When crafting a CV or resume for an interior design position, clarity and professionalism are key. This article guides you through the essential steps to create an effective interior designer CV or resume. We’ll cover what to include, how to structure your information, and provide real-world examples for inspiration.
Contents
Read The Job Description / Advert
The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.
When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.
Interior Designer Job Description Example
Interior Designer – Exciting Opportunity at a Dynamic Design Firm
Are you a creative and detail-oriented Interior Designer looking to advance your career in a dynamic, forward-thinking design firm? We are seeking a talented professional to join our team, where innovation meets functionality in the realm of interior design.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop interior design concepts that blend aesthetics with practicality, catering to client needs and preferences.
- Collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors to ensure a cohesive vision from concept to completion.
- Utilize the latest design software to create detailed plans and 3D models.
- Oversee the selection of materials, furnishings, and decor, ensuring quality and budget adherence.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Keep abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and sustainability practices in interior design.
Qualifications:
- A degree in Interior Design or a related field.
- Proven experience in interior design, with a strong portfolio showcasing residential or commercial projects.
- Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships with clients and team members.
- Strong project management skills, with an ability to lead projects from conception to completion.
What We Offer:
- A collaborative and supportive work environment that fosters growth and development.
- Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects.
- A competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience.
- Professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of the industry.
If you have a passion for interior design and a drive to create inspiring spaces, we would love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to transform spaces and experiences through innovative design.
Note: While this position does not have a specified location, it may require travel to client sites as needed.
Join our team and contribute to our story of success and innovation in the world of interior design!
Research The Company
Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.
- Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
- Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
- Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far
See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.
Find A Good CV Template
When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.
This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)
Write 2 Or 3 Bullet Points As A ‘Professional Summary’
A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.
Interior Designer Professional Summary Example
- With over 10 years of experience in the interior design industry, holding a Master’s degree in Interior Design from a renowned university. Specialized in residential and commercial spaces, adept at using AutoCAD and SketchUp for innovative design solutions.
- Led the redesign of a high-profile, eco-friendly office complex, which won the 2021 Sustainable Design Award, showcasing expertise in sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices.
- Recently managed a team of designers in a successful large-scale hospitality project, coordinating from concept development through to execution, incorporating client feedback, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budget using project management tools like Trello and Asana.
Detail Your Employment History
Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.
As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.
When describing your responsibilities as an Interior Designer in your CV, focus on your achievements within those roles. Instead of simply stating, “Handled client consultations,” you could say, “Conducted over 30 client consultations, effectively translating their visions into actionable design plans, leading to a 40% increase in customer satisfaction.” This approach shows not only your ability to perform consultations but also highlights your success in client relations and impact on business growth. Remember, it’s about showcasing your value and impact, not just listing your duties.
Detail Your Education History
Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.
Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.
Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.
CV Structure
Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.
We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.
A fairly typical structure would go:
- Name and contact info
- Professional Summary
- Current (or most recent employment)
- Education & Professional Qualifications
- Employment History
WHAT NOT TO DO
Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.
- Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
- Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
- Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
- Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
- Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
- Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.
Interior Designer CV Tips – Recap
Let’s recap what we’ve discussed so far:
Focus on Design Skills ? Highlight your proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. Show your understanding of color theory, space planning, and materials selection.
Showcase Your Portfolio ?️ Include a link to your online portfolio. This visually demonstrates your style, creativity, and past projects.
Detail Your Experience ? List your professional experience with clear, concise descriptions. Mention specific projects, your role, and any notable outcomes or client feedback.
Education and Certifications ? Clearly state your degrees, certifications, and any special courses relevant to interior design. Include any honors or awards received during your studies.
Tailor Your CV for the Job ✂️ Adjust your CV to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant.
Include Soft Skills ? Mention your communication, time management, and teamwork skills. These are crucial for client interactions and project coordination.
Keep It Professional ? Use a clean, professional layout. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Keep the language simple and clear.
Contact Information ☎️ Make sure your contact details are up-to-date and professional. Include a professional email address and phone number.
Interior Designer CV Sample
Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.
