Award-winning architect Norman Foster once said, “As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.” This poetically articulates the mastery that the world’s best architects rely on to design the buildings and other structures that surround us.

If you’re looking to make your own mark in the industry and keep working your way up, you should take comfort in the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of architects will grow by 8 percent from 2018 to 2028.

But don’t let this positive projection make you complacent in your job search! Architecture is still one of the most competitive industries to progress in, particularly at more prestigious architecture firms.

What’s more, the truth of the matter is that many - if not most - architects aren’t engaged in the types of projects they dream about. Instead of designing the next Petronas Towers or The Shard, they’re working on uninspiring constructions that won’t be featured in ArchDaily anytime soon.

If this sounds eerily familiar, it’s time to get working on your resume. Once you have a strong architect resume to apply with, your chances of getting your dream job will increase tenfold. To help you put together one recruiters will rush to read, we’ve outlined the most important guidelines and expert tips to keep in mind.

In this architect resume guide, you’ll discover:

• What constitutes a great architect resume
• How to correctly showcase your educational background
• Which skills you need to highlight (including examples from real-life job ads)
• Expert tips for making your achievements shine
• A speedy way to make an incredible architect resume

1. Multiple Template Examples

2. How to Write an Architect Resume That Will Land You the Job

How to format it

Ensuring your resume features the optimal resume format is as crucial as perfecting the words within it. Just like you wouldn’t present a client with a messy mockup of your latest building - you also shouldn’t present recruiters with a resume that’s all over the place.

Without a doubt, a reverse chronological format is the best format for your architect resume. The reason we suggest using this format is because it highlights all of the work you’ve put in to get to where you are today. When a recruiter sees your resume, they’ll be able to immediately see all of the tremendous strides you’ve made in your career. This will, in turn, help them envision you making even more strides in the role they’re hiring for.

It’s also crucial to keep some resume layout rules in mind. We’ve shared the most fundamental ones for an architect resume below:

• • Number of Pages: Your resume must only be one page. 
  • Fonts to Use: Any that can easily be read at first glance, such as Constantia and
  • Corbel.
  • Fonts to Avoid: Any that may be misinterpreted due to how intricate they are, such as Zaphino and French Script.
  • Margins: 1 inch on all sides.

• Line Spacing: 1 or 1.15.

• Header size: 14-16 point size.
• Text size: 11-12 point size

What makes a great architect resume?

While many candidates settle on creating a resume that’s ‘good enough,’ you need to set a higher standard for your own one if you want to snag your dream job.

If you’re wondering what makes a great architect resume, it boils down to two defining features: being well-formatted and well-written. In other words, the best resumes boast both looks and substance. By following our formatting recommendations above, and the expert tips we’ve shared throughout this guide, you’ll be able to create a resume that truly impresses.

That being said, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What makes a great architect resume?” After all, every recruiter’s interpretation of a “great” resume is different. No two jobs nor recruiters are the same, so you’ll be shooting yourself in the foot by applying with the same resume to multiple jobs.

So there is one more feature you need to keep in mind in order to make a great architect resume: customization. As we discuss more extensively further below, targeting your resume for each application by customizing the contents of it will ensure that you address the specific criteria a recruiter is after.

How to give recruiters what they’re looking for

Recruiters are looking for architects that have an ideal blend of educational qualifications, soft and hard skills, and professional experiences. You can give them what they’re looking for by highlighting relevant and eye-catching information about each of these attributes in your resume.

Remember, your resume is like a blueprint for why you’re the perfect candidate. So in order to convince them of this fact, you’ll need to ensure your resume provides a proper outline as well as evidence of your suitability for the role at hand. 

How to prepare for a job interview as an architect

No matter how many times you’ve done them, job interviews are always a very intimidating experience. As you may know from experience, the more prepared you are, the better your chances will be for passing it. 

Careful preparation will allow you to both calm your nerves and ensure you’re ready to answer even the most trickiest of interview questions. If you really want to ace your interview, consider the following 5 expert tips:

• Practice answering standard interview questions: Do yourself a favor and practice answering common architect interview questions in the weeks and days leading up to your interview. There are countless resources online that provide questions to practice with, such as this one from The Architect’s Guide.

• Re-familiarize yourself with the job ad: Chances are that quite a bit of time has passed since you applied and you received the good news about your interview. That’s why it’s vital to re-familiarize yourself with the job ad. It provides the biggest hints as to what the recruiter is looking for and will ask you about, so it’s bound to help you in your pre-interview preparations.

• Conduct a deep dive research into the company: In addition to asking you about your professional experiences, it’s almost a guarantee the interviewer will quiz you about their company. It’s therefore essential to research some key stats about the company. Some common questions they may ask could relate to when the company was established, who their clients are, what their most notable achievements are, what their company goals are, who is on the executive team, and so on.

1. Practice nerve-calming techniques: Pre-interview jitters get the best of all of us.  Fortunately, there are plenty of simple anxiety-reducing breathing techniques and meditations that you can practice that will help you refocus and give you the best chance of succeeding.

1. Plan your trip in advance: Don’t leave working out your travel route to the last minute. Plan how you’ll get to the interview and factor in the chance of delays and other complications. While you should only head into the reception area 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment, aim to arrive at your destination at least 30 minutes before.

How to highlight your most important achievements

If there’s one thing your resume should do, it’s make your achievements shine like the Eiffel Tower at night. So what’s the best way to highlight your most important achievements on your resume? We’ve created a 3-step guide that we suggest you follow:

• Work out which achievements you should include in the first place: Don’t make the mistake of featuring your proudest achievements. You need to select achievements a recruiter would find eye-grabbing. To do this, scan the job ad for keywords that reveal what a recruiter is looking for from their ideal candidate. Create a list of these keywords.

• Match up your achievements with the keywords: Consult the list of keywords. Ask yourself, “Which ones relate to my work experiences in my current and previous roles?” Mark the keywords that apply to your achievements.

• Write out each achievement with the relevant keyword included: Now you can flesh out your achievements, based on each relevant keyword it relates to. It’s important to incorporate the keyword as naturally as possible into your achievement. That means that if it sounds like you jammed the keyword into your achievement, you’ll need to rewrite it until it flows.
  
  You should aim to make your achievement sound as impressive as possible by not only stating what the achievement is, but also the positive effect it had on the given company.

For example, if you’re targeting the keyword “prepare design proposals,” your achievement should look something like this:

• Regularly prepare design proposals based on client’s goals, aesthetic, and budget, resulting in a 400% increase in client onboardings since I joined.

This achievement does everything our 3-step guide outlines. It effectively focuses the achievement around the keyword and naturally incorporates it in. Moreover, it sounds impressive, because the candidate states both: what the achievement is (“Regularly prepare design proposals based on client’s goals, aesthetic, and budget”) and how it had a positive impact on the company (“...a 400% increase in client onboardings since I joined”). These two features make for a winning achievement in our books! 

Which soft and hard skills should you mention and how to do it correctly?

The skills you choose to highlight in your resume can make or break your application. If you don’t feature the skills a recruiter is prioritizing, your application will come to a crashing halt.

In order to pinpoint what these skills are, you need to take another look at the keywords the recruiter has included in the job ad. Focus on finding keywords related to the skills an architect will need to excel in the role.

You will quickly notice that architect skills can be split into two types: soft and hard skills.

1. Soft skills 

Soft skills describe any interpersonal skills that rely on a candidate’s people skills, communication skills, or other non-tangible abilities.

Below are some examples of top soft skills architects need to have that we’ve taken from real-life job ads:

• Presentation skills
• Oral communication skills 
• Written communication skills
• Ability to develop client relations
• Motivation
• Ability to be self directed
• Proactiveness
• Collaborative working skills
• Analytical thinking 
• Attention to detail

2. Hard skills 

Hard skills describe any technical skills candidates should have that are practical and measurable.

Below are some examples of top hard skills architects need to have that we’ve taken from real-life job ads:

• SketchUp proficiency
• ArchiCAD Essential proficiency
• Revit proficiency
• AutoCAD proficiency
• Architectural rendering
• Understanding of construction documentation
• Preparing design proposals 
• Producing detailed drawings
• Negotiating with contractors

So how do you correctly include your hard and soft skills in your resume? Firstly, you should pick 6 to 8 of them to star in a special “Skills” section on your resume. Be sure to list them rather than write them out in sentence form. You should also mention the most relevant skills you offer throughout your achievements section. It’s also advisable to include a few in your resume objective or summary as well.

Pro tip: Try your best to use the same wording the recruiter has used for each keyword, as doing so will help your resume get past Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is a recruitment tool that analyzes if your resume should get the tick of approval, based on whether it includes certain keywords. That being said, your resume should also make sense to humans, so it’s best to modify the wording, if it doesn’t make sense to keep it as-is. 

How to list your education correctly

Architects are some of the most highly educated professionals around. As the Bureau of Statistics states, the typical first step you must take to become an architect is to graduate from a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture. You can then choose to go on to a master’s degree, which can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to complete.

In order to list your education correctly on your resume, you must create an “Education” section.

You should ensure you avoid sharing too many details about your studies or writing in complete sentences, like this candidate did:

Education

• I have a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas and am currently completing my Master of Design Studies at the same university. I am completing my Master’s degree so I can one day secure a leadership position in an architecture firm.

Instead, provide a list of your degree/s in reverse-chronological order (i.e. starting at your current or most recent degree). Only include key details such as: 

• The degree name
• The name of the educational institution
• The years you were/are studying

Let’s now rewrite the above candidate’s education using this format:

Education

• 2020 - Present  Master of Design Studies, University of Arkansas
• 2014 - 2019  Bachelor of Architecture, University of Arkansas

See how much cleaner and sharper that formatting looks? If the candidate still wants to mention their leadership aspirations, they can mention them in their resume objective instead.

How to write a resume objective or summary and examples of both

A resume objective or resume summary should eloquently communicate to a recruiter in 2 to 4 sentences why they should see you as a serious contender for the job. Both of these sections have the potential to significantly transform a recruiter’s impression of you.

But it’s only necessary to include one of them in your resume. If you’re an entry-level candidate, a resume objective will best serve your needs, whereas experience architects should opt for a resume summary. Keep reading to discover how to expertly craft each one to perfection:

Resume objective

As an entry-level candidate, it can feel like your lack of experience will always be a constant barrier standing in your way. Rest assured that this won’t be the case for long if you can write a convincing resume objective.

In order to do so, you’ll need to ensure that you don’t make some common writing pitfalls like the following candidate did:

• Aspiring architect who’s currently studying architecture in college. I’ve only completed one internship, but I’m looking to gain some proper paid work experience at Woods & Johns Architecture Studio.

This candidate’s resume objective is undesirable for a number of reasons. First of all, they haven't provided any insightful details about themselves. This would make it difficult for a recruiter to form a connection with them.

What’s more, they emphasize their inexperience and the fact that they’re after a paid position. These points are both unnecessary to explicitly mention because not only is it already understood that entry-level candidates lack professional experience, but it’s also extremely taboo to bring up the topic of salary in your resume. One final mistake the candidate makes is that they’ve focused on their own needs instead of those of Woods & Johns Architecture Studio.

Let’s now look at an example of a well-written resume objective:

• Aspiring architect who’s currently studying a Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University (3.6 GPA). After completing a 6-month internship at Prism Architectures where I received a glowing letter of recommendation from the managing director (attached), I am now seeking to apply my enthusiasm for architecture as well as my superior sketching skills to Woods & Johns Architecture Studio. 

This candidate’s resume objective is 100 times better than that of the previous candidate. They’ve provided a detailed, but not overly-wordy overview of themselves and why they’re an excellent candidate for the position.

Moreover, they’ve expertly addressed the qualities the recruiter is looking for in their ideal candidate by highlighting their education, internship experience, relevant hard and soft skills, and enthusiasm. As if that wasn’t already impressive enough, they seamlessly conveyed what an asset they would be if they were hired by Woods & Johns Architecture Studio by mentioning the letter of recommendation they received.

Resume summary

Once you’ve been working for a couple of years as an architect you should switch to using a resume summary. The reason being that a resume summary will help you keep progressing in your career by making it clear to a recruiter how you’ll smoothly transition into the position they’re hiring for.

Given how important a resume summary is, you should work on it so it doesn’t read as poorly as this candidate’s summary does:

• Experienced architect currently working at a good architecture firm wants a full-time position at Mirage Architects. I aim to learn everything I can from all of the talented architects there so I can one day head my very own architecture firm.

As far as the recruiter is concerned, this candidate’s resume objective is completely forgettable as it would just blend in with those of most other candidates. That’s because they failed to provide any specific and relevant details that are unique and eye-catching.

Another mistake the candidate made is that they framed the opportunity to work at Mirage Architects as just another step towards their ultimate goal - heading up their own architecture firm. While it’s fine to mention career goals, they should always be connected to the company you’re applying for.

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s see what a fantastic resume summary looks like:

• Architect with 5 years of experience currently working in one of the country’s top architecture firms is seeking a full-time position at Mirage Architects. I aim to use my 

out of the box thinking and problem solving strategies as well as my award-winning 3D design skills to attract new high-profile clients to the company. 

If you can put as much effort into writing your resume summary as this candidate did, you can expect to receive a lot of job offers. The reason this candidate’s resume summary would strike a chord with the recruiter is because it really sells their suitability for the job. They convey that they can offer exactly what the recruiter is after: strong work experience, useful hard and soft skills, and drive.

The candidate has even mentioned that they won awards for their work, which would certainly spark a recruiter’s interest in them. Last but not least, the candidate makes it clear how they aim to use their skills and experiences to make a positive contribution to Mirage Architects. There isn’t any more that a recruiter could ask for in a resume summary!

How to target your resume for each application

If there’s one task every recruiter for architects has on their resume checklist - it’s to ascertain whether a candidate has targeted their resume for the application. Recruiters don’t want to just hire highly-skilled architects who would be happy to work anywhere - they want to hire highly-skilled architects who are determined to work at their company.

The easiest way to show your eagerness to work in a particular role as well as your suitability to excel in it is to target your resume for each application. Yes, that means that you can no longer send the same resume to every architecture firm!

You need to get into the habit of modifying your resume each time you apply for a new job. This will ensure your resume addresses the specific criteria that each unique firm is looking for. As we previously discussed, it all comes down to naturally incorporating the keywords the recruiter has used in a job ad throughout relevant sections of your resume.

The strategy of using keywords from a job ad to select the most relevant skills and achievements to feature in your resume is the most effective way you can target your resume for each application. If you follow this strategy, you’ll be able to make it crystal clear to the recruiter that you represent everything they’ve been searching for.

How to make your resume stand out

You’ll be happy to learn that making your resume stand out isn’t nearly as complex as the design configurations for the Burj Khalifa. All it requires you to do is go the extra mile to catch a recruiter’s eye. If you want to learn how to do this, follow our top recommendations below:

• Skip gaudy resume templates: It can be tempting to use a flashy resume template with different colors, funky fonts, and eye-catching patterns to get a recruiter’s attention. After all, you want to show off your eye for design, right? Keep in mind that if your resume has too many design features, it will both distract the recruiter and cause the ATS difficulties when rendering your resume. Your best bet is to stick to using a simple but professional-looking resume template.

• Include a link to your portfolio: Your architect portfolio showcases your very best work. So it makes sense to link to it in your resume. Doing so will give recruiters the opportunity to see your skills, design approach, and talent with their very own eyes. You can add a link to your professional website, profile on your current company’s page, and/or your Behance portfolio in the “Contact Information” section of your resume. And what should you do if you don’t yet have an online portfolio? We suggest you get working on it!

• Look for opportunities to upskill: It may mean it’s time for you to upskill if you’re gunning for a particular job, but fall short of what the recruiter is looking for. After all, the only way to gain the skills you lack is to start developing them. Consider asking for extra training in your current workplace, enrolling in an online course, or getting your masters. Remember, the more skills you have at your disposal, the more you’ll be able to match recruiters’ expectations.

3. How to Make a Professional Resume in Just Minutes Using Resumebuild.com’s Resume Builder Tool 

We know that you can accurately sketch a building you just saw with your eyes closed. But how do you think you’d fare following our resume guide above? 

We’ve tried to explain all of the tips, tricks, and steps for making a stunning architect resume as clearly as possible. But at the end of the day, making a resume by yourself is a laborious task. Moreover, even if you try your best to follow our guide to a tee, your resume may still fall flat.

That’s why we want to share an alternative method that’s guaranteed to help you achieve far better results. Introducing Resumebuild.com’s resume builder tool. We designed this online resume builder to help job seekers like yourself to speedily create an attractive architect resume that recruiters will be desperate to read.

Forget about wasting time remembering all of our expert tips or worrying that you’ve broken this or that rule. Our resume builder is designed to guide you through all the steps you need to take to craft an ideal resume.

You’ll find it a breeze to input the information needed to complete each resume section. If you’re stuck for ideas about what to include or how to word certain sections, our pre-written examples will help you out. Ready to begin right away? Get started at Resumebuild.com.

Getting an interior design resume right is about as hard as the toughest client. You’ve got to get the design absolutely perfect, that goes without saying. But you also need to show the artistic side of your work alongside proof that can work with clients, stay on budget, and finish on time.

It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s possible.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to strike the perfect balance between artistic genius and hard-nosed manager. Read through to the end and you’ll have what it takes to get the commission of a lifetime.

This guide will show you

• Inspirational resume templates to get your creative juices flowing
• How to get your resume past ATS
• How to optimize your resume for the person hiring you
• How an interior designer resume should be formatted
• The proper length for your resume
• Which sections you should consider including
• How to prepare for a job interview
• How to list training and certifications
• Which skills you should include (and how to make them more effective)
• How to list your achievements
• Whether to add an objective or summary (with examples of each)
• What you should do if you have little or no interior design experience
• How to make your resume stand out
• Why a resume builder is a key to success

This is going to be like a major home refresh, so let’s start your resume the same way you’d start any design, by looking at examples.

Resume Template Examples Worthy of an Interior Designer

As an interior designer, you’ve probably created more mood boards than you can count. But chances are - you’ve never approached your resume this way. But as we’ll explain throughout this guide, the key to getting hired is treating your application process the way you’d treat a commission.

That’s why we’re beginning with some expertly-crafted interior design resume template examples. Have a look at them and jot down what you like and don’t (not just about the design, but the content as well).

[Examples]

How to write an interior designer resume that will get you through the door

Now that you’ve got some notes about the design and content you’d like for your resume, let’s get down to business. As mentioned, you need to treat this like a commission and that means studying the client to understand their needs, taste, etc.

After all, you wouldn’t redecorate a home without knowing anything about the people who live there. So how can you create a resume without thinking about who will read it?

Who’s going to read your resume?

There are actually two audiences you need to keep in mind. Crafting an interior designer resume that gets you hired is all about understanding and optimizing for them. So let’s review who they are.

How and why your resume should be ATS-optimized

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. These are software algorithms that use artificial intelligence to scan your resume for key information. The idea is to quickly scan large numbers of resumes in order to get rid of the worst ones and to save a human the time.

As an interior designer, your resume is less likely to meet ATS, because they’re used more by larger companies. That said, even many small companies use them so you can never be 100% sure. That’s why even if your clients are usually individuals or small firms, it still pays to ensure your resume is ATS-ready. Here’s what that means:

1. Making sure you’re using the right format. ATS are designed to read .pdf, .doc, and .docx files. Sending anything else pretty much guarantees your resume will be rejected. That said, not all .pdfs are created equally.
2. Make sure your file’s design is ATS-friendly. As a designer, you may be tempted to create a stunning custom resume in a program like Illustrator. However, even if you can save that as a text rich .pdf file, most ATS are going to have a hard time reading it. That significantly increases the odds your resume gets rejected before a human ever sees that stunning design you created. That’s why it’s best to stick to an ATS-friendly resume builder (more on that below).
3. Makes your resume extra easy to scan by matching job ad requirements. ATS use what’s called natural language processing to understand the text on your resume. But this technology is far from perfect and works a bit differently on each of the dozens of ATS tools out there. That’s why you should make it easy by phrasing your skills and experiences as closely to the way they’re written as possible.

Treating the recruiter like a client

Whether your resume will meet an ATS or not, there’s always going to be a person on the other end, who will decide whether to hire you. In this scenario, they’re your client. Their opinion is everything so ignore them at your peril.

One key difference between this client and most others is that you can’t simply ask them what they want. So you’ll need to do a bit of research. Try and gather as much information as you can about the company or client so you can have a grasp of their aesthetic and requirements.

Of course your best source of this information will always be the job ad itself. Treat it like a brief. Your resume should function like a targeted proposal designed to perfectly meet the requirements of the “brief.”

Also consider the fact that the person who reads your resume is just a person. They probably have a lot of resumes to consider and it’s in your interest to make that job easy for them. So make sure your writing is clear (having a friend review it helps) so reading your resume isn’t a chore. If they need to read one sentence three times to understand what you meant, they’re going to get annoyed with you fairly quickly. But you should also consider sticking to a clean design that doesn’t distract from the content. In general, you want to save your design work for your portfolio and keep your resume more straightforward.

The last thing to note here is also that the person reading your resume is probably just as concerned with things other than your interior design style. They will want to know whether you are easy to work with, can finish a project on-time, and can stay within budget. Be sure to include plenty of information about these topics in your resume.

How should you format your resume?

Once you’ve researched your “client” and have some idea about how you want to approach your resume, you need to decide on the format. The first rule of thumb is to make your experience reverse chronological. Your prospective employer doesn’t want to be taken on a journey through your artistic development from your first commission. From their perspective, your most recent work is the most important.

On that note, the other main rule to follow is to put the most important information towards the top. In many cases the person reviewing your resume won’t even read all the way to the bottom. So putting something important down there is a recipe for disaster. So remember: recent and important goes at the top.

How long should your resume be?

Another thing every interior designer crafting a resume has to consider is length. Once again the key is to put yourself in the shoes of the person reviewing your resume. Obviously in most cases they would prefer not to spend the time reviewing several pages. So, if possible, try and limit your resume to a single page (after all, you’re probably including a portfolio that will provide a lot more information about your work).

That said, there are cases when more than one page is warranted. The rule of thumb is that all the information included on your resume should be valuable. You don’t want your resume to be like a room overstuffed with knickknacks and clutter, so don’t overstuff your resume with information that won’t be useful to the reader.

One trick to do this is to look at each piece of information and ask yourself whether it adds value to your resume. If it’s not making your resume better, it’s making it worse and should be removed.

What are the most important sections to include?

For interior designers, these are the sections you’ll want to consider. Just don’t be tempted to include them all, choose the ones which add value to your resume.

• A resume summary or objective
• Work experience
• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certifications or training
• Education
• Languages
• Volunteering
• Design styles or inspiration

How to list additional training and certifications as an interior designer

Too many interior designers make the mistake of thinking that their designs alone will bring them work. But clients want more than just good design. They want to feel confident you have the skills to deliver on a project. One of the best ways to demonstrate that (especially if you don’t already have years of practical experience to show off) is with training and certifications.

To list a certification or training, just write the name, followed by the organization granting it and the year you obtained it. It should look like this:

Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), National Association of the Remodeling Industry, 2009

The best certifications to include on an interior designer resume

• Lighting certifications like Lighting Associate (LA), Lighting Specialist (LS), Certified Lighting Manufacturers Representative (CLMR), and Certified Lighting Consultant (CLC)
• Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
• International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C)
• National Association of Homebuilders Certifications like Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), Certified Green Professional™ (CGP), or Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR)
• National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) certifications like Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Master Certified Remodeler (MCR), Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC), Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM), or Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP)
• National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
• National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) certifications like an Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer® (CKD), Certified Bath Designer® (CBD), Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD), and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD)

Which skills should you mention on your resume?

The best skills to include will always be the ones called for in the job ad. This makes it more likely your resume will get past ATS and easier for the person reviewing it to see that you’ve got the skills for the position.

That said, there are still skills that are generally in-demand for interior designers. Let’s go through some of the best ones.

Hard skills to include

• CAD and AutoCAD
• Adobe Suite
• Sewing
• Custom furniture construction
• Technical drawing
• 3D Studio Max
• InDesign
• Sketchup
• Lighting
• Photography
• Color Theory
• Budgeting
• ADA Standards

Soft skills to include

• Vender negotiation
• Detail-oriented
• Time-management
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Working under deadline

How to back up your skills with examples

Listing a skill is great, but a resume which demonstrates you have it is going to be far more impactful. Obviously a certification is perfect for this, but not every skill has an accompanying certification (and there are only so many hours in a day). In these cases, providing examples is the best way to go.

When giving these examples, be as specific as possible. These examples can be within a skills section, achievements section, or in your work history.

For example:

“Managed a large home remodeling project.”

A vague example like this doesn’t tell the reader very much. Compare that to how the same experience is written here:

“Successfully managed a full remodel of a 4 bedroom single family home within the allotted 9 months and 12% under budget.”

That example demonstrates the kind of attention to detail expected from a great interior designer.

How to highlight your most important achievements

It’s possible that many of your interior design achievements didn’t happen as part of a regular job. One-off projects and achievements can be put in their own section. Here you can include examples which show that you have the skills you’ve listed and can get the job done.

Here’s what that shouldn’t look like:

“Remodeled offices for ABC Software”

How many offices did you remodel? How did it go? What kind of offices were they? This “achievement” falls flat, because it creates more questions than it answers. Let’s see that written in a better way:

“Advised on an open-office remodeling project for ABC Software. The client then decided to hire me to remodel and redesign their other 3 offices as well.”

Now this reads like a real accomplishment. It tells the reader what you accomplished and what the reaction was. The specifics also make it clear that you’re able to handle a lot of responsibility in addition to doing great design work.

How to write a resume objective or summary

Clear communication is a must for an interior designer. You need to show that you know how to convey information well so your potential client or employer won’t be left in the dark about project details. One way to do that is with a resume objective or summary. But what’s the difference?

In short, a resume objective is a single sentence designed to communicate who you are and what you’re aiming to achieve with this application. It should be packed with useful information and frame the rest of the resume.

A summary, on the other hand, is more like a short paragraph and should be used if you need to explain something like a career change, a gap in your work history, etc. If you’re submitting a cover letter, you can put that information there, but if you need to explain something in more detail and don’t have a cover letter, a summary is ideal.

Interior designer resume objective examples

“I’m a highly recommended interior designer who’s great at getting clients what they want.”

This objective makes a few mistakes. First, it speaks in the first person, which resumes shouldn’t do. Then, it comes across as bragging, while not offering any specifics. Overall, a hiring manager would read this and conclude you’re full of hot air and not substance.

“CIDA certified Interior designer with 7 years experience specializing in modern scandanavian inspired offices, looking to redesign Pinnacle ADC’s office.”

While this example is on the long-side for an objective, it makes up for that by being full of useful information. Right away it tells you that this is a seasoned professional with a specific specialization and that they’ve customized this resume for a single project.

Interior designer resume summary examples

“I’ve loved interior design since I was young. I was always re-designing my bedrooms and helping friends do the same. Now, after working as an antique dealer for 10 years I’ve decided to change careers.”

While explaining a career change is a great way to use a resume summary, this example goes about it in the wrong way. It has too many irrelevant details. A prospective client doesn’t care about what you did as a kid. Let’s see what that person’s resume summary should have looked like.

“An experienced antique dealer specializing in helping customers find the perfect items for their spaces looking to take that experience and apply it towards a new career in interior design. Currently pursuing a CIDA certification and looking to gain early experience working at Elegant Designs Ltd.”

This summary still explains why you’re making a career change but stays on topic. By including the fact that you’re working towards a certification it also shows you’re serious about interior design. It also mentions the specific company, again showing that you’ve created this resume just for them.

How to write an interior designer resume when you have little or no experience

Whether you’re a young person just getting into the industry or someone looking to change careers, showing you have what it takes to be an interior designer with little or no experience is tricky. You’re not going to be managing a large project upfront, so focus on demonstrating a few key skills that will get you in the door.

This could be something practical like furniture or textile creation experience or drawing skills. Either way, consider how your experience can fit into the role or project you’re applying towards. Then, use the techniques outlined above to show that you have the key skills necessary.

For example, you can show that you’re good at working on deadlines and within budgets without any interior design experience. Just be upfront about what abilities and experience you have so you don’t end up with a project you’re not ready for.

How to make your resume stand out

To summarize much of what we’ve already discussed, a great interior designer resume doesn’t stand out with its design. It stands out with its content. You don’t need (or really want) a flashy or colorful resume that screams “look at me.”

Instead, if you focus on clearly showing that you have the specific skills and experience to do a fantastic job on time and on budget, you’re far more likely to get hired. After all, most of the people hiring you won’t be passionate designers, they’ll be practical managers or homeowners. They want great design but they also want to hire a designer they can work with.

How to prepare for a job interview as an interior designer

Nailing a job interview as an interior designer is all about reading your audience. Some prospective clients will want you to be bold and expressive, while others will focus more on whether you can execute their vision. Some will focus on the design, while others will be more concerned with the practicalities: budget, timeline etc.

If you’re going to get hired, you need to be ready for whichever one of these scenarios comes your way. Obviously the research you did to create and customize your resume will come in handy here. But you should still be ready to adjust to what the client wants.

When you’re in the actual interview, remember to use active listening. Clients and hiring managers need to see that you can take feedback and instructions well. No one wants to hire an interior designer who’s going to be a primadonna and refuse to compromise, so strike a balance between sharing your own vision and adapting to the client’s.

How Resumebuild.com resume builder tool could be utilized for an easy resume setup

Just because you’re an amazing interior designer doesn’t necessarily mean you should be designing your own resume. As mentioned, your focus should be on the content. That’s why even designers should use resume builders.

They offer a way to ensure you have a clean and modern design which is ATS-friendly. You can take the time you save by not having to do all that yourself and use it to polish your rersume’s content or apply to more positions.

A great resume builder also makes it easy to keep track of custom resumes for each position you’re applying towards. Ultimately, as an interior designer you’ve got more than enough things to worry about. Use Resumebuild.com to make sure a great resume isn’t one of them.

As a video editor, you know the most effective way to show off your skills is by showing instead of telling. While you’ll still need to submit a resume to the jobs you want, you can still use that principle to beat out the competition and get the job.

Your resume needs to show that you’re deliberate, know how to edit together content to tell a story, and that you’ve got great attention to detail. In other words, you need to take all of your video editing skills and throw them into crafting your resume. We know, you edit video, but don’t worry because this guide will take you through everything you need to do step by step.

What this guide will show you:

• Video editor resume examples to get you inspired
• How to get past ATS
• What recruiters will look for in your resume
• The best format for a video editor resume including length and sections to include
• How to list your education
• Why and how to include certifications
• How to highlight your achievements
• The trick to starting with a great objective or summary
• What to do if you don’t have much experience
• Tricks for getting past the interview

Video editor resume template examples

You’ve probably got a favorite film, or scene that you’ve seen a hundred times. Getting inspired by others’ work is a great way to kick off your own project. That’s why we always recommend starting off by checking out some resume template examples to see how others have done it.

These top video editor resume examples can give you an idea of what to shoot for. Try looking them over and creating a list of the elements you like and the ones you don’t so you have something to start off your own resume.

[Examples]

How to write a job-winning video editor resume

Any time you edit a video you’re thinking about the audience, both the client and the people who will eventually see the video. Your resume also has two key audiences you need to always be thinking about when you create your resume. Despite what you may think, the first audience is actually an algorithm.

Why you need to consider ATS when applying

Unless you will only be using your resume to apply to small video editing jobs for tiny companies or individuals, you need to start your resume creation process by thinking about ATS. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are AI-driven algorithms designed to scan and sort large numbers of resumes quickly. For companies that might get hundreds of applications to a single job post, they’ve become essential tools.

If you’re anything other than 100% sure the places you’re applying to aren’t using ATS, you need to be prepared for it. Not just a few, but most otherwise qualified applicants are mistakenly rejected by ATS, meaning if you’re submitting a resume that’s not optimized for it you’ve got little chance of it ever reaching an actual human being. But before you panic, don’t worry because there are three simple steps you need to follow to be ready for ATS.

1. Ensure your resume is in the right file format. This one is easy, you wouldn’t submit a project as an .rmvb file so don’t submit your resume in some strange file format. Stick to .doc, .docx, or .pdf as nearly all ATS are designed to work best with these formats.
2. Use a resume builder to ensure your files are ATS-friendly. If you’ve ever received a broken video file, you have a sense of why this is important. Just because a file is in the right format doesn’t mean the data in it isn’t a total mess. The way the data is structured makes a huge difference in how easily ATS can read it. The easiest way to be certain your files are right for ATS is to use a resume builder specifically designed to do this.
3. Be smart about how you use keywords. The basic way ATS function is by taking a list of skills and experience requirements and trying to determine whether your resume has enough to make the cut. The problem comes with phrasing, you might have the required skill or experience but the ATS can’t figure that out because it doesn’t understand how you worded it. That’s why you should phrase your skills and experience as closely to how they’re written in the job ad as possible. This will give you the best chance of making it through.

How to appeal to recruiters

Once your resume gets past ATS (or doesn’t if it’s not being used) it needs to convince a recruiter that you’re the video editor for the job. The trick to do that is empathy and careful preparation. The empathy is what you should use to put yourself in that recruiter’s shoes. Imagine them looking at your resume after a long and stressful afternoon reviewing applications. How can you make your resume appeal to them at that moment?

The main ways you can do this are first, to have a clean and modern design that makes reading your resume easy on the eyes. Second, you should make sure your resume is tailored to that specific job so it’s easy for the recruiter to see that you meet the requirements, and lastly you should format your resume so the key information is easy to find.

How should you format your resume?

Resume formatting is like so many elements of video editing: subtle but the right people will absolutely notice if it’s not done right. If a recruiter has to struggle to find a key piece of information on your resume, you’ve failed. An annoyed recruiter is far less likely to choose to hire you, so you need to keep them happy and on your side.

But what should you do with your resume formatting to get it right? The principles are simple, put the most important information towards the top and only include information that adds value. Start with reverse chronological order, put your most recent job experience at the top (because it’s more relevant) and ask yourself what the single most important pieces of information you want a recruiter to ingest from the start. Then, make sure it’s up at the top as well (we’ll discuss doing this with an objective or summary later).

How long should a video editor resume be?

That second principle about only including information that adds value is how you should answer this question. Much like a movie, each additional scene you add gets your diminishing returns. Most viewers are not looking for a 5 hour director's cut, just like most recruiters don’t want a 4 page resume. As a general rule, aim for 1-2 pages, but just be sure everything on those pages is telling the recruiter something important.

What are the most important sections to include in your resume?

If you’re wondering which sections you should include on your resume, here are the ones every video editor should consider. Just be aware that you don’t necessarily need all of them, just the ones which emphasize your qualities best.

• Resume objective or summary
• Work experience
• Certifications
• Achievements
• Projects
• Education
• Hard skills
• Soft Skills

How to list education on a resume

The first thing to mention about including education on a video editor resume is that if it’s not related to your work then you don’t need to mention it. This connects back to the rule about only adding information that makes your resume better. If you do have a related degree, only add other details like coursework, your thesis, or your GPA if they’re relevant to the job. Here are two examples to illustrate this.

BA in Chemistry

Central Florida University

1997-2001

3.4 GPA

President of University Film Club

This example shows a degree which shouldn’t be included because it’s unrelated, it’s extremely old, and it includes details like GPA that most recruiters simply do not care about. While this person being president of the film club may seem relevant, considering that was about two decades ago, it’s no longer worth mentioning.

BA in Film Studies

UCLA

2008-2012

Thesis on the evolution of editing techniques in horror from 2000-2010

This example is both more recent and more relevant and so it’s worth including on a resume. This candidate is applying for a position editing a horror film, so mentioning their thesis was important. If they were applying for a position editing corporate videos, for example, it would not be worth mentioning.

Where and how to list additional training and certifications

There’s no getting around the fact that not many professional video editors have degrees in the field. This limits your options for demonstrating your abilities. You can and should provide examples of your work, but listing training and certifications is another way to clearly demonstrate your abilities as an editor.

They also show that you’ve gone above and beyond to make the recruiter’s job easier. Instead of saying “of course I can use After Effects, look at my work!” you’re giving them a simple and easy way to check that box and confirm what you know.

Video editing certifications and courses to consider listing

• Adobe Certified Associate - Premiere Pro
• Apple Certified Professional certification Final Cut Pro X
• Avid Certified Professional: Media Composer
• Adobe Certified Associate in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects

What are the technical and interpersonal skills needed for a video editor?

The technical skills you’ll need will generally be clearly spelled out in the job ad. So if you use Adobe products and aren’t familiar with Final Cut Pro, that’s not a job you should be applying to. The proper interpersonal skills are a bit less clear. In general, a video editor will be expected to be creative, diligent, and to work well with others. It’s a fine balance between having your own vision and refusing to compromise on something with the project manager, director, etc.

More important than knowing all the skills you’ll need for any video editing job (because they will always vary) is being able to read a job ad and figure out what skills a specific role requires. This is another reason why customizing a unique resume for each role is so important.

How to include skills on your video editor resume

As mentioned above, both ATS and recruiters will want to see that you have very specific skills to even consider your resume. But beyond simply choosing the right skills to include (and wording them correctly), including examples which demonstrate those skills in concrete ways is one method to take your resume to the next level. Let’s look at some examples to see this in action.

Experienced editing with Final Cut Pro X

This is a fairly standard way to list a hard skill and while it’s not terrible, it could be done better.

Apple Certified Professional in Final Cut Pro X with 8 years experience with the software

This version brings in a certification and a quantified experience. A recruiter or director reading this instantly has a far better sense of just how experienced you are with the software. But what about soft skills?

Team player

If the job ad specifically mentions that they’re looking to hire a team player, this is important to include for both ATS and recruiters. However, someone reading this isn’t going to instantly believe that it’s true. Let’s see how adding an example makes this skill more impactful.

Team player

-5 years experience doing collaborative editing on a 4 person team for Video Works Inc.

Now a recruiter reading this will see that if you were able to do collaborative editing for that long, you must have the ability to edit well with others. At the very least, it shows that you have a desire to demonstrate what you can do instead of simply stating you can do it (always a good candidate in a hire).

The best soft skills to include

• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Reliability
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Working well on teams
• Taking input and direction
• Time management

The best hard skills to include

• Adobe Premier
• Adobe After Effects
• Blender
• Final Cut Pro
• Adobe CS6
• Avid Media Composer
• Specific editing types like documentary, commercial, music video, etc.
• Pro Tools
• Animation

How to highlight your most important achievements

Although it’s often hard to quantify your achievements in video editing, this is a critical section where you can include all kinds of achievements to demonstrate your abilities. This could mean awards, or successfully editing a big project under a tight deadline. 

The best way to come up with ideas for achievements to mention is to begin with the skills you’ve listed. Then ask yourself which of your achievements can best back up those skills. These could be listed under the skills as in the example above or in their own achievements section. Here are two examples to demonstrate what this looks like in practice.

Improved video editing efficiency.

The issue here is that a recruiter won’t have any idea what “improved” means. Sure they might ask you about it in an interview, but with vague language like this you may not make it that far. This is why it’s always best to be specific.

Developed a new system for organizing and transcribing incoming video footage, leading to a 25% reduction in the time needed to turn raw footage into finished videos.

Adding more specifics and details to that achievement transforms it into something which sounds truly impressive. Achievements like this which demonstrate initiative and attention to detail will make your video editor resume stand out.

How to write a resume objective or summary

We mentioned above that the most effective way to start off a video editor resume is with an objective or summary, but what are these and how should you write one? Both are short bits of text which go at the top of your resume and help explain things and give context. For example, if you’re changing careers, this is a good place to mention your motivations. Information like this which doesn’t easily fit into other resume sections is ideal for an objective or summary.

The more specific difference is that a resume objective will be shorter, about a sentence, and focus on what you're aiming to achieve with this application. A resume summary can be up to a few sentences and explain a bit more if needed.

Video editor resume objective example

The key to a great resume objective is to pack a lot of useful information into just a few words.

I’m the best documentary editor in Denver with years of experience to make your project a success.

This example certainly has plenty of information, but probably not the intended kind. It’s heavy on the boasting and light on details. It sounds like this person thinks they’re too important to customize their resume for this specific job. As a result, it makes a bad first impression.

Denver video editor with 4 years TV commercial experience with Premier and After Effects looking to join the team at Experience Media.

This resume objective is written for a job asking for a video editor who’s specifically based in Denver, has experience editing commercials, and uses specific adobe software. In other words, the objective makes it immediately clear to a recruiter that this candidate fits the requirements. Then, to finish off, it shows that the candidate wrote this specifically for one job position, meaning they took the time to do it right (always a good trait in a video editor).

Video editor resume summary example

A resume summary can be a few sentences long but still needs to be concise and packed with useful information. Think of it like a trailer for your resume, showing the key highlights and making the recruiter want to read more.

Video editor who is talented at making ads perform better. Experienced in Adobe Premiere, Adobe Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro X, and After Effects. Reliable, consistent, and able to handle large workloads.

This resume summary reads too much like a list of skills. In other words, it doesn’t add anything because if the recruiter wanted to see a list of your skills, they would skip to that section.

Video editor with an obsessive focus on crafting short videos for online ads which maximize conversions. Boosted conversions from Youtube ads by 23.5% at Orion Products by setting up experiments to test 5 second openings, resulting in a better understanding of customer pain points.

In this case, the job wanted a video editor to help them boost conversions of their online ads. There was no mention of any specific software they wanted, so this wasn’t important enough to include in the summary. This company is laser focused on results, so the summary mirrors that focus.

How to write a video editor resume when you have little or no experience

If you’ve been editing videos at home for years but never had a formal job as a video editor, crafting a resume which shows your skills is extra tricky. This is when you should rely more on your certifications and achievements. Certifications show your abilities in a formal way without a job and you can list things you accomplished on your own under achievements.

Also, don’t pretend you’re more experienced than you are. You can use a summary to explain the kind of experience you have and why you think you’re ready for the role you want.

How to prepare for an interview as a video editor

1. Research the company. You should come into the interview with a sense of the company and their editing needs. Looking at their current videos, social media presence, etc. will help give you a sense of their style, culture, and what they might need from you as a video editor.
2. Based on that research, come to the interview with some questions for the interviewer.
3. Get ahead of questions you’ll likely hear by looking back through your resume with a friend and brainstorming likely questions you’ll be asked. Then, ensure you’re prepared for them by practicing.
4. Prepare some stories about your editing career and accomplishments.

What questions are likely to be asked during the interview process?

• Can you share an example of how you’ve worked on a team?
• How do you think you can improve our current videos?
• How would you improve our video editing process?
• Has there been a time when you had difficulty working with someone, what did you do?
• Can you share an example of a time when your editing substantially transformed or improved a video?
• How do you work under pressure, do you have an example of this?
• What are you looking for in an employer?
• What made you choose to become a video editor?

How to make your resume stand out

The best way for your video editor resume to stand out is for it to match the job. One company might be looking for someone to edit big, bold, and flashy videos while another might want more subtle product demo videos or something similar. Those two companies want very different things from an editor, so they should get very different resumes to reflect that. Your goal is for a recruiter to look at your resume and think “this person seems perfect.” 

But, like with any video editing job, you need the right tools to accomplish this.

Why you should be using a resume builder

You need a video editor resume with elegant, modern design, ATS-friendly formatting, and tools to make it easy to create many customized resumes for different positions. That’s why you need a resume builder. These tools are designed with job-seekers like you in mind, streamlining many of the trickier and more time-consuming elements of creating a great resume so you can apply to more jobs and get hired faster.

Resumebuild.com offers all of this and more. It’s got expert curated video editor resume templates and examples to get you started and powerful tools to carry you through the entire process. You wouldn’t edit your masterpiece on iMovie, so don’t leave something as important as your resume to whatever word-processing software you have lying around.

Banks expect a lot from their tellers. You need to be trusted with thousands of dollars, but just as importantly, you’re trusted to represent the bank. Your resume needs to walk a fine balance between accounting skills and people skills, all while showing unimpeachable character.

How on earth can one resume do all that?

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the entire process. There are a few crucial tricks that will make all the difference when that bank hiring manager picks up your resume. From forming a strong first impression to choosing the perfect skills, we’ve got everything you need to land a bank teller job today.

This guide will show you:

• Bank teller resume templates to get you inspired
• How to optimize your resume for ATS
• How to read a job ad and craft your resume around it
• What it takes to appeal to a hiring manager
• What formatting is best for a bank teller resume
• How long a bank teller resume should be
• Which sections you might want to include
• How to add certifications and which ones make the difference
• Which hard and soft skills you should include and how to back them up with examples
• How to highlight your achievements
• How to write an objective or summary
• How to write a bank teller resume with limited or no experience
• And much more!

Bank teller resume template examples

Most of us don’t create a new resume very often so it can be intimidating. There’s a lot to get right and a new job on the line. That’s why we find the best way to start is with some template examples.

Have a look and notice how these bank teller resumes might look different than what you’re used to. That’s because the era of the dull black and white Word doc resume is over. You need a resume that shows you put in the effort. Good design and careful attention to the content will do just that.

As you look through these examples, begin building a list of what elements you’d like to use for your own resume. With that list, you won’t be starting with just a blank slate.

[Examples]

How to write an eye-catching bank teller resume

The real question here is, do you want an eye-catching bank teller resume? The reason to ask that is that not all bank hiring managers are looking for “eye-catching” when hiring a bank teller. Where you do want to make a strong impression is with all the little details that add up to an excellent bank teller resume: the achievements, certifications, and design.

Or, put another way, creating an eye-catching resume begins with understanding who’s eyes you want to catch.

Who will read your resume?

If your best friend came up to a teller window, you wouldn’t interact with them the same way you would the president of the bank right? That’s because the audience matters for everything we do. So to create an effective bank teller resume, you have to begin by understanding the audience your resume needs to appeal to.

Optimizing your resume for ATS

Ironically, your resume’s first audience likely isn’t a who at all. It will be a “what.” That’s because the vast majority of larger companies (including banks) use ATS to screen initial applicants. ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, it’s artificial intelligence driven software that scans resumes for keywords and information before sending them to a human to review further or rejecting them.

Sending your resume around without thinking about ATS is like sending your resume via pneumatic tube (okay, maybe a bad example for bank tellers, but you get the point). The likelihood your resume will never be seen by human eyes goes way up when you don’t consider ATS. So what should you be doing? Let’s break it down:

1. Use the right format. If your partner is a designer and creates an amazing looking custom resume for you and you submit it as a .webp image file, it’s likely going straight into the digital trash can. While there are dozens of ATS out there and each one is a bit different, they’re generally designed to only read .doc, .docx, and .pdf files. So stick to these formats..
2. Make sure your files are ATS-friendly. That said, not all .pdfs are created equal. The way the data is structured within the file is also tremendously important. If you’ve ever tried to copy paste some text with many columns and special sections into a Word document, you have some idea why this is a challenge. The best way to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly is to use a great resume builder (more on that later).
3. Reflect what’s in the job ad. As mentioned, the function of ATS is to scan for specific information. It wants to know whether you’ve got the skills and experience to warrant a human looking over your resume. So, if the job ad asks for “ledger balancing” and you write “basic accounting skills” the ATS might not realize that you have the required skill. You want to make it as easy as possible for the ATS to see you have exactly what’s asked for, so phrase your skills and experience as close to how it’s written as possible to boost your chances.

Optimizing your resume for recruiters

Once your resume has made it past ATS it’s time to face the recruiter or hiring manager. The best way to ensure success here is to get into their head and really understand how to appeal to them. But how can you know what they want?

The key is to get down to the most basic elements of human psychology. We are more likely to do something if it’s easy. So your job is to make it easy for the hiring manager to say “yes” to your resume.

Doing that requires understanding how their review process works. While a hiring manager has their own discretion, they likely still have a list of requirements for an applicant. By making sure your skills and experience match what’s written in the job description as closely as possible, you’re not only optimizing for ATS, but you’re making it extra easy for a hiring manager to quickly see you have what it takes for the job.

Add to that a clean overall design and well structured information (more on how to do that below) and your resume will be a welcome break from the usual dense and poorly written competition.

How should a bank teller resume be formatted

As alluded to above, proper formatting is key. Your resume will have a lot of information so it needs to be easy to navigate. Doing that means putting the most important information towards the top of your resume. The first glance a recruiter or hiring manager takes should immediately tell them a few key facts about you as a candidate.

That’s why your resume needs to be in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent work experience goes at the top. In addition, this is why beginning your resume with an objective or summary is so crucial (more tips and examples on writing those later).

How long should a bank teller resume be?

One of the most frequently asked questions about bank teller resumes is how long they should be. There’s no perfect answer, because the people reading the resumes will have different preferences. But, we can still go back to the mission of ensuring your resume makes the recruiter’s job easy.

Obviously going through a single page resume will be easier than going through a 3-4 page resume. With that in mind, try and limit your resume to one page. The best technique for doing this is to evaluate every piece of information on your resume and ask yourself if it really adds value. If it doesn’t, then delete it.

What are the most important sections to include in your resume?

Don’t include all of these (that would make getting to a single page impossible). Instead, ask yourself which of these sections will best allow you to highlight what makes you an ideal bank teller.

• A resume summary or objective
• Professional qualifications
• Work experience
• Hard skills
• Soft skills
• Certifications or training
• Education
• Languages
• Volunteering
• References

How to list bank teller certifications

The added professionalism conveyed by a certification is invaluable for a bank teller. Considering the amount of trust placed in you, showing you’ve gone above and beyond to obtain a certification and develop your skills speaks volumes. This is particularly true if you don’t have as much experience and still want to stand out (more tips for these cases later on).

But how should you list your certifications? Simply list the certification, followed by the organization which granted it and the year you’ve obtained it.

Bank Teller Certificate, American Bankers Association, 2017

The best certifications to include

• ICBA Teller Certification Program
• ABA Bank Teller Certificate
• Certified Bank Teller (CBT)

How to include skills

Your skills as a bank teller make all the difference. As mentioned previously, you should make sure you list as many of the skills requested in the job ad as possible and phrase them the same way they are listed. However, resist the temptation to exaggerate. Only list skills you feel confident in.

The other way to make your skills more effective is with examples. For soft skills that are so difficult to measure or prove, this is particularly important. Including examples of instances when you concretely demonstrated that you have a particular skill will go a long way towards building confidence in your work.

Practically, these examples can go within a special skills section, in your work experience, or in an achievements section. For example, here is a skill and an example showing you have that skill:

Works well under pressure.

By itself this doesn’t mean much. Anyone can write that they work well under pressure, so a recruiter or hiring manager will probably just ignore this.

Effectively handled hundreds of disgruntled customers at once following a mass failure of projector equipment at a movie theater, receiving “Employee of The Month” in recognition for my handling of the situation.

This example shows a case when you handled a highly stressful situation, showing that you can both work well under pressure and have excellent customer service skills.

The best soft skills to include on your bank teller resume

• Customer service
• Problem solving
• Friendliness
• Works well under pressure
• Written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail

The best hard skills to include on your bank teller resume

• Balancing a cash drawer
• Basic accounting
• Excel
• Data entry
• Speaking a foreign language

How to highlight your achievements

The same rules for skills apply to your achievements. This section is ideal for including relevant cases when you accomplished something outside of the formal workspace. Specificity is key. Simple stating that you did something “successfully” doesn’t carry much meaning with a branch manager reviewing your resume. Try and include precisely what you achieved and what you overcame without being too wordy.

Here are some examples to illustrate that:

Church volunteer.

That’s nice, but it’s not really an achievement. This might be listed under a special “Volunteer” section, but it should still be more specific.

Church treasurer for 5 years, managing general finances as well as fundraising drives, salaries, and budgeting for building improvements.

This example shows a combination of volunteering (which makes you seem more trustworthy for banking work) as well as financial and organizational skills. This is an example of a short “achievement,” which effectively connects to many relevant bank teller skills.

Should you include a resume objective or summary?

A great bank teller resume should begin with an objective or summary. The difference between the two is that a resume objective is a single sentence that simply states who you are and what you aim to achieve. If you’ll be submitting a cover letter along with your resume, this is the best choice, because the information that would go in a summary can be included there.

If you won’t be submitting a cover letter, a resume summary is a short paragraph, which can go into a bit more detail about you. This could be explaining a career change, a gap in your work history, or just adding some details about why you’re a great candidate.

Whether you’re including an objective or summary, this text should provide context which enhances the other information on your resume. It should prime the reader the same way an opening act does for a comedian or band.

How to write a resume objective with an example

An objective needs to be short and sweet. It needs to be dense with useful information so it can make a strong first impression on the reader. Let’s see what that should look like:

I have many years of retail experience handling money and hope to work in your bank as a teller.

This is a bad example of a resume objective. It speaks in first person (resumes should be written in the third person) and sounds almost pleading. It wastes the reader’s time with vague information like “many years of retail experience.” Lastly, the phrasing “your bank” tells the reader this is a resume that’s been sent to many jobs and not a custom one, witten specifically for this position. For many recruiters or hiring managers, their next thought will be “well if you didn’t take the time, why should I?” Just like that, you’ve made a bad first impression. Now let’s see a better version of that objective:

ABA Bank Teller Certificate candidate with 4 years retail experience, looking to work as a teller at Ryte Bank.

This version fixes those issues by getting specific about the retail experience, mentioning a certification, and naming the bank where this person is applying. Overall, this resume objective tells the reader that you’re detail-oriented, self-motivated, and take the time to do things right. In other words, it makes an excellent first impression that will enhance the rest of the resume.

How to write a resume summary with an example

Just because a resume summary can be a bit longer, doesn’t mean you should write an essay. Both space on your resume and reader time are in short supply, so make it count.

I’m a local student who speaks multiple languages and is looking to work part time, mostly on weekends, evenings, and Wensday afternoons. I’m hard working and diligent and will do a great job at your bank.

Spelling errors are one of the worst ways to start off a resume. This is especially true when you’re applying for a position, which requires the precision and attention to detail of a bank teller. In addition, this summary spends far too much time going into detail about availability. This should be left for later on in the hiring process. Finally, this example is written in the first person and contains too many vague terms to be effective. Let’s see another version of that summary with the errors fixed.

English and Spanish speaking finance student looking for part time work at ABC Bank. 3 years of previous retail experience managing a register without any count issues.

In this case, it was important to quickly mention that this applicant is a student and looking for part-time work. That information is probably elsewhere in the application, but it’s important enough that it should be prominently included on the resume itself as well. Also, instead of stating that they speak multiple languages, they specifically mention them.

How to write a bank teller resume when you have limited or no experience

Fortunately, most of the crucial skills needed to be a great bank teller can be learned. A bank knows this and will generally be ready to train you. That said, to compete with other applicants who might have more training to begin with, you need to show related skills. These harder to teach skills like responsibility, diligence, and customer service are extra important in these cases.

Obtaining or even being in the process of obtaining a certification also shows that you’re a serious applicant who’s thinking ahead. Lastly, be upfront about not having direct experience. It doesn’t come off well to pretend you’re perfect for a position when you have some new skills you need to develop. An employer will appreciate the honesty.

How to prepare for a job interview as a bank teller

Remember, you’re applying to be the face of a bank. So appearance is critical in the interview. Dress professionally and act as if you’re already representing a bank to a customer. That said, you still need to be friendly and personable.

Also go back over your resume and consider what expectations it will have created. Make sure the way you present yourself matches what the interviewer will be expecting. If they’ve called you in for an interview, it’s because they’re interested, so be sure you match what likely made them interested in you as a candidate.

How to make your resume stand out

Your bank teller resume should stand out the same way a great bank teller does: subtly. You don’t need any flashy design or big claims. You want to appear calm, collected, friendly, and above all competent. Your resume will stand out by clearly communicating your value and demonstrating you have the skills needed to excel in the teller position. That means great examples, specific experience, and clear writing throughout.

How Resumebuild.com resume builder tool could be utilized for an easy resume setup

The single best thing you can do to make creating a great bank teller resume easier is to use a resume builder. It takes much of the guesswork out of the resume creation process. First, by making it easy to select a great design that enhances, rather than distracts, from your content. Going above and beyond the simple Word document shows that you’re the kind of person who will go above and beyond in other ways.

Next, a resume builder will ensure sure your resume is ATS ready. With so many banks screening applicants with ATS, you can’t be too careful in ensuring your resume makes it to that recruiter.

All that said, not all resume builders are created equal. Resumebuild.com offers all of the features and options you need to create the perfect bank teller resume. With plenty of templates to choose from and an account to keep track of your resumes for future use, you’ll be ready to apply with confidence.

Graphic design is a fast-growing industry. And it’s no wonder why. Design is what drives a brand. From logos and business cards to packaging and marketing materials, graphic design plays a big role in a company’s competitive edge. 

All that’s to say, you need a resume that puts your creative abilities into concrete words. And a resume design that goes above and beyond. You can’t expect to secure an interview with just any old resume template. 

As a graphic designer especially, you need something spectacular—something that stands out. 

In this article, we’ll cover what it takes to create an eye-catching resume. In short, that includes formatting instructions, how to add your online portfolio, and tools for easy resume setup. After reading, you’ll know:

• What recruiters look for in a graphic designer’s resume
• Which skills you should include and how you can demonstrate them with real-life examples
• Top technology and tools that a graphic designer should know
• How to include work samples (and how to pick which ones to include)
• Common mistakes in resume writing and what to avoid mentioning
• How to write a powerful personal statement, summary, or objective section
• What your resume should look like if you have little to no experience (hello, recent grads or career changers)

This guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to create a top-notch resume. But first, let’s examine some graphic designer resume templates.

Graphic designer template examples

How to write an eye-catching graphic designer resume?

The key to an eye-catching resume is all in the design. It doesn’t matter how many years of experience you have or what companies you’ve worked for. If your resume isn’t designed well, it isn’t going to get noticed. 

Don’t believe us? A recent study shows a recruiter spends an average of only seven seconds on each resume. Just seven seconds can make or break your chances of getting called in for an interview.

That statistic might seem surprising. But think about it. A recruiter doesn’t have time to read every resume word-for-word. They get hundreds, if not thousands. Instead, they go off of first impressions. They look at the overall design, creativity, and readability of your resume. 

If it passes the test, they then skim the content for relevant skills and experience. 

So, what exactly is it that makes a well-designed, creative, and easily-readable resume? It all starts with formatting. 

How to format it

Formatting is one of the most important parts of your resume design. If things look wonky or unprofessional, it’ll get tossed in the trash. 

A properly formatted resume usually includes easily-distinguishable sections. Here’s how we usually recommend breaking it down:

• Header section: Here, you should include your name and all relevant contact information. At the very least, you need your phone number and email (and both should be hyperlinked). As a graphic designer, you should also include a link to your online portfolio. 
• Summary/objective section: The summary or objective section of your resume should follow the header. Keep it to 2-3 sentences and focus on what makes you unique. A vague summary or objective is a big no-no.
• Experience section: This is where you get to wow recruiters. Include any relevant positions and focus on including measurable results. This section is all about showing what kind of value you can bring to an organization. 
• Skills section: This section can include both soft and technical or industry-specific skills. Think creativity, organization, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, etc. For soft skills, try to include real-life examples.
• Education section: Include the school you went to and the area of study. You don’t need your graduation date or GPA. Recruiters rarely care about that. They don’t need to know when you graduated, just that you did.

As a general rule of thumb, your resume should never be more than one page in length. If you find yourself going over one page, you need to condense. It’s not easy; we know. 

As a graphic designer, you probably know better than anyone the basic rules of design. But just to reiterate, here are some friendly reminders. 

Firstly, use at least an 8 point font. Not everyone has perfect eye-sight. Be sure to review the PDF of your resume at a 100% zoom level. Ensure the text is easy-to-read. If you have to zoom in to easily read it, the text is too small.

Secondly, don’t underestimate the importance of white space. Keep one-inch margins and plenty of space between sections. This helps your resume look crisp and clean and makes it easier for a recruiter to skim it.

Thirdly—and you likely already know this, because you’re a graphic designer after all—but be sure to use different font weights and sizes for section headers and subheaders. It’s okay to be creative with font choice, but don’t pick one that’s too hard to read. 

And fourthly, if you’re unsure how to list your experience, reverse-chronological is always a safe bet. Start with your most recent experience at the top and work your way backwards.

However, if you’re making a career change or applying for a new type of position, you can list your experience by relevance. Meaning, include the most relevant work at the top and the least relevant at the bottom. 

Okay, now that you know how to format your resume, let’s move on to what recruiters will look for.

What recruiters will look for 

There are certain things recruiters will look for in a graphic designer’s resume. Most importantly, they want to see that you can effectively demonstrate your design abilities. 

A resume is important for anyone applying for a new job. But it’s especially important for graphic designers. You get to show your skill set on a sheet of paper. You can demonstrate your creativity and personal branding ability. 

Your resume is a reflection of you. How do you want to present yourself?

Aside from that, they’ll look for experience that’s similar to the position you’re applying for. When writing the bullets for your experience section, try to quantify them whenever possible. For example:

• How many projects did you manage at any given time
• How many clients did you work with
• How much revenue did your designs help generate

In addition to relevant experience, recruiters will also look for software skills. 

What skills to mention and how to do it correctly

Graphic designers need to be proficient in certain software and industry-specific tools. Listing them on your resume is crucial to securing an interview. Make a section specific to your skills and list them there. That way, they’re easy for a recruiter to find and quickly read through.

Here are top graphic design skills worth including:

• Adobe InDesign CC
• Adobe Illustrator CC
• Adobe Photoshop CC
• Dreamweaver
• CSS/ HTML
• Typography
• Sketching
• Photo-editing
• Creativity
• Color Theory
• Composition
• Project Management

When applying for a job, read through the list of required skills. Note all the ones you have in common and be sure to include them on your resume. 

How to list different technologies and applications you have experience with

Listing technologies and apps you’re experienced with can be best demonstrated by including your level of experience. Whether through visual aids or with your words, a recruiter should know how proficient you are. 

If you have the space, try to use graphics to show your level of proficiency. They’re pleasing to the eye and can help break up big chunks of text.

Example could be included here. Can do that when setting up article on the website.

How to include work samples and which ones to pick

Including your work samples can be a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates. And let’s face it. It’s a competitive world out there. You need to do everything in your power to show why you’re the best fit for a position. To do this, you need an online portfolio. 

Your portfolio should be a collection that showcases your best work. So take the time to pick the pieces you’re most proud of. And don’t forget that recruiters will often look for someone with diverse work samples. 

Include print, web and online projects, unless you’re applying for a position that is specific to only one of those areas. Not sure where to get started for your online portfolio?

Here are some top sites for graphic design portfolios:

• Behance
• Adobe Portfolio
• Squarespace
• Wix

Keep reading for more in-depth information on how to add an online portfolio.

What achievements to mention and how to do it correctly

Achievements are always a great addition to your resume. They demonstrate hard work and your ability to succeed. 

Achievements worth mentioning include awards, rankings, and even certifications. Just be sure to only add achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

You qualified for the Boston Marathon? That’s incredible. But it doesn’t mean you’re a great graphic designer.

Here are some examples of achievements worth adding:

• Places your designs have appeared
• Featured artist awards
• Industry or company-wide awards

What to avoid mentioning

Knowing what to leave off of your resume is just as important as knowing what to include on it. Avoid any information that isn’t relevant. This includes jobs, skills, and anything that dates back to college (unless you’re a recent grad). 

It’s really awesome you studied abroad in college—and we’re sure you gained valuable experience—but it isn’t exactly relevant if you’ve been in the workforce for 5+ years. If that’s the case, you can scrap it.

Keeping a resume to only one-page is hard. Don’t make it more difficult than it needs to be by including irrelevant information. 

If it really comes down to it, you can always mention it in your interview.

Every word on your resume should serve a purpose. If it’s there just to fill space, remove it and replace it with something better. 

And even though it takes time, you need to tweak your resume for each position you apply to. Match your skills with the required skills for the job posting. Edit your experience so it aligns with the day-to-day responsibilities of the position. Tweak your objective depending on the organization and its mission.

Just be sure to save a template of a generic resume. Instead of making revision after revision to the same file, start with your template each time. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself straying for your core experience. And that can become overwhelming fast. 

How to write a resume objective (samples included)

A resume objective is an incredibly important part of your resume. In some ways, it’s sort of like a written elevator speech. A great one can go a long way. But a bad one can leave a bad first impression. 

To write a great objective, you need to keep a few things in mind. In just a few sentences, you need to clearly communicate your career direction while also tailoring to the position you’re applying for. 

The worst thing you can do is write something vague. Here are some samples.

Graphic designer seeking a position in digital design.

Compare this vague resume objective with the following objective:

Experienced graphic designer looking for an opportunity to bring brands to life online. I’m on a mission to make digital designs that stand out and leave a lasting impression.

The first sample is boring. A recruiter isn’t going to read it and think, “Wow. We need to hire this person.” And it’s probably true about nearly every graphic designer out there. It’s not unique. It’s not you.

The second one, however, is much more engaging. The candidate appears much more driven, with a clear career objective in mind. That alone will help this candidate stand out from the rest.

So, if there’s one thing to take from this, it’s to be specific. Think about what drives you and use that to create a compelling resume objective. If your objective could apply to anyone in your industry, you need to make it more unique.

How to write a resume summary (samples included)

A resume summary is a little different than a resume objective. Rather than talking about what you want to do next, a summary gives a quick background into your experience. 

Here’s a sample of a great resume summary:

Hi! I’m Erin. I have worked in graphic design for 5+ years, specializing in brand packaging. I use every box, battle, and bag, every container, can, and canister to tell the story of a brand. 

How to write a graphic designer resume with little or no experience

If you’re a graphic designer with little or no experience, you can still create a great resume. Everyone has to start somewhere. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure you’re a competitive candidate. 

If you’re a recent grad or some who’s making a career change:

• Include relevant coursework 
• Include internships
• Include any involvement in design-related student organizations
• Include any design certifications
• Include design work you did in class
• Include freelance work or side graphic design projects

Adding these to your resume will help a recruiter know you have a base knowledge in graphic design. They also show that you’re ready and willing to expand on your experience.

If you’re still having a hard time, try doing more freelance work. Sites like Upwork are always looking for beginner graphic designers. This way, you can start to build experience and have more projects to add to your portfolio. 

And speaking of your online portfolio, let’s learn more about the right way to add it to your resume.

How to add an online portfolio to your resume

As a graphic designer, your portfolio is arguably the most important part of your application. Your resume matters, but your portfolio is what makes you a credible candidate. Remember that.

The best way to add your portfolio to your resume is through a link in your resume header. Avoid long and complex URLs. Keep it as short and simple as possible. In some cases, it’s best to invest in a custom domain and use your own website. This allows for the most control and customization.

To make a great online portfolio, follow these helpful tips.

Choose your best work and demonstrate your diverse skill set:

When it comes to portfolios, quality over quantity is really what matters. Select your strongest projects and make these the main focus of your portfolio. Try to include projects that illustrate your versatility. If you’ve worked on both logo design and print advertising, it’s best to include examples of both on your portfolio. 

Pick a platform that best showcases your designs:https://www.wix.com/

Sites like Squarespace and Wix have templates specifically for creative portfolios. If you decide to use one of these platforms, we recommend purchasing your own custom domain. This way, you won’t have a long URL. A custom domain is much more professional-looking and will be worth it in the long run. 

Plus, many of these sites offer month-to-month payment plans. You can always pay for the premium version to host your own domain while you’re job searching and then cancel once you’ve been hired.

Other top platforms include Behance, Adobe Portfolio and Foliolink. These are all graphic design-centered portfolio sites. 

Whichever you choose, your portfolio should include a bio, visual aids, and descriptions of the project. Bonus points if you include the results your designs helped achieve (increase in brand awareness, increase in revenue, etc.)

Describe your creative process:

Each graphic designer has a unique creative process. And hiring managers want to see how it all comes together—from conception to completion. 

Breaking down your creative process can give a recruiter a sense of your capabilities. For example, they might be unsure if you’re experienced enough to be a senior designer. That could all change once they read about how you led a complete rebrand for a Fortune-500 client. A portfolio is a great way to advocate for yourself.

Don’t be afraid to include freelance work or side projects. 

Side hustles and freelance work are a fantastic way to show your ability to manage multiple projects at a time. They’re also a chance to illustrate more creative ideas you might not be able to show in your corporate day-to-day work.

How to make your resume stand out

Recruiters read hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for nearly every position they’re trying to fill. So if you don’t make an intentional effort to stand out, chances are - you probably won’t. 

You’ll be just another paper in the stack and you surely won’t be called in for an interview. Here’s how to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. 

Choose a template that demonstrates excellent typography, layout, and color theory skills. 

You’re a graphic designer for crying out loud. In some ways, your resume is a test of your creativity and design skills. It shouldn’t look like an accountant’s resume. It should be bold and beautiful. 

Describe your accomplishments, not your job responsibilities.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when writing their resumes. Everyone knows what a graphic designer does, especially the person hiring for the position. They don’t just want to know what you do – they want to know how well you do it. What kind of value can you bring? How do you go above and beyond? How do your efforts contribute to success?

Worried your resume won’t stand out? We’re here to help.

How ResumeBuild tool could be utilized for an easy resume setup

Resume Build can be an excellent tool for easy resume set up. All it takes is three easy steps. 

Step 1: Choose from more than 20 professionally-designed templates, with options for every industry.

Step 2: Import your content to show that you can talk the talk and walk the walk. If you’re not finding the right words, Resume Build has thousands of pre-written examples and resume samples. 

Step 3: Download your resume and start sending it out. It’s really that easy!

So, there you have it. Three simple steps to creating a resume that will help you land your dream job. Build my resume now.