Your CV is often the first point of contact a potential employer has with you, therefore, it’s vital that your CV looks professional, is well-crafted and is masterfully planned in order to create a good impression from the outset.
It’s also worth knowing that recruiters skim resumes for an average of 7.4 seconds, focusing on the most relevant information, and only giving more attention to the very best CVs that are easy to analyse.
So, if you’re applying for a new role, don’t do anything before you’ve read these expert tips on writing five-star CVs that will help you land your dream interior design position. Jump to the sections you’re interested in by jumping to the links below:
- Step 1: How to Structure & Format Your CV
- Step 2: Display Your Professional Name Prominently
- Step 3: Include Your Professional Title
- Step 4: Provide Your Contact Information
- Step 5: Write a Memorable Interior Design CV Objective
- Step 6: Boast About Your Education
- Step 7: Include Experience & Skills In Your Interior Design CV
- Step 8: Brag About Your Memberships, Accolades or Certifications
- Step 9: (Optional) Make Your Personal Interests Known
- Additional Interior Design CV Tips
Step 1: How to Structure & Format Your CV
Ultimately, your CV needs to be easy-to-read and navigated so a recruiter can quickly find the information they need and see your strengths and achievements. However, with the endless choice of CV formats available, picking the right design can be challenging. The secret is to keep these structure and formatting tips in mind when choosing your layout, and we guarantee you’ll have a job-winning resume on your hands:
- Create clear sections - Divide your CV into clear sections that make chronological sense, such as contact details towards the top of the page so you are easily reachable, followed by a short ‘professional statement’ paragraph introducing your core skills and qualifications at quick glance. In this paragraph, avoid cliches, such as “I’m an extremely hard worker,” and instead highlight types of projects you’ve been involved with, technical skills and interior design qualifications. Up next should be your career history and work experience in a clear and simple format, listed in reverse chronological order. This should be followed by your education highlighting qualifications relevant to the interior design field, and then finished with awards, courses, interests and hobbies that showcase your transferable skills. The biggest and most prominent section should be your work experience with your most recent position at the top, as this is what all recruiters and prospective employers are keen to see.
- Fonts - Don’t be tempted to pick a fancy font that’s off putting. Go for a clear, elegant looking design instead, such as Arial or Cambria. Stick to the same font size of either 11 or 12pt, but make your name larger, in 14 or 16pt for example, so it stands out. You’ll also want to bold your section headings, such as Personal Information and Work Experience.
- White space - Ensure there’s plenty of white space on your CV so it doesn’t look untidy and cluttered. Set one-inch margins at the sides, and add a single blank space before and after each section to create clear separations.
- Page length - If you can, try and keep your CV to one page. However, if this means omitting vital information or reverting to a smaller font to squeeze everything in, make it a two-pager instead.
- Send it as a PDF format - Whether you’re sending your CV straight to a recruiters email address, or via an ATS (applicant tracking system) then a PDF is the best format to ensure your formatting stays intact and it can be read on any system or device.
- Pick a CV layout that reflects you as an interior designer - What we mean here is, choose an interior designer CV format that is as smart and as chic as your interior spaces. If you send a scruffy and unprofessional looking resume, how do you think this will reflect on your design capabilities? Avoid over complicating it with fussy colours and stick to a muted colour palette.
Digital CV creators versus DIY document editors – If you don’t have a lot of experience writing CVs, or you have minimal tech knowledge, then digital CV creators offer customisable templates for you to easily create what you need. However, if you would prefer to have more control over the look and feel of our CV, and be sure that your CV is unique to you, then DIY document editors, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, will allow your own creativity and personality to shine.
Step 2: Display Your Professional Name Prominently
Your name should be displayed prominently at the top of your CV, so it can be clearly spotted and distinguished from other candidates. Try these design techniques to make it stand out:
- Show off your design skills with a personal logo next to your name.
- Use a blocky font that is confident, just like the candidate.
- Add colour to your name so it jumps from the page.
- Pop a professional looking portrait photo, preferably in black white, next to your name to add interest.
Step 3: Include Your Professional Title
Introducing yourself on your CV with a professional title conveys a sense of authority and confidence on your part. Choosing what type of professional title to use depends on the role you are seeking. For example, if you are an interior designer applying to a practice that only designs peoples’ homes, consider mirroring the language used in the job description and introduce yourself as a ‘Residential Interior Designer.’ Similarly, if the role involves working on more commercial buildings, like hotels and restaurants, you could introduce yourself as a ‘Commercial Interior Designer.’
Stick to your current title if the role is of a similar level, such as ‘Senior Interior Designer’, or adopt a broader title if you’re hoping to obtain a position you haven’t held previously, such as ‘Interior Design Consultant.’
Step 4: Provide Your Contact Information
Your contact information should be bold and clear at the top of the CV, just below or next to your name, depending on the format of your design. You should provide your mobile number and an email address that isn’t your current work address and is professional looking. A quirky email that includes a nickname could suggest you aren’t a serious candidate.
When it comes to adding your social media handles, such as Instagram or Twitter, only do so if they showcase your relevant skill set. Prospective employers won’t be interested in seeing your holiday snaps.
As an interior designer, imagery is a key part of the role, and therefore, it’s crucial to include a link to your portfolio or website on your CV, so a prospective employer has a visual example of your style and experience. Even if you’re a genius word-smith, words alone will not capture or convey your interior design ethos, whereas photos of your work or images of your 3D drawings will tell them everything they need to know.
Top tip: Include hyperlinks to your email address or social media handles to make it convenient for recruiters to contact you.
Good example:
Sara Smith, Residential Interior Designer
Tel no: 12345678
Email address: sara@sarasmithinteriordesign.co.uk
Twitter.co.uk/sarasmithinteriordesign
Website: sarasmithinteriordesign.co.uk
Bad example:
Sara Smith
Tel no: 12345678
Email address: sarasillybananas@hotmail.co.uk
Instagram: @Saragoeswild
Step 5: Write a Memorable Interior Design CV Objective
Begin your CV with a snappy, impactful and professional statement that sums up your experience and achievements in just a few memorable lines. The main purpose of this catchy summary is to hook the reader in so they want to learn more about you.
Sounds tricky? Stick to these key points and you’ll have a winning formula every time:
- Start with a meaningful adjective, such as self-motivated, efficient, or hard-working.
- Your professional title
- Years of experience
- What you can deliver and how the company will benefit
- Your greatest achievement
Good example (general)
Professional Statement: A thorough and efficient personal assistant with 10+ years experience organising and compiling clients schedules and collaborating with third parties. As a result, efficiency increased by 13%. Looking to combine my skills at adapting to dynamic situations and solving problems creatively to ensure the smooth workflow of Pacific Travel Group.
Bad example (general)
About Me: A passionate personal assistant who loves to organise and get things done. Good at communicating, booking travel and making arrangements, I think my strong interpersonal skills would be an asset to Pacific Travel Group.
More good objective examples:
Interior Design Intern CV Objective Example
Professional Statement: Self-motivated interior design student with 1+ years experience and proficiency in AutoCAD and Photoshop. Looking to develop skills and utilise knowledge of the interior design industry further with an productive internship that will ultimately reward the company.
Entry Level Interior Designer CV Objective Example
Professional Statement: A dynamic interior designer with 2+ years of experience working with a creative team on commercial projects. Developed interior architectural skills successfully, which accumulated to the entire fit out of Black Sheep Coffee Shop independently. Eager to advance these skills to the next level and produce incredible award-winning designs for your practice.
Interior Design Assistant CV Objective Example
Professional Statement: Degree-educated and certified Interior Design Assistant with 2 years experience working alongside a head designer on high-end residential projects to create stunning interiors. Coordinated the ordering and tracking of bespoke furniture pieces, as well as effectively maintained the resource library, increasing productivity. Seeking to propel skills and learn new things.
Interior Design Consultant CV Objective Example
Professional Statement: Results-driven Interior Design Consultant with 3+ years in the industry producing beautiful customised spaces from concept to completion. Excellent at managing professional relationships with clients and business partners, and exceptional at working under pressure, particularly in resolving client disputes. Eager to develop a career with a modern and progressive interior design studio.
Senior Interior Designer CV Objective Example
Professional Statement: Self-motivated Senior Interior Designer with 5+ years professional experience. Specialising in kitchen and bathroom design, with a strong knowledge of construction process and architectural elements. Career highlight was winning an award for Most Innovative Bathroom Design. Seeking a position that challenges, pushes boundaries, and wins more awards.
Step 6: Boast About Your Education
The education section of your CV is not as simple as it sounds. It still needs careful planning so you only include the information a recruiter needs to see, which isn’t your secondary school details, unless it’s your only form of education.
Components your interior design CV should include are:
- Your diploma or degree type, eg. HND, FdA, BA, BSc, or MDes
- Name of college, university or design school, city and country
- Date your achieved your qualification
If you have space and want to dress this section up, you could add information about relevant coursework, such as studies of a particular style of design, any honours or awards within the interior design industry, or perhaps acknowledgement of any design work that has been published in interior magazines or design websites.
Good example (general)
Education: BA (Hons) in Human Resource Management | University of Leeds 2011- 2015 | West Yorkshire, UK
Relevant courses: Human Resource Management, Employee & Labour Relations
Bad example (general)
Education: University degree in Human Resource Management
Interior Design Intern CV Example
If you haven’t graduated yet, you can include an ‘expected graduation date’:
Education: Currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Interior Design at Chelsea School of Art, London, UK
Expected Graduation: 2024
More good examples:
Entry Level Interior Design CV Sample
Education: Interior Architecture and Design BA (Hons)
Birmingham City University 2015 | West Midlands, UK
Societies: Member of RIBA and BIID
Award: Student with Best Portfolio RIBA 2015
Studied Abroad 2014: Florida Southern College, focusing on the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture.
Interior Design Assistant CV Example
Education: Bachelor of Arts Interior Design 2016
Kingston University, Surrey, England
Certificates:
Interior Design Apprenticeship: Diverse Interiors 2011-2012
Interior Design Consultant CV Example
Education: HND Interior Design
West Herts College, Hertfordshire, UK
June 2007
Optional unit studied: 3D Modelling & Rendering
Publications: Case study featured in Ideal Home April 2016
Senior Interior Designer CV Example
Education: BA (Hons) Interior Design 2010
Manchester University, England
MA Interior Design 2013
Royal Academy of Arts, London, England
Step 7: Include Experience & Skills In Your Interior Design CV
This is an incredibly important part of your CV as your work experience and skills acquired will show the employer if you're suitable for the job. Begin by listing your work experience in reverse chronological order, and only list two-three of the most recent and relevant roles. Include the following information in each listing.
- Your title, the company and the period your worked there
- Your role and responsibilities
- The skills you acquired. If the job description mentions specific desired skills, try mirroring the wording in your list of skills, so your CV matches the keywords they are looking for.
- Showcase the achievements of your role with impact statements, such as ‘increased client retention by delivering successful projects on time and within budget.’
- If you have any data to back up your achievements, definitely include it in your impact statements, as this will impress prospective employers. For example, ‘increased client retention by 15% by consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.’
Top tip: If you have work experience that isn’t directly relevant to interior design, such as your weekend job in a restaurant, play up the skills you acquired by mirroring that of the desired skills in the job description. For example, if the role requires management skills, highlight the fact you were responsible for a team.
Next on your CV, show off your skills in a separate section. You need to show a balance of hard and soft skills depending on the role you are applying for. So what are hard and soft skills?
- Hard skills are your technical abilities, such as proficiency in design software like AutoCAD and SketchUp, and can often be proven with a certificate.
- Soft skills are more a reflection of your personal attributes, how you work and communicate with others, and your problem solving capabilities.
Top tip: Read the job description carefully as it will be peppered with skill-related keywords, like driven, ambitious, organised, proficient in PhotoShop etc. Tailor your list of skills to match the language in the job description and you’ll pick up brownie points. When it comes to deciding how many hard or soft skills to add, weigh up what the role requires. For example, if it’s a technical role, then list more of your hard skills, while a senior management role may require more soft skills.
Good example (general)
EXPERIENCE:
Social Media & Marketing Manager
FIVE STAR CLOTHING
Clifton, Bristol
2016 - present role
- Responsible for developing creative content with impactful messaging about the company’s ethos to stimulate engagement and expand the brands presence on social media platforms.
- Maximised digital advertising efforts to build brand awareness
- Successfully led a campaign to identify international entrepreneurs and influencers who can build customer engagement
- Collaborated with sales managers, graphic design teams and web developers to create striking marketing campaigns across multiple platforms
SKILLS:
- Microsoft Office
- Database skills
- Salesforce
- CMS
- Wordpress
- Excel
- Powerpoint
STRENGTHS:
- Marketing research and communication skills
- Social media content management
- Brand-building knowledge and building strategic partnerships
- Candidate sourcing and assessment
- All-round team player
Bad example (general)
EXPERIENCE:
Social Media & Marketing Manager
Bristol
- Created content on social media to stimulate engagement
- Built brand awareness through advertising campaigns
- Worked with sales, graphics and web developers to create marketing campaigns across multiple platforms
SKILLS:
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Powerpoint
- Great with people
- Love coming up with new ideas
- Sociable and friendly personality
More good CV examples:
Interior Design Intern CV Sample
EXPERIENCE:
Administrative Role
Divine Interior Design
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
2020 to current
- Manage the interior designer’s schedule, from organising appointments with new leads to meetings with subcontractors.
- Help to compile a portfolio of the designer's work.
- Visit potential job sites to prepare visuals for designers.
- Select and prepare materials for client presentations.
- Execute core financial processes, including client invoices and trade account set up and payments.
Volunteer
Help the Aged Charity
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Since 2018 to current
- Leads a team of 10+ in preparing survival packages to be distributed.
- Oversees the stock levels and deliveries of goods.
- Manages the charity's premises, and is responsible for security of the building.
SKILLS:
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Organisational-skills
- Detail-oriented
- Project management
STRENGTHS:
- Leadership
- Multi-tasking
- Team work
- Listening
- Verbal and written communication
- Budget
- Coordinate
- Resolve
Entry Level Interior Design CV Example
EXPERIENCE:
Entry Level Interior Designer
Goodwood Interiors and Architecture
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
2019 - present time:
Responsible for:
- Creating cabinet detail drawings, upholstery designs, and client colour boards.
- Coordinating with furniture and decorating stores to ensure delivery deadlines met
- Collaborating with senior designers to create rendering presentations
- Specifying materials and all budgetary pricing
SKILLS:
- Skilled in the use of colour and texture
- Drawing and render skills
- Verbal and visual presentation skills
STRENGTHS:
- Prioritisation
- Time management
- Vision
- Collaboration
Interior Design Assistant CV Example
EXPERIENCE:
Design Consultant
Next Retail Group
London, UK
2021 to Current
Responsibilities include:
- Developing layout concepts and colour schemes
- Building key client relationships by delivering specific design solution within budget and deadline
- Creating professional presentations using software such as CAD
- Responding to potential leads via phone, email and in-person, and helping to secure new projects with interpersonal skills
- Growing sales and boosting profits by building relationships with customers and encouraging client referrals
- Logging reports, sales, receipts and invoices into digital database
- Nurturing collaborations and relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure smooth operations and processes
Interior Stylist
Smiths Furniture Store
Ruislip, Middlesex
2019-2021
- Front of house, greeting showroom guests and showed them furniture samples
- Styled attention-grabbing window displays and in-house room sets
- Used good communication skills and engaged with customers to build rapport and boost sales
- Developed space planning concepts, colour schemes and textile presentations
- Consulted with customers on design preferences and goals, and introduced them to our products and styling services
SKILLS:
- CRM Software
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CAD
- Research and analytical skills
STRENGTHS:
- Attention to detail
- Multi-tasker
- Time management
- Customer service
- Business management
Interior Design Consultant CV Example
EXPERIENCE:
Interior Design Consultant
Raven House Build Ltd
Ravenscourt, London
2015 to current day:
- Consulting with builders and clients designing their new homes, creating 3D drawings and visuals and developing interior design concepts
- Helping select all aspects of the interior design and finishes, from floor tiles to kitchen worktops, wall colours to bespoke cabinetry.
- Working to tight budgets and deadlines
- Data entry of all the selections and pricings of the interior choices
Assistant Interior Designer
Luxury Yachts
Cowes, Isle of Wight
2012 - 2015
- Created digital presentations for clients
- Sourced materials for projects
- Developed floor plans and 3D perspective views
- Ensured accurate specifications for each project
- Managed project cost, budget and schedules
SKILLS:
- Adobe InDesign
- Proficient in AutoCAD
- Adobe PhotoShop
- Interior Architectural Detailing
- Product specifications
- Floor planning
- Procurement
STRENGTHS:
- Presentations Skills
- Problem Solving
- Team Oriented
- Excellent Listener
Senior Interior Designer CV Example
EXPERIENCE:
Lead Interior Designer
Red Kite Kitchen Design
Bath, Somerset
2015 to Current
Red Kite Kitchen Design is an award-winning kitchen designer based in Bath.
- Nominated as one of the UK’s top 10 Kitchen designers.
- Designed around 150 residential kitchens with planning budgets up to £250k
- Successfully delivered high-end projects from concept to completion and increased revenue by 25%
- Managing 5 junior designers
Junior Interior Designer
Morsoe Interiors
Bath, Somerset
2010-2015
Morsoe is an interior and architecture practice based in Bath.
- Supervised 15+ projects with a combined revenue of £10m
- Designed 200+ bespoke furniture items and cabinetry solutions
- Completed several international residential projects (residential and commercial) and acted as project lead on one
Skills:
- AutoCAD
- PhotoShop
- Sketching
- InDesign
Strengths:
- Strong leadership - experienced managing a successful team
- Collaboration - Managed over 200 communications with contractors in the past 2 years
- Negotiation - Negotiated better deals on my last 2 projects and saved the company £3k in subcontractors fees
- Conflict-Resolution - Resolved numerous subcontractor disputes to ensure the smooth running of the project.
Want to learn more about this industry? Read our article on Who do Interior Designers Work With? for more inspiration of skills, roles and responsibilities to highlight throughout a CV.
Step 8: Brag About Your Accreditation, Accolades or Certifications
As there is currently no statutory regulator of the interior design industry, it is down to individuals to become a member of a government regulated body, such as the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), or achieve accreditation from The Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID).
For many employers, a candidate's membership to governing bodies such as these symbolises a high level of credibility and professional standards, while accolades and certifications demonstrate expertise and a willingness to commit additional time, energy and effort into developing skills.
So what should you add to your CV?
- Memberships - Becoming a member of the BIID demonstrates that you have met the only national professional standard for interior design in the UK, and that you can use the recognised BIID registered interior designer logo next to your name. Similarly, by achieving an accreditation from the SBID, you are demonstrating to potential employers that you are a member of a professional community that represents the highest level of knowledge, experience and skills within the industry.
- Certifications - You may decide to become certified in a specialised field of interior design, such as public safety or building control, and this is definitely worth sharing on your CV. Consider opting for well-known certifications that have a professional reputation amongst prospective employers so they appreciate the scope of your knowledge and skills.
- Accolades - Even if you’ve earned a certification that isn’t directly related, such as first aid or language, shout about it on your resume to make it shine brighter.
Top Tip: Where relevant, add the institution you received the certificate from and the year in which you received it so an employer has proof of its relevance.
Good example (general)
AWS Solutions Architect
CERTIFICATIONS
- AWS Cloud Practitioner | Mercury Solutions | June 18
- AWS Solution Architect | AWS Web Services | April 17
- AWS Architect Certification Training | Mercury Solutions | Jan 16
Bad example (general)
AWS Solutions Architect
CERTIFICATIONS:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Solution Architect
- AWS Architect Certification Training
More good examples:
Interior Design Intern CV Example
CERTIFICATIONS AND ACCOLADES:
- CPR Certified
- Russian (Advanced)
Entry Level Interior Design CV Example
Certification:
- Certificate Residential Interior Design, KLC School of Design, London 2016
- Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Planning and Design, Chelsea School of Arts 2017
Governing Body Membership:
- British Institute of KBB Installation 2018
Interior Design Assistant CV Example
CERTIFICATION:
- Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure (CPD certified) awarded by the University of Cambridge Online 2021
MEMBERSHIP:
- The UK Green Building Council since 2021
Interior Design Consultant CV Example
Accreditation:
- The Society of British and International Interior Designer (SBID) since 2019
Senior Interior Designer Resume Example
Certifications and Accolades:
- Member of the BIID since 2016
- Midlands and East Anglia Winner of the BIID Interior Design Awards 2022
Step 9: (Optional) Make Your Personal Interests Known
This section is for shouting about your extra-curricular activities that are related to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you're a member of respected organisations or you’ve won awards in your field, make sure these awesome achievements are noted on your CV to impress employers.
Good example (general)
Additional Activities:
- Panellist at the Architectural Digest Design Show in London 2015 and 2016
- Active member of the British Institute of Interior Design since 2010
- Have had numerous projects featured in Homes & Gardens, Houzz and Dezeen.
Bad example (general)
Personal Interests:
- Love playing tennis
- Enjoy travelling
- A big fan of Manchester United
How to Write an Interior Design CV With No Experience
Even if you don’t have any experience working within interior design, there’s still plenty you can mention on your CV, such as the skills you acquired during your interior design course. Under the subheading ‘Coursework’, you can list skills such as your ability to produce mood boards, your skills in developing design concepts, and your knowledge of budgets and scheduling. You can also list your software skills and any computer programs you’ve been trained in.
Flag up your soft skills too, such as your creative and versatile nature, your organisational skills and ability to work as part of a team. Stay positive throughout your CV and don’t mention at any point that you are lacking in experience. Employers want to know what you can do, not what you haven’t done.
6 Additional Interior Design CV Tips
- A Stop-in-your-tracks Cover Letter - Writing a brilliant cover letter to accompany your CV can help see you through to the interview stage. Make it short and snappy but make sure it includes your top skills, experience and your motivation for applying for this role. Address it to the hiring manager, and talk about the company directly to show you have researched them and are aware of their principles. If you don’t have any experience, focus on your training, skills and career goals.
- Customise your CV - Stand out from the crowd with an impressive CV that is tailored to the company you're applying for. For example, use the brand’s colours and mention the company by name throughout, rather than simply ‘the employer’ to demonstrate a personal connection and to win their respect.
- Be patient for a reply - Typically, employers take one to two weeks to reply to applicants depending on the urgency of the role and the size of the company. Smaller, more efficient firms may be quicker to respond. If you decide to reach out, be sure to do it in a professional and polite fashion. You don’t want to jeopardise any future job opportunities if you don’t get this one.
- Get a second or third opinion - Ask someone you trust to review your CV before you send it, particularly if they have experience in your field or have recently applied for a similar role and been successful. They may spot areas you can improve or discard.
- Spell check & print test - It’s an obvious one, but spell check your CV at least twice. You can’t afford your CV to be rejected for a silly typo. It’s also worth making sure your CV still reads well if it’s printed, as some formatting issues can occur in the process.
- Asking for feedback - If you’re not offered an interview, ask the company or recruiter for feedback so you can continue to strengthen your CV. It may be a simple bit of advice, but anything will help improve your chances next time.
Conclusion
Once you have nailed your winning interior design CV, it’s time to turn your attention to the interview so you can sharpen up your communication skills. Our article on Interior Design Interview Tips is here to help you prepare for securing your dream interior design role. Good luck!
