The Ultimate Product Designer CV Example [+ 2024 Guide] - CV Plaza

The Ultimate Product Designer CV Example [+ 2024 Guide]

author Sobhan Mohmand, CV Writing Expert         date 31 Oct 2023

Are you looking to write your perfect Product designer CV?

Crafting a compelling CV is crucial for landing that dream job in the field of product design. Your CV serves as a snapshot of your skills, qualifications and accomplishments, giving potential employers insight into your suitability for the role.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and examples to ensure your CV shines and gets noticed, let’s get started!

Table of contents

CV Example

Liam Morrison

17 Vauxhall Grove
Northumberland
NS2 0HG
Mob: 079 5457 2346       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile statement

I am an enthusiastic, creative and highly motivated Product Designer with an artistic nature keen eye for detail. I am experienced in the full design process from getting the initial customer specification and understanding the technical aspects of the job to drawing up the design and presenting the finished prototype or product to the customers. I am accustomed to working under pressure, and I am a natural problem solver with the ability to come up with innovative solutions to produce the most appealing products in the market.

Achievements
  • Winner of Designer of the Year 2015 at Toys World
  • Graduated with a First Class (Hons) Degree from Brunel University

Education
2010 – 2013BSc (Hons) Product Design Brunel UniversityGrade achieved: 1st Class

Relevant Modules:

  • Design Process
  • Design for Manufacture
  • Human Factors of Product Design
  • Art and Embedded Systems
  • Graphic Artwork Creation and Photography

2009 – 2010
Results: English: A Maths: B Design & Technology: A
A LevelsYorkshire College
2005 – 2009
Results: 9 GCSEs at Grades A-C, including Maths and English
GCSEsCoventry School

Work experience
Jan 2015 – PresentProduct Designer         Toys World

Main duties performed:

  • Working across all areas of design including specification, prints, sourcing, prototyping, testing 3D modelling, presenting and delivering of products
  • Developing ideas and sketches for prototypes using a variety of specialist software such as AutoCAD and Simplify3D
  • Brainstorming new products to release for the coming business year
  • Presenting prototypes to higher-ups for approval/modifications/improvements
  • Testing designs to identify any flaws or health and safety risks
  • Coordinating with the sales and marketing teams to determine market trends
  • Assisting with the creation of advertisements
  • Creating artwork for marketing materials such as posters and booklets
  • Liaising with photographers to shoot professional photographs in the studio
  • Performing Colour Correction, Touch Ups, and Enhancements on artwork
  • Visiting customer sites to discuss the product/prototype and making relevant amendments and improvements when required
  • Providing technical training to junior graphic designers
  • Deciding on the most appropriate materials to use for the products

Feb 2013 – Oct 2014Trainee Product Designer       Novel Solutions Ltd.

Main duties performed:

  • Working on products from inception through to fruition
  • Designing bespoke artwork for packaging and overseeing its print, manufacturing and delivery
  • Providing Customer support and training
  • Ensuring that designs meet the customer’s specification
  • Greeting customers and making them feel welcome
  • Organising meetings between designers, engineers and customers
  • Booking rooms and arranging interviews with third-party professionals
  • Coordinating the outsourcing of the work that cannot be done in-house
  • Performing market research and competitor’s analysis
  • Performing general Admin duties

Qualifications
  • Autodesk Certified
  • Chartered Society of Designers- Member (MCSD) (2016)
  • Adobe Master Certification- CS Design Master (2015)

Skills
  • Adept at coming up with innovative ideas, concepts and designs
  • Highly conversant in Adobe Creative Suite, Google SketchUp, 2D CAD as well as Simplify3D (3D printing software)
  • Highly experienced in working to deadlines and dealing with business clients
  • Able to identify market trends and opportunities using a variety of primary and secondary resources
  • Clean full UK driving license
  • Able to work on all types of products; furniture, toys, appliances, etc.

Hobbies and interests

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have a passion for business, DIY and doing hands-on activities around the house. Whenever I get the time, I trawl the Internet to research the latest news in the design industry.

References

Mr Michael Nolan
Product Manager, Toys World
Address: 14 Summer Rd, Chester, PW4 8XT
Tel: 0773 4577 8775
Email: [email protected]
Ms Julia Willingham
Supervisor, Novel Solutions Ltd.
Address: 7 Milk Rd, Suffolk, S10 1XE
Tel: 0740 6854 8796
Email: [email protected]


Preview

Product Designer CV Template

Product Designer CV Template 2

What makes this CV good and effective?

  • Structure and format: The CV follows a clear and organised structure with distinct sections, including education, work experience and skills. Fonts and formatting are consistent throughout, enhancing readability. Overall, the layout, format and structure of the CV ensures that the applicant’s information is easily findable to employers.
  • Tailoring to the job: The CV is tailored to the product designer role, emphasising skills and experiences relevant to the field. They have also used the same key phrases and keywords as the job’s personal specifications, giving a greater impression of their suitability for the job. They have also not included any irrelevant personal details or outdated employment information that could distract from the important information.
  • Relevant extracurricular activities: The candidate includes extracurricular activities related to product design, demonstrating their passion and dedication.
  • Use of white space: The layout incorporates adequate white space, preventing the document from appearing cluttered and enhancing readability. This is very important because the job that they are applying for is design-related so any deficiencies in the CV’s design, layout and format will reflect badly on the candidate and result in an automatic rejection.

Download CV template

CV template


How to format your CV

  • Use clear headings: Employ distinct headings for sections like “Experience”, “Skills” and “Education” to guide the reader through your CV. Use a bigger font size for the headings and consider using a touch of colour to enhance its visual appeal.
  • Use bullet points: Instead of using paragraphs and long sentences, use bulleted lists to make the information easier to find and process. For example, “Designed user interfaces for a mobile app, improving user experience.”
  • Include a skills section: Dedicate a section to list technical skills relevant to product design, such as “3D modelling software proficiency”, “User Interface (UI) design”, “Rapid Prototyping” and “Sketching and Wireframing.”
  • Use keywords strategically: Incorporate industry-specific keywords, such as “CAD modelling”, “User-Centred Design (UCD)”, “Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)”, “Ergonomics” and “Design Thinking,” to cater to applicant tracking systems. It will also make your CV more targeted to the job and portray you as an expert in the field.
  • Proofread: Before sending your CV to employers, thoroughly review your CV for any typos or grammatical errors to present a polished and professional document. An example of this is ensuring consistency in verb tenses throughout your CV. Consider asking a colleague, friend or family member to proofread your CV and give you feedback.

How to Write a Product Designer CV

Personal details

Your CV’s personal details section is where you introduce yourself to potential employers. It should contain essential information like your full name, address, phone number, and email.

Don’t include overly personal information like your date of birth, marital status or gender. These details are typically not relevant to your qualifications for a job and could lead to potential bias in the hiring process.

Example:

Personal profile

Your CV’s personal profile is like a quick introduction to show employers who you are.

It’s vital because it’s the first thing they read and helps them decide if you’re a good fit for the role and the organisation.

In this section, tell them briefly about your key skills, experiences, and what kind of job you’re looking for.

Don’t make it too long or include irrelevant details. Keep it concise and focused on what makes you a great fit for the job. Also, avoid using jargon or buzzwords – be clear and straightforward in your language.

Product designer personal profile example:

As a seasoned Product Designer with a passion for user-centred design, I’ve successfully created intuitive interfaces and innovative products that have garnered high user satisfaction. My work on the redesign of our mobile app led to a 30% increase in user engagement. I’m excited to bring my skills and creativity to your team and contribute to crafting exceptional user experiences.

Achievements and awards

In the achievements and awards section of your CV, you highlight your key accomplishments in a clear, bullet-point format.

These accomplishments should showcase your successes, such as awards you’ve received, promotions, high grades or any notable contributions you’ve made in your previous roles.

Ensure that each achievement is specific, quantifiable, and relevant to the job you’re applying for. For instance, you could mention something like winning a design competition.

Example:
  • Graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Product Design.
  • Collaborated on a project that won a prestigious design award.
  • Mentored junior designers, helping them develop their skills and grow in their careers.
  • Volunteered for a non-profit organisation, designing products for people with disabilities.

Employment history

When writing the employment section of your CV, focus on showcasing your specific contributions and accomplishments in each role.

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to grab the reader’s attention and describe how you added value to your previous employers.

Quantify your achievements with numbers wherever possible to demonstrate your impact and make it clear why you’re the right fit for the job you’re applying for.

January 2019 – Present Product Designer         XYZ Design Studio

Main duties and responsibilities performed:

  • Led the design team in creating innovative product concepts and prototypes.
  • Collaborated closely with the engineering team to ensure product feasibility and functionality.
  • Conducted user research and testing, resulting in a 20% improvement in user satisfaction.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting tight deadlines.
  • Redesigned a flagship product, reducing manufacturing costs by 15% while maintaining quality.

Product designer duties to add to your CV

  • Conducting user research to understand customer needs and preferences.
  • Creating product design concepts and prototypes using tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineers and marketers, to develop and launch products.
  • Iterating designs based on user feedback and usability testing.
  • Ensuring that designs are user-centred and aligned with business objectives.
  • Keeping up-to-date with design trends, tools and technologies.
  • Managing multiple design projects simultaneously and meeting project deadlines.
  • Applying design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems.
  • Conducting design presentations and effectively communicating design concepts to stakeholders.

Education

The education section of your CV should be in reverse chronological order, listing your most recent qualifications first. Include all relevant qualifications you’ve earned, such as degrees, A-levels, GCSEs and diplomas.

Read more: How to write your degree on your CV.

Example:
September 2015 – June 2019 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Product Design University of Creative Design Degree classification: 2:1 (Upper Second Class).

Subjects studied:

  • Product Design Principles
  • User-Centred Design
  • Materials and Manufacturing
  • Design Research
  • 3D Modelling and Rendering
  • September 2013 – June 2015
    Results: Art and Design: A, Mathematics: B, Physics: B.
    A-LevelsWindsor College

Qualifications & training

The professional qualifications section of your CV contains details of qualifications, licenses or professional memberships that are relevant to your career and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

If you have no such qualifications, you can omit this section entirely.

Example:
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation – Digital Arts Institute
  • Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe XD – Adobe Systems
  • SolidWorks Professional Certification – Dassault Systèmes
  • Product Design and Innovation Diploma – Design Academy London

Core competencies

The core competencies section of your CV is where you directly highlight your key skills and abilities, making it easy for the reader to quickly grasp your strengths.

You should include a range of technical skills, such as proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch), 3D modelling and rapid prototyping.

Additionally, emphasise your soft skills like creativity, problem-solving and strong communication, which are essential for collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and turning ideas into innovative products.

Read more: Examples of skills to put on a CV.

Example:
  • Design software: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe XD and Photoshop, to create interactive prototypes and visually compelling designs.
  • 3D Modelling: Skilled in using software like SolidWorks and Rhino to develop detailed 3D models, as demonstrated in the successful redesign of our flagship product, resulting in a 20% increase in user satisfaction.
  • Prototyping: Experienced in rapid prototyping using tools like InVision and Figma, facilitating efficient design iteration and quicker time-to-market, exemplified in the development of a prototype that secured a major client contract.
  • Collaboration: Strong collaborative skills, evident in my ability to lead cross-functional teams, ensuring the alignment of design concepts with engineering and marketing teams for successful product launches.

Useful product designer skills to add to your CV

  • User-centred design: Designing products with a strong focus on meeting user needs and enhancing user experiences.
  • Prototyping: Creating tangible and interactive representations of design concepts to test and refine ideas.
  • Sketching and conceptualisation: Translating ideas into hand-drawn sketches and concept illustrations.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in design software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Adobe XD, for graphic and interactive design.
  • Materials and manufacturing knowledge: Understanding materials and production methods for practical design implementation.
  • Usability testing: Conducting tests to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of product designs.
  • Colour theory: Knowledge of colour psychology and design principles for aesthetic choices.

Personal interests and hobbies

In this section, you can include hobbies and interests that showcase your creativity, teamwork or problem-solving skills, such as participating in design competitions, volunteering for design-related events or engaging in artistic pursuits like painting or sculpting.

Example:
I have a passion for sketching and frequently enter design competitions to push my creative boundaries. I’m an active member of a local design community, volunteering for events that promote innovative design thinking and regularly attend art exhibitions to stay inspired and connected with the latest design trends.

References

The references section of your CV is where you provide contact information for individuals who can vouch for your qualifications, character and work performance.

Referees can be former employers, colleagues, supervisors, managers, tutors, professors or other professional contacts who are familiar with your work.

You should include their full names, job titles, the name of the company or institution, their email addresses and phone numbers. It’s recommended to ask their permission before sharing their details with employers, it will prevent an awkward conversation about you!

Example:
Ms. Heather Evans
Senior Product Manager, InnovateTech Ltd.
Address: 456 Moonlight Street, Manchester, M2 2BC
Tel: +44 9876 543210
Email: [email protected]
Mr. William Ingram
Professor of Design, University of Artistry
Address: 82 Birch Avenue, Edinburgh, EH1 3DE
Tel: +44 7777 123456
Email: [email protected]

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”


Tips to make your CV more effective

  • Tailor your CV: Customise your CV for each job application by emphasising skills and experiences relevant to the specific role, such as highlighting your expertise in UI/UX design for a job in web application design.
  • Showcase your portfolio: Include a link to your online design portfolio, allowing employers to see your work first-hand, such as showcasing a project where you transformed a product from concept to market success. Also, consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
  • Volunteer and freelance work: Include freelance or volunteer design projects to demonstrate your commitment to the field and gain practical experience.
  • Stay current: This is a rapidly changing industry. Mention any continuous learning, certifications or workshops you’ve undertaken, like “Completed a course in human-computer interaction.”
  • Include a cover letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that elaborates on your motivation and enthusiasm for the role. A cover letter personalises your application, allowing you to share why you’re drawn to the position, your unique journey as a product designer and your excitement for the challenges the role offers.

Written by Sobhan Mohmand
Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
product-designer

OVERVIEW

  • SALARY RANGE
    £18.000 – £45.000
  • ENTRY
    Degree and Work Experience
  • WORKING HOURS
    38+ hours per week

Competencies

  • Design Skills
    Producing excellent designs that meet user requirements
  • Computing Skills
    Ability to use a computer and design programs effectively to accomplish tasks
  • Precision
    Being able to identify and specify a measurement, lines and borders with precision and working with it accordingly
  • Creativity
    Ability to “think outside the box” and come up with novel products
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Excellent interpersonal skills to build business relationships
  • Attention to Detail
    Ensuring that no “small details” are overlooked

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