RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Graphic Designer Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors to showcase your creative talent and get noticed by hiring managers.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps graphic designers spot frequent resume pitfalls, understand why they matter, and apply proven fixes to create a compelling, ATS‑friendly portfolio résumé.
Spot visual clutter that distracts recruiters
Eliminate vague skill descriptions
Align your portfolio links with ATS requirements
Use proper design terminology for keyword matching
Format dates and locations for instant readability
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Overly decorative layout that confuses ATSHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot parse graphics
- Hiring managers may miss key info
- File size may exceed limits
How to fix
- Use a clean, ATS‑compatible template
- Keep design elements subtle and below the fold
- Save as PDF with embedded fonts
❌ Before
A resume with full‑bleed background, custom icons, and multi‑column layout.
✓ After
A single‑column PDF with modest color accents, clear headings, and standard fonts.
ATS Tip
Stick to standard headings like Experience, Education, Skills.
Detection Rules
Contains background images
Uses more than two columns
Has custom fonts not embedded
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags non‑text elements and suggests a streamlined version.
Missing portfolio link or weak URLMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- No proof of visual work
- Recruiters must search manually
- Missed opportunity to showcase style
How to fix
- Add a clickable, short URL to your online portfolio
- Place it in the header next to contact info
- Ensure the link leads directly to a curated showcase
❌ Before
Portfolio: mysite.com/username123
✓ After
Portfolio: dribbble.com/janeDoe
ATS Tip
Use plain text URLs; avoid hyperlinked text that may be stripped.
Detection Rules
No URL containing 'portfolio' or known platforms
URL longer than 30 characters
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks for a portfolio URL and suggests a concise, platform‑specific link.
Listing generic software skills without contextMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Keywords may not match job description
- Fails to demonstrate proficiency level
- Reduces impact of expertise
How to fix
- Specify tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma)
- Add proficiency level or years of use
- Tie each tool to a project outcome
❌ Before
Software: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
✓ After
Software: Adobe Photoshop (5 yrs, expert) – created branding assets for 20+ clients; Adobe Illustrator (4 yrs, advanced) – designed vector logos; Figma (3 yrs, proficient) – collaborated on UI prototypes.
ATS Tip
Match exact tool names from the job posting.
Detection Rules
Skill list without years or proficiency
Only generic terms like 'Design software'
Resumly Tip
Our skill enhancer expands generic entries into detailed, keyword‑rich statements.
Unclear employment dates and location formattingLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge experience length
- ATS may misinterpret date ranges
- Location gaps raise questions
How to fix
- Use month/year format (MM/YYYY)
- Align dates to the right of each entry
- Include city, state for each role
❌ Before
Senior Designer – 2018 to Present – New York
✓ After
Senior Designer | New York, NY | 06/2018 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize dates as MM/YYYY for consistency.
Detection Rules
Dates written as years only
Location missing city/state
Date range not using dash
Resumly Tip
Resumly auto‑formats dates and locations to ATS‑friendly style.
Using buzzwords without measurable resultsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Statements sound vague
- ATS may ignore generic adjectives
- Recruiters seek quantifiable impact
How to fix
- Add numbers, percentages, or client counts
- Show concrete outcomes (e.g., increased engagement)
- Replace filler words with action verbs
❌ Before
Created brand identities for various clients.
✓ After
Created brand identities for 12 clients, boosting average brand recall by 30%.
ATS Tip
Include quantifiable metrics to satisfy both ATS and human readers.
Detection Rules
Sentences lacking numbers
Use of words like 'various', 'multiple' without specifics
Resumly Tip
Our impact optimizer suggests metrics based on your project descriptions.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF (preferred), DOCX (if requested)
Sections: Header (contact & portfolio), Professional Summary, Core Skills, Technical Tools, Experience, Education, Awards & Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_GraphicDesigner_Resume.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for most designers; up to 3 pages if extensive portfolio
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a concise headline
- Add a clickable portfolio URL
- Use ATS‑friendly fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri)
- List software with proficiency and years
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Keep file size under 2 MB
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Tailor keywords to the job description
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'brand identity', 'UI/UX', 'visual storytelling', 'Adobe Creative Suite', 'responsive design'
Heading Format: Use standard headings: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Awards
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text or upload a PDF
- Strip non‑text graphics
- Standardize headings
- Convert dates to MM/YYYY
- Add portfolio URL placeholder
- Insert skill quantifiers
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