Job hunting is treacherous and uncertain, and writing a professional resume never seems easy. Your resume that sums up who you are, explains what you’ve accomplished, and persuades the hiring manager for you. That’s crucial, but there’s also resume design.Resume design is about how you present your resume, about the colors, layout, and font choice that sends out the message about your personality. Before they even read a word, your creative resume design is actually the first thing that gets their attention. Spending some time on your resume design will increase your chance of standing out from the crowd. Take a look at our resume design step-by-step guide and make a professional resume! This article will show you the best resume design ideas and unique design templates to inspire your professional resume, how to design a resume that will win your dream job, what sections to put in a resume and some resume design layout tips that make your resume unique. Table of Contents:20 Best Resume Design IdeasHow to Design a ResumeWhat to Put on a Resume Design: 5 SectionsTips on Creating the Best Resume DesignHow to Design an Unique Resume for Free20 Best Resume Design Ideas1.This simple resume design template by Cake is free and ideal for entry-level applicants to highlight experience and education.Entry-Level Resume Template Design by Cake 2.This classic resume design template by Cake is excellent for experienced candidates who want to focus on the content.Classic Resume Template Design by Cake3.This academic resume design template by Cake uses background color to highlight non-experience section accomplishments such as publications, skills, or conference experience.Academic Resume Template Design by Cake 4.Chung Ping Tseng is a product manager. This resume design uses Cake 's resume design tool with a black background and a simple timeline to keep everything organized.Unique Resume Design by Chung Ping Tseng on Cake5. Fiona's resume design uses a stylish font for name and headers, and keeps everything else simple.StylishResume Design by Fiona Lin 6.Kaiwei Wang’s resume uses consistent color and little squares to differentiate each section.Resume Design by Kaiwei Wang 7.Sarah Beth Doncals uses emojis to give her resume design a touch of playfulness.Resume Design by Sarah Beth Doncals 8. This creative and unique resume design template created by pikisuperstar uses balanced gradient color to express a friendly personality.Resume Design by pikisuperstar 9. This clean resume template uses a lot of white space to maintain a minimalist design.Clean Resume Design by UX-Group 10.This simple resume design uses lines and blocks to separate each section.Simple and Modern Resume Design by More Profesh 11. This minimalist resume is designed with a neutral color to make reading comfortable.Resume Design by More Profesh 12. This professional resume design from rawpixel.com has big section titles and is well organized.ProfessionalResume Design on Freepik 13. This unique resume design uses four colors, including five levels of grays, but is still balanced.Unique Resume Design on Freepik 14. This is a playful and creative resume design by Kristen Altomare-Ciallella. She uses different font sizes to create sections and variations.Creative Resume Design by Kristen Altomare-Ciallella 15. This simple resume design by Annette Hong is divided into four grids to make it look well ordered.Simple Resume Design by Anette Hong16. This classic resume template is elegant and neat.Classic Resume Design on ResumeWay 17. This professional resume design by Elias Ruiz uses programming fonts to align with his job role.Professional and Neat Resume Design by Eliza Ruiz 18. This black and simple resume design by Dominik Wurm is good for creative designers.Dark Simple Resume Design by Dominik Wurm 19. This clean resume design is good for any applicant with its simplicity.Clean Resume Design on Freepik 20. This minimal resume design allows you to fill in comprehensive details.Minimal Resume Design by WhiteGraphic How to Design a ResumeFor job applicants, making too unique resume design can be a headache. Nevertheless, whether you choose to design your resume with Microsoft Word, Illustrator, or Cake, as long as you pay attention to the steps below, there’s no need to worry. An effective resume design should help you get noticed at first sight. The resume layout should be simple, clean, easy-to-read, and professional. 1. Choose the right resume format Before starting on your professional resume design, there are three resume formats to choose from: chronological resume format, functional resume format, and combination resume format.Consider your experience level, your strengths, and the job you’re applying for. The resume format will set the basic structure for your resume design. 2. Decide on an easy-to-read font Choose an easy-to-read font. Stick to one font that offers variations, which means it has more than one weight, such as regular, medium, and bold. You can use different font weights to create clear sections and save more space.The font you choose should be simple and elegant: avoid using funky or dramatic fonts. Imagine reading an accountant's resume that uses a gothic font. There’s no need to horrify your hiring manager like that. 3. Set appropriate margins Leaving enough space is another secret to a simple and professional resume design. Usually, a one-inch margin is sufficient. The ideal borders should be identical on each side of your resume. To make a more minimalist resume design, you can increase your margin up to 1.5 inches. 4. Include necessary information Once you’ve set up the working space and font as your basic resume design, you can start adding the content. That include the 5 main resume sections:Resume HeaderResume SummaryWork ExperienceSkillsEducation As for how to write each section, read down below in our next paragraph. 5. Add bullet points, bold texts, and colors to make the resume stand out Once you’ve finished your resume content, you can refine your resume design. Here are three aspects to make your resume look simple and organized:Bullet points are useful if there are accomplishments to highlight.Bold texts allow you to assign clear and simple resume design structures.Finally, you can choose a color to add a simple and elegant touch that completes your resume design.📚Further reading: 8 Tips To Help Create A Resume What to Put on a Resume Design: 5 SectionsIf you are wondering how to put together a resume, here are five main sections that’ll help you create your resume layout. Resume HeaderResume SummaryWork ExperienceSkillsEducationResume HeaderA resume header is a section where you include all the essential information about yourself. When designing your resume header, keep your basic information clear and easy to read. Example of a resume header design:Created using Cake Resume Summary A resume summary is a short paragraph, usually 3-5 sentences, that sums up your professional career highlights and your specialty. The hiring manager will read the summary to quickly get an idea of who you are.Here's an example of a resume summary: "Digital marketing specialist with 4+ years of experience in international firms. Implemented comprehensive market report analysis to plan an effective marketing strategy that increases seasonal sales by 18%." Work Experience When writing your work experience, be sure to tailor the descriptions to the job post. The most recent experience should always come first. Moreover, the font you choose will work really well here and make your resume design unique. Here’s how to write your experience in a resume:WORKEXPERIENCE English Teacher, Aug 2017 - Jul 2021 Concordia High School, New York Designed creative instructional materials to increase student’s participation.Combined psychological methods with full curriculums to improve student’s analytic skills and memory.Enhanced grad students’ English final test grade by 15%. Substitute Teacher,Aug 2017 - Jul 2021 Johnston High School, Brooklyn Fulfilled long-term substitute teaching roles in K-12 students.Directed classroom management skills to improve school engagement by 12%.Organized after-school programming programs and reading clubs for marginalized students. Skills In the skills section, you should organize the essential skills for the job role. The skills section should be simple, relevant, and incisive. Bring up the hard skills that are required, and add some soft skills to demonstrate your characteristics. Use fonts to make sure the skills are tidy and categorized.Here's an example of listing skills in a resume: SKILLSTechnical skills: Programming: CSS, HTML, JavaScript, p5.jsUser Interface: Figma, Sketch, Origami, After Effects, Miro Soft Skills: PatienceAdministrationCommunicationCritical thinkingCurriculum development Education If you’ve got an advanced degree, list it before your undergraduate or high school degree. When listing your education, you should include these four elements:School NameSchool LocationDegree/ Major/ MinorYears AttendedCake provides the best resume builder free resume templates to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journey to new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create Resume Tips on Creating the Best Resume DesignFor amateurs who are not so skilled with design, here are 5 tips to keep in mind. These are the golden rules to follow so you won’t slide off track unknowingly. 💡 Utilize color, font, and visual elements to make the resume header stand out If you want to make a creative or simple resume design, one trick is to make good use of colors, fonts, or visual elements such as icons. You can play with your font by choosing the company’s logo color or other colors that represent your personality. In addition, placing a simple icon by the title of each section will make your resume easier to read. 💡 Make the most of white space You might be anxious when designing your resume, and want to fill up the white space with texts. However, white space is also functional, if you want a clean, minimalist, and simple resume design. Think of white space as your friend, you want it to play balance with what you have. It will give the hiring manager more space to read and process the information comfortably. 💡 Keep the resume design clear and clean One more thing to monitor when you design your resume is to keep it clear and clean. There’s no need to stuff up the resume with images or make it colorful. 💡 Make sure the resume design is compliant with the industry standard Always read the application requirements. Oftentimes, the hiring manager asks the applicants to send a certain file type such as PDF or word. In addition, for more rigid industries and value professionalism, it’s advised to keep your resume design simple. 💡 Improve the readability of the resume Last but not least, the readability of your resume is just as important as how it looks. As the hiring manager often spends only a little time on each resume, a resume designed to be read easily will have more chances to be noticed and remembered. Check the font style as well as sizes to make sure the content and title are easy for a quick glance.How to Design an Unique Resume for FreeFor applicants who want to save time on resume design, it’s ideal to use resume design templates. Here are two ways for you to find creative, professional, simple, or modern resumes design templates for free. 1. Cake With Cake, you can get free resume design tools to create either a professional resume design, modern resume design, simple resume design, minimal resume design, clean resume design, or any other styles you want. Follow the steps below: RegisterYou can register easily with Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Apple account, or simply type your email address.Choose a resume design templateYou can always change your mind and select another resume template.Type in the necessary informationYou can also import a recent resume file to save time on filling in the information! Moreover, you can find inspiring resume examples categorized into different job roles from our resume pool.Adjust the resume layoutIf you want to customize your resume, you can do so easily. Adjust the layout, fonts, and organization to finalize your resume design.Download resume PDF or share it onlineThat’s it! You can save your resume design in PDF files and share it online directly! 2. Microsoft WordOpen Microsoft Word and go to “File” “New".Click on “more templates” or type “resume” in the search box.Choose a resume design template that suits you.Click on “Create”.Start editing the content and filling in your information!🔑 Key Takeaways:No matter if you’re a senior specialist or an entry-level rookie, you need a resume to reach the hiring manager. There’s no need to freak out if you’re not sure how to make your resume look good and professional.Here's how you design a good resume: Select a simple and elegant font that has good readability and avoids being too stylish.Use bullet points, bold texts, and colors to define clear sections.Use white space and margins to make a clean, simple and minimal resume design.Take advantage of resume templates to save time and energy to focus on your content information.Make sure your resume is designed easy-to-read and in accordance with industry requirements. --- Originally written byWu Chao Min---

Created by CakeIn this article, you will read about:Resume Writing TipsResume Formatting TipsResume Building TipsResume Design TipsResume Tips for High School StudentsResume Tips for FreshersResume Tips for Experienced ProfessionalsNursing Resume TipsEngineering Resume TipsLegal Resume TipsAre you struggling to write a good resume? Are you seeking more resume advice? You’re in the right place. This article consists of a bunch of resume tips so that you can create a good resume that stands out using the listed resume pointers. If you don't know what a resume is, you can read our previous article to know! There are some challenges job applicants tend to experience when building a resume. To write a resume that stands out, many people usually consider what’s the best resume advice for people in their position. They are not wrong, the best resumes that get you hired depend on your career position.Resume tips can differ according to the following situations you are currently under:Changing jobs but lacking the relevant experience in the field.Your educational qualifications do not fit the job description.You have a big gap between jobs.You are a job hopper.You have a lot of experience, but you don’t know how to make it short.You are overqualified for the job.Common difficulties job applicants experience include the following situations: Job changing but lacking the relevant experience in the field.Your educational qualifications do not fit the job description.You have a big gap between jobs.You are a job hopper.You have a lot of experience, but you don’t know how to make it short.You are overqualified for the job. Keep on reading and follow these tips for a great resume, and you will surely be on your way to land your dream job! 10 Resume Writing Tips For Any Job Seekers1. Prioritize listing only relevant jobs. Whether you are an entry-level worker or an experienced industry expert, a piece of pragmatic resume advice is to list relevant experience or skills on resumes. This resume advice can help you keep the focus of your resume. 2. Be brief and concise. A practical approach to improve your resume is to be brief and concise on your resume. Recruiters typically go through a resume in seconds, so keeping it clean can help your resume stand out. 3. Limit the resume length to one page. Similar to the resume advice above, limiting your resume writing to one page can effectively reduce recruiters’ time spent on the resume. 4. Use reverse-chronological format. Reverse-chronological format is the standard format for writing any resumes. With this resume format, you list your experience in reverse chronological order. Begin with your latest job position and proceed backwards. 5. Include quantified results. Being able to quantify your experience is a way to prove your work track record. This is one of the top resume making tips. Focus on numbers, time, and percentages. 6. Use resume action verbs. Using action verbs on resume can help create immediate information impact on the recruiters’. Popular action verbs for resumes include “accelerated”, “outperformed”, “analyzed”, and “negotiated”. 7. Use relevant keywords. What are keywords? Keywords are words that tie into a job description or posting. The use of keywords in resumes can boost your chance of not getting eliminated from ATS (aka, your resume now is ATS-friendly). 8. Set your font size to 10-12 points. Use an appropriate font size on your resume, so it’s more pleasant to read. This resume advice may seem very basic, but it is highly underrated. 9. Use an attractive font. Using an attractive font is another resume tip that concerns aesthetics. Popular resume fonts include Times New Roman, Cambria, Georgia, Garamond, and Didot. 10. Focus on your skills. If you have more than five years of work experience, listing imperative skills is good resume advice to follow.Resume Formatting Tips1. Keep your resume layout simple. Try to keep your resume layout as simple as possible. A complicated layout will cause difficulties for the recruiters to focus on important information. You can refer to our 10+ resume format and resume templates to choose the most suitable one. 2. Adjust page margins. Resume margins can be reduced if more space is needed, but the standard margin figure is one inch on all sides. 3. Use adequate spacing. Similar to the resume formatting tip above, large spacing reduces the space to contain relevant information. Commonly used spacing on resumes is within a single-spaced or up to 1.5-point spacing. 4. Experiment with different font styles and font sizes. Although there are traditional standards in resume fonts, it is possible to experiment with different font styles. For example, use Avenir Next or Muna. 5. Don’t use the word “I”. Using any pronouns can make the resume format redundant. Instead, use passive voice in your sentences. 6. Use past tense. Using past tense is a relevant resume formatting tip that job applicants often ignore. Use past tense to describe your past positions and use present tense for your current job position. 7. Use consistent punctuation. If you decide to use periods at the end of a sentence, stick with the same punctuation throughout your resume to keep the consistency. 8. Include multiple titles. If you have multiple titles and responsibilities, make sure to include them in your job title. This resume formatting tip allows you to stay focused on each job title, and it’s easier for the recruiters to grasp an idea of who you are. 9. Avoid acronyms. If you want to use an acronym, make sure to spell it out first. 10. Don’t reveal personal information. Do not reveal personal information such as your marital status, birth date, religion, and sexual orientation for safety concerns and also to prevent discrimination.11. Use resume builders for better formattingWriting a resume is hard; statistic has shown that having a professionally written resume can increase one's earning potential by7%. However, not everyone can afford this service, so a good alternative is to use a reliableresume builder. As an example, Cake offers a user-friendly resume-building tool that is completely free. All you need to do is drag and drop the resume elements into the live editor and your resume will be ready in no time. The tool ensures proper alignment so you don't have to worry about the layout or design. Additionally, there are many templates available to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect one for your needs. What to include and not in a resume1. List recent and most relevant experiences. A tip for a good resume is to use the reverse-chronological resume format and list the most relevant work experience to catch the recruiters’ attention. 2. Use keywords that highlight your skills Using relevant keywords can help you catch the recruiters' attention. For instance, if you are searching for customer service roles, make sure to include resume keywords such as customer orientation, empathy, and negotiation. Check out this article for a comprehensive guide on how to write a customer service resume. 3. Create a resume outline. Before starting building your resume, a resume building tip is to outline. The reason is that outlining can help you construct the resume more clearly and effectively. 4. List all the details and information that will be written in your resume. After outlining your resume, you can list all the details and information that will be written in your resume. Soon you will realize that you’re more than halfway through with resume building. 5. Avoid listing short term jobs. Only keep the short-term job if it’s relevant to the field you’re interested in applying for. Otherwise, leave off the short term jobs.But if you're a frequent job hopper, or a fresh graduate, we recommend you consider the functional resume format to best highlight your skills. Resume Design Tips1. Stick to a color scheme. You can use colors to emphasize your characters and personalities. Create a color palette and stick to them so your resume remains looking neat and pleasing to the eyes. 2. Use calm, darker colors for formal jobs. Job applicants who want to enter the field of finance, technology, and science can consider using calm and darker colors. 3. Experience with bright colors for creative jobs. Job applicants who want to enter the field of marketing, design, or architecture can consider using bright and warm colors on their resumes. 4. Try using ready-to-use ATS-friendly resume templates. If you want to save time learning about resume formatting tips, a practical resume design tip is to use resume templates. 5. Use creative figures. Using creative figures on your resume is one of the modern resume design tips. Inserting figures can show your creativity, and it’s easier to convey concepts. 6. Keep your resume mobile-friendly. With the advancement of technology, many recruiters are reading resumes on their mobiles. Make sure your resume has mobile-friendly functions such as hyperlinks and friendly typography. 7. Tell a story. Another creative resume design tip is to insert your story. Storytelling is a compelling technique to help your resume stand out. You can do so by modifying your resume objectives or summary.Cake provides the best free resume builder free resume templates to help you create the perfect resume for your job hunt. Take your career journeyto new heights - create a resume online (free download) now!Create Resume Resume Writing Tips for Different OccupationsResume Writing Tips for High School Students1. Include achievements. Achievements from high school include grades, awards, honors, and leadership roles. 2. Include community service or volunteers. As a high school graduate, you may have participated in local community service and volunteer activities. These are activities to show your values and strengths. 3. Include references. As you do not have extensive work experience, including important references such as your teachers or mentors can help make a resume that gets you hired.👉 Learn how to write resume for high school graduatehere. Resume Writing Tips for Freshers1. Show your willingness to learn. What employers like in young freshers is their willingness to learn. A good resume writing tip for this is by demonstrating online certificates you have obtained. 2. Proofread your resume. Proofreading your resume before submitting allows you to correct grammatical and spelling mistakes. Proofreading will leave the recruiters a good impression. 3. Highlight educational achievements. Since you may not have enough work experience, you can highlight academic achievements to improve your resume. For example, you can showcase your grades, student awards, or club activities.👉 Learn how to write simple resume for fresherhere.Resume Writing Tips for Experienced Professionals1. Quantify your experience. Use numbers, duration, and percentage to quantify your experience. Quantified experience is direct proof of your work experience and expertise. 2. Select relevant achievements. Since you will have plenty of things to write about on the resume, it’s always useful to emphasize relevant work achievements to help your resume stand out. 3. Highlight relevant skills. Include only relevant skills on your resume to help you catch the recruiter’s eyes. For example, if you’re applying for the position as a marketing manager, highlight “data analysis”, SEO blogging”, and “keywords research”. Resume Writing Tips for Nurse1. Highlight your computer skills. The healthcare industry involves a lot of administration tasks, and it’s going digital. Therefore, highlighting computer skills, such as Excel, can help you get noticed. 2. Include education and training. Being a nurse requires years of training and experience, and education is particularly essential to put on your resume. Your hiring manager needs to know whether you are a professionally trained nurse. 3. Add volunteer experience. Volunteering is popular among those who work in the healthcare industry. Volunteering emphasizes your motivation to join the healthcare industry. As a nurse, you can highlight different demographic groups you have worked with in the past. 👉 Learn how to write resume for nurse practitionerhere. Resume Writing Tips for Engineers1. List key accomplishments. Engineer accomplishments include previous projects, technical skills, and profits you brought to the company. Engineering is a specific and technical field, and therefore a practical engineering resume tip is to elaborate on these specificities. 2. Add a project section. As an engineer, you engage with various projects. These projects can be listed under the project section in the resume. Adding the project section allows the recruiters to see your experience even more clearly. 3. Network. Networking may sound tedious, but it is a useful engineering resume tip to keep in mind. When you meet another engineer through a project, he or she may be able to introduce you to more opportunities.👉 Learn how to write resume for software engineer here. We also cover how to write resume other engineering jobs, don't forget to check out on our blog! Resume Writing Tips for Legal Professional1. Highlight your publications. If you have published law articles or conducted research in the past, make sure to list them on your resume. It demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in the field. 2. Include scholastic activities. Include activities related to your skills and strengths. For example, law-related internships, clubs (e.g., student judiciary board) or events. 3. Highlight education achievements. If you are familiar with the movie legally blond, you may know that law students’ academic records are critical to their industry boost. Include academic achievements like grades, awards, and honors. 👉 Learn how to write resume for legal professionals here.--- Originally written byDiana Shih---

7 Best Engineering Certifications for the Modern EngineerFrom chemical and operations engineering to software and civil engineering, the engineering industry constitutes a large portion of positions in the STEM fields. Although broad in responsibility and scope, positions in engineering fields are usually highly specialized and require a combination of academic and professional experiences. To get an edge against others in this competitive profession, additional qualifications are almost always necessary to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in niche or required skills. While many turn to traditional educational routes to acquire this knowledge, online engineering certifications offer an enticing and cheaper alternative to attain the same expertise at your own pace and convenience! The right certifications can impact an engineer’s career trajectory and professional credibility. Acquiring certifications provides proof of an engineer’s competency and credentials in skills required for the job and shows the engineer’s willingness and commitment to professional development following graduation. This proactive approach to learning and work is highly desired in any workplace and testifies to a professional's work ethic and values. Searching for the right certification can be a hassle; this article will cover 7 key certifications for various engineering roles and will discuss the scope, price, audience, and duration of each one, For those considering stepping up their game and getting the qualifications needed to land a new job or better-compensated position, this article may be right for you!Table of ContentsAre Certificates Worth It in Engineering?Professional Engineer (PE)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE)Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)How to Showcase Engineering Certifications on a Resume?Conclusion Are Certificates Worth It in Engineering? A certificate in a core engineering skill can make the difference between missing and receiving an offer for your dream position. Certifications for an engineer represent continued education and a proactive willingness to keep up-to-date with evolving and advancing standards and technologies within the industry. Here are some reasons an engineering certification is fully worth the time and money! Career Advancement Engineering certifications can lead to better job positions, promotions, and recognition within the industry. By pursuing continued education, certifications allow engineers to continuously develop their skill sets and keep their knowledge and experience in demand by the company and future potential employers. Increased Earnings There is great potential for a substantial salary increase for certified engineers compared to their non-certified peers. Certifications and supplemental qualifications can earn an engineer the credibility to land an administrative or leadership position. Studies show that certified engineers can earn higher salaries of upwards of 15% in pay compared to their non-certified counterparts! Networking Opportunities Taking the time to become more certified is not an undertaking every engineer is willing to take. Pursuing certifications can help you expand your professional network by placing you in the same space as other professionals, experts, and industry leaders, whether it be through seminars, training sessions, or conferences. You will get the opportunity to receive training, learn from, and grow with like-minded individuals with similar professional end-goals as you!📚Further reading: How to Network Like a Pro: 15 Never-Outdated Tips to Get You Started Despite all the benefits that completing an engineering certificate has on an engineer’s career, there are still challenges and other considerations that need to be weighed before signing up for a course. Cost Although certifications increase one’s earning potential, the upfront financial investment required for obtaining certifications can place the certification out of reach for many. There are many costs to consider when signing up for a certification course, including exam and testing fees, preparatory course fees, and material costs to name a few. Time Commitment Certifications are as much an investment of time as they are a financial investment. Many courses require over 6 hours of work a week and take place over several months. This is a significant investment as many engineers who choose to take certification courses are fully employed and have heavy workloads. What’s more, some certifications need to be renewed after a certain number of years to maintain knowledge of the most current best practices, so engineers must be conscious of the amount of time they realistically have to juggle their existing workload with the additional workload of an intensive certification course. Relevance It is not enough to take a certification simply because it sounds interesting. Upon evaluation of your existing and missing qualifications, choosing a certification that is relevant to your field of work will allow you to directly reap the benefits of the certificate upon completion. In addition, also ensure that due market research is conducted to make sure that the certification is a worthwhile medium-to-long-term investment. At the end of the day, certifications are supposed to support your personal and professional development. When choosing which certification course is right for you, think about what your long-term career goals are and which certifications can help you get there the fastest!Professional Engineer (PE) The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) is a certification exam that is designed to test the minimum required knowledge necessary to complete the fundamental responsibilities of an engineer in a particular field. The exam is offered to test 27 different engineering specializations and costs around $375 as costs may vary depending on the type of engineering. The organization that manages the exam, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), offers a wide range of written and visual resources, exam prep notes, and mock exams for participants to review. There are options to sit the exam in person and online, making it very accessible to many. Entry-level engineers who want to add more credit to their existing academic and professional qualifications can consider this certification program today!Project Management Professional (PMP) The Project Management Professional certification and exam is designed for those who wish to add a quantifiable testament to their ability to lead and execute projects across multiple fields. The exam and resources are available in over 10 languages and are designed for those who have existing project management experience but wish to formalize it through an in-demand certification. The PMP certification is bestowed on participants who meet all prerequisite course requirements and pass a 180-question exam which can be taken in person or online. The exam costs $405 for members and $575 for non-members.Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification is designed for those in the business, operations, and processing fields and teaches ways to increase efficiency in production spaces. The CSSBB course costs $49 and includes a free book that teaches the material that will be tested in the exam. The book includes discussions of topics related to defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling production so that it minimizes last and maximizes efficiency! The book and exam are designed to be as possible, which makes it a no-brainer for an engineer looking to complete an in-demand and worthwhile certification!LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) The LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) specialty certification course is designed for civil engineers and other engineers specializing in green and environmentally sustainable building. LEED AP is intended for those already working on or have experience with green building safety processes and practices and the LEED rating system. The LEED AP program offers training materials to prepare for the exam and requires at least 30 hours of continuing education to maintain the certification. The course is available for 5 distinct specializations that span across types of buildings, costs $550 ($400 for USGBC members), and culminates in a 100-question multiple-choice exam that can be taken online or in person.Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) The Certified Reliability Engineer is targeted at professional engineers who wish to demonstrate and display their proficiency in performance evaluation and prediction. The material covered in this course includes the topics of design review and control, mathematical modeling, reliability testing, and reliability information systems, amongst many others. The exam costs $533 for the first test and $333 for subsequent retesting. To qualify for the CRE exam, candidates must have 8 years of experience in an area under the Certified Reliability Body of Knowledge or 3 years of experience in a relevant decision-making position. However, this time can be shortened with waivers (1-5 years) that can be claimed from a degree in a relevant field.Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) The Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) certification is offered by the National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and is designed for (you guessed it) chemical engineers! The CCE certification is designed to demonstrate a chemical engineer’s level of education and professional experience and showcases an engineer’s interest in pursuing higher-level continued education throughout their career. This certification requires 4 years of relevant experience and costs $500 to sit the exam. The CCE certification also requires a renewal every three years, but this is done through obtaining Continued Education Units (CEU) rather than sitting a renewal exam.Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC) The SEMC is organized by the IEEE Computer Society and is intended to demonstrate the advancement of proficiency in 12 key modules in the software engineering field. This certification is not intended for students or recent graduates; typically, several years of professional experience and a deep understanding of software engineering construction, testing, and execution are base requirements to succeed. Enrollment in this certification program (including the course material and exam fee) will cost $1200, or $865 for only the exam. The exam can only be taken online and must be completed within one year of purchase.Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) The CCNA certification is designed for those in the software engineering field who wish to provide licensed proof of knowledge in network and security fundamentals and IP services. The course costs $300 plus tax and is valid for three years. Before expiry, certificate holders can renew their license through retesting or Continued Education Units. Pursuing this certification is highly recommended for all levels of IT professionals as it does not have any specific requirements to enroll; this is good motivation for entry-level IT professionals to step up their game and take this in-demand certification today!Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) The Certified Systems Engineering Professional certification is designed for systems engineers with more than five years of professional experience. To take this certification course, candidates must follow the process outlined on the CSEP website; this will include registering as an INCOSE member, submitting the requested application materials, paying the application fee and, finally, passing the exam. The exam can be taken online or in person and tests concepts that systems engineers apply in practical work settings. Candidates can take the test 3 times in 12 months, and the exam payment is valid for one year.How to Showcase Engineering Certifications on a Resume? Successful completion of an engineering certificate is the first step; the next step is to show the world you have it! Certifications can be included in different sections of a resume and should clearly state the important information related to the certification so that employers can easily identify your expertise and hard-earned qualifications. This includes information like the name of the certification, the date of completion, a secure certification identification number, and the name of the issuing body for the certificate. Where to List Certifications on a Resume Certifications can be listed under several section headers. Some of the most common examples include Under a dedicated "Certifications" section A certification section in a resume should be reserved for those who possess many relevant certifications and wish to display all of them in one place. Integrated within the "Education" section If you have completed a certification as part of an educational pursuit, you can include it in the Education section of your resume. This is good to group your certifications so that employers can more easily connect your academic experience with your complementing certification. Mentioned in the "Professional Experience" section If you have substantial work experience in a particular field and have obtained certification courses during that time to increase your standing or position within the company, then you can opt to include the certifications you obtained in that position as part of the job description. This is good for professionals who want to demonstrate to employers their willingness to engage in continued education, as well as show their targeted development throughout their professional careers.Conclusion Completing certifications following graduation is a good reflection of your work ethic and attitude toward continuous professional development. Engineering certifications offer the opportunity for engineers to display the depth and scope of their knowledge in high-demand areas in their fields. The certifications require a significant investment of time and money, but the payout in terms of professional development, approval from employers, and upward career progression more than justifies the price. If you are an engineer and wish to take your career to the next level, check out an in-demand certification in your field. It may just open the right doors and get you that position you have always dreamed about! If you found this article helpful, then consider checking out Cake for more! Our library of articles closely examines every aspect of the job hunt process, individual markets’ in-demand skills that professionals should possess, and so much more! Take the first step in advancing your career with Cake today!Cake is a free resume maker and portfolio builder that provides hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples to help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally Written by Alexander Coye ---

How to write a graphic designer resume? A graphic designer needs to be capable of designing, of course, but it's also important to have different skill sets, such as staying up-to-date to the latest trends, software, social media trends and tools. And as a job seeker, your goal is to get hiring managers to see your talent and give you an interview. So having a strong resume is critical. But how to build a resume that employers want?OverviewWhat should be on a graphic designer's resume?How to choose the right resume format?Graphic designer resume examples templates (Downloadable!)3 bonus tips for graphic designers What should be on a graphic designer’s resume? Click to download Graphic Designer resume example!Generated via Cake. 1. Contact information To make sure recruiters know who you are at first glance, start your resume with a simple contact information section on top of the page. Here’s a checklist: Full namePhone numberEmail addressLinkedIn profilePersonal website (optional but recommended)Other social media profiles (optional, only if they’re professional) 2. Resume summary / Career objective If you want your resume to stand out from tons of other resumes that recruiters receive, then a decent resume summary or objective is what you need to work on. To let HRs know why you are a good fit for this position, summarize your achievements and highlight your skills in a resume summary, or describe your career goal in a resume objective if you are a career changer. Some quick tips on how to write a resume summary:Work History: Start with your title and share your years of experience in the graphic designer field.Skills: Scan through the job description and ask yourself what skills is it asking for, is that what you are proficient at? What skills you have apply most to the job? Mention them in your summary.Accomplishments: Include your best graphic designer achievements, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements using metrics like percentages and dollar amounts. More importantly, keep your resume summary short, within 2-4 sentences is enough to let the hiring manager get a quick idea of who you are.Resume contact information resume summary 3. Work Experience If you want to write an impressive work description, here are some tips you need to know to nail your work experience resume section: List your work experience reverse-chronologically, with your most recent experience at the top.Your work experience subheading should include company, job location, your job title and the start and end dates Make sure your work experience shows the company the skills they’re looking for.Use metrics to prove your skills, such as timespans, percentages of growth and dollar amounts.Find action verbs to emphasize your accomplishments, such as directed, created, designed, led. Since the work experience resume section can make or break your job application, you need to make sure that your work achievements are both measurable and unique to a job seeker’s experience, not just describing your duties. For example, “executed 5 digital marketing plans via digital ads and social media content in a month, increasing CTR by 20%”Resume work experience section with job descriptions 4. EducationIf you graduated more than 5 years ago, keep your education section simple by putting your highest degree with dates. But if you’re a junior graphic designer, try to make use of your education section. You can include basic information such as university name, location, years in school, majors and minors, but also don’t forget to explain what you’ve accomplished in school. Here are some details:Relevant courseworkAcademic awardsGPA (only if it’s impressive, 3.5-4)Student clubs or organizationsResume education section5. SkillsHow to showcase your unique skills and competencies in your graphic design resume? Check this list to add some of the best graphic design skills to your resume:Hard Skills:AdobeInDesignPhotoshopIllustratortypographyimage editingMayaAfter Effects3D modelingSoft Skills:MarketingDigitalStrategyVisualCommunicationExpansive thinkingRemember to choose the right resume skills that matches both your past experience and job description, and try to balance hard and soft skills.Resume skills section 6. Certifications Awards Certifications are not necessary, but they show that you have enough knowledge in the graphic design field, and that you’re willing to take time to learn and invest in yourself. Especially in the design industry, you’ll look more professional and trustworthy to recruiters if you are certified, and they will be intent on finding the certifications in your application. There are lots of online resources in graphic design and design tools available, such as Adobe Certified Associate, one of the popular certifications for graphic designers.Resume certificates awards section 7. Other Experience/ Project Not sure what to put on your other experience section? It could be a volunteer work that you did, or a project that you directed in your spare time would be a good idea. Or even if you are a writer on a famous media could be a good thing to list on your resume. You can list anything you want on your resume as long as it fits the job and the company, just remember to keep them short and simple.Resume projects section How to choose the right resume format? 1. Order There are 3 common resume formats that will never go wrong:Chronological / Reverse-chronological resume: A chronological resume lists the most recent experience first and then backward through time. It’s easy for the hiring manager to see your most recently experience first.Functional resume: A functional resume mainly focuses on professional skills instead of time, and list experiences that reflect those skills. If you are a career changer, or have large gaps between each job, you could take this kind of resume format into consideration.Hybrid resume: A hybrid resume combines chronological resume and functional resume. You can use a section to highlight all your skills and accomplishments, while listing your work experiences in a chronological order. 2. Column If your resume will be read by an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) before the hiring manager, or if you’re unsure about this, stick to a traditional one-column format. It’s safer this way because most ATS systems are incompatible with two-column resumes and may lead to distortions. However, if you’re certain that it’s a human will read your resume, two-columns are easier to read and visually attractive. Try moving shorter sections like contact information, resume summary and skills to the left column. 3. Design Even though a graphic designer’s qualifications include your design aesthetics, ideas, and ability to create, it doesn’t mean that you should put too much emphasis on creativity. On the other hand, show the company that you know not only about designing, but are also capable of delivering information, communicating with people through a reader-friendly resume. You could tailor your resume by using design softwares which you are familiar with, such as Photoshop, Illustrator or Canva, or use customizable resume builders to help. (e.g. Cake) 4. Font Keep in mind that resumes are formal documents for hiring managers to read, so use a basic font such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica and Times New Roman to show your professionalism. Or if you’re sure about the company’s style, more modern fonts are also acceptable. No matter what fonts you use, don’t put more than 2 font types and colors together. Lastly, check the font size and spacing to make sure your resume is readable.Ready to build your resume? Use our resume builder to quickly and easily build a stunning resume for free!Start Now Graphic Designer resume examples templates (Downloadable!) Click to download Meredith's Graphic Designer resume. Generated via Cake. Like the design? Use Cake's free resume builder to easily make yourself a stunning resume. Check out more resume examples on Cake! 3 bonus tips for graphic designers 1. Quantify your accomplishments Specific numbers will help recruiters to know how much impact you could have in their company. Prove your achievements with real data to boost credibility and add professionalism to your resume. 2. Build a portfolio website Your portfolio website is the best way for companies to learn about your projects, works, style and aesthetics which may not be seen on your resume but rather important. So having a portfolio ready really saves time for both the employer and yourself, fastening the process to decide whether both of you are suitable or not . Once finished, remember to put the link into your resume. 3. Cut unnecessary sections and use as few words as possible Employers need to quickly understand your work experience. So speak to the job description and talk about the similarities between their company and the projects you’ve worked on. And list your experience of short and clear statements rather than writing dense paragraphs. If any of the information on your resume is not related, then do not hesitate to cut it out Ready to build your resume? Use our resume builder to quickly and easily build a stunning resume for free!Start Now

Created by CakeResumeYou'll learn:How to Make a Graphic Design PortfolioWhat to Include in a Graphic Design PortfolioGraphic Design Portfolio Examples - Ideas InspirationTips on Creating the Best Graphic Design PortfolioAs the world begins to grow, a professional online presence is a crucial thing to have for prospective employees. Whether you are a full-time graphic designer or even a freelancer, a graphic design portfolio is valuable in the current job market, if not significantly more than a traditional CV or resume. In the digital age, having a graphic design online portfolio will establish your personal brand on the internet for millions of people to access. An online graphic design portfolio will showcase a collection of past work experiences that portrays your accomplishments, skills, and tangible results of your efforts - such as projects you have done or products you have created. Not only that, employers could get a glimpse of your personality and unique voice through a graphic design portfolio. In this article, we will guide you on how to make a graphic design digital portfolio. How to Make a Graphic Design PortfolioStarting your graphic design portfolio website is going to be a challenge. Here are some steps that might help you to settle in on creating your very own graphic design portfolio:Gather ideas and inspiration.Decide the theme / style / design.Choose the right platform for your online graphic design portfolio.Select your best work to showcase.Add necessary information.Improve the UI and UX.Ensure its responsive on a different device.Keep it up-to-date. 1. Gather ideas and inspiration. The very first step before showcasing your work through a graphic design portfolio is to do some visual research. Doing your visual research would help you generate ideas and provide you with plenty of inspiration before starting your online graphic design portfolio. 📝 Tip:It is a good idea to observe online graphic design portfolio examples from other people to see the navigation and designs of others and gather your personal aesthetics from them. 2. Decide the theme / style / design. As you are looking through these graphic design portfolio websites, visualize the elements and schemes you want your graphic design portfolio to be like. Think about how you want to convey your graphic design portfolio and your aim through it. Your graphic design portfolio should represent who you are. Showcasing your design style and mood would be a crucial representation of you. Choosing a color scheme, vibes, and typography are details that encapsulated your whole graphic design portfolio. Making a mood board surrounding the vibe and aesthetics you aim for could help you further on curating your graphic design portfolio. 3. Choose the right platform for your online graphic design portfolio. There are various online portfolio sites and platforms for graphic designers to showcase their talent skills. Curating your graphic design portfolio based on your specialty could be one of the takeaways in deciding the perfect platform for you. Nowadays, people won’t expect your graphic design portfolio to be physical, having a digital graphic design portfolio could be the best way to showcase your work as there are no limitations to it. There are a lot of platform options available for your graphic design portfolio projects. You can select a web page or series of web pages, online creative platforms, or social media. Choose the platform that is best for you and how you envisioned your online graphic design portfolio to be. 4. Select your best work to showcase. As you gain experiences in life, you have completed diverse tasks, created notable works, or even some personal projects. As you collect all the life work you have done, select the best work that makes others get a sense of what you are working on within your graphic design portfolio. Including every little project you have done is the most common mistake people make when making their online graphic design portfolio. It is not about the quantity, or how much work you have done in the span of your life, but the quality speaks for itself. Showcasing only your best work in your graphic design portfolio could be the wisest decision as it is best for you to put various projects you have worked with to show off your creative diversity and cater to different needs. 5. Add necessary information. As an online graphic design portfolio is the modern-day version of a business card and CV/resume, you need to add various information to introduce yourself. With additional information, people can understand and get a scope of who you are. We are going to further discuss what to include in your graphic design portfolio in the next section of this article. 6. Improve the UI and UX. After choosing the best platform you want your online graphic design portfolio to be, make sure that the experience clients get from looking at your graphic design portfolio is how you envisioned them to have. Identifying the elements to be included in each page of your graphic design portfolio could come in handy. Listing the items on each page would make you come up with a fitting layout for your graphic design portfolio and prioritize the information. Once you know the layout of your digital graphic design portfolio, you can decide on the navigation of the pages. How do you want your visitors to experience your portfolio, the transitions, the buttons, and anything else you want to customize. 7. Ensure its responsive on a different device. After setting up your online graphic design portfolio the way you want them to be, ensuring that it is compatible with different browsers and devices is needed. You never know what kind of device people are using to take a look at your graphic design portfolio. Some would be using a web browser, mobile phones, or even tablets. 📝 Reminder:Making your digital graphic design portfolio responsive to devices would be ideal. You wouldn’t want your online graphic design portfolio to ruin your chances of working with potential clients. 8. Keep it up-to-date. As the years go by, you gain more experience by taking on more projects, your graphic design portfolio would be outdated. This is not a problem for you that just started making your first graphic design portfolio. However, as the months or years go by, you will have many more projects up your sleeves that you want to show to people. Keeping the graphic design projects for your portfolio updated would show that you are still relevant in the area of work you are in. What to Include in a Graphic Design PortfolioIncluding information is crucial in your graphic design portfolio. However, you have to include the right and correct information needed. These are piece of information to be included in your graphic design portfolio:IntroductionResume / CVContact InformationProjectsContext for Each ProjectKey AchievementsServices / Employment StatusTestimonials or Case Studies 1. Introduction You can introduce yourself by presenting what you are currently doing and how your background makes you unique. Briefly describe aspects you are most passionate about and share what you love most about what you do in your graphic design portfolio. Showcasing some of your biggest professional and personal accomplishments as well as how your attributes contribute to those accomplishments. Convey what you are looking for currently; either job seeking, a career change, or freelance. The graphic designer profile section of your portfolio would give your future clients or employers a glimpse of who you are to set up an impression. 2. Resume / CV Including a CV or Resume into your online graphic design portfolio could give potential clients or recruiters access to your educational and professional experience. By inserting your CV or Resume into your online graphic design portfolio, visitors could have the impression of who you are and what you have to offer. 3. Contact Information Making sure your online graphic design portfolio’s visitors can easily contact you could be a crucial thing. You wouldn’t want to make your potential clients lose interest in you only because there’s no way in contacting you. The ideal way to reach you should be easy to find. 4. Projects With your personal information put in the way, it is time to let your work shine. This is the deciding factor for a client to hire you. As aforementioned, you only want to showcase the best work as your graphic design portfolio projects. It is not about the quantity, or how much work you have done in the span of your life, but the quality speaks for itself. 5. Context for Each Project By providing context for each project you put in an online graphic design portfolio, you can catch people’s attention to the work, and by adding background information, you can showcase the work itself and the aspects surrounding it. 6. Key Achievements Now that you have all of that information covered, list out your key achievements. There are numerous ways in how you can present your key achievements in your online graphic design portfolio.📝 Reminder:For starters, you can compile a list of your achievements. You can also integrate the theme and design elements of your graphic design portfolio into your key achievement page making it easy to grasp. 7. Services / Employment Status You shouldn’t rely too heavily on people reading what you offer through your graphic design portfolio. If you offer services or want something from your graphic design portfolio visitors, you need to say it openly. If you are looking for your next job or a freelancer looking for your next clients, convey it clearly in your graphic design portfolio to help people offer something that you want. Sometimes people are oblivious if you don't put the information needed straight. 8. Testimonials or Case Studies Testimonials could be a powerful tool to prove that the achievements and value you bring to the job are real. You can add clients’ or employers’ names and a simple text on why they enjoyed your work and working with you in your graphic design portfolio. Those testimonials would impress future clients or employers, which allows you to demonstrate a level of professionalism. 📝 Tip:Don’t worry if you don’t have testimonials. You can always reach out to former clients or employers and simply ask them for testimonials directly. They wouldn’t mind writing you a simple text on how they love working with you. Graphic Design Portfolio ExamplesBefore you start your journey on making your graphic design portfolio, take a look at some examples of online graphic design portfolios. Here are some websites where you can find graphic design portfolio examples:1. CakeCake has an extensive portfolio collection from their users, ranging from diverse industries. Here, you can find portfolios that pair well with resume, clearly showing the real impact of their work experience. It's a helpful reference for learning how to describe your specific role in projects and campaigns through your work.Below is an example of a graphic design portfolio from Cake, made by Kristel Gilvarry Estefanny. To see more portfolios, check out graphic design portfolio examples at Cake.Graphic design portfolio example (Created at Cake)2. BehanceOwned by Adobe, Behance is the go-to place to find design portfolio examples. It's where you'll find expansive examples, starting from logo, website, to billboard designs. It is also the perfect place to see how to present a "Case Study" that walks a viewer through your entire creative process, from the initial mood board to the final results.See graphic design portfolio examples at Behance3. DribbbleWhile Behance has more of longer case studies, Dribbble is for seeing iconography, typography experiments, and logo animations. It is a fantastic resource to stay on top of current graphic design trends and learn how to make your works pop.See graphic design portfolio examples at Dribbble4. PinterestIf you search for "Graphic DesignPortfolio Ideas," on Pinterest, you'll find thousands of way to arrange your work, from clean, white-space-heavy-grids to more artsy, cluttered, and element-heavy styles. It's the perfect tool to gather inspiration before building your portfolio, helping you decide on the overall style of the portfolio that match your personality.See graphic design portfolio examples at Dribbble5. BestfoliosTo see more professional works, Bestfolios is the place to go. Bestfolios is a curated "hall of fame" for designers who work at top companies like Google, Spotify, or Nike. It's a brilliant resource for seeing how high-level design professionals structure their works. You can also see examples of how to use real-world use of your works and testimonials to immediately show to a potential employer that you are reliable and have real-world experience.See graphic design portfolio examples at Dribbble Tips on Creating the Best Graphic Design PortfolioFinally, you’ve got your online graphic design portfolio settled in. You’ve showcased your skills and best work out there in your graphic design portfolio. Before publishing it, pay attention to these tips to ensure that you have the best of the best online graphic design portfolio. 💡 Tip 1: Highlight your personality. Be genuine in showcasing your personality and uniqueness. Potential clients or employers could see your personality through your online graphic design portfolio.📝 Note: Don’t go overboard with how you showcase your personality. The little details you put into your online graphic design portfolio is worth considering since it encapsulated your personality and you! 💡Tip 2: Focus more on the creative process, not just the finished work. Each designer has a different creative process when it comes to working with clients. Inserting your creative process into your graphic design portfolio could be an important aspect for potential clients or employers to know more about your contributions to a certain project, the challenges you faced when working with the projects mentioned, and how you overcame the problems. Including a description of your creative process could help clients envision how they want to work with you. 💡 Tip 3: Keeping up with design trends. You wouldn’t want someone you work with giving irrelevant design themes to you. Keeping up to date with what is relevant to the design industry nowadays is important. Adjusting your graphic design portfolio to the current design trends could give you some additional points to potential clients or employers. 💡 Tip 4: Include the kind of work you want to attract. Including the kind of work you want to attract in your graphic design portfolio would give potential employers an idea of what work you are looking for. 💡 Tip 5: Ask for feedback and critiques. Sometimes we get too immersed in your work until we lose sight of the big picture. You should get feedback and critiques on your graphic design portfolio. You can ask your colleagues, friends in the related profession, mentor, or anyone to give you feedback on your graphic design portfolio. Having another set of eyes to see your portfolio would give you an idea of how other people would see you through your graphic design portfolio. 🖋 That sums up the steps to making your online graphic design portfolio. The great thing about making an online graphic design portfolio is that you can easily come back to it and update it regularly. Now you are ready to set off and find your perfect job!Ready to Build Your Graphic Design Portfolio with Cake?Cake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now! --- Originally written by Elsa Djohan ---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, you will read about:What to Put in a UX Designer PortfolioHow to Include UX Design Projects to a PortfolioBest UX Designer Portfolio Websites9 Best UX Design Portfolio Examples (+ Analysis)Tips for Creating a Good UX Designer PortfolioA UX designer portfolio is the most critical tool for any UX job applicant. It showcases our creative works and explains our design rationale. However, you might not know what a UX designer portfolio looks like or even what to put in a UX designer portfolio for junior UX designers. But worry not, because in this article, we’ll guide you through how to make an organized and structured UX designer portfolio, the best websites to refer to while making your UX portfolio websites, some UX portfolio website examples and what to learn from them as well as tips for creating a UX portfolio website.What to Put in a UX Designer PortfolioTo ensure that your audience can get to know you and have a pleasant experience when going through your UX designer portfolio, there are a few components that you should consider including:Front pageHeadlineAbout me sectionContact informationResume (optional)WorksOther projects (optional) Front page A front-page or home page is an excellent place to start your UX designer portfolio planning. When choosing how to present the front page, consider the following essential questions: How do you want to introduce yourself? Professionally? Or friendlily?Will the front page include a catalog of your project? Headline A headline is the largest title on your front or home page. It is basically a powerful greeting to anyone who comes to your UX designer portfolio website. Similarly, crafting a unique and impressive tagline is a part of attracting your audience! So, make sure to craft a strong headline that describes your personality as a UX designer. About me section The “about me” section in your user experience design portfolio is where the reader expects to know more about your background. In this section, you can include: A summary of who you are, what you do, your accomplishments, and what you are interested inExternal links to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Github, Dribbble, or other sitesYour education and work experience(s)More personal stories, details, or photos you want to share Contact information Always make sure your contact information is accessible on all pages. Add a simple call-to-action and make it easier for them to reach out and say hi. Resume (optional) Your UX portfolio website is often included in your LinkedIn page, resume, and other application portals that a potential client and hiring manager reach. Likewise, it would be convenient if a resume is available on your UX portfolio website directly. Works UX design projects are the center of your portfolio website. It is definitely not easy to organize the qualitative materials you had, let alone select the highlight and focus on the essence. In the next part of this article, we will discuss in more detail what components to be included when adding UX design projects to your portfolio. Other projects (optional) If you have graphic design work or case studies, hiring managers might be glad to see them. Give them a separate section for those who want to know more about your skills. How to Include UX Design Projects to a PortfolioAs mentioned before, UX design projects are the key element in your UX portfolio. Since UX design is a long and complex process, many might wonder how we can keep the portfolio brief and not include too many unnecessary details We’ve organized a template for you to consider when creating your UX design project. Here are the things that must be included in your UX design portfolio:Project description, scope and timelineYour role and list of collaboratorsProblem and methodsPrimary and secondary researchUser researchUser persona and user journey mapDesign iterations (sketches, wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototypes)Final productConclusion and quantified resultsLessons Project description, scope, and timeline First, in the summary section, briefly explain the project: what is the product? What does it provide? What is unique about it? Explain the scope of your project and the timeline of your involvement as well as how much time you spent on it. Your role and list of collaborators Be specific with your contribution in a project. Clarify the size of your team, who you collaborated with, your role, and your responsibilities. Problem and methods Next, state the problem you were trying to solve. Make your problem statement short and precise. You can also state your project goal.Your design method is the process, tools, and methodology you’ve adopted to solve your problem. List the design steps you took, but specify why. For example, perhaps you’re trying to validate a hypothesis and decided to start the first round of user testing to confirm your assumptions. Primary and secondary research Recap the research information you collected to share the stats, facts, and figures that are important to know. User research Following up on your UX designer portfolio, when recapping the user research, remember to explain your goals. For instance, you may have conducted surveys or user interviews. What is the essential information you want to know? What are the most important questions you’ve asked to reach the goal? These explanations can be short, but it needs to address insights and highlights instead of simply presenting unsorted information. Moreover, it’s ideal to use numbers to support your findings. User persona and user journey map Next, showcase the persona your team has made. Rather than copy-pasting the image of your persona and UJM, what you can do is make your UX design projects even more crucial to highlight the most crucial highlight that is discovered. For example, provide more explanation on key pain points and touchpoints in your user journey map. This way, any reader can quickly get a gist of what the map is illustrating and the objective of your design solution. Design iterations (sketches, wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototypes) Present the tools you’ve used to design the product. That may include messy sketches, simple wireframes that are used for discussion, and low fidelity models for establishing user flow. Final product Showcasing your final product is a tricky part as well. A great hack to do this is to choose a mock-up template that is clear and simple. Conclusion and quantified results Finally, conclude your UX design project by stating the efficiency of your design solution. Why is this a successful project? Moreover, if you have conducted user testing, use quantified testing results to explain the success of your final product. Lessons If you want to sum up your project, adding a “lesson learned” or takeaway summary is a good option. It explains your self-reflecting ability and gives you chances to improve on future UX design projects.Best UX Designer Portfolio WebsitesBelow we have compiled a list of 5 platforms that you can use to kickstart your UX designer portfolio creation. 1.Cake Cake’s free online portfolio maker is ideal for creative professionals and UX designers like you. With user-friendly tools, you can build UX design projects quickly.✨Features: Link to your digital resume and professional profile on other sites easilyCreate your UX designer portfolio online, free of charge, and with no limit to the number of projectsMultimedia tools: Embed media such as images, websites, audio files, or video filesCake’s free online portfolio maker is suitable for creative and design professionals. With our user-friendly portfolio-making tools, anyone can make their very own portfolio hassle-free. Create your online UX designer portfolio now!Create Portfolio 2.Behance Behance is a free portfolio website by Adobe. Creators can discover other works by other creators. On Behance, users’ works will appear on the website’s homepage, so UX designers can easily view the works.✨ Features: Link and save UX design projects from other creators that you likeMultimedia tools: Embed media such as images, websites, audio files, or video filesCreate your projects without limit 3.Squarespace Squarespace is a popular website builder that includes categorized templates. You can easily build and customize your UX designer portfolio by utilizing Squarespace’s style editor. It’s ideal for designers who don’t want to spend too much time customizing the appearance and interaction. ✨Features: All Squarespace templates are fully responsiveIdeal for UX beginners to intuitively design your website without codingEasily manage or try out multiple websites on the Squarespace dashboard 4.Dribbble Dribbble is commonly used as a UX design portfolio website. It is also used by digital designers and artists. Recruiters who are looking for talented collaborators could also post opportunities.✨Features: Uses 4:3 size, ready-made single images as shots to catch the viewers’ eyesUse job boards and freelance projects pages to find jobs easilyLearn courses online directly from industry leaders 5.Wix Wix is a famous portfolio website builder that offers drag-and-drop tools to add customized sections. There are hundreds of templates to choose from, ideal for UX designers, shop-owners, or web developers to build their portfolio website. ✨ Features: Easy to maneuver with no coding skills neededA huge number of templates to choose from, so no need to spend too much time starting from scratchPremium account enjoys free domain for one year6.UXfolioUXfolio is a portfolio builder designed specifically for UX and product designers. It helps you turn your work into decision-driven case studies with polished visuals, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly understand and evaluate your thinking.✨ Features:Structured case study builder with predefined UX sections and promptsAI-powered text refinement to improve clarity and readability without losing your original thinkingPresentation tools like interactive prototypes, custom thumbnails, and clean layouts for maximum engagement and scannabilityUX Design Portfolio Examples  When you're a UXdesigner, your portfolio isn't just a gallery of 'pretty' screens, it's actually a product in itself. Recruiters are also looking for the "why" behind your decision, to see the progress of turning a problem into a clean, usable solution.Here are the best places to find the best UXportfolio examples for inspiration, with what you can learn from each:1. CakeCake is a goldmine for seeing how to turn your products into something attractive for recruiters/ You'll find results-driven portfolios that don't just show screenshots, but highlight specific business impacts, such as "Boosting user sign-ups by 10%."It's a great place to learn how to showcase your designs in a way that proves you understand the bottom line, not just the designing part.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Cake2. BehanceBehance is also good for finding deep-dive "storytelling"portfolio examples. You can find projects that walk you through the entire lifecycle of a product, from the initial sketches to the final prototype. It's the perfect place to learn how to turn wireframes and user flow diagrams into a beautiful visual narrative that keeps a recruiter engaged from start to finish.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Behance3. BestfoliosIf you want to see what it takes to get hired at companies like Google, Airbnb, or Spotify, you can find portfolios from designers at top-tier companies at Bestfolios. You'll also find end-to-end case studies that also details the research process, such as usability testing results and accessibility audits. It's an essential reference for learning how to structure your own projects to prove you're a strategic thinker who designs for real people.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Bestfolios4. DribbbleIn Dribble, you can find interaction design and micro-animations examples here. You can also browse the trending works to see modern aesthetic trends and learn how to present your final mockups with a "wow factor" that makes a portfolio feel premium and modern.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Dribbble5. PinterestPinterest has built their visual archive for years, so you can just search for "UXCase Study Layouts" and you'll find creative ways to organize the text and pictures on your portfolio without making it look like a boring wall of words. It's a great tool to find layout inspirations on how to present your user personas and affinity maps so they look clean, professional, and easy to read.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Pinterest6. CofoliosIf you're an early career professional, Cofolios features portfolios from interns at well-known tech firms. You can find junior level portfolios that focus on the core fundamentals. This is the best place to learn how to document your growth and show that you have a solid grasp of the UXprocess, even if you don't have years of industry experience under your belt yet.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at Cofolios7. UXfolioUXfolio helps you turn your UX work into clear, decision-driven case studies. Instead of just showcasing screens, it makes your thinking easy to follow and evaluate by structuring your portfolio around the “why” behind your work.With tools like a case study generator, AI text enhancement, and a job fit checker, you can build, refine, and evaluate your portfolio in one place.👉 See UX design portfolio examples at UXfolioTips for Creating a Good UX Designer Portfolio💡 Put on a reader’s hat. When outlining your UX design portfolio website, be empathetic. Imagine yourself as a hiring manager or a potential client. What do you expect to see in a UX project? Making a UX designer’s portfolio is like making another UX design project. Keep your reader in mind to plan out the best presentation. 💡 Share the details, but only the best ones. You may be excited to finally present your UX work on your portfolio website. However, be restrained when you describe your project. It is tempting to write a long and rambling paragraph. Nevertheless, most viewers have limited attention and can lose interest quickly. 💡 Make your UX project case study visually appealing. When presenting your works, visual materials are eye-catching. As a result, whenever possible, make your point visible. In addition, you have spent so much time on UI prototypes. Why not present them more clearly? 💡 Describe and explain the process without using jargons. Your UX designer portfolio website is not meant for senior UX designers and specialists. Your audience is probably not familiar with the complex technical jargon. Use a professional voice that is approachable and avoid excessive self-promotion. 💡 Be careful with stock images. Many UX designers use sites such as Freepik or Unsplash to add visual elements or mock-up their designs. However, when using stock images, pay attention to the consistency of your portfolio style as well as the attribution.Cake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now!

Best Programming Certifications for the Modern WorkplaceThe rapidly evolving landscape and new arrays of technology have boosted the demand for skilled and competent programmers for an increasing number of businesses seeking to digitize their operations. The competitive IT job market has resulted in many tech jobs offering extremely lucrative remuneration and compensation packages for chosen candidates. With such a central focus being placed on technological development, the boom in demand for programmers has been unprecedented and has created a rich demand for skilled labor that many are seeking to fill. While traditional education is available to those with the time and resources to invest, it is unfortunately out of the cards for many. An attractive alternative is enrolling in online programming certification courses! Popular coding certifications offer an attractive and convenient way to gain critical competencies in line with traditional and emerging standards within the field. Programming certifications are a great way to develop useful and comprehensive programming skills and an understanding of emerging, trending, and essential programming languages and tools needed for success in the industry. This article will discuss 10 key programming certifications that beginners seeking professional development can take today! If you are looking to acquire or brush up on the core knowledge and competencies needed to enter the tech industry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about each course’s cost, target audience, content, and much more!Table of ContentsDo Programming Certifications Matter?Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer AssociateAWS Certified Developer – AssociateGoogle Associate Android Developer CertificationOracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer (OCPJP)Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)CompTIA Security+Google Certified Professional Cloud DeveloperCIW Web Development ProfessionalCertified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP)CLP – C Certified Professional Programmer CertificationCareer Path in ProgrammingConclusion Do Programming Certifications Matter? Due to the saturation of graduates in computer sciences and similar fields, jobs in the competitive tech industry often seek more than a relevant degree to land an interview and secure a job. Many times, companies require years of professional experience or some form of proof of exposure to the core skills that will be used in the position being advertised. Professional programming certificates can demonstrate this competency; most certifications in programming concepts are accredited courses run by distinguished universities and institutions in the field and can carry significant weight when included in a resume. Here are some of the most common benefits of completing programming certification for your programming job resume. Skill Validation As is the case with a university degree, a professional programming certification offers a standardized way to test knowledge in a certain programming language. These courses are generally well-structured and are complete with lessons, tutorials, readings, quizzes, and (usually) a final culminating task or project. This standardized approach provides participants with the opportunity to demonstrate their development, the product of which can be later shown to companies to assess and demonstrate proficiency in that specific programming language or technology. Career Advancement Holding a certification in a core skill in any field can also have tangible effects on one’s career! In the tech field, demonstrable and quantifiable knowledge in a core skill or programming language opens doors to new positions and greater levels of responsibility within teams that utilize that skill. These professional certifications can also increase your odds of landing a new (higher-paying) job; according to Axelos, over 95% of decision-makers in the recruitment process attest that the presence of certifications in a resume can have a positive impact on the final decision for an advertised position! Employer Recognition As is the case with university degrees, not all certifications in programming are made equal. In the case of the tech field, obtaining a professional programming certification from a reputable organization or industry leader can greatly increase its credibility and trust with employers, and can lead to greater faith being placed in your industry knowledge and competencies. Imply Adaptability and Resilience With frequent developments in technology and industry standards, having the adaptability and willingness to be in a constant state of learning is incredibly important for the modern workplace. Earning certifications demonstrate this willingness to adapt to new technologies and industry trends. Employers can easily see the drive to develop for the sake of remaining at the forefront of your industry.Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate Microsoft Azure, more commonly referred to as simply Azure, is a cloud computing service offered by the Microsoft Corporation. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification program provides a deep investigation into the functions, features, development, and applications of Azure. This course requires substantial background knowledge of Azure with 2 years as the recommended level of direct exposure to the program. Suitable candidates for this professional certification should be experienced developers already proficient in an Azure-supported programming language, SDK, and data storage options, and should be able to comfortably operate several Azure programs including Azure PowerShell and Azure CLI. Over six weeks, this course will cover topics including how to develop Azure compute solutions, implement Azure security systems, troubleshoot Azure solutions, and much more. At the end of the course, the certification offers an exam that can be retaken in the event of failure. Upon passing the exam, a certificate of completion will be issued. This professional certification costs USD 165 and is supported in 12 languages. Software engineers and other established professionals in the field who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Azure and its applications in their workplaces are encouraged to take this comprehensive certification course.AWS Certified Developer – Associate The AWS Certified Developer Associate program develops and demonstrates participants’ competencies in core AWS features, uses, and architecture. This course culminates in an exam, which takes approximately two to three months of preparation. The AWS Certified Developer course is intended for those with prior experience in at least one high-level programming language, experience in AWS technology, and exposure and past work in cloud-based services. This certification program seeks to deepen knowledge in 10 core AWS features, ranging from AWS Lambda’s visual code execution features to AWS Elastic Beanstalk and its web application use cases. The AWS Certified Developer exam costs USD 150 to sit and offers many resources on basic AWS architecture to help accommodate those from all professions and countries. Amazon even offers a 30-minute exam extension time for those whose native language is not English. This makes the exam extremely accessible for native and non-native English speakers alike!Google Associate Android Developer Certification The Google Associate Android Developer Certification and exam is designed to test the knowledge of entry-level Android developers. Before considering undertaking this exam, interested software developers should ensure they have a strong foundational knowledge of Android app functionality, debugging techniques, UI design, leveraging Android frameworks for database management, and testing programs to find errors or areas of improvement. This exam can be taken in Java or Kotlin, so proficiency in one of these specific programming languages is a must! This certification exam costs USD 149 to sit and takes about 8 hours to complete. There is a manual submission option for those who finish the test early. This exam is available for aspiring programmers 13 years or older, although those between 13 and 17 will need parental consent before sitting the exam. Furthermore, a form of government-issued identification is required from a non-US embargoed country when registering for the certification exam. Finally, the certification gained from this exam is valid for 36 months; after this time, software developers will need to sit the certification exam again.Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer (OCPJP) This course is a step above the Oracle Certified Associate certification and is intended to test knowledge of much more than Java basics; this course deeply examines the scope of the Java language and the practical skills needed to become a professional Java developer. Before taking the OCJP course, programmers without exposure or experience with the Java programming language are advised to take the beginner and intermediate Java SE 8 training course and get as much hands-on experience with Java programming as possible. Throughout the course, participants will gain an intimate understanding of topics related to object-orientation programming, modularity, and functional programming through lambda expressions, to name a few. This highly advanced course should only be undertaken by those with years of deep and substantive experience in the field and with Java. This certification exam is free for the first attempt and USD 245 for each subsequent retest.Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer certification tests a candidate’s ability to design, build, and deploy an application for Kubernetes. This certification is designed for those with prior experience operating within the Kubernetes ecosystem and for other cloud operators and software engineers interested in gaining experience with the Kubernetes cloud system. By the end of the certification and examination process, CKAD holders should be able to define and utilize Kubernetes core features to create and configure applications, understand and apply Cloud Native application concepts, and have knowledge of container runtimes and microservice architecture. The CKAD course culminates in a 2-hour proctored exam that costs USD 395. Candidates who register for the exam are eligible for one retest in the event of an initial exam failure. There are also provided resources for candidates to take that include instructional guides and mock exams! This makes the CKAD certification program extremely accessible to many people and is a great resource for those interested in adding a widely recognized qualification standard to their resume.CompTIA Security+ The comprehensive CompTIA Security+ certification is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). CompTIA is a great platform that those interested in gaining valuable certifications that attest to their knowledge and qualifications should consider checking out. The CompTIA Security+ program tests the foundational skills needed to pursue a career in IT security or cybersecurity. Throughout the program, candidates will gain an understanding of and be tested on evaluating an enterprise's security capacity, monitoring a company's security environment, and developing solutions to emerging security threats. This course is not designed for beginners in IT security; at least two years of IT security in an administrative position and a prior pass in the CompTIA Network+ certification exam are recommended. There are no requirements for any particular programming language, a general understanding of various programming languages and concepts and computer programming could give you an advantage throughout the certification testing. This course costs USD 2,499 to sit; while coming at a steep price, the certification is a gold standard for those seriously considering careers in cybersecurity, security and risk management, or network security. Certificate holders can easily include this widely recognized certification in their resumes and use it to seek positions in cybersecurity or the security infrastructure of businesses around the world.Google Certified Professional Cloud Developer The Google Certified Professional Cloud Developer certification program is designed for those interested in designing scalable applications using Google ecosystem tools and architectures in CLI-based software development. This professional-level course requires at least three years of experience in project management and developing solutions using the Google Cloud Platform and Google Cloud services, and proficiency in at least one general-level programming language. Throughout the course, candidates will learn how to effectively use Cloud-based tools and applications to develop solutions for more effective database management. This course costs USD 200, takes 2 hours to complete, and can be taken on an online-proctored testing website or in-person at a Google testing center.CIW Web Development Professional The CIW Web Development Professional is a 3-course certification obtained after completing the CIW Javascript Specialist, CIW Database Design Specialist, and CIW advanced HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist courses. This course is an in-depth investigation of a candidate’s web development concepts and principles. Certificate holders will have a deep understanding of web programming languages and applications, and how these processes can integrate into and benefit a company’s operational workflow. Each course costs USD 150 to complete. The recommended background for those interested in taking the test includes knowledge of data types and database skills, data structures, and requires a working knowledge of various programming languages including HTML, CSS, Javascript, and much more!Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP) The Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP) course emphasizes the object-orientation approach to Python programming and offers those proficient in the language a certification that validates an advanced understanding of Python and its practical applications. PCAP-certified programmers can confidently demonstrate their understanding of strings, exception classes and objects, file streams, file processing, and many more! The PCAP certification is one of the best programming certifications that aspiring Python programmers can take to validate their skill set in the current job market! That said, this programming certification requires a deep understanding of Python, and only those with years of experience under their belts should attempt to take this certification. In addition to the exam at the end, this coding certification comes with many instructional resources and guides. What’s more, the PCAP certification offers various pricing levels, ranging from a single exam costing USD 295 and a practice test of USD 49. This makes practicing and reviewing for the test much more convenient and reliable than other programming certifications, as the practice tests come directly from the PCAP company itself.CLP – C Certified Professional Programmer Certification The CLP-C Certified Professional Programmer Certification tests candidates on their understanding of advanced concepts within the C programming language. The contents of the course include demonstrating knowledge of processes and threads, low-level IO, and memory and strings, amongst others. The exam costs USD 295 to take and consists of 55 questions to be completed over 65 minutes. Professionals with substantial experience working with C who wish to deepen and validate their skill set for employers or other programming jobs should consider taking this certification training course.Career Path in Programming Programming jobs offer an extensive array of diverse career opportunities spanning multiple industries and fields. In this section, we will explore some popular career paths that those seeking employment in software engineering can consider! Software Developer/Engineer Software developers, also called software engineers, are responsible for producing efficient code, new software development, improving computer systems, and finding software solutions for emerging and persisting problems within their job scope. Software engineers are typically well-compensated, with annual salaries in the US going as high as USD 127,000.📚Further reading: 20 Best Software Engineering Interview Questions Web Developer Web developers are in charge of working on the backend of websites to troubleshoot technical issues related to the website, manage the data analysis for websites to ensure that they are functioning at optimal speeds, and much more! Web developers are highly sought after by many industries as more and more businesses take their services online. The average annual salary for a web developer in the United States is USD 79,647.📚Further reading: How to Create a Web Developer Portfolio Mobile App Developer With thousands of apps being added to online platforms and stores daily, the demand for mobile app developers has never been higher! Mobile app developers have a broad range of responsibilities, ranging from performing data analysis to tracking user metrics and consumer engagement and developing and coding new updates for release to consumers. Mobile app developers are well-compensated, with an average annual salary of over USD 116,000 Data Scientist Data scientists are responsible for large-scale data processing, database administration, and system scripting for a company. Data scientists use data science to create data development systems that analyze data given to them and visually organize it into digestible and logical structures so that it can be properly interpreted and used by risk management and other departments for changes to production and operational strategies. Data scientists, on average, receive an annual remuneration of around USD 124,166.📚Further reading: Best Data Scientist Cover Letter with Tips and Examples Cybersecurity Analyst Cybersecurity analysts are a central part of many businesses, particularly those in the tech, finance, and business fields. In the modern day, threats to the digital infrastructure of business and the threat of cybertheft and ransomware have necessitated cybersecurity experts to protect intellectual and digital properties. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for investigating security threats to a company, performing network security updates, maintaining and troubleshooting security software, and assessing potential vulnerabilities in a system. Cybersecurity is a highly advanced field in computer sciences and yields an average annual salary of over USD 119,000. DevOps Engineer DevOps engineers focus on improving the speed, efficiency, and security of software development platforms. In increasing the speed and efficiency of software, DevOps hopes to give their company a competitive advantage in their field over other competitors with slower and less efficient systems. DevOps are particularly sought after in the tech field and are handsomely compensated for their services; the average annual salary of a DevOps engineer in the United States is around USD 114,600. This high salary reflects the years of experience and studying required to attain this highly advanced position within the IT department of a company.Conclusion In the programming world, investing in skill development through continuous learning is paramount to long-term success in the ever-evolving tech field. A great way to take advantage of the virtually limitless resources of the internet is to take a suitable programming certification. Programming certifications cover a wide range of topics, ranging from programming certifications in languages like R and C+ to teaching the operation of software development platforms and cloud-based services! Many of the most popular programming certifications are easily accessible online and can be taken at your leisure. While the cost of some programs is significantly higher than others, all programming certifications offer attractive additions to the resumes of aspiring and experienced programmers alike. Are you a recent graduate in computer sciences and are seeking ways to increase your qualifications without the financial burden of another degree? Consider taking a programming certification we discussed today! If you found this article helpful in shedding some more light on jobs within the IT market, consider checking out Cake for more information! Our expansive collection of articles, and instructional guides are free and useful resources that you can take advantage of to level up your professional career. Check out Cake today to stay ahead of the curve and secure your professional career moving forward!Cake is a free resume maker and portfolio builder that provides hundreds of resume templates (free download) and various job resume examples to help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally Written by Alexander Coye ---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, you will learn about:What Is a Logo DesignPortfolio?How to Make a Logo Design Portfolio - What to IncludeBest Websites for Logo Design PortfolioTips on How to Make a Logo Design PortfolioLogo Design Portfolio ExamplesA logo design portfolio is like a resume for logo graphic designers. It is a place for logo designers to assemble their best work and exhibit their creative style and skills. A logo portfolio is used for showcasing the designer’s abilities, thought processes, and real-world applications (case studies). Common types of logo portfolio presentations include online websites, social media, or (printed) slides.What Is aLogo Design Portfolio?A logo design portfolio is a collection of logo design work that showcases a graphic designer’s experience and ability. Like any graphic design portfolio, it exhibits the best works made by the artist – except they consist of logo designs only. The purpose of having a portfolio for logo design is to attract clients that are searching specifically for logo designers to help with their brand establishment or renewal. If you are a graphic designer with specialized talent and experience creating commercial or personalized logos, creating a dedicated logo portfolio would open doors for opportunities.How to Make a Logo Design Portfolio - What to Include Whether you are making a sophisticated print logo portfolio or establishing your own website or social media, there are a few elements that you should include: 1. About me/Biography An “About Me” page is crucial for your logo portfolio as it sets the tone and tells the story of who you are – your interests, your inspirations, and how you started your career. Show your personality in your biography to give the clients a glimpse of who you are to work with. It might distinguish you from other designers with similar abilities and styles. 2. Resume or CV Include your resume or CV that details your experience, skills, education, and any relevant information you would want a potential employer to know. Add a downloadable link to your resume or CV on your logo portfolio website, social media, or presentation so your potential employer or client could save your information for future reference. 3. Quality images of the logo designs. Your logo portfolio is all about your logo creations. The images should be high quality over quantity. Keep the website design clean and simple, and emphasize your 10-20 best logo designs. Place your utmost best project on the top of the page to attract the viewers to keep scrolling. You don’t want distractions that would prevent your website visitors from viewing the work itself, so avoid any unnecessary pop-up screens or animations that would take time to load. Best Websites for Logo Design Portfolio If you are wondering where to start, don’t worry. There are many free website builders and social media nowadays that would assist you in creating and sharing your first online logo portfolio. Here are 5 common websites to make a logo design portfolio: 1. Cake Cake is a free portfolio and resume builder with an easy-to-navigate interface and community-sharing platform. You can either choose pictures wider than 1400 pixels to show full-width images or create combos of grid images to show the logos side-by-side. Either way, there are many features you can try out to create a simple yet unique logo portfolio presentation. Afterward, you can share the result with other job seekers or potential clients on the “Portfolio Ideas” page, or apply for jobs in the job portal with your portfolio and resume linked together. Create your online presence and personal branding by creating your very own online logo design portfolio. Check out these creative logo designportfolio designs and portfolio examples, and create your very own online logo design portfolio for free on Cake!Create Portfolio 2. Behance Behance is Adobe’s free portfolio service where designers inspire each other by sharing their work. It is best for sharing case studies and documenting the process behind the scenes. Unlike Instagram where viewers focus more on beautiful pictures and spend less time reading captions; on Behance, you can expect to get more client inquiries who care about both the process and result of your work. If you are looking to build a logo portfolio website, you can also check out Adobe Portfolio, which is available through a paid subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. 3. Pixpa Pixpa is another all-in-one platform where you can build an online presence by creating your logo portfolio website while growing a business with e-commerce features. One can also integrate client-proofing and blogging tools in their portfolio website with no coding needed. 4. Wix Wix is a relatively well-known website builder among all professions. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop tools have helped many beginners to build their first website. There are also many portfolio templates for logo design on Wix to give you a quick start. The only downside is the limitations of the free version, including the Wix ad banner and web address that might make your website appear less unique or professional. 5. Dribbble Dribbble is a go-to creative community where logo designers share, grow, and get exposed to job opportunities. Unlike the previous examples, you can’t build a portfolio or website directly from Dribbble. Instead, you can upload files called “shots” with a maximum size of 10MB, and in PNG, JPG, or GIF format. The portfolio would be the social media profile you maintain on Dribbble to communicate with other designers and get exposed to freelance or contract work.Tips onHow to Make a Logo Design PortfolioTo make a great logo design portfolio, here are five tips you should follow: ✅ Check for broken links or images periodically. Sign in periodically to check if any links or images are not functioning properly. Sometimes an image or animation may fail to load (or load too slow), or a link may lose access due to changed permission or address. So always make sure to inspect the UX of your logo portfolio to maintain a professional online presence. ✅ Update your logo portfolio with your newest works frequently. Regularly updating your portfolio for logo design would help you build a steady following and gain more exposure as you make richer content. It is also a sign to potential employers or clients that you are still working in this field and are open up for opportunities or connections. ✅ Use a consistent layout and design for your logo design portfolio. While you may want to showcase your design skills when making your portfolio, it is advised to keep the layout simple and consistent. You may already have a great logo design collection to display, so don’t overshadow it or distract the viewer's focus to the portfolio design itself. ✅ Include case studies to present the process behind your work. Besides a clean gallery of logo designs that you made, you should include some case studies to spice things up. Potential clients and other logo designers may be interested in learning about the behind-the-scenes. Presenting your thought process and the actions you took could also make a stronger impression on the audience. Mention the following for your case studies: the client’s problem, the problem-solving process, and the impact you made. ✅ Promote your online logo design portfolio. After you create your logo portfolio, take an important next step to promote it online. Your online logo portfolio won’t get the exposure it deserves unless you share it on multiple platforms first. An easy way to start is to add your portfolio link to whatever social media you already have, like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Pinterest. In addition, share it on creative communities like Behance or Dribbble to gain more connections with people in the industry.Logo Design Portfolio ExamplesFor reference, here are 4 websites where you can find good logo design portfolio examples: 1. DribbbleDribbble is a go-to platform for finding inspiration on logo execution and current trends, such as 3D gradients, minimalist line art, and even kinetic (animated) logos. You can browse through a designer's profile to explore their past work and see how they use professional mockups to show their logos in real-world settings. It’s a great place to learn how to make a design look premium and modern with just a single, high-impact image. See logo design portfolio examples at Dribbble2. BehanceWhile you can find snapshots of logo design in Dribbble, you can find the full story of Behance. In Behance, portfolios usually feature the whole logo case studies. You'll find examples that show the grid system used to build the logo, the drafts, and how the logo looks across different placements. It's the best resource for learning how to prove to a client that your logo is more than just a drawing.See logo design portfolio examples at Behance3. LogoLoungeLogoLounge is the library collection for brand identity. It is a massive, professional research tool featuring over 400,000 searchable logos, making it the largest treasury of logo design in the world. It's the ultimate place to find industry-specific inspiration and stay ahead of the curve with their famous Annual Logo Trend Reports.By studying the award-winning work here, you can master the golden rules of logo construction and see exactly which styles are currently defining the international design scene.See logo design portfolio examples at LogoLounge4. CakeWhile other sites focus on the art, Cake shows examples of portfolios that helps you land the job. You can find portfolio examples that link visual case studies and performance results in the portfolio, highlighting your project progress. It is the ultimate platform for proving that your design decisions are backed by strategy, not just style.See logo design portfolio examples at Cake 🔑 Key Takeaways: As you can see, there are no definite rules or a step-by-step guide on how you can create your logo portfolio. In the end, you can design however you want as a creator.But, keep in mind that where you start will likely influence the client type, quantity, and quality you will get connected with. Research and choose the media platforms that best suit your needs, and avoid over-spending time on opening up multiple accounts to build your logo design portfolio. Start Crafting Your Logo Design Portfolio with CakeCake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now! --- Originally written by Sandy Tuo ---

In today's digital workplace, computer literacy has become a must. Hiring managers now specifically scan for computer skills that match their needs. Therefore, the challenge lies in highlighting key computer skills relevant to the jobs you apply for on your resume. In this guide, we break down when and how to list computer skills on your resume. You’ll learn about: How you could integrate your computer skills into your resume Computer skills examples that actually add value to include in your resume What specific tools and abilities employers really care about No matter your background, knowing how to highlight your computer skills the right way can give your resume a real edge. TABLEOFCONTENTWhat Are Computer Skills?Should I List Computer Skills on My Resume?Computer Skills Examples by IndustryTurning Your Computer Skills into Career Success What Are Computer Skills?On a resume, computer skills generally refer to your ability to use digital tools and software to perform tasks efficiently. These hard skills can range from basic knowledge of everyday programs to more advanced technical abilities. Here are some common examples: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)Email and calendar management tools (Outlook, Gmail, etc.)File management (Cloud storage like Google Drive)Web browsing and online researchVideo conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)Typing and data entryBasic troubleshooting and software installation 💡 The computer skills discussed in the article refer to general digital tools and software commonly used across industries. Industry-specific tools (such as programming languages or graphic design software) are not included here and should be highlighted separately. Should I List Computer Skills on My Resume?To list computer skills effectively on your resume, experts suggest incorporating them into your experience section for fuller context.According to senior recruitment specialists, you should only include specific computer skills when you can: Connect them to actual accomplishments (e.g., “used Excel pivot tables to reduce monthly reporting time by 40%”)Embed them within your work experience, rather than isolating them in a generic listDemonstrate technical depth with tools that aren’t easy to master or commonly assumedRelate them to the job description of the position you're applying for. Research shows that 92 percent of U.S. jobs require digital skills. This indicates that the basics like email, Word, or PowerPoint are expected in most industries today. As Georgina Liu, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Cake, explains: “In tech-savvy industries, putting generic computer skills like Microsoft Office Suite or Google Docs on a resume might suggest poor decision-making or a lack of stronger qualifications.” Nick Chin, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Cake, shares the same view. He emphasized the importance of putting computer skills into actual scenarios and results. “Generic computer skills rarely earn you extra points with hiring managers. Skills only add value when they’re specific, difficult to master, or clearly tied to outcomes.” However, context matters. In traditional industries like education, logistics, or government, explicitly listing newer tools like Canva or Notion may still signal digital adaptability. The best approach is simple: show, don’t list. Your digital skills should carry more weight when they’re integrated into what you’ve achieved, not just what you’ve used.Cake provides the best resume templates and examples for talents to demonstrate your qualifications. Let us help you land the dream with a tailored resume!Create ResumeComputer skills, when presented thoughtfully, can elevate your resume. It’s not about listing every tool you’ve used but showing how you’ve applied these skills to achieve results. Tailor your computer skills for resume to match each industry’s needs to resonate with employers. Computer Skills Examples by IndustryIn admin-heavy roles, being efficient with common office tools is key. Employers want to know you can organize information, manage schedules, and keep operations running smoothly.If you found it appropriate to incorporate computer skills on your resume, make sure you go beyond the basics and show how you’ve applied them in real work situations. Here are some common computer skills by industry and how to present them effectively. Administrative Support Microsoft ExcelCreated a multi-sheet forecasting model with dynamic inputs and scenario planning, enabling quarterly cash flow simulations for executive review.Reporting tools (Power BI, Google Sheets, Tableau):Built an executive dashboard in Power BI that visualized departmental spend, trendlines, and budget variances in real time with drill-down capabilities. Computer skills to highlight with advanced examples: Microsoft OfficeAutomated formatting and version control in Microsoft Word using macros and templates to ensure legal compliance across 15+ HR documents.Email calendar toolsSet up automated meeting workflows and conditional rules in Outlook to streamline cross-department scheduling and reduce back-and-forth emails by 70%.File managementDesigned a team-wide file architecture in Google Drive with access permissions, version tracking, and naming conventions that enabled faster onboarding and reduced duplicate file creation.Typing data entryCreated data validation scripts in Excel to minimize input errors during mass data entry, improving data integrity and audit-readiness. Operations Logistics Hiring managers in ops look for candidates who can perform data analysis, build tracking systems, and support cross-functional coordination. Showcase how your computer skills contributed to smoother workflows or faster decision-making. Computer skills to highlight with advanced examples: Microsoft ExcelBuilt a dynamic inventory model using nested formulas, conditional formatting, and Power Query to automate daily inventory snapshots across 10+ vendors.File and database managementDeveloped an internal dashboard with Google Sheets using QUERY and IMPORTRANGE functions to centralize procurement data from multiple sources.Inventory systems or order tracking softwareIntegrated order tracking software (e.g., Fishbowl, TradeGecko) with Google Sheets using AppScript to auto-update supply levels and alert low-stock thresholds. We all know computer information technology is always evolving. So should your computer skills. To make sure you stay at top of the game, learn the latest computer skills to upgrade your computer proficiency in resumes. You can easily do this by utilizing accredited online learning resources that offer courses on a wide variety of computer skills such as SEO, database skills, software skills. Following are some websites where you can level up your computer literacy and improve your resume. Customer Service HRComputer skills help streamline workflows and improve customer relationship management. The most effective resumes tie these tools to outcomes like improved resolution time or better candidate experiences. Computer skills to highlight with advanced examples: CRM systems:Customized Zoho CRM workflows with conditional automation to auto-route high-priority support tickets, improving SLA adherence by 25%.Email support ticketing platforms:Created automated support ticket triaging in Freshdesk using keyword tagging, reducing average first response time by 30%.Survey or feedback tools: Created a multi-step employee engagement survey using conditional logic in Typeform, leading to data-driven culture improvements and a 25% increase in satisfaction scores. Education NonprofitIn education and mission-driven work, digital tools are often used to manage learning materials, coordinate volunteers, or track program impact. Employers appreciate candidates who can independently handle digital tasks, especially in lean teams with limited tech support. Computer skills to highlight with advanced examples: Google Workspace:Developed automated grade trackers using Google Sheets with data validation and conditional formatting, shared in real-time with parents and faculty.Video conferencing platforms:Designed and facilitated virtual classrooms using Zoom, leveraging advanced integrations with Microsoft Power BI to present real-time attendance data and engagement analytics through embedded dashboards.Presentation and form creation tools:Designed visually engaging donor presentations in Google Slides using embedded video, animation, and real-time data charts.Project Management Software:Created a unified project management system in Notion to coordinate a year-long community initiative, streamlining task assignments, budgeting, and volunteer schedules, reducing miscommunication by 40%. Finance AccountingAccuracy, efficiency, and data clarity are essential in finance and accounting. Employers want to see that you can use the right tools to analyze, report, and automate tasks. Here are some computer skills to highlight with advanced examples (apart from dedicated accounting software):Microsoft Excel:Created a multi-sheet forecasting model with dynamic inputs and scenario planning, enabling quarterly cash flow simulations for executive review.Reporting tools (Power BI, Google Sheets, Tableau):Built an executive dashboard in Power BI that visualized departmental spend, trendlines, and budget variances in real time with drill-down capabilities.Turning Your Computer Skills into Career Success Computer skills, when presented thoughtfully, can elevate your resume. It’s not about listing every tool you’ve used but showing how you’ve applied these skills to achieve results. Tailor your computer skills for resume to match each industry’s needs to resonate with employers. Frequently Asked Questions How important are computer skills on a resume now?Computer skills are crucial for most modern jobs, with research indicating that 92% of positions now require digital skills. However, the importance varies by industry and job level, so it's essential to tailor your skills to the specific role and company you're applying to. What computer skills should I highlight for entry-level positions? For entry-level positions, focus on software fundamentals like: Advanced spreadsheets and presentation skills (Pivot tables, creation of complex diagrams, etc.)Industry-specific tools relevant to your fieldAny certifications you've earned How should I present computer skills on my resume? Integrate these skills into your experience bullets. Demonstrate how you've applied them to achieve tangible results. Avoid vague terms and be specific about your proficiency levels. Are basic computer skills like Microsoft Office worth mentioning? Generally, it's better to avoid listing basic skills like Microsoft Office proficiency unless you're showcasing advanced expertise. Instead, focus on how you've used these tools to achieve specific outcomes or highlight more specialized software relevant to your industry. Ready to build your standout resume? Join over 400,000 job seekers and create your resume now with Cake’s easy-to-use builder!Create Resume

Design Skills: Essential Functions for Today's Workplace The digital age has transformed many traditional crafts that were once done with pen and paper. One fields that has experienced significant growth in investment and development is graphic design, which is now ahundreds of millions of dollars worth industry. Whether you want to become a graphic designer or are already an experienced one, in this article, we will share with you the top 13 skills every graphic designer needs to possess and other skills to learn for career advancement. Without further ado, let's jump right into it! TABLE OF CONTENTS Top 13 Graphic Design Skills Highly Sought By Employers Other Design Skills to Learn for Further Career Development How to Improve Your Design Skills How to Search for a Job as a Graphic Designer Conclusion Top 13 Graphic Design Skills Highly Sought By Employers Before delving into the specific skills sought by employers, whether you're an aspiring graphic designer or a seasoned professional, let's begin by exploring the basic concept of design, graphic design and who these graphic designers are.What is design?Design refers to the process of planning and executing a form of visual art. It is a skill and area of specialization that plays a specific role in almost every industry, from architecture and media production to corporate business and medicine. Design has also become a competitive field of study due to its universal application, whether designing a website, creating logos for brands, or modeling a new level in a Triple-A game title. Hence, design skills are in high demand and highly sought-after by all industries. With that being said, graduates and professionals proficient in a versatile set of design skills can find fulfilling and competitive careers in both the public and private sectors.What is graphic design?Graphic design is a branch of design and fine arts. It involves creativity, innovation, and lateral thinking, using manual or digital tools. Think logos, websites, and social media graphics—those are products of graphic designs.Who are graphic designers?These folks are creative professionals specializing in conceptualizing and creating visual communication materials.Graphic designers are problem-solversas they combine artistic and technical skills to create designs that effectively convey messages, ideas, or concepts. You can meet them across various industries, including advertising, marketing, publishing, web design, software, technology, or even education. They work with clients or stakeholders to understand the design objectives and develop designs that meet their needs and preferences. While they are frequently sought after for their expertise, it is worth mentioning that demand for their services can fluctuate based on market conditions and industry trends. On their way to climbing up the ladder, they can eventually become an art director. Now that you've understand the basic concepts, let's get into the main part of this whole article: the skills! There are many skills that graphic design professionals should be competent in or at least familiar with the concept. These skills span from technical knowledge of computer programs to a theoretical understanding of basic design theory and styling. Here are the top 10 skills employer highly sought for: 1. Creativity Being creative is one of the skills, if not amust-have,if you want to become a designer. As we've mentioned, a graphic designer is a problem-solver; now, you need creativity to come up with a visual design that delivers the key message of a product. Being creative allows designers to solve problems, communicate messages effectively, and produce appealing visual elements or designs. 2) Adobe's Creative SuiteKnowledge and technical skills in graphic design software are now indispensable in the modern design industry. If you look at most job descriptions, you will notice the high frequency of mentions of Adobe Creative Suite (not all apps in the suite, but you'll come across common names like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or even Premiere Pro). These tools are so widely used that now even they aretaught to students in junior high and high schools.So, if you're a graphic designer or want to be one, it's time to learn or upskill in this software. 3) Color Theory Remember when we were still students and learned about color theory in our art class? Well, now you'll need to recall what you learned before. A solid grasp of color theory principles, including color harmony, contrast, andpsychology, is necessary for creating visually appealing and engaging design elements. By fully comprehend the color theory, designers can make informed decisions about color palettes, and create artworks that resonate with the target audience. 4) Typography Typography is another critical design element. Typography is more than just a font or typeface; it isthe art of arranging text in a way that is legible, clear, and visually interesting to the reader. If you want to step up your game, it's time to master typography to enhance a graphic design project's overall aesthetics and legibility. 5) Layout and Composition Understanding principles of layout and composition, such as balance, hierarchy, and alignment, is critical for creating a well-structured and good design. Practical layout and composition enhance the readability and visual impact of graphic design projects. 6) Digital Illustration Most people now can easily use Canva or Visme to create a poster since these tools already include a bunch of digital illustrations. However, to become a truly skilled designer, one must be proficient in digital illustration. This skill requires designers to have technical expertise in design software and the ability to create customer illustrations and graphics that enhance the visual appeal of their artwork. Digital illustration skills enable designers to add a unique and personal touch to their work. 7) File formats and resolutions for different design outputs A core part of the graphic design skill set is understanding the effect different file formats, resolutions, and final outputs can have on the production process. For instance, a piece that was produced for a 760x760 resolution would not look right when scaled up to a 1400x800 resolution size. 8) Branding Understanding a client's brand and crafting visually stunning content that reflects their identity across various communication channels is a real asset. Especially in agency settings, where you're juggling multiple brands, maintaining consistency in design is key. Ultimately, mastering the art of branding across different channels is a game-changer for all designers. It boosts their value and sets them up for success in today's competitive market.📚 Further reading:Want to Know How To Become a Graphic Designer? Read This 9) Communication Strong communication skills are the cornerstone of successful graphic design projects. It's not just about conveying ideas visually; it's also about understanding the client's vision and objectives. Effective communication allows designers to ask the right questions, gather relevant information, and explain design concepts clearly to clients. Moreover, it involves active listening to comprehend client feedback and preferences accurately. Through clear and concise communication, they can build strong relationships with clients, foster trust, and ensure that the final deliverables meet or exceed expectations. 10) Attention to Detail In the world of graphic design, every pixel, kerning, and color choice matters. Attention to detail goes beyond just aesthetics; it's about ensuring precision and consistency in every aspect of the design. Designers meticulously review typography, ensuring that fonts are legible and appropriately sized for the intended audience. They meticulously adjust spacing and alignment to create visually harmonious layouts. Furthermore, attention to detail extends to color selection, where designers consider the psychological impact of hues and maintain brand consistency. Ultimately, it's the fine-tuned details that elevate a design from good to outstanding and leave a lasting impression on viewers. 11) Adaptability and willingness to learn Graphic design is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and emerging design trends. To thrive in this environment, you must embrace adaptability and a continuous learning mindset. This involves staying abreast of the latest design software updates, exploring innovative techniques, and experimenting with new creative approaches. Additionally, designers must be open to feedback and critique, using them as opportunities for growth and refinement. By embracing change and proactively seeking new knowledge, you position yourself as valuable assets in an ever-evolving industry. 12) Project Management Effective project management is essential for ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality design projects. Graphic designers must possess strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. This involves creating detailed plans, setting realistic timelines, and allocating resources efficiently. Additionally, designers must communicate the milestones and progress updates to clients and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the process. Effective management also involves problem-solving and adaptability to navigate unexpected challenges or changes in project scope. By mastering project management principles, you can streamline workflows, maximize productivity, and deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations. 13) Collaboration Collaboration is a vital workplace skill for graphic designers, as they often work within various departments comprising fellow designers, copywriters, marketers, and clients. Effective collaboration involves not only contributing creative ideas and expertise but also actively listening to others' perspectives and feedback. They must be able to work cohesively with other team members, incorporating diverse viewpoints to refine and enhance design concepts. This collaborative approach fosters creativity, innovation, and synergy, ultimately leading to the development of well-rounded and impactful design solutions. Moreover, effective collaboration strengthens professional relationships, builds trust, and fosters a supportive work environment conducive to success. By embracing collaboration, and with good communication graphic designers can leverage the collective expertise of their team to deliver exceptional outcomes that resonate with audiences and achieve project goals.Other Skills Graphic Designers Can Learn for Further Career AdvancementBesides the skills mentioned above, if you want to further advance your career, it might be beneficial to pick up some of the following design aspects: Website Designs There are over 1.5 billion websites on the internet, many of which offer services or platforms for consumers to use. This has become one of the most important tools in a designer’s toolbox as demand has exponentially increased for professional/attractive websites that organically lead consumers through their content. Website design comes into play to create websites that are accessible to multiple device platforms, including PC, Mac, and mobile. Things like clear and directional navigation, balancing content and white space, interactive elements and even the typography of fonts used are all considerations that designers must take into account when creating a website. If you are a web designer and are looking to keep up with the latest trends and new tools, following leading experts and professionals in the field is a great way to access the wealth of resources and information they have and are (usually) willing to share. Aside from this, there are some technical web designs that you can start by familiarizing yourself with: Proficiency in softwares like Adobe Dreamweaver: Programs like Adobe Dreamweaver or visual design tools like Sketch or Figma allow designers to conceptualize and create many of the elements that are included in the final product website. Proficiency in these applications can all be independently learned through online courses and tutorials!Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic coding for effective collaboration with developers: Understanding and having at least a basic proficiency in the programming languages that are the backbone of most websites will allow you to create a more efficient product as you understand the functions and limitations of the programming language being used to put your website design on the internet.Awareness of responsive design principles for various screen sizes: One of the deal breakers on the consumer end of a website is the responsiveness and wait time involved in loading a website. Websites that contain large images and file sizes to download generally do not have high traffic as consumers are impatient. Designing a website with this in mind ensures that the final result is within tolerable responsiveness limits.Product Design Product design refers to the production of a physical good to be sold on a market. Product designers are included in every step of the design process, from the conceptualization period and decision-making process for materials to the execution and testing of prototypes before the final product is released to the market. Product design is a very iterative process that involves many tests and retests of prototypes. While incredibly tedious, successful product design is responsible for the greatest technological innovations and levels of success for inventors and companies. Products such as ScrubDaddy, Lego, and Velcro are some of the many success stories featuring creative and forward-thinking product design! Here are some of the common skillsets: Proficiency in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for physical product design: CAD is one of the standard and most commonly used product design programs. It allows you to design and render 3-D models of projects, which is a crucial part of every step in the conceptualization and initial design phases.Knowledge of 3D modeling tools such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Fusion 360: These softwares allow designers to create renders of their products. Proficiency in multiple programs allows designers to complete tasks that other programs cannot due to software limitations.Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and technical constraints: A deep and nuanced understanding of other stages in product development allows product designers to create blueprints that can be realistically made and are within the financial/technical limits of the client/company.User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Design In the app and product development domain, the consumer (user) is at the forefront of attention in the design process. Designers who are proficient in user experience and user interface design understand the impact that the placement of different elements on an application and the use of specific colors can have on how the final product is received and interacted with by the user. This is a another level of website design and product design. The challenge in learning UX/UI lies in understanding how to design a product that both functionally accomplishes the task it is intended to complete and is aesthetically pleasing enough to retain the attention and interest of the user and enhances overall user satisfaction. Some websites with well-structured and intentionally designed user interfaces (UI) are Netflix and Google; their simple but intentional structures highlight the sites’ purposes and demonstrate how to direct user attention to the places we want them to see. Being functionally competent in UX/UI involves having some level of proficiency in at least one of the following technical skills: Competency in prototyping softwares such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD: These design applications are helpful tools designed for UX designers to conceptualize and create designs for products they have been commissioned to create.Familiarity with user testing softwares and methodologies: Programs like UserTesting and Optimal Workshop provide UX designers the platform to test and debug their products before completion! Designers should be aware of these programs and have at least a basic familiarity with using them.Understanding of information architecture and wireframing techniques: Information architecture and wireframing techniques refer to how information is organized and the order in which it appears on a website or program so that the consumer consumes it in a logical and easy-to-understand way. UX designers should not only create visually appealing designs but must also consciously design them while keeping the consumer's interaction with their product in mind.📚 Further reading:UX Designer Portfolio: 10 Best Portfolio Examples and Why They WorkOther relevant skills you can learn are motion graphics/animation, photography, video editing, video production, filming, etc. How to Improve Your Design Skills? Developing new and improving existing design skills is fundamental to being a modern-day designer. With the massive influx of new technology and trends modernizing the industry, there are several things you can do to keep up with industry and market trends: 1) Education resources: The internet is home to a wealth of information regarding every process, technique, programming language, and design skill necessary to become a contemporary designer. We recommend checking out specialized courses and training on websites like Coursera for basic understanding and in-depth guides to becoming a proficient and skilled designer.2) Hands-on experience: Nothing beats practical experience, and designers learn about many gaps in their design skill knowledge through hands-on projects. These projects can be done independently, and you can even offer freelance services to gain a broader and more realistic design career experience.3) Collaboration with developers and marketers: Effective communication with development teams is a foundational part of being a designer. Functional communication ensures that every aspect of your final design is translated as intended to the final product, so working on soft skills such as interpersonal communication is a great step in the right direction in becoming a professional designer.How to Search for a Graphic Design JobThe job search as a designer is challenging and competitive due to the nature of the industry, so highlighting your design skills as the feature of your resume is tantamount importance! Here are some ways you can go about doing this. Include a link to the portfolio: include a link to a database with your past projects so that prospective employers can see what skills you bring to the table.Quantify your achievements where possible: Providing quantifiable metrics, such as a percentage boost in website traffic following a website revamp, can show employers that your designs can provide them with a boost to their operations.Tailor your resume for each job application: Tailoring your application, emphasizing skills and experiences that align with the specific role to individual companies/positions shows a level of care and interest in working with a company and allows you to highlight the specific skills that a position is asking for. Once your impressive resume has landed you an interview, consider the following when marketing yourself in the conversation:Talk about the design process from concept to execution and highlight how you approach problems.: Employers want new employees to integrate well with existing workflows; explaining your design approach can give them the needed information to see if you would be a good fit in their company.Use concrete examples: Using examples of your past work experience that highlight the quality an employer is looking for can show them you are all you make yourself out to be!Show adaptability: The modern workplace presents many challenges that must be overcome with professionalism and grace. Show your adaptability by discussing challenges you have encountered in your professional design career and how you have overcome them. Conclusion Design is an evolving and in-demand field of study that many are interested in. Whether graphic, product, or web design, designers should possess soft and hard design skills to ensure that they are a good fit on a team or in a company. If you are a budding or established professional, consider checking out Cake. Our extended article library goes deep into every field of work and offers everything you need to know about making the most out of your career. Take a step towards maximizing your career and check us out today!Cake is afree resume makerandportfolio builderthat provides hundreds ofresume templates (free download)and variousjob resume examplesto help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume — Originally Written by Alexander Coye —