How to find content writing jobs in 2021

10 ways to find content writing jobs in 2021

Here are ten ways to find content writing jobs in 2021:

1. Start cold pitching
2. Pitch to job board ad
3. Ask around
4. Use your website
5. Guest post for free
6. Join online communities
7. Try warm pitching
8. LinkedIn jobs
9. SEO agencies
10. Apprenticeships with a more experienced content writer

Generally, 2020 has been a tough year not only for medical workers but for all other industries. The Coronavirus pandemic affected almost every job industry in the world, including freelancing. As many companies were forced to shut down, others laid off their workers, while others had to cut out some practices, including outsourcing certain services such as freelancing – eventually harming the field.

However, towards the end of 2020, things are slowly turning back into normalcy with the hopes of a successful vaccine seen on the horizon. Even though the freelancing world has been slightly affected by the pandemic, it seems to be coming back to a full boom in 2021. When this happens, you need to be ready to take advantage of this $2 trillion industry.

If you’re just getting started in the field or you wish to begin your career as a freelance content writer, you may find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed. There are many things to consider if you want to become successful in this line of work. Apart from sharpening your skills, there are also other considerations, such as building your writing portfolio.

This post will take you through all you need to know to get you started on the right path to a successful career in freelance content writing.

The ins and outs of freelance writing

First things first – before we delve further into where and how to get content writing jobs in 2021, let us first dig into the ins and outs of freelancing writing.

So, who exactly is a freelance content writer, and what do they do?

Well, a freelance writer is exactly as the name sounds – a person who gets hired on a project or freelance basis to write different materials. There is a wide variety of freelancing opportunities that one can major in, depending on one’s interests. You can get employed by a brand, an individual, an agency, or an editorial outlet: and what’s more, is that there is no limit as to how many clients you can handle at a go.

Provided you do not sacrifice the quality of work and able to beat deadlines, then it is okay for you to work for different clients and take up more projects at once. While the list of possible freelance writing jobs seems endless, there are categories that you can choose to master for a start. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Major types of content writing jobs

Here are the five major types of content writing jobs you can take up as a freelancing gig:

1. Article/ feature writing

This is perhaps the most popular type of content writing that people think of whenever freelancing comes to mind. Whenever you work on an article, it can either be used in print or online platforms, and sometimes, your work gets featured on both mediums. You are able to write stories, informative, and opinion-based articles or features as you carve out a niche for yourself to focus mostly on.

However, if you’re considering taking this route, do not limit yourself to only one particular niche. Have more, especially if you’re intending on making this a source of earning a living. And yes, there are many established freelance content writers that have made a decent living through article writing, but you can never really rely on one single source. Once you get your first gig, you should work towards improving your skills that will help you land better-paying jobs.

Apart from writing on websites, other places you can land on well-paying article writing gigs include magazines or newspapers. This is one of the most traditional types of freelance writing. People would contribute article pieces or features on magazines and newspapers and still get paid for that, even though they are not full-time employees.

However, many people wonder whether this can be a good career path to consider, especially in the digital era. It is no brainer that digital media is somewhat trying to replace print media, but we can assure you that print media is not dying. It might not be as widespread as it previously was, but there is definitely a place for freelance writers in print publications for years to come.

As we indicated earlier, it would be an excellent call to diversify your income stream and not relying on print medium only.

There are currently over 500 million blogs on the internet. This clearly shows you that you may have better chances of being an article or feature writer online than print media. This is why you should strive to get a couple of websites you write for, on top of the guest posting you do at newspapers and magazines.

2. Copy/ content writing

In today’s business world, content is king. So what does this mean for freelancers? As the demand continues to rise, content writers get more opportunities to display their skills. As a copywriter, you’ll be tasked to write for businesses and ensure that you help them establish and promote their brand, as well as creating engaging content.

Some of the materials you can work on as content or copywriter include:

• Advertising copy
• Website content
• Blog posts
• Publications such as ebooks
• Press releases
• White papers

3. Blogging

Blogging is a type of content writing, as you have a key agenda for creating such content. In most cases, it is usually meant to either inform, compel, or convince the readers into agreeing to a particular opinion.

Apart from writing other people’s blogs, you can also start your own. There are various things that you ought to consider when creating your blog, such as the niche you wish to write on and the target audience. Furthermore, you can choose to write your personal blog and on the topics that interest you. There are many ways to monetize a blog, and if you use it as a backup plan while still scouting for other freelance gigs, you could be on your way to financial freedom.

4. Social media content creation

Social media is a force not to be ignored, especially for the modern-day businesses that need to keep maintaining their public image and engage with both customers and prospects. As this trend is not likely to go extinct any time soon, you can capitalize on it as a freelance content writer.

Many companies often don’t have the time to go through all their content on social media posts; hence they prefer to outsource all that work from freelancers. You can take advantage of this, and if you wish to give your career a boost, you can learn how to become a social media manager. Your responsibilities will thereafter shift from only writing social media content but also involved in the planning, scheduling, and posting of such content.

5. Editing

While we are well aware that editing may not be directly acknowledged as a content writing job, it is in one way or another related. For instance, you cannot become an editor without extensive knowledge of content writing rules and guidelines. If you are a little more experienced in the field, you can easily apply for jobs to become a freelance editor for different employers and brands.

Freelance proofreaders and editors work on their clients’ different needs, from ensuring the content is ready to publish, free of any grammatical errors, and in accordance with the correct writing style guides.

There are many other different types of opportunities that a freelance content writer can take advantage of. Others such as UX writing are a little more advanced, but still, you have to have mastered the basic rules of content writing. It would be prudent to identify your key interests and see whether your skills can be used in more than one field.

You probably now understand the different opportunities you can go for when searching for writing jobs in 2021. But do you have what it takes to become successful in that field? This next section guides you on what exactly you need to kickstart your career as a freelance content writer:

What do you need to become a freelance content writer?

Unlike most other freelance jobs, the entry to content writing is pretty much straightforward with very few requirements. For starters, you don’t need to have undergone any special training or having a particular educational background. You also don’t need any special equipment as a good laptop is all you need and a stable internet connection.

However, that being said, there are a couple of factors that you need to consider before delving into the field of content writing. Here are some skills that you need for you to know whether you are a good fit for the industry:

• Professional – it doesn’t matter what field you are in, but you have to maintain high standards of professionalism when dealing with clients. Your professionality should also show in the work you do.
  
• Tech-savvy – by being tech-savvy, we don’t mean that you necessarily must be a tech-wiz to become a content writer. Instead, you should have mastered the basics, which include knowing your way around a computer and delivering the work in the formats requested by the clients. You also need to understand how to operate the various tools used by content writers, such as grammar and plagiarism checkers.
  
• Adaptable and flexible – as a freelancer, you are likely to meet and interact with different types of clients. They will all come to you with their own types of preferred writing methods, rules, etc. You need to be adaptable enough to fit every client’s requirements. 
  
• Tenacious – in freelancing, you are likely to face a lot of rejection and dealing with demanding clients. This shouldn’t put you down but should act as a lesson for future dealings. Successful freelancers do not let these rejections stop them.
  

Getting your house in order: Preparing yourself to land better content writing gigs in 2021

There are many successful freelance content writers in the world, some having made millions from the trade. But this doesn’t just happen overnight. You need to ‘arm’ yourself with all the necessary skills and preparation before stepping out into the freelancing world.

If you are looking for content writing gigs in 2021, you need to plan yourself by ensuring the following factors are in order:

1. Have a great writing portfolio

As a freelance writer, you’ll always interact with many questions like “Do you have writing samples?” “Can I see some of your writing work?” “What are some high-quality articles you’ve written?” and many more when searching for new clients.

Although many writers often overlook this, having a stand-out portfolio is vital for being a freelancer. When asked all these questions, your answer should be a simple “Here’s my portfolio.” Don’t simply tell them how amazing a writer you are – show them. In your portfolio, you can provide links to already published work, previous samples, which you can categorize for easier scanning.

2. Supercharge your writing skills

Content writing, just like any other career, is progressive, and the more you do it, the more you improve your skillset. But this won’t just come to you if you are not proactive and eager to learn new techniques. For instance, it is very easy to continue earning meager amounts of money from content mills that pay peanuts if you do not have the right skills to advance.

Well-paying companies and individuals will not just hand the job over to anyone. Before you are considered for such a position, you need to understand more about content writing than just the basics. For instance, they are more likely to offer well-paying jobs to someone who:

• Understands the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and can write SEO-friendly content throughout their work.
• Knows the importance of submitting error-free work and takes their time to proofread.
• Can connect with the readers on an emotional level.
• Has top-notch written communication skills, and their articles flow in the right direction.
• Can craft eye-catching headlines and able to back their content with facts.
• Writes fast enough to meet the set deadlines.

3. Ask for testimonials

If there’s one thing that 2020 has taught people is that the freelancing world is lucrative. But what does this mean to those that have been in the industry but wish to look for more content writing jobs? Well, you have to take a step further and show why you are better than the many other candidates.

One of the easiest ways is to ask for testimonials from previous employers. A good word from them goes a long way of instilling trust in potential employers. Do not shy away from asking for a short testimonial from previous employers, which you can add to your website or portfolio.

4. Learn how to pitch

Many writers often fail to get hired due to their lack of proper pitching techniques. So maybe you have seen a job posting, or you would like to bring a prospect’s attention to your services, but they don’t know anything about you. How are you going to convince them to give you a chance?

You can be sure that many well-paying clients and companies get hundreds of pitches every other month, but you need to make yours stand out. So how do you write good pitches? Well, the structure varies from one individual and brand to another, but here are some mistakes you must avoid:

• Do not write long emails. The clients and editors are busy people, respect their time, and go straight to the point.
• Do not copy-paste the pitch you sent to other clients to your new target. Every client has unique needs and audiences. You should customize your pitches to fit their requirements.
• Do not ignore their guidelines. If you pitch to a website that already has clearly stated its application submission guidelines, ensure that you follow them to the latter. Failure to do so is a sure-fire way to have your application instantly rejected.

Learn the legal side of content writing freelancing

One of the scariest unknowns for many freelancers is the legal view of things. The legalities do not just stop at how you interact with the clients – do you need a contract? And will you have to indicate how to share and get paid for your invoices? You should also know whether you’ll need licensing and what type of taxes you will have to pay.

Although understanding the legalities of the matter might sound like a daunting task for a start, it will be so much worth it at the end of it all. For instance, if you wish to become one of the freelancers in Dubai, you will first have to acquire a freelance visa and permit, and you can only get one depending on the field you wish to work in.

10 surefire ways to find freelance jobs in 2021

The tips above will prepare you for the battlefield, but the bigger challenge awaits you – looking for these jobs. Fortunately, we have saved you all that trouble and compiled a list of the ten most effective ways you can land yourself a freelancing gig in 2021.

1. Start cold pitching

Did you know cold pitching is one of the best methods employed by seasoned writers to get recurring clients? Although it might sound a little scary at first, but trust me, this is the surest way you can use it to land better clients. More so, the competition in doing this is less stiff compared to applying for a job posted on career boards.

But what is cold pitching anyway?

Well, this is the act of basically reaching out to a company that you have had no prior interaction with and send them an email or message, explaining to them who you are and how you could be of assistance to them.

Here’s the correct strategy to follow:

• Pick a niche that you are most comfortable writing about;
• Search for companies in that niche, whether through a specific Google search, social media, or by word of mouth referral;
• Reach out to the company, blogger, or website owner, including important details such as who you are, how you came to know about the company (or website), what your skills are, and how you think you could be of help to them;
• If the company lacks a blog section and you strongly feel that they need one, you could approach them from that angle, bringing in the aspects of ranking, Search Engine Optimization, etc., in a bid to convince them.

The good thing about cold pitching is that your application has a better chance of being seen other than applying for a job at an online posting, where you may have to compete against 200 others for the same post.

2. Pitch to a job board ad

If you have been in the content writing business long enough, you will come to realize that getting jobs at job boards isn’t the easiest thing to do, more so if they are highly competitive tasks. Content writing is one of the most highly sought after skills, and some people are always on standby to apply for such jobs as soon as they are posted.

Some job boards such as Upwork may not be the best for beginners as the competition is too harsh, and most clients will most likely hire someone that has shown more experience within the website.

However, this shouldn’t stop you from realizing your dream. There are many other websites that you can take advantage of, and whose chances of securing a job are much higher. Take Bawabba; for example, you can land a well-paying client even without having been registered on the platform for long.

3. Ask around

Although this may not sound like a ‘technical’ answer, asking around is one of the best ways of getting to know about job openings. You can inquire from your friends, family, and colleagues if they know someone who may need content writing services.

As you start your career, it would be crucial to let them know what you’ll be doing, for them to be on the lookout for any opportunities that they think would be helpful to you. You never really know until you ask around, maybe you will get your first client from your relatives and friends!

4. Use your website

This is probably not the first option for a complete newbie, but if you have some experience rolled down your sleeve, get yourself a professional website. You can always start using some of the freely available website builders before you think about getting a more powerful dedicated hosting and domain.

You can advertise your services, including attaching your portfolio. Furthermore, you can also strive to make your website grow even bigger, and you can start a blog of your own, and even start monetizing it. By doing that, you will have created two income streams while only searching for one.

5. Guest post – for free!

Guest posting means you publish your own unique article on a different website or blog that you have no control over. So how will this help you to grow your career?

It’s simple. Whenever you write for another website, more so one that commands good authority, more readers are exposed to your content. You never know who may be interested in getting such quality content on their websites.

In most cases, websites that allow for guest posting for free allow the writer to post links that go back to their personal websites or have a short bio section where you will briefly write about who you are, what you do, and a link to your social profile or contacts. This way, prospects will come looking for you.

So how do you go about guest posting for free? Well, the easiest and most convenient way would be to conduct a quick Google search with the niche + ‘Write for us’ phrase.

Here’s an example of the search engine results for the niche ‘parent blog’ + ‘write for us.’

6. Join online communities

A good writer is always looking out for the latest news and trends in their field. Which better place to learn of these other than from online forums such as Facebook groups? Provided you know which groups you are joining and what value they would offer you, you should join as many as possible.

Many clients looking for great content writers will be posting jobs regularly. More so, you can also utilize the freedom you have by advertising your skills on such platforms in a way that attracts the attention of potential employers.

7. Try warm pitching

Hold up, our first point was geared towards cold pitching, and now we are telling you to try warm pitching? Yes. Warm pitching is another effective tactic that is often used by those that are not in a hurry to land an immediate client. This entails building a rapport with a particular individual, company, or blog that you think might give you a chance to write for them at some point.

For instance, you could be following their social media pages and becoming active, liking, commenting, and sharing their content in a bid to attract their attention. At some point, they will have noticed you and might even try reaching out to you. That is when you shoot your shot, by explaining to them what you do and if you could assist them in developing their brand even further.

8. LinkedIn jobs

Did you know something like this exists? This is just a basic feature of LinkedIn that you can take full advantage of when scouting for your next gig. Just hover to the job board and key in the word ‘writer’ or ‘content writer’ and see what pops up. You can even filter the results by location and how recent the post was made. This is another creative way to land yourself better – and ‘more professional’ clients.

9. SEO agencies

You’ve probably never thought about this, right? Well, SEO agencies are some of the best sources of jobs for freelance content writers. How’s that so? An SEO agency strives to help its clients have their products, services, or websites rank on search engines such as Google. One of the ranking factors is based on the content.

If you are in the market searching for a well-paying job, then going the agency way would be far beneficial to you. Try reaching out to different SEO agencies and pitch to them, stating your experience and how you would be helpful to them.

If you have more experience or you prefer working in a specific niche, you can conduct a search for these agencies and go for those that have a closer working relationship with the industries you’re most comfortable working with.

10. Apprentice with a more experienced writer

As you get started in content writing, you may have heard about someone else that has been in the industry far longer than you and performs pretty well with it. You can reach out to these people and talk them into an apprenticeship program with you. Even if you don’t know them, you can simply inquire around, and you will end up having a list of people that you can reach out to.

These seasoned content writers often have a lot on their plate but would be willing to train you at times on how to handle certain aspects of the trade. Furthermore, you can also get hands-on experience by helping them at times by editing, proofreading, or even working on some of their projects.

At the end of your training program, these experienced writers might advise you on where to get better-paying jobs, and they can even offer referrals for you to their previous clients or colleagues.

Takeaway

Becoming a freelance content writer in 2021 isn’t as tough as it seems, but it isn’t going to be a walk in the park either way. You should arm yourself with all the necessary skills and tips on how to land the best clients as you strive to make the best out of your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are freelance content writing jobs legit?
A: Yes, most freelance content writing jobs are legit. However, you should be careful to note where you see the advert and the things that are required of you. You should be able to identify certain red flags before you reach out to an ‘employer.’

Q: What do you need to become a freelance content writer?
A: Starting a freelance content writing career is one of the least demanding career paths to take. All you need is the necessary skills (or knowledge) and an internet-enabled computer.

Q: Must you have a degree to become a content writer?
A: No. A degree is not a necessity when applying to become a content writer. Clients will hire you because you know how to write – you can articulate yourself well and have a good command of English, not necessarily because you have a degree in a particular field.

from Bawabba Blog https://blog.bawabba.com/freelance-content-writer/how-to-find-content-writing-jobs-in-2021/

The ultimate guide to writing a graphic designer’s resume

At the risk of sounding (super) obvious, graphic design is a visual medium. The primary task of a graphic designer is to combine a blend of technology, art, and information to develop an eye-catching image with a compelling message. It should convey the concepts, reflect ideas, and inspire the audience to take action.

We all know that to increase our chances of employment at any facility, you need to send out an impressive resume. However, it is not as straightforward as it appears in the case of graphic designers. Designers (or most of those who work in the creative industry) have an extra challenge when crafting a graphic designer’s resume. Apart from having compelling content, it must also look great.

But why is that the case? You may ask. Well, as a designer, one of the first requirements in order to make it in this industry is to display creativity. This is why you should impress your potential employers by showing them how creative you can be right from the moment they get to know (or read) about you.

The dawn of technological advancements has greatly changed the way graphic designers approach the development of resumes. However, the one thing that stands out the most from them is that you need a standout portfolio and curriculum vitae. As a designer, you will need both a portfolio and a resume when applying for a job. The resume’s purpose is to talk more about you (who you are), while the portfolio talks more about your work (the best projects you have handled before).

In the words of Eric DiChiara, senior vice president of The Creative Group in Boston, “Most designers have a resume-like section in their digital portfolios, but they still need a strong standalone resume that they can quickly email to employers.”

While a designer’s portfolios can speak for themselves, you still need a great resume to add (or give more) context to your work while providing additional information regarding your skills and experiences – basically because such skills don’t just come out of nowhere.

According to Jérémy Chevallier, the Director of Marketing at Crash.co, “When we hire a graphic designer, we look at four key things: quality of work, consistency of work, tool competencies, and — if they’ve freelanced — positive testimonials.” Even though there has been a growing trend of freelance graphic designers, resumes will still be necessary, and just having a solid portfolio won’t be enough to land you a nice gig.

Whether you’re writing your resume from scratch or you wish to revise yours, there are still basic rules that you ought to follow – some are new while some have been there for a while. Considering such tips will enable your document to rise to the top.

In this post, you’ll learn top tips on how to write a graphic designer’s resume and how to add your job experience and education to your resume.

10 tips for writing a good graphic designer resume

1. Skip the objective

Objectives have become passé, and hiring managers tend to gloss over them. Rather than having an objective part, consider going for a professional summary. This just entails describing who you are and what you do best in only a sentence or two. The job summary should also highlight your most recent roles and qualifications. Generally, the professional summary should briefly answer the question, “why should we hire you?”

2. Be brief

Let me fill you in on a little secret – always be brief in all your submissions. At the most, one page of content is usually enough not unless you have a significant amount of relevant experience and qualifications. If you notice your content getting to the second page, try to look for words to cut out or phrases to shorten. More information about yourself can be added when submitting your cover letter.

3. Cut the clichés and jargon.

When writing a resume, it is okay to include your accomplishments in the words that other creatives might understand. However, you should avoid using buzzwords and jargon that non-designers might well understand.

Remember that your application might first go through the HR (human resource) department, meaning someone that might not understand all that jargon you used, hence decreasing your chances of getting accepted.

4. Resist the temptation to get too creative

I know, I know. The whole point of applying for a designer’s job is to showcase how creative you can be. However, let your work speak for you and not your resume. Well, of course, there should be a little sense of creativity in your work, but don’t be tempted to overdo it.

If you apply for jobs through online listings, you should be content with the structures laid out for an applicant tracking system (ATS). These systems tend to have problems with reading unusual files with unusual elements such as images, fonts, and text boxes.

According to Terry B McDougall, “A graphic designer’s resume needs to make it through the applicant tracking systems first, and those programs use keyword matching, not aesthetics, to determine who makes it through to the next step in a recruiting process.” An ATS is built to strip out many design elements in the application and ends up delivering only a plain text version to the hiring manager. This is why it is crucial to stick to a simple template whenever you apply online.

But this rule shouldn’t stop you from showcasing your creativity in your resume. You can also go for a design-inspired resume if you have a way to bypass the ATS or if you are sending your application via email. However, be keen not to go for a design that completely distracts the recruiters from the main content in your resume. Furthermore, it should be able to reflect the style of work that you do.

5. Include links to previous work

Another thing to consider when making an online application is to include a link or links to some of your previous (best) projects. You can include the link to redirect to individual projects, your website, or your portfolio.

You’ll also want to ensure that these links are not just added to your resume but that they are also well visible. You can decide to create a designated section on your resume to include the links to your works, as you provide brief reports on them. Besides that, you can also add the links within the experience section of your document. For instance, if you create the logo used by a company, you could add a section like:

Collaborated with Bawabba on the design of the new company logo from research to conceptualization, through the draft, production, feedback, and finalization. (link)

6. Tailor your resume for different opportunities

Your resume might not change dramatically from one application to another, even when sending out job applications to different organizations. However, you should always plan to tailor your resume for every posting you respond to. Although this sounds cumbersome, it is easier than it actually sounds.

Here is a quick tip to help you around it:

If a particular proficiency or skill is listed in the job description, then you have to ensure that it appears more conspicuously on the resume (as long as you have the stated expertise and experience). Doing this will help you to cut out whatever won’t be relevant at that stage for that particular role. This is one of the tips that you can use to make your resume just one page long.

The desired goals and aesthetics vary from one company to another. You’ll have to be thoughtful about the external links (to your portfolio) that you indicate on the document. From the job description, you’ll be able to identify the company’s general taste, and you’ll also know the kind of work they are after. This will enable you to pick out the right samples of your previously done work that could help increase your chances of getting picked.

According to McDougall, “Seek to understand the goals of the company you’re interviewing with. Some companies want to use creativity to shock or gain attention. If you’re working as a graphic designer for a snowboard company, you will likely have much more leeway in your design than if you’re working for a more conventional company like a hardware store or hospital.”

Going in this direction will enable you to show your prospective employers that your abilities and aesthetics are a strong match for their needs, besides being a talented designer.

7. Use the right keywords.

In the era of applicant tracking systems, you must know the right keywords to use when making an online application. APS technologies are programmed to scan the resumes for specific keywords to determine which applicants may be more fit for the role.

Be careful, though, as you shouldn’t stuff your resume with all the graphic design keywords under the sun. Before making an application, you should first research the specific role and find out the most relevant keywords to be used.

Not sure where to start? Well, we know that job posting may vary, but here’s a list of popular keywords to use when writing your graphic designer resume:

• Adobe
• Advertising
• After Effects
• Artist
• Branding
• Brand Consistency
• Campaigns
• Color
• Composition
• Concepts
• Creative
• CSS
• Deadlines
• Design
• Detail
• Digital
• Dreamweaver
• Graphic
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• InVision
• Layout
• Marketing
• Media
• Photoshop
• Portfolio
• Production
• Product Design
• Projects
• Sketch
• Strategy
• Typography
• Visual

8. Highlight the relevant technical skills

It is no brainer that as a graphic designer, you already have a working knowledge of programs such as InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and such. Prospective employers will need to see such skills on your resume. However, you shouldn’t just stop there. After all, there might be tens or hundreds of you applying for the same role, and yes, you guessed that right, you might all have the same expertise in such programs.

If you are skilled in any additional programs that you think might be relevant to that particular role, you should consider adding them. According to Chevallier, you can “Go beyond pure design tools like Adobe and show that you also know marketing tools like Mailchimp or TweetDeck. These are complementary skills that will increase your value as a designer.” McDougall also adds that “If you have ‘crossover’ skills such as video editing, copywriting, or illustration, you should list them in the skills section of your resume, too.”

With that in mind, you should be careful about how you add such skills to your resume. For the sake of scannability, you can organize the skills in categories such as marketing tools, coding languages, design tools, etc.

9. Focus on the numbers

It might be challenging for designers to zero in their work on hard data from thinking conceptually. However, you should note that today’s hiring managers are more interested in the results that your work has shown.

If your work is measurable, the better. You can include figures like sales statistics, fundraising figures, response rates, etc., that your design work has been able to pull during particular campaigns. This shows that you not only work to grab the attention of the target market, but you are also a results-oriented individual.

10. Spotlight your soft skills

Besides focusing more on the technical skills, you may also want to include the soft skills you are well versed with. Hiring managers are getting more attuned to non-technical skills such as teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, time management, and flexibility.

Apart from just mentioning them, you can briefly explain how you would put such skills into action or how you have used them in previous settings.

These are not the only things to consider when writing a good graphic designer’s resume. There are tons of other things to factor in, such as:

Consider color – getting creative in your resume also means you can add some color to it. However, watch out that it only enhances your content and not getting in the way of it.
Prioritize readability – regardless of the format you have used to design your resume, ensure that the words used are easy to see and read. Readability should be a top priority, and you should always try to simplify the designs used.
Check the file size – this goes hand in hand with the graphic resolutions used on your resume. It should be a high-resolution document, with all images, colors, and texts appearing sharp. This means that they will still remain clear even when the hiring manager decides to print out the document.
Proofread – although this sounds cliche, always proofread your document before sending it out. Just know that a single typo or error could cost you the job, especially for a competitive position.

Before submitting your resume, ensure to go over it severally, both on-screen and on paper. You may also get help from a friend or a professional proofreader to help you out.

The top skills for a graphic designer

Before you even get to the nitty-gritty of a graphic designer’s resume, you need to first know the relevant skills you must get to qualify for any top design position. You also need to note that you might have all the technical skills required, but without displaying your soft skills, you might not get hired in any good setting.

Some of the skills that you need as a graphic designer include:

Technical skills

Proficiency in:

• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• InDesign
• Typography
• Acrobat
• Sketching
• UX / UI Design
• Print Design
• HTML / CSS
• Infographic Design
• Product Packaging Design

Soft skills

• Creativity
• Communication
• Time-Management
• Teamwork
• Research

As a general rule of thumb, do not go way overboard with soft skills. This is because they can be a bit more difficult to back up, more so if you are new to the industry. For instance, anyone can say that they are creative, but it all changes when you need to work on InDesign.

What to include in a graphic designer resume

To come up with a competitive resume, your document needs to be subdivided into sections for readability. The main sections of a graphic designer resume are:

1. Contact Information
2. Work Experience
3. Portfolio
4. Education
5. Skills
   If you want your resume to stand out more, you can go ahead and add a few other optional sections such as:
6. Awards & Certification
7. Projects
8. Languages
9. Interests & Hobbies

This next section will help you to write the categories mentioned above:

1. Getting the contact information right

No matter how much this point has been stressed before, it still remains one of the most important things to consider when writing any type of resume. You may fail to get invited to interviews after sending your applications, mostly because the hiring managers could not reach out to you because of misspelled numbers or letters.

In general, the contact information section should contain details such as:

• Full Name
• Title – In this case, “Graphic Designer.” Make this specific (the role you’re applying for), and don’t try to be too creative (Master of Designs).
• Phone Number
• Email Address – use a professional email address, if any. If you don’t have one, you can create a new one with your full name, e.g., (firstname.lastname@gmail.com)’
• Portfolio Link
• Location – the location is optional and also dependent on whether the job summary requires you to add in one.

2. The job summary or objective

Fun fact – recruiters take an average of six seconds to look at your resume. Well, while this looks a bit overboard, it is practical, as you can’t expect them to go through over 300 other applications. This means that if the hiring manager doesn’t see that you are fit for the job in a single glance, you may not get shortlisted.

Knowing that the biggest question you may have is how to hook the recruiter to your resume and see that you are the best fit for the job within the first few seconds they glance at your document. The simple answer is to have a compelling job summary.

But the big question pops up, which one should you go for? Is it the job summary or career objective? 

Here are examples of the two to help you understand the difference between them:

3. Graphic designer resume job summary sample

Graphic designer with a strong background in marketing design. 5+ years of experience in creating infographics, Facebook ad creatives, banner ads, and more. Passionate about working in a marketing agency, which involves creating graphics for clients in all sorts of fields.

4. Graphic designer resume career objective sample

Motivated graphic design student looking for an entry-level job at Software Company X. Passionate about web & UX / UI design. Experience creating website designs for made-up businesses as a student at University X. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and more.

From the two examples, we can conclude that a resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your professional experiences and achievements, while a resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your professional goals and aspirations.

With this, it is a clear indication that a career summary can speak more about your qualifications and convince the hiring managers to think that you are the perfect fit for the job. However, a career objective would come in handy if you’re new to the field and do not have much experience.

Making your graphic designer resume stand out

The bit of work experience is an essential part of your graphic designer resume, of course, after your portfolio. If you’ve had any experience before, some of the things that must stand out are:

• Job title
• Dates that you were active
• Company name
• Responsibilities & achievements

Here’s an example:

If you really want to stand out from the rest, you need to pay more attention to how your words are placed. For instance, you should focus more on your achievements rather than responsibilities.

Instead of writing “charged with designing websites for client companies,” you can indicate “designed 30 client websites from start to end.” But what is the difference between the two, you may ask? The first one sounds a little too generic and doesn’t show your abilities as an individual. On the other hand, the second version is more specific and shows that you are result-oriented.

But what if you do not have work experience?

This is the greatest worry from most newbie graphic designers that are just throwing themselves into the market. You’re fresh out of college, or you’ve just learned your new skills from an online course but never had any clients before.

Do not worry if this is your case. You can still create an impressive graphic designer resume even if you’ve never landed any major gigs before. The most important thing is your portfolio and how it looks. Here are some of the ways you can create an outstanding portfolio without much experience:

• You can take your time to create mock-ups. You can design a website, posters, flyers, product packaging, etc.
• Pick up some freelance gigs in places like Bawabba.
• You can ask your friends or family if they know of anyone that might be looking for some cheap design work.
• You can also join online contests on websites such as 99 Designs.

Power words to consider when writing a graphic designer resume

Do not go for generic words when writing your resume, especially on the part of job experience. Your resume needs to STAND OUT; therefore, you should avoid more common words like:

• “Responsible for.”
• “Created”
• “Worked in.”

Everyone uses such words in their resumes, but yours needs to be different from the rest. Instead, go for power words that can help make your responsibilities and achievements stand out. Go for words such as:

• Conceptualized
• Devised
• Determined
• Drafted
• Formulated
• Introduced
• Initiated
• Launched
• Spearheaded

Other sections to include on a graphic designer’s resume

Having done your education and experience background extensively, your resume is ready to be sent out, right? After all, you have covered all the essentials. Well, not really. There are still other sections that you may need to add to your resume to make it stand out. They include:

5. Awards and certifications

Have you won any competitions or received any awards throughout your work and school experience? If yes, and you feel it is relevant to the job, you can add it. If you have none, don’t worry, as there are so many places that you can get certifications that could come in handy in your application. Such sources include:

• User Experience Research & Design Coursera Certificate
• Adobe Certified Expert
• Advanced Graphic Design Class at MadeUpUniversity, and many others.

6. Languages

I know what you’re thinking about, but no, we are not talking about web design languages such as JavaScript, HTML, etc. If you are fluent in any foreign languages, you can also note it down.

7. Hobbies and interests

Writing about your hobbies and interests won’t get you the job per se, but it plays a crucial part in increasing your chances of getting an offer. Most employers wouldn’t want to employ a robot that will only work on design projects back to back. They also need to know who you are as a person. Besides, what better way is there to bond with your employers besides shared interests?

Key takeaways

Congratulations! If you have followed our guide to the latter, then you’re pretty much on the road to landing your next big job. Now, to sum up, here are the most important things that we have discussed in this post:

• Use a job summary to catch the attention of the hiring manager when going through your resume.
• Talk more about your achievements and rather not the responsibilities in your work experience section.
• Get your portfolio right.Some of the things that the employers will consider before you’re employed are”
• Whether or not you have a good balance between your hard (technical) skills and soft skills
• Your proficiency in computer-assisted design (CAD) software
• Whether you have all the certifications necessary, such as NCIDQ
• How your skills may be invaluable to the company

Just remember that design is such a vast field, and you must tailor your document to match the requirements of that particular job description. As you submit your graphic designer resume, ensure that you have a compelling cover letter. This is one of the documents, besides your portfolio, that will help you win the hiring managers’ hearts.

But you shouldn’t always wait to apply to work for bigger corporations. You can always get your career moving by taking up well-paying gigs as a freelance graphic designer.

Frequently Asked Questions on graphic designer resumes.

Q: What if I haven’t finished college?

A: The lack of a diploma or degree shouldn’t discourage you from applying for your ideal job. Just get your portfolio in order, and if you’re still studying, you should mention the course you’re taking and mention the year you’re in or how many years you studied if at all you dropped out of school.

Q: Do I list my high school education?

A: The only time you can be allowed to add your high school education is when you do not have any higher education – but with a good knowledge of some CADs. However, if you have a higher education, that’s what you should mention. No one really cares about your As or Bs from high school.

Q:  What goes first between education and experience?

A: No one will really penalize you for going for whichever format. However, to be on the safe side, start with the experience if you’ve worked before. If you don’t have lots of experience, then your education can go to the top.

Q: Should a graphic designer resume be designed?

A: Based on the nature of your industry, the resume you send should have some level of creativity to it. However, be careful not to overdo it. It will also depend on whether you are sending out your resume directly or through an applicant tracking system. If you’re using the latter, then you have to keep your design to its minimum.

from Bawabba Blog https://blog.bawabba.com/freelance-graphic-design/the-ultimate-guide-to-writing-a-graphic-designers-resume/

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from Bawabba Blog https://blog.bawabba.com/freelancers/the-ultimate-guide-to-freelance-visa-in-the-uae/