How to build a powerful interior designer resume?

Not only are interior design experts equipped with a sense of aesthetics, but they are also challenged with the task of getting the most out of interior space. They do it through creating functional solutions with a dose of imagination and originality.

Their proficiency in design software and knowledge of construction fundamentals, architecture or layout, may be perfect prerequisites for landing a successful job. The question is, “How can you effectively weave these skills into your interior designer resume?”

1. How to tailor your interior designer resume to a specific job description?

Each company may have a different set of skills and qualifications needed for the job, and so should have your resume. 

Keep in mind to customize each CV section for the interior designer position you are interested in. Include key expressions from the job posting in question, and make your CV notable.

2. How to format your interior designer CV?

Creating fine focal points that draw attention to your best accomplishments, and using negative space for better readability should be a piece of cake for experts in layout construction that interior designers certainly are. 

Make your resume clean and easy to navigate. Avoid flashy graphic elements and bright colors.

You may perfectly stick to a neat two-column template where you organize your work experience and education in reverse-chronological order.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

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3. How to write a winning interior designer resume summary?

Whether you are a seasoned interior designer or you have just finished your studies, you can always impress your potential employer from the very beginning.

In the professional summary section, focus on your greatest achievements, whether you have 8+ years of experience creating contemporary home decor, or you have created 5+ captivating rustic interiors for residential projects during your studies.

Interior designer professional summary example

Certified Interior Designer with 5+ years of experience managing multiple hospitality projects, FF&E specification and procurement. Created 50+ captivating interiors and won the Madison Award for Harper Designs. Excellent communicator, self-motivated and able to problem-solve independently. Highly proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Suite and Revit.

4. What are the most compelling skills to put on your interior designer resume?

As an interior designer, you are able to maintain an objective view and take people’s housing to a whole new level.

You create possibilities, connections and innovations that can make one’s life easier, and incorporate them into the interior as a natural part of one’s home. This may, indeed, require a fairly demanding skill set.

Best soft skills for your interior designer resume

  • Creative thinking
  • Time management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork
  • Detail orientation
  • Flexibility
  • Troubleshooting

Best interior design hard skills for your CV

  • Design strategies
  • Sketching
  • Technical drawing
  • Lighting and color schemes
  • Construction methods
  • Project management
  • Budgeting
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Adobe Suite

5. How to showcase your work experience in the design industry?

Whether you have worked for an unknown company or a global interior design firm, what counts is your contribution. Focus on the most relevant positions to the job you are applying for, and make sure you quantify your achievements.

How to make your interior designer work experience sparkle? Replace the same worn-out words and use more captivating, impactful language when describing your roles.

See these examples of strong verbs for your design resume: executed, operated, headed, spearheaded, launched, consolidated, maximized, enhanced, refined, transformed, partnered, and others.

Interior designer work experience section example

Mark Staten Designs — Lead Interior Designer — 2015-2020

  • Spearheaded 10+ compelling commercial interior design projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Transformed client ideas into alluring, functional design solutions, received 100% positive feedback

6. How to improve your interior design education section?

You have completed your bachelor’s program, and now is the time to make the most of the effort and sweat you invested into your studies.

Not only should you list your education, but it should also feature what you excelled in. Include any awards and achievements related to the job position you are interested in.

Example education section for an interior design resume

University of Europe — B.I.D. Bachelor of Interior Design —2008-2011

  • Excelled in Contemporary Interiors
  • Won IIDA Student Design Competition, Healthcare Design 2009

7. How to correctly list your interior design certifications?

Completing your bachelor’s program may perfectly secure a few job opportunities for you. Nevertheless, if you wished to have the door open to more possibilities in the interior design field, you have probably gained certification in a specific area.

The question then arises, “How to accurately list your interior design certifications in your resume?”. Something like this should be enough:

  • NAHB National Association of Home Builders (2016)
  • NCIDQ National Council for Interior Design Qualification (2018)

8. How to put a list of interests on your interior designer resume?

Including a list of interests on your resume is certainly optional. However, what if there is a slight chance that your free time activities would resonate with the hiring manager? You would probably put them on your CV in the blink of an eye.

Your interests may tell about your character traits more than you would expect, so picking them wisely is the first step.

Are they not directly related to the interior design field? No problem. Learning languages ​​or writing, for instance, may indicate that you are a good communicator, organizer and, last but not least, you have a good memory. Who would not hire you on the spot?

Now, when you have created an appealing piece of writing, scan your resume for issues here, and see how it compares against other resumes.

Published on Dec. 1, 2021

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as The Business of Business. She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

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