Pursuing a career in interior design is a decision that will provide a career based on creativity. It will allow you to let your creative mind determine your income level for the rest of your life. However, interior design is a highly competitive industry. In order to truly stand out among the rest, you will need to ensure that your resume is stellar and eye catching. It will need to practically convey your work experience and education, while also conveying your creativity and passion. This careful balanced can be achieved, but it will take a great amount of effort. Creating a stellar interior design resume is not a difficult feat and will require the same level of attention to detail that you place in your work.
Steps to a Stellar Resume
Creating an impressive, eye-catching resume can be done by following the below blueprint:
- Decide on Your Layout – Much like designing a living room, deciding on the overall layout is the first step in creating a stellar resume. Chronological layouts are highly functional and perhaps best-suited for an interior designer. This type of resume will start by highlighting your education, then your work experience. You will list everything by the date that it occurred. Conversely, if you do not have a lot of experience nor formal education, a functional layout that highlights your skills may be ideal.
- Provide Education and Experience – Begin your resume with a personal mission statement. Immediately below that, provide your work experience and include every job that you’ve held within the interior design field. It’s wise to read the job description and tailor your work experience to the job for which you are applying. Immediately after you have provided your relevant work experience, provide your education. Include the names of any that you have attended, even if you did not receive your degree. Be prepared to answer questions about what you’ve learned from each school.
- Highlight Awards and Achievements – Following your work experience and education, list any awards and achievements that you’ve received. These can be at the local or international level. They may have even been granted by your interior design school. In this section, also include any organizations or associations that you are a part of, such as the International Interior Design Association. These awards, achievements and associations can greatly set you apart from other applicants.
- Include References and a Portfolio – You may decide to openly list any references that you have available, or you may wish to simply include a note saying “references are available upon request.” Either way, ensure that your references include a mix of former bosses, previous or current clients as well as personal references. Your interior design portfolio and resume should always accompany each other. Your portfolio should include a number of key projects that you have worked on in the past. Additionally, an ideal portfolio will illustrate the entire design process – not just the end result. Include the initial concept sketches and images of the completed piece of work. Be ready to discuss the projects with prospective employers in their entirety.
- Add a Touch of Creativity – You are an interior designer; the design of your layout should reflect your skills. Consider adding a pleasing color scheme throughout the resume. You may also wish to include a personal logo, complementary shapes or impressive graphics. Allow your creativity to flow to create a professional and ideal resume.
Put Your Design Side Forward
Creating your interior design resume is similar to creating other types of resumes. However, it must include an expertly crafted portfolio in order to be effective. Channel your creative side and run wild with your resume, as long as the end result is professional and tasteful. Your resume should showcase your creative skills; by creating a stellar interior design resume, you’ll be able to ensure a long and rewarding career.
