shortcut guide that can be quite helpful.

Feedback and Critique : Always seek feedback on your work from peers and professionals. Constructive criticism is invaluable for improvement.

By dedicating time to each of these areas and leveraging the resources provided, you'll be able to enhance your 3ds Max skills substantially. Remember, consistent practice and an eagerness to learn are your best tools for improvement.

How to Display Ds Max Skills on Your Resume

11. Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation, designed for artists and designers.

Blender is important for designers as it provides a comprehensive, open-source tool for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and post-production, enabling the creation of high-quality visual content with no cost barrier.

How to Improve Blender Skills

Improving your skills in Blender as a designer involves a combination of practice, exploration of new features, and learning from the community. Here's a concise guide:

Master the Basics : Ensure you have a solid understanding of Blender's interface, shortcuts, and basic modeling techniques. Blender's official tutorials are a great starting point.

Experiment with Add-ons : Blender's functionality can be significantly expanded with add-ons. Explore the Blender Market or Gumroad for designer-focused tools that can streamline your workflow.

Stay Updated : Blender receives frequent updates that introduce new features and improvements. Keep your software up to date and explore what's new via the official release notes .

Join the Community : Engage with the Blender community through forums like Blender Artists or Reddit . Sharing your work and receiving feedback can be incredibly valuable.

Learn from Experts : Platforms like Udemy, CG Cookie , and Blender Cloud offer in-depth courses that cover various aspects of Blender, from texturing and lighting to animation and VFX.

Practice Regularly : Like any skill, proficiency in Blender comes with regular practice. Set yourself small projects, participate in challenges, and try to recreate existing designs to improve.

Remember, improvement in Blender is a continuous journey. Stay curious and keep exploring!

How to Display Blender Skills on Your Resume

12. After Effects

After Effects is a digital visual effects and motion graphics software used by designers for creating animated graphics, visual effects, and complex motion designs in video and film production.

After Effects is crucial for designers because it enables the creation of complex animations and visual effects, enhancing motion graphics and video projects, thus elevating storytelling and visual communication.

How to Improve After Effects Skills

Improving your skills in After Effects as a designer involves practice, learning advanced techniques, and staying updated with the latest trends. Here are concise ways to enhance your After Effects capabilities:

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts : Keyboard shortcuts speed up your workflow significantly. Adobe's official shortcut guide is a great place to start.

Follow Tutorials : Websites like Video Copilot and School of Motion offer in-depth tutorials that cover basic to advanced techniques.

Practice Rigorous Project Management : Organize your projects, layers, and assets for efficiency. Adobe provides insights on project management best practices.

Explore Plugins and Scripts : Enhance After Effects with plugins and scripts for animation, color correction, and more. AEScripts + AEplugins is a resource for finding powerful tools.

Join Community Forums : Engage with other designers on platforms like the Adobe After Effects Forums to exchange tips and get feedback.

Stay Updated : Adobe regularly updates After Effects. Keep your software up to date and learn about new features from the Adobe Blog.

Consistent practice and leveraging these resources will significantly improve your After Effects skills as a designer.

How to Display After Effects Skills on Your Resume

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100+ Key Skills for a Resume in 2022 (Examples for any Job)

Learn how to professionally and efficiently list your skills on a resume.

How to List Skills on a Resume 

Your skills are just as important as your work experiences. Skills show a recruiter what you can do for the company -- without taking up too much space in your resume. 

Skills can be anything from “creativity” (a soft skill) to “JavaScript” (a hard skill). It’s important to include a mix of both on your resume.

Don’t know what skills you have? Read on to learn the difference between “soft” and “hard” skills, or skim our 250+ skills for each industry to jump right into the resume writing process. 

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

“Soft” skills are those that are not quantifiable, such as leadership. These skills also cannot be learned, but  are rather a facet of your personality. Nevertheless, soft skills are still critical to have, for they demonstrate that you are personable and competent.

‍ Tip: Use some of the soft skills as adjectives when writing your profile summary . For example, try “enthusiastic entrepreneur,” “empathic childcare worker,” “organized nurses’ aid,” “supportive administration assistant” or “detail-oriented sales associate.”

The resume below is for a Childcare Worker and includes many soft skills that companies look for, including Creativity and Organizational skills.

In contrast, “Hard” skills are those that are learned -- either in school or through a certification program. These skills are quantifiable and can be continuously expanded upon through further education. Today, most hard skills have to do with computer technology, such as SEO, CSS/HTML, or Microsoft Suite. Even if you aren’t tech-savvy, chances are you still have a few hard skills.

Tip: Be specific about your hard skills. Instead of listing “Programming Languages,” specify which ones you know -- Python, Java, C, etc. Same with photo editing software and any other platforms you are familiar with.

The resume below is for a Content Marketing Associate, and includes manyhard skills that companies in the marketing industry look for, including experience with Social Media tools. Remember, it's important to be specific in terms of defining and listing what softwares you know.

How to List Your Skills

Whether you’re a jack of all trades or a master of one, you absolutely must list some skills on your resume. Skills offer additional insight into what you can offer the company as an employee, and may just push your resume over the edge and into the interview pile. 

• Only list relevant skills . If you’re applying for a position as an engineer, don’t brag about your marketing abilities. Instead, save the space to list the software and programming languages that you know. 
• List around 5 Skills . Writing too many skills on your resume can be an overwhelming experience for the recruiter. He or she may not fully register your skills, and instead just blankly skim the long list. Conversely, listing too few skills is only selling yourself short. You definitely have more than two skills -- no matter your experience level! So shoot for around 5 skills, with a little wriggle room. 
• Include both hard and soft skills . Even if your profession seems to rely on soft skills more than hard skills -- or vice versa -- including both makes your resume stronger. For example, if you’re applying to work as a laboratory assistant, list soft skills such as “teamwork,” “problem-solving,” “time management,” or “organization.” If you’re in a more creative field, hard skills include softwares such as “Adobe Creative Suite” and talents such as “photography,” “writing & editing,” or “videography.” 
• Note your experience level . With each skill, specify whether you are a “beginner,” “expert,” or somewhere in between (using words like “intermediate” and “moderate”). Our resume templates have bars beneath each skill that you can toggle to reflect your expertise. 

The resume below is for a Human Resources Manager, and includes all of the above tips.

250+ Skills for Each Industry  

Although we’ve split these skills up by industry, please note that many skills are applicable to a variety of careers. For example, someone working in marketing might find knowledge of JavaScript just as useful as someone working in the computer science field. 

Let’s jump in!

Office and Administrative Job Skills

• Answering Phones
• Bookkeeping (Excel, Turbotax)
• Office Equipment
• Welcoming Visitors
• Calendar Management
• Organization 
• Time Management 
• Problem Solving
• Attention To Detail
• Adaptability 
• Written Communication 
• Email Platforms (E.G., Gmail And iCloud Mail)
• Word Processing Software (E.G., Google Docs)
• Spreadsheet Software
• Digital Calendars
• Prioritization 

Sales, Retail, and Customer Service Job Skills

• Product Knowledge
• Lead Qualification
• Lead Prospecting 
• Customer Needs Analysis
• Referral Marketing
• Contract Negotiation
• Self Motivation
• Increasing Customer Lifetime Value (Clv)
• Reducing Customer Acquisition Cost (Cac)
• CRM Software (Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho, Freshsales)
• Cashier Skills
• Knowledge Of Products And Services 
• Customer Service
• Communication (More Specifically -- Verbal Communication Skills, Listening Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Written Communication Skills, Public Speaking Skills, Presentation Skills)
• Math Skills
• Negotiation 
• Persuasion  
• Diplomacy  
• Cold Calling
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Lead Generation
• Buyer-responsive Selling
• Buyer Engagement

Nursing and Healthcare Job Skills

• Patient Assessment
• Taking Vital Signs
• Patient Care
• Recording Patient Medical History
• Wound Dressing And Care
• Urgent And Emergency Care
• Record-keeping
• Patient Education
• NIH Stroke Scale Patient Assessment
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Medicine Administration
• Blood Pressure Monitoring
• Rehabilitation Therapy
• Hygiene Assistance
• Use Of X-ray, MRI, Cat Scans
• Glucose Checks
• Electronic Heart Record (EHR)
• Decision-Making Ability 
• Critical Thinking
• Leadership 
• Thorough Understanding Of HIPPA And Privacy Policies
• Ability To Take And Record Vital Signs
• CPR And First-Aid Certifications
• Perform And Evaluate Diagnostic Tests
• Maintain Patient Charts

IT Job Skills

• Programming Languages
• Web Development
• Data Structures
• Open Source Experience
• Machine Learning
• Front-End & Back-End Development
• Cloud Management
• Agile Development
• CSS Preprocessors
• Graphic User Interfaces (GUI)
• Git/Version Control (Github, gitlab)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Application Programming Interface (API)
• Adobe Photoshop, InDesign
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Testing/Debugging
• Responsive Design Principles
• Mobile and Web Development (e.g. iOS, Android)

Engineering & Technical Job Skills

• STEM Skills
• Prototyping
• Troubleshooting
• Project Launch
• Lean Manufacturing
• Workflow Development
• Computer Skills
• Technical Report Writing
• Programming Languages HTML, CSS, CRM tools

Advertising & Marketing Job Skills

• SEO (SEMRush, WordPress, and Ahrefs)
• SEM (i.e., Google Adwords)
• CRO and A/B Testing
• Social Media Marketing and Paid Social Media Advertising
• Sales Funnel Management
• CMS Tools (WordPress, Weebly)
• Graphic Design Skills (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Email Marketing (MailChimp, Constant Contact)
• Email Automation
• Data Visualization
• Print Design
• Photography and Branding
• Communication 
• Creativity 
• Data Analytics (Google Analytics )
• Web Analytics
• Email Writing 
• Google Adwords
• Social Media And Mobile Marketing 
• Paid Social Media Advertisements
• Consumer Behavior Drivers
• Brand Management
• B2b Marketing
•  Writing Advertising Copy
• Soliciting Feedback From Customers
• Cutting Costs
• Leadership skills
• Task Delegation 
• Strategic Management
• Proposal writing
• Problem-solving
• Problem solving
• Website Management
• Social Media Outreach
• Video Production
• Campaign Management
• Photo Editing
• Logo Creation
• Digital Printing
• Interactive Media Design 
• Color Sense & Theory
• Social Media Publishing
• Storytelling
• Financial Analysis
• Consumer Research
• Statistical Analysis
• Videography 
• Technical Writing 

General Management and Project Management Job Skills

• Agile Project Management (Kanban)
• Managing Cross-Functional Teams
• Scrum Management
• Performance Tracking
• Financial Modelling
• Ideation Leadership
• Feature Definition
• Forecasting
• Profit and Loss
• Scope Management
• Project Lifecycle Management 
• Meeting Facilitation
• Risk Management 
• Cost Management 
• Data Analysis 
• Collaborative 
• Collaborative Programs (Slack, WhatsApp, Dropbox)
• Adobe Creative Suite

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The Ultimate Instructional Design Resume Guide in 2024 (With Examples)

Looking for a resume that will help you stand out from the crowd?

In this post, you’ll learn how to showcase your skills and stand out from the competition by tailoring the instructional design resume template I’ve put together for you. Illustrating your skill set in a way that shows how you solve people’s problems greatly increases your chances of being hired.

Ready to get started? Read on!

How do you become a sought-after instructional designer?

eLearning is a massive industry that’s expected to grow to $325 billion by 2025 . Instructional designers, or IDs, play a key role in this industry. They develop interactive eLearning experiences for corporations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and other organizations as employees, freelancers, and consultants.

These eLearning experiences can be anything from employee training to university-level courses.

If you want a more thorough explanation of what instructional design is, take a look at this video:

Many instructional designers begin their careers as teachers. But that’s not the only way to get into this industry. It’s an interdisciplinary field that draws on many different techniques and bodies of knowledge (such as education, design, and psychology). Therefore, you can have a diverse background and still become a highly sought-after instructional designer.

Thanks to the range of knowledge and expertise that’s required, working as an instructional designer is a very rewarding role. People with inquiring minds, an innate drive to keep exploring and learning, and excellent communication skills can earn an average annual salary of $85,466 as a full-time ID.

What’s more, instructional design roles have grown remarkably in recent years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates this trend will continue with instructional design positions growing by 11% over the next three years.

In this video, I explain how to become an instructional designer:

But what do you need to consider when applying for a job as an instructional designer?

First, let’s take a look at the skills and qualities you need to stand out.

Core competencies for instructional designers

What skills do you need to have as an instructional designer? Here are the six core skill sets to become a highly sought-after ID.

Communication skills

I recently asked hiring managers in the industry what their top priorities are. 65.3% saw communication as a core skill for instructional designers.

You’ll need to be able to convey ideas to collaborate with others and develop learning content. Strong writing, storyboarding, and verbal communication skills will help you collaborate with clients as well as create the content required of you in your role.

Problem-solving skills

Instructional designers solve many problems: they help businesses operate more smoothly by solving performance problems, they figure out the best way to design and deliver learning experiences, and they get projects back on track if something goes wrong. To thrive as an instructional designer, you’ll need to be able to face challenges confidently.

Analytical skills

Analyzing data, using it to draw conclusions, and understanding if your solutions are effective are the types of analytical skills instructional designers need to be competent in.

Planning skills

Successful instructional designers have the ability to step back and review the demands of the project so they can create a plan for the best course of action. Planning for instructional design projects includes understanding business needs, audience needs, the content itself, and any other operational limitations. From there, instructional designers are able to decide how to deliver it and the tools that will be needed to do so.

Design and development skills

After thorough analysis and planning, it’s time to design and develop the educational content. Research-backed design and development techniques ensure that the audience learns the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

In fact, this is a top skill hiring managers consider when hiring instructional designers–74.3% think eLearning development is one of the top skills for IDs.

What are the qualities of an ideal instructional designer?

Hiring managers and educational organizations are looking for instructional designers with specific experience as well as personal and professional qualities. These professional qualities are crucial for instructional designers to stand out in this crowded market.

Apply instructional design theory to projects

According to 61.4% of the hiring managers I interviewed for my survey, the ability to apply instructional design theory and science to projects is key to landing a job.

For instance, one of the most important principles guiding instructional designers is ADDIE . This acronym stands for analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. As a successful ID, you need to know how to apply ADDIE to your projects.

Outlining the learning experience

To create engaging content, first, instructional designers often outline each of the stages of the learning experience. Gagne’s nine events is a popular tool for this. Explaining learning experiences through this lens and showing how your approach satisfies each learning event is a key quality for instructional designers.

Develop eLearning courses in rapid authoring tools

There is a wide range of eLearning authoring tools used in the field of instructional design. Mastering one or more of these is crucial for designing and developing educational content.

86.1% of hiring managers think that Articulate Storyline is one of the top three technologies instructional designers should be familiar with when interviewing for a job. 49.5% think the same about Learning Management Systems (LMS) and 47.5% about Microsoft PowerPoint.

The three least selected tools are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (17.8%), xAPI (6.9%), and Adobe Premiere/After Effects (4%).

If you want to learn more about key technologies, take a look at this short video:

How can instructional designers stand out?

Instructional design is a crowded field, but the demand for creative knowledge workers is continuing to grow. That said, you can take steps to stand out and land your next role more easily.

In my survey, hiring managers said that they are mostly focused on candidates’ portfolios, experience, and interview skills when hiring instructional designers. Here’s how to apply them.

Creating an instructional design portfolio

19.8% of hiring managers require that applicants have a portfolio with 44.6% saying they play a significant role in the hiring process. 67.3% say this is a top three consideration when they hire for a new role.

That’s why a portfolio that shows potential clients and employers the projects you have worked on is a great way to stand out in the field of instructional design. If you are starting out and have not yet worked on any instructional design projects, consider creating a flagship project. This is a useful way to display your problem-solving and scenario-based eLearning capabilities.

Ideally, your instructional design portfolio should reflect the type of work you intend to find. Highlight who you are, what you are interested in, and the topics you are most passionate about. The projects you choose should clearly show your:

• Command of the instructional design process
• Attention to detail
• How you solve real-world problems with instructional design
• In-demand technical skills

And in this short video, I explain how to choose the best projects for your portfolio:

Show your instructional design expertise

85.1% of hiring managers say that professional experience is a key consideration when they hire instructional designers. Note that this is far ahead of education (12.9%).

There are plenty of ways to showcase your experience. First, include it in your resume. Second, you can write blogs for LinkedIn or blogging platforms like Medium. Finally, you can create concept projects that solve real-world problems (and feature them in your portfolio). Remember that even if you don’t have experience (yet) as an instructional designer, you can draw on your past experience and help connect the dots for hiring managers.

Nail your interview

69.3% of hiring managers look at interviews as a core consideration when hiring instructional designers. While 93% have felt anxious about interviewing , it’s a skill you learn with practice.

Here are my top interviewing tips:

Now you know what hiring managers look for.

But how do you create your resume? Let’s find out.

How do you write an instructional design resume?

Resumes aren’t at the top of hiring managers’ list for what they take into consideration when recruiting IDs. In fact, only 3% think it is important in their hiring decision.

That said, resumes are a core part of any application. While they might not help you land a job, they can help you land your next interview. And that’s why it’s so important to improve your resume.

However, recruiters spend an average of six seconds reading a resume . That gives you a brief amount of time to capture their attention and show you have the capabilities and experience they’re looking for.

One of the first steps is to tailor your resume for each role. It may seem like hard work, but it's necessary if you want to be rewarded with an interview and become a successful applicant for an instructional design job.

An instructional design resume needs to show your previous experience through the lens of instructional design. That’s true even if you are transitioning from a related discipline or industry. Translating teaching, communication, and other related experience into actionable instructional design skills is a crucial element of crafting a resume that will get noticed and selected for an interview.

In this short video, I talk more about resumes:

Showcase your instructional design experience

If you don’t have formal instructional design experience, then your biggest challenge will be to brand yourself as an instructional designer and learning expert on your resume.

You’ll need to use instructional design terms to frame your experience so that you seem credible and experienced to hiring managers.

If you already have experience in the field, then you can stand out from other candidates by positioning yourself as an expert in a particular specialization. You can do this by drawing attention to the skills that you’ve developed the most (for example, eLearning development, storyboarding, analysis, etc).

Demonstrate how you incorporate advanced learning concepts such as ADDIE, Gagne’s nine events, or the Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation. Use learner metrics to quantify the impact of the courses you design and note specific accomplishments rather than simply listing broad responsibilities.

Specify achievements

Rather than using bland phrases, specify the outcomes of those educational achievements with quantifiable figures and percentages.

“Implemented eLearning material” might become “Implemented eLearning material that resulted in a positive ROI.” Pinpoint data that accompanies the educational experiences you have developed or worked on will help you stand out from the competition.

Use keywords in your resume

Recruiters rely heavily on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs) to screen potential candidates for the vacancies they have. By using the correct terms and keywords in your resume, you greatly increase your chances of passing the initial round of screening and being invited to an interview.

For example, instead of saying “Planned online lessons,” use “Designed eLearning experiences.” The revised version includes keywords that are more likely to be included in instructional design job descriptions (which is what the ATS systems are based on).

Both hard and soft skills are relevant when it comes to using the most relevant terms within your resume. Ensuring you have the right mix that aligns with the description of the role you are applying for helps recruiters and employers match you to their company culture and their vacancy.

Use action words

The language you choose when writing your resume should be action and results-oriented. Avoid passive voice to bring your achievements to life.

Use a range of action verbs such as analyzed, built, coordinated, and evaluated to enhance the presentation of your skills and the reading experience for the recruiter. In doing so, you become far more memorable, believable, and likely to be invited to interview.

It’s important to be specific with your statements and use of action words. Dry statements such as “Planned lessons based on student feedback” should become “Evaluated and improved learning experiences based on learner feedback.”

Background research

Aligning your resume with the role you are applying for is an important part of being selected for an interview. It also helps your resume get moved to the top of the pile by the ATS system.

It’s helpful to conduct a little background research on the company you are applying to. This will give you the information you need to show the value you can bring and the great fit you will be for their company’s culture. Pay particular attention to the job listing when tailoring your resume for the application.

Choosing the right format for your instructional design resume

Because you literally have seconds to capture the attention of the recruiter, it’s important to make your resume scannable, yet memorable. This means putting all of the relevant pieces of information where the recruiter expects to find them. Working with recruiters in this way will bring you more success in reaching the interview stage of the hiring process.

Your instructional design resume should be no longer than a single page. This works with recruiters who are speeding through hundreds, sometimes thousands of resumes each week. Each time you apply for a role as an instructional designer, tailor your resume to fit the role with the company you’re applying to.

And as we’ll discover below, always begin your resume with your name, portfolio link, and any other key information at the top. For instructional design resumes, the link to your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your resume.

You can think of your resume as a tool to get people to your portfolio, which will do a much better job at moving you along in the interview process.

Now, let’s take a look at the specific elements of a resume. Note that we’ve linked to a resume outline at the end of this article, so use these steps to fill in that template.

Instructional design resume header

Clearly note your name in the header section of your resume. This should be followed by a website link to your portfolio and your email address. It is important to be eye-catching, professional, and memorable at the outset.

Experience section

This is the largest part of your resume and should succinctly detail your previous employment. For non-instructional design roles that you’ve held, make sure that you frame the skills and job responsibilities in ways that align with the instructional design position you are applying for.

Each role included in the experience section of your resume should use your job title as the heading. The company and location are included as subheadings and the start and end dates for that position will be noted beneath. The most recent role should have up to five bullet points that detail your key responsibilities and achievements in that role.

Subsequent roles that are noted in the experience section of your resume only need three bullet points of key responsibilities and achievements.

The education section of your resume should include all degrees and relevant courses in descending order of accomplishment.

Your most recent degree should be at the top of the list and include the name of the degree, your field of study, and the institution you studied at. Your graduation date is the final piece of information to include with each qualification.

Both hard and soft skills that are relevant to instructional design roles should be included in this section. Begin with hard skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for. This could include the software packages you are competent in, coding capabilities you have acquired, or data analysis techniques you apply when designing educational courses.

Additional languages and soft skills are secondary to your hard skills and should be included on an instructional design resume if there is room and they are mentioned in the details of the job you are applying for.

Entry-level instructional design resume

Beginning a new career in instructional design can feel daunting, particularly when it comes to writing your resume. Rather than trying to do everything at once, chip away at the tasks needed to prepare well for a career change. This is the best way to put yourself in a strong  position and stand out to recruiters with your resume and job applications.

In this video, I speak with a teacher who transitioned into the field about a foot in the door:

Although you may not have experience as an instructional designer, many of the skills you have acquired and practiced in other roles will be transferable. An entry-level instructional design resume should showcase your experience in a way that’s relevant to instructional design roles.

One way to do this is to ensure you use the correct terminology throughout your resume and job application letter. For example, if you hosted training workshops for 20 colleagues, it’s better to communicate that experience as “created learning experiences for 20 adult learners” as this is in keeping with common instructional design terminology.

Senior instructional design resume

Recruiters expect to see more instructional design experience and examples of what candidates are capable of when hiring for senior roles. Instructional designers applying for senior roles should have four to five years of experience in a junior role that they can show on their resumes.

Along with the key competencies, qualities, and experience senior roles require, candidates should also explain the additional value they bring with them. Examples of times you have taken initiative with instructional design projects, organized your work in innovative ways, or added value to a project are some ways to show you are ready to step up to a senior role.

Despite the need to illustrate your years of experience and ways in which you add value to the projects you work on, a senior instructional design resume should still be kept to a single sheet of A4 paper. When applying for these positions, it can be beneficial to review the projects included in your portfolio and ensure that they also showcase your additional capabilities.

Instructional design manager resume

Managerial roles in instructional design can command a salary of well over $110,000 . To be considered for such high-paying positions, you need to be able to manage your own projects effectively but also lead more junior instructional designers and team members effectively.

Illustrating how you have applied your leadership skills in previous roles while maintaining high-quality work and output as a senior instructional designer will be crucial to ensure you are invited to an interview.

Resume template

Finally, let’s take a look at our resume template.

Our instructional designer resume template covers all of the key elements noted above. It’s also ATS-friendly so that when you upload it to a job application, it will fill in most of the required text fields for you. Download it today and personalize each section so that you can start applying for instructional designer roles with confidence.

Remember, resumes that are crafted to match the role being applied for have a greater chance of success. Emphasize your strengths in ways that align with the role and highlight the reasons you should be successful with your application.

Over to you!

Writing an engaging and eye-catching instructional design resume takes time, patience, and a little creativity that’s not unlike the instructional design process.

Use your skills as an instructional designer to lead the recruiter’s eye through your experience, qualifications, and skills in a way that makes them want to invite you for an interview.

Instructional design is an engaging and rewarding career. If you take the time to tailor your resume for each position you apply for, you’ll have a much better chance of landing a role in this sector.

If you want to learn more about what it takes to become an instructional designer, download the Become an ID checklist today:

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Health Care Resume Skills: What to Include (+ Examples)

Find out which skills are important to include on your health care resume. Discover how and where to write health care resume skills and tips for developing your skills.

Listing critical health care skills on your resume can help distinguish you from your competition when applying for a health-related job. Employers can understand the tangible ways you've learned your skills through your education, work experience, and a list of skills on your resume (that they can follow up on during interviews).

What skills should you include on your resume to stand out? Find out how and where to include them, and use our helpful examples. We'll also share some tips on how you can further develop your skills to enhance your health care career.

What is a health care resume? 

A health care resume is a type of resume specific to professions in the health care field. Health care professions hold particular skills, education, experiences, and training that are different from occupations outside of health care.

Because most positions in the health care field require specific formal training, expect to include a separate section that lists skills specific to the position for which you’re applying. A health care resume may have an area that lists fellowships or clinical experiences that some medical professionals require. These elements are unique to health care and offer employers insight into your skills as a medical professional and how you have relied on these skills to advance your career.  

Jobs that require a health care resume 

If you’re applying for a position within the medical field, you will likely need to structure your resume to effectively highlight critical health care skills. The health care field is broad, with varying job titles and responsibilities. Here are a few of those fields: 

Allied health: Allied health is a field of health care focused on the delivery of health care, rather than clinical care. This includes supporting and diagnostic roles and specific skills will vary by job title. Technical skills for these positions usually require completing certificate programs or other training specific to the role.

Example jobs: Dental hygienists , medical transcriptionists , occupational therapists , sonographers , radiographers , medical assistants , pharmacy techs , home health aides , physical therapists , EMTs , speech-language pathologists  

Administration and management: Administration and management professionals in health care are typically planning, coordinating, and managing a medical facility. Some may specialize in a particular type, such as financial management or ambulatory services. Some managerial positions require leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while technical skills will vary depending on the facility, legal parameters, and more.

Example jobs: Administrative assistant, medical staff coordinator, community health director , health care administrator , quality assurance coordinator

Medical providers and nurses: Medical providers undergo extensive training. From a bachelor’s degree to residency, the average duration to become a medical provider is eleven years. During this time, doctors learn technical skills specific to their specialty but also critical personal skills and licenses necessary to the medical profession. 

Example jobs: Primary care physicians, dentists, anesthesiologists , nurses , home health aide , personal care aide

Read more: Is Health Care a Good Career Path? Outlook, Jobs, and More

Key skills to list on a health care resume

Health care is a vast field with many different facets. You can work in health care in many ways, from a supporting position as a medical billing specialist to a patient care provider as a nurse. The skills you’ll need to succeed in health care depend on your career track in the field of health care. 

Technical skills 

Health care professionals who work directly with patients in clinical roles will need different technical skills than professionals who work on the non-clinical side of health care; however, you’ll find overlap in the knowledge of HIPPA laws and basic medical terminology. 

 Clinical (direct patient care; providers, allied health) 

First aid/CPR 

Adhere to HIPAA

Check and monitor vital signs 

Assess a patient’s symptoms 

Diagnose conditions and provide appropriate treatment 

Administer medical treatments 

Interpret lab results 

Develop treatment plans as needed 

Advise patients on treatment options 

Non-clinical positions (supporting health care roles; administration, clerical)

Office skills 

Insurance billing 

Medical codes and terminology 

HIPAA compliance 

Scheduling software 

EMR software 

Data entry 

Record patient history

Personal skills 

Most health care professionals understand the importance of compassion and empathy when supporting or treating patients. 

Good bedside manner

Compassion and empathy 

Good communication 

Listening skills 

Problem-solving 

Critical thinking 

Non-clinical positions (supporting roles in health care; administration, clerical)

Detail oriented

Ability to multitask 

Works well as a team 

Good communicator 

Detail oriented 

Attention to detail 

How to include health care skills on your resume 

Your skills as a health care professional should be immediately evident on your resume and demonstrated in each work experience description. It should be clear to employers how you developed those skills over time with real-world examples.

1. Include skills relevant to the position. 

Employers should be able to quickly assess if your skills fit the job description or not. Tailor your skills to the job description by including specific skills referenced in the job description. This will also improve your chances of applicant tracking software (ATS) picking up your resume. Optimize your resume with these keywords and include only skills relevant to the job posting.

Take advantage of the cover letter 

Cover letters offer an excellent opportunity to explain precisely how your skills would benefit an employer more in-depth. Use the cover letter as your introduction, further unpacking the skills you hold and how you plan to rely on these skills.

How will your qualifications and skills as a health care professional add value to the employer?

Highlight professional experiences or point to achievements or accolades that illustrate how you’ve developed skills and gained professional success due to this skill set.  Be sure to connect your skills to a specific position or job title. 

2. Mention skills in your professional summary.  

Highlight critical skills right away in your resume summary. Use these two to three sentences to give employers insight into your qualifications for a position by highlighting key skills and credentials that make you a suitable applicant. Using adjectives to describe yourself is a great way to pull in your skills concisely. For example, you could begin with “Organized care coordinator with five years experience in….” 

3. Weave skills throughout your resume.

Your health care resume should have a section devoted to your skills as a professional in health care with brief examples. It’s also vital to integrate skills throughout your resume. For example, if you list in the skills section that you are flexible and adaptable, describe in your work history section how you used these skills successfully.

4. Be specific. 

Avoid vague and ambiguous adjectives that are hard to quantify when listing your skills. Instead of listing “good communicator” as a skill, think of a creative way to be more descriptive. Try, “skilled in patient-provider interactions" instead. Tying real-world experiences and examples to the skills highlighted on your health care resume is always helpful.

5. Choose the best format based on your qualifications.

You can format your health care resume in a few different ways. The format you choose depends on your level of experience and education. You can choose the functional format, ideal for entry-level positions; the chronological format, best for management or supervisory positions; and the combination format for mid-level positions. 

With functional formatting , you’re focusing on skills over work history. List skills summary first, just after your resume summary. The skills summary section notes how you have demonstrated proficiency in specific skills through various experiences beyond work history.

The chronological format lists your work history from most recent to least recent. This format is ideal for those with a lot of professional experience. It’s also the preferred formatting for most health care resumes. With this format, you will still have a separate list of your skills, education, and summary.

A combination format gives equal weight to work history and skills. As with the functional resume, have your skills section at the top of the page, just after the summary. List your work experience after the skills section or toward the bottom of the page. These resumes are ideal for health care professionals seeking a mid-level job title.

6. Use a professional layout. 

The layout is as important as the formatting. When creating a health care resume, choose a professional format. Enhance the readability by using headers, bullet points, and bold text where appropriate. As a general rule, lay out your health care resume with: 

12 point font

10-inch margins

Ample use of white space

Headers for each section 

Four to five bullet points per job title 

One page limit (two pages may be appropriate for 10+ years of experience)

Example of a health care resume

Health care resumes typically include a title, personal information, a resume summary, a skills summary, experience, education, and certifications section. You may also have additional sections such as accomplishments, accolades, awards, and publications. Here is a sample template of what to include on a health care resume:

Headline (name and professional title if you already have one) 

Contact information (phone, email, LinkedIn) 

Resume summary (two to three-sentence explanation of your career goals and objectives)

Education (university name and degree awarded in reverse-chronological order; also include residencies or fellowships, if applicable) 

Work experience (organization, job title, responsibilities, skills used, accolades, and so on listed in reverse-chronological order)

Skills ( list of both technical and workplace skills, with brief examples of how you have applied these skills)

You may change the order of these sections based on the format you choose and omit or add to these elements depending on your level of education and experience. 

Consider this example of a health care resume for a patient care coordinator position with five years of experience in her role: 

Jane E. Doe

Patient Care Coordinator 

Personal information 

Phone: 123-456-7890

Email [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janeedoe 

Dedicated patient care coordinator with five years of experience managing patient care, implementing and monitoring treatment plans, and evaluating patient progress. Assisted in the grant writing process to secure funding for Acme Medical Center through the Health Care Coordinators and Navigation Grant. CCCTM certified with a degree in Health Care Administration. Looking to improve patient outcomes by providing support and quality care to patients at ABC Hospital. 

Skills Summary 

Coordinate patient-care services to offer quality care 

Work as a team member to evaluate possible patient interventions

Give compassionate patient care for improved patient outcomes 

Communicate plan of care to family and caregivers of patients 

Accurately record patient history and documentation per HIPAA compliance 

Work History 

Patient Care Coordinator, ABC Medical Center. July 1 to present 

Develop patient treatment plans based on provider’s notes 

Manage patient care coordinators within the medical center 

Advise caregivers of patient progress 

Communicate patient outcomes to medical providers 

Assist other patient care coordinators in the development of treatment plans 

Patient Services Coordinator, Maple Street Hospital, January 2018 to July 2021

Advised patients on viable treatment plan options 

Communicated patient concerns and feedback to medical providers 

Explained treatment options to patients 

Evaluated results of treatment plans and communicated outcomes 

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 2010-2014

Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration 

Relevant coursework: principles of health care administration, health care marketing, health care human resources, and legal and ethical environment in health care 

Tips for developing key health care skills 

Need to build your skill set as a health care professional? You can find many ways to learn new skills or build upon existing skills in demand for the position you seek. Research the top skills for the job you’re applying for, and choose the best way to gain experience in those skills. Enroll in an online course, earn a certification, or apply for entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities. Developing your skill set can also help you meet your future career goals. 

Courses like Career 911: Your Future Job in Medicine and Health Care offered by Northwestern University can help you learn critical skills to succeed in health care. You can list courses on your resume to demonstrate your breadth of abilities to employers.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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7 Problem Solving Skills That Aren’t Just Buzzwords (+ Resume Example)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 8, 2024 9 min read

Problem-solving skills are something everybody should include on their resume, yet only a few seem to understand what these skills actually are. If you've always felt that the term "problem-solving skills" is rather vague and wanted to know more, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we're going to explain what problem-solving skills really mean. We'll talk about what makes up good problem-solving skills and give you tips on how to get better at them. You'll also find out how to make your problem-solving abilities look more impressive to those who might want to hire you.

Sounds good, right? Curious to learn more? 

In this article we’ll show you:

• What are problem solving skills;
• Why are they important; 
• Specific problem solving skills examples;
• How to develop your problem solving skills;
• And, how to showcase them on your resume.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What are problem solving skills?

Why are problem solving skills important, the best 7 problem solving skills examples, how to develop problem solving skills, problem solving skills resume example, key takeaways: problem solving skills.

First of all, they're more than just a buzzword!

Problem-solving skills are a set of specific abilities that allow you to deal with unexpected situations in the workplace, whether it be job related or team related. 

It's a complex process that involves several “sub skills” or “sub steps,” namely:

• Recognizing and identifying the issue at hand.
• Breaking the problem down into smaller parts and analyzing how they relate to one another. 
• Creating potential solutions to the problem, evaluating them and picking the best one.  
• Applying the chosen solution and assessing its outcome. 
• Learning from the whole process to deal with future problems more effectively. 

As you can see, it's not just about solving problems that are right in front of us, but also about predicting potential issues and being prepared to deal with them before they arise.  

Despite what you may believe, problem-solving skills aren't just for managers . 

Think about it this way: Why do employers hire employees in the first place? To solve problems for them!

And, as we all know, problems don't discriminate. In other words, it doesn't matter whether you're just an intern, an entry-level professional, or a seasoned veteran, you'll constantly face some kind of challenges. And the only difference is in how complex they will get.

This is also reflected in the way employers assess suitability of potential job candidates. 

In fact, research shows that the ability to deal with unexpected complications is prioritized by an overwhelming 60% of employers across all industries, making it one of the most compelling skills on your resume.

So, regardless of your job description or your career level, you're always expected to find solutions for problems, either independently or as a part of a team. 

And that's precisely what makes problem-solving skills so invaluable and universal ! 

Wondering how good is your resume?

Find out with our AI Resume Checker! Just upload your resume and see what can be improved.

As we've said before, problem-solving isn't really just one single skill. 

Instead, your ability to handle workplace issues with composure depends on several different “sub-skills”. 

So, which specific skills make an employee desirable even for the most demanding of recruiters? 

In no particular order, you should focus on these 7 skills : 

• Analytical skills
• Research skills
• Critical thinking 
• Decision-making
• Collaboration
• Having a growth mindset

Let's have a look at each of them in greater detail!

#1 Analytical skills

Firstly, to truly understand complex problems, you need to break them down into more manageable parts . Then, you observe them closely and ask yourself: “ Which parts work and which don't,” How do these parts contribute to the problem as a whole,” and "What exactly needs to be fixed?” In other words, you gather data , you study it, and compare it - all to pinpoint the cause of the issue as closely as possible.

#2 Research skills

Another priceless tool is your research skills (sometimes relying on just one source of information isn't enough). Besides, to make a truly informed decision , you'll have to dig a little deeper. Being a good researcher means looking for potential solutions to a problem in a wider context. For example: going through team reports, customer feedback, quarterly sales or current market trends.  

#3 Critical thinking

Every employer wants to hire people who can think critically. Yet, the ability to evaluate situations objectively and from different perspectives , is actually pretty hard to come by. But as long as you stay open-minded, inquisitive, and with a healthy dose of skepticism, you'll be able to assess situations based on facts and evidence more successfully. Plus, critical thinking comes in especially handy when you need to examine your own actions and processes. 

 #4 Creativity

Instead of following the old established processes that don't work anymore, you should feel comfortable thinking outside the box. The thing is, problems have a nasty habit of popping up unexpectedly and rapidly. And sometimes, you have to get creative in order to solve them fast. Especially those that have no precedence. But this requires a blend of intuition, industry knowledge, and quick thinking - a truly rare combination. 

#5 Decision-making

The analysis, research, and brainstorming are done. Now, you need to look at the possible solutions, and make the final decision (informed, of course). And not only that, you also have to stand by it ! Because once the train gets moving, there's no room for second guessing. Also, keep in mind that you need to be prepared to take responsibility for all decisions you make. That's no small feat! 

#6 Collaboration

Not every problem you encounter can be solved by yourself alone. And this is especially true when it comes to complex projects. So, being able to actively listen to your colleagues, take their ideas into account, and being respectful of their opinions enables you to solve problems together. Because every individual can offer a unique perspective and skill set. Yes, democracy is hard, but at the end of the day, it's teamwork that makes the corporate world go round. 

#7 Having a growth mindset

Let's be honest, no one wants their work to be riddled with problems. But facing constant challenges and changes is inevitable. And that can be scary! However, when you're able to see these situations as opportunities to grow instead of issues that hold you back, your problem solving skills reach new heights. And the employers know that too!

Now that we've shown you the value problem-solving skills can add to your resume, let's ask the all-important question: “How can I learn them?”

Well…you can't. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. 

Let us explain: Since problem-solving skills fall under the umbrella of soft skills , they can't be taught through formal education, unlike computer skills for example. There's no university course that you can take and graduate as a professional problem solver. 

But, just like other interpersonal skills, they can be nurtured and refined over time through practice and experience. 

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following tips can offer you inspiration on how to improve your problem solving skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset. Remember what we've said before? Your attitude towards obstacles is the first step to unlocking your problem-solving potential. 
• Gain further knowledge in your specialized field. Secondly, it's a good idea to delve a little deeper into your chosen profession. Because the more you read on a subject, the easier it becomes to spot certain patterns and relations.  
• Start with small steps. Don't attack the big questions straight away — you'll only set yourself up for failure. Instead, start with more straightforward tasks and work your way up to more complex problems. 
• Break problems down into more digestible pieces. Complex issues are made up of smaller problems. And those can be further divided into even smaller problems, and so on. Until you're left with only the basics. 
• Don't settle for a single solution. Instead, keep on exploring other possible answers.
• Accept failure as a part of the learning process. Finally, don't let your failures discourage you. After all, you're bound to misstep a couple of times before you find your footing. Just keep on practicing. 

How to improve problem solving skills with online courses

While it’s true that formal education won’t turn you into a master problem solver, you can still hone your skills with courses and certifications offered by online learning platforms :

• Analytical skills. You can sharpen your analytical skills with Data Analytics Basics for Everyone from IBM provided by edX (Free); or Decision Making and Analytical Thinking: Fortune 500 provided by Udemy (＄21,74).
• Creativity. And, to unlock your inner creative mind, you can try Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from the Imperial College London provided by Coursera (Free).
• Critical thinking. Try Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking Specialization from Duke University provided by Coursera (Free); or Logical and Critical Thinking offered by The University of Auckland via FutureLearn.  
• Decision-making. Or, you can learn how to become more confident when it's time to make a decision with Decision-Making Strategies and Executive Decision-Making both offered by LinkedIn Learning (1 month free trial).
• Communication skills . Lastly, to improve your collaborative skills, check out Communicating for Influence and Impact online at University of Cambridge. 

The fact that everybody and their grandmothers put “ problem-solving skills ” on their CVs has turned the phrase into a cliche. 

But there's a way to incorporate these skills into your resume without sounding pretentious and empty. Below, we've prepared a mock-up resume that manages to do just that.

FYI, if you like this design, you can use the template to create your very own resume. Just click the red button and fill in your information (or let the AI do it for you).

Problem solving skills on resume example

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why this example works?

• Firstly, the job description itself is neatly organized into bullet points .  
• Instead of simply listing soft skills in a skills section , you can incorporate them into the description of your work experience entry.  
• Also, the language here isn't vague . This resume puts each problem-solving skill into a real-life context by detailing specific situations and obstacles. 
• And, to highlight the impact of each skill on your previous job position, we recommend quantifying your results whenever possible. 
• Finally, starting each bullet point with an action verb (in bold) makes you look more dynamic and proactive.

To sum it all up, problem-solving skills continue gaining popularity among employers and employees alike. And for a good reason!

Because of them, you can overcome any obstacles that stand in the way of your professional life more efficiently and systematically. 

In essence, problem-solving skills refer to the ability to recognize a challenge, identify its root cause, think of possible solutions , and then implement the most effective one. 

Believing that these skills are all the same would be a serious misconception. In reality, this term encompasses a variety of different abilities , including:

In short, understanding, developing, and showcasing these skills, can greatly boost your chances at getting noticed by the hiring managers. So, don't hesitate and start working on your problem-solving skills right now!

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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9 Administrative Skills to Boost Your Resume

As an Administrator, you’re the lynchpin of the office. Thanks to you, office operations run smoothly and on schedule. But that doesn’t happen by accident! You know that, despite your calm and unflustered appearance, you’re actually bringing together an enviable set of skills and experience, as well as the drive to make things happen despite unlikely odds. This combination of skills, experience, and attitude makes you the capable Administrator that everyone relies on – you’ll certainly want to shout about this administrative experience on your resume! 

In this article, we’ll delve into the top nine administrative skills to add to your resume, explain where to add them, and even provide some examples to give you confidence in developing your own document. 

What are administrative skills?

Administrative skills are a wide range of skills that you bring together to ensure the smooth, seamless, and efficient running of a team, an office, or a business. Administrators use these skills to support colleagues and companies in achieving productivity and, ultimately, profitability. 

9 basic administrative skills for your resume

Whether these skills come naturally to you or they’re an advanced skill set that you’ve built up over time, you’ll need to provide some administrative skills examples on your resume so that recruiters and hiring managers can understand the value you’d bring to a new business. 

Here, we’ve listed the most in-demand administrative skills that your resume needs.

Organization

Organization is the number one skill for Administrators. Businesses need to know they can rely on you to complete your own tasks and ensure the rest of the office can run smoothly – exceptional organization is key to that. 

If you’re an excellent organizer, you most likely have skills in planning, multitasking, prioritizing, time management , and calendar management, too. Your To-Do list is usually a Done list by the end of the day due to your organizational superpowers.

Communication 

Whilst communication is an important skill for most professionals, it’s absolutely vital for an Administrator. From relaying messages and writing emails to interfacing with suppliers and customers or building relationships across the team, your verbal and written communication skills will need to be first-class. That means you’re professional, discreet, concise, and articulate at all times. 

Attention to detail

Sloppy work not only looks unprofessional, it costs time and money to put right. An Administrator understands that and consistently works with accuracy and meticulous attention to detail to produce work of the highest quality. Errors are rare, and colleagues know that they can trust you to produce work that can be presented to management or clients. 

IT literacy

Technology moves forward at an alarming pace – and as an Administrator, you need to keep up! Gone are the days of desks stacked high with paperwork; in are the days of Microsoft 365, Google Suite, and online collaboration software. Make sure your resume shows that you can not only use relevant office applications, but that you can learn new software quickly and even support colleagues in using it. 

Problem solving 

Somehow, as an Administrator, you become the go-to person if there’s a problem. Your unflappable nature and your natural ability to find solutions quickly become indispensable. Whether a colleague has failed to plan and needs help getting a project across the line, or a client has thrown a spanner in the works at the last minute, you’re reliable in developing workable solutions and smoothing over mishaps. This valuable skill is definitely a key selling point on your resume!

You may not be in charge, but somehow, the team still revolves around you. From planning the Christmas event to organizing refreshments for long meetings to managing the never-ending demand for sticky notes, you have a knack for bringing the team together and making sure it functions like clockwork. Don’t neglect to mention this skill on your resume.

Customer service 

Whether you’re supporting internal or external customers, you provide service with a smile and always exceed expectations to provide a positive experience. Hiring managers are always looking for someone professional, courteous, and ready to go that extra mile, so customer service skills are worth including on your resume. 

Record keeping 

Some people are content in chaos, always rummaging on their desks or through their overflowing inboxes for that one vital piece of information. Not you! Your filing and record-keeping are the envy of the office, as you can lay your hands on the required details at a moment’s notice and probably even foresee the request coming. 

Adaptability

The only constant in life is change, as the saying goes. While you can thrive on routine to get tasks done efficiently, you’re also adaptable and open to change. In the fast-paced modern business world, employees who can work flexibly and willingly take on new processes and ideas are valued.

How to add administrative skills on your resume 

As you prepare a resume for your next administrative role, you’ll want to include these skills throughout the document. We have some top tips on where and how you can add these job-winning skills and some resume examples that you can use as inspiration.

Administrative skills in the Profile section of your resume

As the first thing a hiring manager reads, this paragraph at the top of your resume is vital in ensuring your resume makes an impact from the very start. State exactly what you do and highlight your top administrative skills here. If possible, give a hint at the contribution you can make to a new employer by highlighting one of your main administrative achievements. For example: 

An organized and efficient Administrator, with an extensive background in the FMCG sector. Combine a resourceful attitude with proven customer service skills. Enjoy contributing to team efforts and is recognized as an approachable, flexible professional. Calm under pressure, methodical, and able to prioritize conflicting demands to consistently achieve deadlines. Recently reduced time spent onboarding new customers by 2 days per month by automating office processes. 

Administrative skills in the Key Skills section of your resume 

The Key Skills, or Core Competencies, section of your resume is a great place to highlight the most in-demand skills. Use the job advert to inform your decisions of what to include in this section, so that it’s tailored to the exact requirements of the role. Here’s an example of an Administrative Assistant skills summary: 

Administration   |   Customer Service   |   Calendar Management   |   Filing   |   IT Literacy   |   Teamwork   |   Organization   |   Prioritization   |   Problem Solving   |   Attention to Detail

Administrative skills in the Professional Experience section of your resume

Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to expand on these skills in the Professional Experience section of your resume. Rather than just listing your responsibilities, such as “filing,” “answering phone calls,” and “scheduling management meetings,” aim for a more compelling and engaging summary of your experience by making your bullet points achievement-focused. Showing how you contributed is a great way of making recruiters and hiring managers sit up and pay attention. 

Try these administrative experience examples for size: 

Enabled the team to provide first-class customer service by developing an easy-to-use online filing system for contracts and other documentation

Received positive feedback in appraisals for the quality and accuracy of work completed

Improved team morale by planning successful offsite team-building events and optional socials

Which administrative skills are most important in your sector?

In addition to the basic administrative skills listed above, you’ll also need to include more specific skills. If you’re planning a career transition within the same sector, try to add some skills and experience that show off your knowledge of the industry and the role. The actual skills you choose to add here will vary from sector to sector, but you’ll be able to gather ideas from job descriptions. You can also do some research online for in-demand skills by looking at relevant company websites and the LinkedIn profiles of others in similar roles. 

FAQ about administrative skills on your resume

You should be feeling pretty confident about adding administrative skills on your resume by now, but let’s take a look at a few FAQs to round off the advice. 

Is office administration a skill?

Absolutely! Office administration is a skill in itself, but to be successful at it, you’ll need to leverage many other skills, such as the ones we’ve discussed above. Office Administrators are experts in a whole variety of professional skills that come together under the umbrella of office administration. 

What are the most important skills for an Administrative Assistant?

An Administrative Assistant needs all the skills we’ve mentioned above. As an Assistant, you may not use them at the same level as a fully-fledged Administrator, but they are nevertheless important skills to showcase on a resume. Of all the skills we’ve listed, organization is probably the most crucial. 

Are administrative skills soft skills? 

Many administrative skills, such as the ones we’ve listed above, are soft skills. However, your resume should also include hard skills, which are the skills acquired through learning or experience. For example, you may wish to add specific IT applications you can use or include your typing speed. 

Check out our example of an Administrative Coordinator resume for more inspiration!

Step confidently into your next administrative role

Armed with a resume that proudly shows off your amazing administrative skills, you’re ready to hit the job market and land your next administration role. Good luck! 

Still unsure? Why not send your resume for a free review by the ZipJob team ? They’ll provide feedback to help you put your best foot forward. 

Recommended reading: 

How To Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

30 Strengths to Put on a Resume or Mention in a Job Interview

99+ Essential Keywords and Phrases for Impactful Resumes

Jen David, Editor & Content Writer, Jen David, Editor & Content Writer

Jen David has been writing CVs since 2010 and is the founder of CV Shed . She has worked with clients in numerous industries and at all stages of their careers, from students through to senior executives of global businesses. She loves producing polished, focused CVs that appeal to both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems, enabling her clients to take the next step in their careers. Jen has written and edited numerous articles for publication on industry-leading job boards.

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