Graduate Interior Designer CV Template Example
As a Graduate Interior Designer stepping into the professional world, your CV is more than just a piece of paper – it’s your first opportunity to demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, and professionalism to potential employers. The role of an interior designer is both exciting and challenging. Typically, graduate interior designers are tasked with supporting senior colleagues, assisting with design presentations, researching materials, liaising with suppliers, and developing 2D drawings and 3D visualisations. In the UK, a graduate interior designer can expect a starting salary in the region of £20,000 to £27,000 per year, depending on location, portfolio strength, and the size of the practice. As your career grows, this can rise significantly, with senior interior designers and design managers commanding salaries upwards of £50,000 to £70,000 annually.
Having worked with thousands of graduates, managers, and directors over the past 25 years as a career coach, I’ve seen first-hand how the right CV can unlock doors, win interviews, and fast-track careers. In this blog, I will walk you through exactly how to create an interview-winning Graduate Interior Designer CV template example – covering everything from structure to style, and from graduate advice to senior management do’s and don’ts.
Why your Graduate Interior Designer CV matters more than you think
Your CV is your personal marketing brochure. Employers in interior design receive dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs for every graduate position. Many of these applicants have similar academic backgrounds, software skills, and portfolios. What sets you apart is the clarity, structure, and tailored message within your CV. It’s not enough to list modules and software proficiency; you need to demonstrate impact, creativity, and commercial awareness.
Think of your CV as a design project in itself. Every detail matters: the font choice, the layout, the order of information, and even the white space you allow. Just as you would carefully consider how a client experiences a room, you must carefully consider how a recruiter experiences your CV.
The job description of a Graduate Interior Designer
Employers are looking for graduates who can demonstrate:
A strong foundation in spatial design, architectural principles, and creative problem solving
Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, InDesign, Photoshop, and 3D Studio Max
The ability to communicate ideas clearly, both visually and verbally
An awareness of current trends in interior design, sustainability, and materials
A collaborative approach, supporting project teams while showing initiative
Flexibility to adapt to tight deadlines and client requirements
Understanding this job description is vital when crafting your CV, as every bullet point you include should speak directly to one of these desired qualities.
Salary expectations for interior designers in the UK
One of the most frequently asked questions from graduates is: “What should I expect to earn as a graduate interior designer?” While London and larger UK cities often command higher salaries, the average starting pay typically falls between £20,000 and £27,000 per annum. As you progress into middle management, salaries rise to around £30,000 – £45,000, while senior management roles and design directors can expect £50,000 – £70,000+.
This means your CV isn’t just a ticket to your first role – it’s the foundation upon which your entire career growth and earning potential are built.
How to structure your Graduate Interior Designer CV
A strong CV follows a clear and logical structure. Here’s the layout I always recommend to graduates and professionals alike:
Contact Details
Full name, professional email, phone number, LinkedIn profile, and location (no need for full address).
Personal Profile / Professional Summary
A short, engaging 4–5 line paragraph that highlights your passion for design, key strengths, and career goals. Think of this as your personal “elevator pitch.”
Key Skills Section
Bullet-point your most relevant skills (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Suite, project coordination, concept development, client presentations).
Education
Include your degree, university, dates, and relevant modules or projects. Mention final year projects, exhibitions, or dissertations if they are design-related.
Work Experience
List internships, placements, freelance projects, and part-time roles. Even if unrelated to interior design, extract transferable skills (teamwork, customer service, problem-solving).
Portfolio Link
Always include a link to your online portfolio or PDF portfolio – this is crucial in creative industries.
Achievements & Interests
Awards, exhibitions, publications, or relevant extracurricular activities. Employers want to see your personality and passion.
Graduate CV advice: How to stand out in a competitive design industry
Tailor every CV – A generic CV won’t win interviews. Study the job description and mirror the key skills and requirements in your CV.
Showcase creativity without clutter – Use a clean, minimal CV design. Avoid overusing colour or graphics; let your portfolio demonstrate your creative flair.
Highlight achievements, not duties – Instead of writing “Assisted with drawings,” say “Produced detailed 2D layouts that were presented to clients and approved for project development.”
Focus on transferable experience – If you worked in retail or hospitality, highlight skills like client interaction, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Include technical keywords – Employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Ensure your CV includes terms like AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D modelling, FF&E, concept development, design presentations.
Advice for middle management interior designers
If you’re already a few years into your career and applying for mid-level interior designer positions, your CV should emphasise:
Leadership of small design teams or projects
Client-facing experience and relationship management
Project delivery from concept to completion
Commercial awareness and budget management
Mentoring junior designers and interns
At this stage, employers want to see that you can take responsibility and operate with less supervision. Your CV should show a progression of responsibility and growing impact on projects.
Advice for senior management and design directors
For senior interior design roles, CVs should demonstrate:
Strategic leadership of design teams
Business development and client acquisition
Management of budgets, timelines, and project portfolios
High-profile projects and measurable business outcomes
Mentoring, training, and building design culture within a firm
At this level, your CV should read more like a leadership profile, emphasising impact, revenue generation, and long-term contributions to design practice success.
The do’s and don’ts of a Graduate Interior Designer CV
Do’s
Keep it to 2 pages maximum
Use consistent formatting and professional fonts
Include a strong personal profile at the top
Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Created 3D visualisations for a £500,000 project proposal”)
Tailor every CV to the role applied for
Don’ts
Don’t include irrelevant personal details (age, marital status, nationality)
Don’t use gimmicky designs or overuse colour
Don’t lie or exaggerate – design is a small industry, and reputations spread quickly
Don’t send a CV without including a portfolio link
Don’t overlook proofreading – spelling and grammar mistakes are instant rejections
Final general tips for crafting an interview-winning CV
Treat your CV as a reflection of your design sensibility – clean, precise, and functional.
Always pair your CV with a tailored cover letter – employers often read this first.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV – consistency matters.
Keep updating your CV regularly with new projects, awards, and skills.
Remember: your CV gets you the interview; your portfolio wins you the job.
Conclusion – Take your career to the next level
Creating an interview-winning Graduate Interior Designer CV template example is about more than just filling in sections – it’s about positioning yourself as the designer every employer wants on their team. Whether you’re a graduate looking to land your first role, a mid-level designer aiming to step into management, or a senior professional preparing for leadership, the principles of a strong CV remain the same: clarity, impact, and relevance.
If you would like expert one-to-one help in transforming your CV and LinkedIn profile into a powerful, career-winning tool, I would be delighted to work with you personally. Simply book an appointment today at:
👉 https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
