Today I reviewed a resume
for a man in a very creative position; a graphic designer. The resume
needed work as it was vague, boring and not in a recognized format. It
in no way highlighted his strengths. There wasn’t any doubt in my mind
that this person, while highly talented was being passed over time and
time again because of his vague resume.
Here are some tips that I shared with him to help create a better, focused resume.
1. The first thing to do is Google the skills needed for this particular position. For this example, I got a nice mix of soft skills such as communication, attention to detail and time management and technical skills such as expertise in Adobe, web design, typography, color theory and other areas.
2. The next step is to look up various open graphic designer positions. Many of these positions have a wonderful listing of job responsibilities that are perfect for crafting a resume. Here is an easy example:
“Candidate will be proficient in all Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, Quarkxpress. Preparing and evaluating art files for print. Ability to expertly prepare print-ready files. A clear understanding of fonts, collecting art, Pantone colors, process printing and vector/raster images. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Self-motivated, detail-oriented and extremely personable. Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment excellent oral and written communication skills. Able to be collaborative, reliable and work well in a team.
Will be responsible for preparing catalogs, website images, images for email campaigns, print advertising and more.”
3. To get started crafting your resume, plot the open job responsibilities on either a worksheet or in free-form style. Match your accomplishments with the open position requirements. Here is an example using the job responsibilities posted above.
Position: Graphic Designer
Skills Needed in Open Position: Adobe Programs including Illustrator, Photoshop, Quarkpress, prepare and evaluate art files, prepare print ready files, fonts, Pantone colors, process printing and vector/raster images. Communication, organization, motivation, detail oriented, multi task, deadline oriented, oral and written communication, operate in fast-paced environment, team oriented, reliable.
Skills that I Possess: List your skills here. Match those needed in the open position.
Position Requirements: “Preparing catalogs, website images, images for email campaigns, print advertising and more.”
Examples of my Accomplishments that Support the Position Requirements: Include your key accomplishments. Think of projects, services, opportunities in previous positions or volunteer position. Think who, what, what were the results of my efforts in the following areas:
Prepare Catalogs:
Create Website Images:
Create Images for Email Campaigns:
Create Print Advertising:
Other Areas: Education, Skills and Training, Certifications.
Summary Statement: What makes you unique? What do you possess that makes the hiring manager want to read further?
Format: There are creative positions and there are more formal occupations. If you are in a creative industry make sure that your resume format is edgier and showcases some of your design talents.
Portfolio: If you have an on-line portfolio, make sure to include the link to showcase your talents.
Here is a sample worksheet:
Try these tips to create your own resume, whether it is a creative spot or not. Good luck!
Here are some tips that I shared with him to help create a better, focused resume.
1. The first thing to do is Google the skills needed for this particular position. For this example, I got a nice mix of soft skills such as communication, attention to detail and time management and technical skills such as expertise in Adobe, web design, typography, color theory and other areas.
2. The next step is to look up various open graphic designer positions. Many of these positions have a wonderful listing of job responsibilities that are perfect for crafting a resume. Here is an easy example:
“Candidate will be proficient in all Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop, Quarkxpress. Preparing and evaluating art files for print. Ability to expertly prepare print-ready files. A clear understanding of fonts, collecting art, Pantone colors, process printing and vector/raster images. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Self-motivated, detail-oriented and extremely personable. Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment excellent oral and written communication skills. Able to be collaborative, reliable and work well in a team.
Will be responsible for preparing catalogs, website images, images for email campaigns, print advertising and more.”
3. To get started crafting your resume, plot the open job responsibilities on either a worksheet or in free-form style. Match your accomplishments with the open position requirements. Here is an example using the job responsibilities posted above.
Position: Graphic Designer
Skills Needed in Open Position: Adobe Programs including Illustrator, Photoshop, Quarkpress, prepare and evaluate art files, prepare print ready files, fonts, Pantone colors, process printing and vector/raster images. Communication, organization, motivation, detail oriented, multi task, deadline oriented, oral and written communication, operate in fast-paced environment, team oriented, reliable.
Skills that I Possess: List your skills here. Match those needed in the open position.
Position Requirements: “Preparing catalogs, website images, images for email campaigns, print advertising and more.”
Examples of my Accomplishments that Support the Position Requirements: Include your key accomplishments. Think of projects, services, opportunities in previous positions or volunteer position. Think who, what, what were the results of my efforts in the following areas:
Prepare Catalogs:
Create Website Images:
Create Images for Email Campaigns:
Create Print Advertising:
Other Areas: Education, Skills and Training, Certifications.
Summary Statement: What makes you unique? What do you possess that makes the hiring manager want to read further?
Format: There are creative positions and there are more formal occupations. If you are in a creative industry make sure that your resume format is edgier and showcases some of your design talents.
Portfolio: If you have an on-line portfolio, make sure to include the link to showcase your talents.
Here is a sample worksheet:
Open Position:
Skills
Needed in Open Position (mix of technical and soft skills)
|
Skills
that I Possess
|
Position
Requirements:
|
Examples
of my Accomplishments that Support Position Requirements
|
Education/Skills/Training/Certifications/Portfolio
|
My
Education/Skills/Training/
Certifications/Portfolio
|
Summary Statement:
Try these tips to create your own resume, whether it is a creative spot or not. Good luck!
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