Career Guide · 2026

Resume Tips for Graphic Designers

Updated June 2026 · By the RISN team

Writing a resume as one of the many graphic designers competing for the same roles means standing out in two places at once: the applicant tracking system that screens you first, and the recruiter who reads you second. This guide covers exactly how graphic designers should approach both.

What Graphic Designers should put at the top

Lead with a professional summary that names your specialty and your strongest, most quantified achievement. For graphic designers, recruiters scan for specific competencies in the first few seconds — put them where they can't be missed.

The keywords Graphic Designers can't skip

Applicant tracking systems rank graphic designers partly on keyword overlap with the job description. Mirror the exact terms the posting uses — tools, certifications, and methodologies named in the listing should appear in your resume wherever they're true.

Quantifying impact as one of the graphic designers

Numbers separate strong resumes from generic ones. Whatever graphic designers do day to day, translate it into measurable outcomes — volume handled, time saved, revenue influenced, errors reduced, people trained.