How to Add in Side Projects on an Interior Design Resume

Structuring your resume to highlight your experience can land you that interview

If you desire a position with an interior design firm, but do not have related work experience, including information about complete side projects can help you get the interview. When you see a job classified that excites you, structure your resume to match the company's needs. If possible, utilize some of their verbiage in your resume copy, as many companies utilize industry-related key word searches.

Instructions

1. Choose a functional or combination resume, depending on your employment goal and experience. A functional resume, sometimes referred to as a skills resume, focuses on your skills instead of formal work experience. According to Ron Fry, author of "Your First Resume," a functional resume will include the following information: name and contact information, career or project objective, qualifications, skills and education. The combination resume covers the same information, but also includes a chronological work history toward the bottom of the document. Descriptions of jobs not related to interior design should be brief.

2. Reflect skills utilized for your side projects in the skills section. Title this section "Skills and Strengths" or "Profile Summary." This should be found directly after your name and contact information. The goal is to immediately capture the reader's attention. You want the reader to see that your skills match those of his desired interior design candidate. Be sure to accurately highlight your strengths and skills as an interior designer as gleaned from completing your side projects.

3. Entitle a section "Interior Design Project Highlights."

4. Write accurate descriptions about each interior design project. Use quantifiable information to reflect your accomplishments. Use present tense if you are currently working on the side project. Write in past tense when describing any completed projects. Utilize action words whenever possible.

5. Use white space well. You want to reflect your design expertise in your side project experience, but you also want your fine taste and design skills to transcend to the page. Ensure that your white space usage draws the eye to information you want the reader to notice. Do not overload your page with text.

Tips & Warnings

• Post work experience and education toward the bottom of your resume if they do not reflect interior design experience.

• Consider an interactive resume such as video or design and a photo-rich slide show. If utilized correctly, this type of resume can help you stand out, even among those with more formal experience.

• If you include job descriptions via a combination resume, reflect skills from those positions that transfer to design.

• If you have interior design volunteer experience, include it in your resume.

• Ensure that your resume has both substance and style.

References

• Resume Dictionary: Four Types of Resumes
• "Your First Resume"; Ron Fry; 1996
• Resume Help: Resume Writing Tips

Resources

• Monster: Interior Designer Resume