Create the Resume That Will Snag a Web Designer Job
Depending on the city you live in; obtaining a web designer position can be difficult or easy. The key in any situation is knowing how to sell yourself and knowing what these types of employers are looking for. I am the CEO of a graphic/web design company and I am going to show you what we look for when hiring. I am also going to include a sample cover letter, sample resume and resource links to search for a web designer position in your area.
Selling Yourself
No matter what position you are applying for, it is always helpful to remember that you must learn how to sell yourself to the employer. You need to give the employer a sense of urgency to encourage him to hire you. The best way is to explain why you are the best candidate for the position. Using your resume, you can highlight these features about yourself and snag that first interview.
Try to sound as original as possible. Pre-scripted replies are dull and boring. You don’t want to sound like all the rest; you want to stand out as much as possible. Web design employers want talent and creativity.
Cover Letter Introduction
A cover letter isn’t required when sending out resumes but it can increase your chances of snagging an interview. Your cover letter should be a carefully crafted summery of your resume. It is best to complete the cover letter last, so we know what qualities to highlight. Right now, we’re going to begin on the resume body.
Web Designer Resume
The web designer resume should include the following sections:
* Contact information
* Position(s) Desired
* Education Background
* Previous Experience
* Skills and Abilities
* Additional Skills
* Previous Websites Created
* Other Related Work
* References
Contact Information
Include your name, address, email, and phone number where you can be reached.
Position(s) Desired
Are you looking to design graphics for the internet? Or perhaps you would like to code instead. Or maybe even both. You can also specify if you are seeking a freelance position or permanent position. Be sure to describe your availability to travel and how often.
Education Background
Include any related schooling, certification and classes you have completed for the position you are applying for. If you are currently pursuing a degree, make sure you include what major and minor studies you are pursuing. If you do not have any related educational background, it is best to exclude this part and use your previous work to speak for you.
Previous Experience
List related companies you have worked for. Don’t leave anything out even if they have nothing to do with web design. For example, if you previously worked in a call center, you can use this experience to show the employer you are able to provide customer support. Accounting can be used to show the employer your professional relations with business clients.
Skills and Abilities
Describe your major skills and abilities and list exactly what tasks you can perform for respective skills. Only list major skills and abilities that relate to the position you are applying for and leave the minor skills for the next section in your resume.
Additional Skills
Here is where you will list minor skills related to the position. You can include things such as your knowledge of Photoshop, HTML and for how long you’ve mastered these skills. Include any programs and techniques that you have familiarized yourself with.
Previous Websites Created
Show off past websites you have published. You don’t need to display every site; just show the ones that best emphasize on your ability to perform the job. You can include descriptions of accomplishments and hurdles you experienced while creating these websites. Employers will be interested to know what solutions you have provided and how you have overcome difficult tasks.
If you do not have previous websites for show, it is extremely important that you make several mock websites to show your work. Never go to an employer empty handed. The best way to ensure your resume is trashed is lack of past work.
Other Related Work
Do you have experience in graphical print jobs? That is one of the things that can go in this area. Other skills such as copywriting and animation fits beautifully here as well.
References
References are important. If you already have a few client testimonies, then great, add them here. If not, try emailing a few of your past acquaintances and seek their permission to write you a reference. List at least two references. You are going to want reliable and upbeat referrals who will back up your claim to be the best candidate.
Creating Your Cover Letter
Now that your resume is complete, you can extract the best qualities about yourself and summarize them in your cover letter. Below is a sample cover letter. You are free to use it as you see fit.
[If you know the gender and name of the employer; include it here (Mr. Gonder, Ms. Henson) otherwise leave as is]
Sir or Madame,
As having [year] years experience with [position seeking] , I am confident my skills and expertise will definitely benefit your company. [position seeking] is my passion and I am looking forward to sharing it with a company I can apply my skills with.
I also have experience with [list 1 – 2 additional skills] with the [company name].
[In the next paragraph, summarize the strongest asset you can lend the employer] Throughout the years, I’ve meet regularly with business clients discussing the challenges and goals they had for an internet presence and printing production.
[In the next paragraph, summarize the best personality/business quality you’ve gained in the past] I’ve gained many clients and established years of lasting relationships.
[In the next paragraph, close the cover letter with a few quick sentences about yourself. As a courtesy, let them know the resume is attached and/or included] I am located in Tampa, Florida. Attached is my resume.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Time For an Interview
Now that you’ve landed your first web design interview, here are a few things to remember:
Before the interview
– Print extra copies of your resume
– Bring business cards if you have them
– If you have graphical print work, bring it along
– Bring a photo album of your best web work printed on photo paper in case you need it to show
During the interview
– Ask plenty of questions
– Grab a business card
– If the business card does not contain an email address, ask the employer for his
– Smile 😀
Follow Ups and Thank Yous
Follow ups are a nice reminder to the employer that you exist. Send an email to the employer thanking him for the opportunity to interview you. This also gives you a chance to include any important details or qualities that you may have forgotten during the interview.
