Hi Friends! 
I’m at a point where I am wanting to update my resume to be able to apply for design assistant jobs 
I’ve spent the last 10 yrs in Social Justice nonprofits and my resume is very tailored to that space. I have even been on the hiring end of that space so I’m very familiar of what folks are looking for.
However, I don’t have that sort of insight for interior design. I am 1 semester into a certificate program and by the end of the summer I’ll be able to add CAD and Adobe Suite to my resume hopefully boosting my resume. Any advice or folks willing to take a look 
Hi Deandra! I’d be happy to help - I’m in marketing at a commercial design firm and resumes are part of my typical scope.
A few tips:
-In my experience, your resume is an extension of your portfolio (good idea to have one of those too, even if you’re creating your own design exercises) so if you have the ability to use Adobe CC to make it sure it feels designed and aligned with your personal brand, that is ideal.
-Because design is such a personal field, it’s great to include some personality. Don’t be afraid of color (if this is a part of your personal brand), you can use graphical icons where appropriate, and include an image of yourself if you’d like. When you’re writing your bio, include what inspires you as a designer, or a peek into your process.
-If you can, include a list of projects that you’ve done design work on, even if they are personal projects, and list them individually. Outline the scope of each project, and I think it’s okay for newbies to also state what you learned during each scope if you can put a positive spin on each one.
-You can still include your nonprofit experience! Just keep it succinct, and if you can, tie in what perspective that gives to your design process now. I am personally impressed when I see someone has made a career change, and appreciate a new point of view.
I hope that’s helpful, feel free to ask me anything!
2 Likes
Thank you so much for this! I am a long time floral designer/event stylist taking the first steps to pivot into interiors, would you apply much of the same advice here?
Hi Alice! Yes, absolutely. Creating a portfolio, even if just theoretical projects, is important to getting your foot in the door. See if you can do free work for family and friends to build a body of work that you’re proud of and shows your personal style.
Wow, what helpful feedback, @katealbee! Even for me, with over 10 years in the industry, I have to admit that my experience has been quite diverse, and looking back at your suggestions could help me update my resume as well.
@deandracadet, I agree with Kate about including your nonprofit experience. I think you can use this to your advantage. Perhaps you could add something to your resume about how working with social justice has helped or will help you provide more sensitive service? Additionally, you could mention that working with these kinds of organizations has enhanced your ability to listen and pay attention to your clients’ needs, ultimately helping them create the space they deserve. Let me know what you think!
@danielaulloa this is so helpful!! I know it’s taken me a while to respond but I truly had no idea that design resumes were so different. I knew, but I definitely need to start from scratch in terms of how I present myself and my experience.
I’m hoping to take the next month to revamp my resume and clean up some projects to be able to build my portfolio. Taking a class this fall that will teach me Adobe as well so hopefully by the end of the year I’ll have a cleaned up resume and a working portfolio. Would love some eyes on my resume if you’re able to come fall!
1 Like
@danielaulloa mmmm that’s a really good point. It definitely has impacted my approaches to design and could be added to my “peak into my process” piece. Lots to think about for sure!
1 Like
@deandracadet That sounds exciting! Where are you taking your Adobe class, and which Adobe software will you focus on? I’m curious to know!
1 Like
Sure @deandracadet ! I honestly don’t consider myself an expert yet. I’m also fixing my portfolio so maybe we can share feedback? 
2 Likes
@mariebenjamin So I’m taking a general design class and I THOUGHT that i would be learning photoshop or something but turns out I’m not! So back to the drawing board. Going to see if there are other classes at the college I am taking that offer that have more of a graphic design software. A lot of jobs I see want that!
My goal is to at least have a portfolio by December and maybe we can swap feedback then? @danielaulloa Let me know if you’d like to do sooner! Happy to meet over zoom.
Hello! yes of course! December sounds good and is a good month to start organizing our goals for next year
Looking forward to it, excited to meet you as well
Hi @danielaulloa! I’m starting to put together my resume and portfolio in the coming month. Let me know if you’re still interested in getting together to review each others!
Hello!
Of course! I’d be happy to meet you and receive feedback from you as well. Let me know when you’d like to meet
My email is: holaornata@gmail.com and my IG @longhairedchild89
See you soon!