How to Write a Resume for an Interior Designer Position

As an interior designer, your resume is your first opportunity to showcase your creativity, style, and professionalism. A well-crafted resume can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your unique skill set and experience. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just starting out, knowing how to structure your resume is key to landing your next job in the competitive interior design industry. In this article, we’ll explore step-by-step how to write an impressive resume for an interior designer position.

1. Start with a Strong Header

Your resume header is the first thing potential employers will see, so it should be clean and easy to read. Make sure to include the following essential information:

• Your Name: Use a larger font size to make your name stand out.
• Job Title: Include “Interior Designer” or your specialization (e.g., “Commercial Interior Designer”).
• Contact Information: Add your phone number, email address, and professional website or portfolio link.
• Location: Include your city and state (optional if you’re open to remote work).
• Social Media Links: Provide links to your LinkedIn profile or Instagram if they showcase your work.

An example of a good resume header:

Jane Doe

Interior Designer

Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: jane.doe@example.com

Portfolio: www.janedoeinteriors.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Los Angeles, CA

2. Write a Compelling Summary or Objective

Underneath your header, you should include a Summary or Objective section. This section is an introduction to who you are as a designer and what you bring to the table. A summary is best for experienced professionals, while an objective works well for those with less experience or recent graduates.

A. Summary for Experienced Designers

For seasoned interior designers, your summary should highlight your years of experience, key accomplishments, and design specialties. Focus on showcasing your skills in project management, client relations, and successful design execution.

Example:

Creative and detail-oriented interior designer with over 7 years of experience in residential and commercial projects. Proven ability to transform client needs into innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Expertise in 3D rendering, space planning, and material selection. Passionate about sustainability and modern design.

B. Objective for Entry-Level Designers

If you’re an entry-level designer or a recent graduate, focus on your education, internships, and desire to grow in the field. Mention any specific skills or software proficiency that makes you a valuable candidate.

Example:

Recent graduate with a degree in Interior Design, seeking to apply my creative problem-solving skills and knowledge of design software to an entry-level position. Passionate about creating functional and beautiful spaces, with a focus on modern and sustainable design practices.

3. Highlight Your Relevant Work Experience

In the Experience section, list your most relevant work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Location
• Dates of Employment
• Bullet Points Detailing Your Responsibilities and Achievements

Focus on accomplishments that showcase your ability to design, manage projects, and collaborate with clients and teams. Use metrics when possible to quantify your success, such as project budgets or the number of clients served.

Example:

Senior Interior Designer

Design Studio XYZ – Los Angeles, CA

January 2018 – Present


  
Led the design and execution of over 50 residential and commercial projects, managing budgets up to $500K.
  
Collaborated with architects, contractors, and clients to ensure design vision was maintained from concept to completion.
  
Created detailed 3D renderings using AutoCAD and SketchUp to communicate design concepts to clients.
  
Specialized in eco-friendly materials and sustainable design solutions, increasing client satisfaction by 20%.

4. List Your Educational Background

In the Education section, list your degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework. If you’re a recent graduate, you can include honors, GPA, or relevant projects. As you gain more experience, you can simplify this section to focus on degrees and certifications.

Example:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

California State University, Long Beach

Graduated: May 2017

5. Showcase Your Skills

The Skills section is an important part of any interior design resume, as it highlights the technical and creative abilities you bring to the job. Make sure to include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities) that are relevant to interior design.

A. Hard Skills

• AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, 3D Studio Max
• Space Planning
• Color Theory and Lighting Design
• Budgeting and Cost Estimation
• Material and Furniture Selection
• Sustainable Design

B. Soft Skills

• Client Communication
• Project Management
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Team Collaboration

6. Include Relevant Certifications

If you have any certifications or licenses that are relevant to interior design, be sure to list them in a separate section or as part of your education. Some common certifications for interior designers include:

• NCIDQ Certification (National Council for Interior Design Qualification)
• LEED Accreditation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
• Certified Interior Decorator (CID)

These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the profession and can give you an edge over other candidates.

7. Include a Portfolio Link

Your portfolio is one of the most important assets you have as an interior designer. It showcases your style, creativity, and technical skills. Be sure to include a link to your online portfolio or attach a PDF version of your portfolio if submitting your resume electronically.

Example:

Portfolio: www.janedoeinteriors.com

Make sure your portfolio is up to date with your latest work and is easy to navigate. Highlight your best projects that reflect the types of jobs you are applying for.

8. Proofread and Edit

The final step in writing your interior design resume is to proofread and edit it carefully. Even the most creative and impressive resumes can be overlooked if they contain typos or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume before submitting it to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Also, make sure the formatting is clean and consistent. Use a professional font, maintain uniform spacing, and avoid overloading your resume with too much text. Simplicity and clarity are key to creating a visually appealing resume.

Conclusion

Writing a resume for an interior designer position requires both creativity and attention to detail. By highlighting your unique skills, experience, and portfolio, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers. Remember to keep your resume concise, relevant, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next interior design role.