3. Resume Tips
For designers, resumes are secondary to portfolios. They’re used to confirm years and relevancy of experience so make sure that info is accurate. If a manager is impressed by your work the resume will be used to double-check background for anything odd or unusual, good or bad. If they’re on the fence, then you’ll really have to have the right skills/tools that have been used in a professional environment.
Endeavor to provide redundant information that helps to confirm your skills and experience. More specifically, link your skills and projects/experience.
Sample:
Name
Contact info
(omit objectives: they usually are fluffy and if your objective is not what the manager is after, it could do more damage than good)
Skills /Tools
In a list (tables can be problematic for online submissions), show what current tools and skills you have in your toolbox. Consider rating yourself on them. Also make sure that these skills are all present in the Experience or Project section that follows. The basic idea is that a manager sees something he/she likes and then looks for where you used in in the real world.
Projects/Experience
If you’re a little lite on real world experience or it doesn’t necessarily relate to the field your applying to, then go with projects. It allows you to showcase the skills/tools listed above. Make sure you accurately describe your roles; where you start and stop so managers get a good idea of what they can count on when you show up. If you’re got more relevant work experence, format it the traditional way but still connect your descriptions to the skills/tools listed at the top of the resume.
Experience
If you chose to list projects above, then just bullet point your experience
Education
Unless you went to a top-tier institution, put the education down here.
