Graphic Designer CV Example & Writing Guide

Personal Statements: a career by design 

Are you looking to kickstart your graphic design career or land your next job role in the graphic design industry? We’ve got you covered! A compelling CV always begins with a convincing personal statement. Think of your personal statement like an introduction to your professional profile – in no more than five sentences, you are introducing your career achievements and aspirations to potential employers. Be sure to include any stand-out professional facts that may entice potential employers to read on further. As a graphic designer, you’ll want to present yourself as a creative worker with a talent for bringing ideas to life, and with our cvapp.nz templates, we’re here to make that possible. Here’s an example of an epic personal statement for graphic designers: 

Employment History: share your professional story 

In your CV, the most significant section is your employment history section. It lets employers know details about your previous job roles, the duration of time you spent in each position, the names of the companies you've worked with, and the responsibilities that came with each position. The ultimate goal of this section is to demonstrate to employers your qualifications and suitability for the job you're seeking. If you've worked on any great graphic design projects with previous clients, you’ll want to include details of these projects in this section, too!

The best way to present this information effectively is by following the reverse chronological format – this is when you list your most recent work experiences first. Additionally, you should use actionable, understandable, and relevant language when crafting this section. Be sure that you tailor your CV to fit the requirements of the job description by including relevant keywords. To do this, we recommend reading over the job description a few times. When you're finished writing, your work history section should look something like this:

Education: your scholarly journey 

Even though formal education might not be a requirement to excel as a graphic designer, it's always best to include your highest level of education in this section. For example, if you completed your high school education with NCEA Level 3, and this is your highest level of formal education completed, you should include this in your education section. However, if you've earned a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, this should be listed before any other qualification. It should look a little something like this: 

Skills: where strengths and passion collide 

A graphic designer's skills are the foundation of their career. Without the right skills, it's impossible to impress clients or employers and succeed in such a competitive industry. You might like to include details of your expertise in graphic design software like Webflow or Adobe XD, as well as conventional graphic design skills like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.  With these in mind, you should customise your skills section accordingly and ensure that it includes any software or technical proficiencies that are relevant to the specific job opening. By focusing on your skillset, and highlighting it along with your profile and work history, you can showcase your talent, strengths and be on your way to securing your dream graphic design position.