How to Write a Compelling Desktop Publisher Resume

Updated June 10, 2023

Desktop publishers are professionals who use computer applications to generate page designs for flyers, newspapers, books, and other content. A powerful resume connects you to your prospective employer when you're searching for a job in this industry. Understanding how to craft a resume for this position can help boost your chances of getting a job in this line of work. In this article, we show you eight steps on how to write a desktop publisher resume, highlight some desktop publishing skills to include in your resume, and show you an example of a resume for this role.

What is a desktop publisher resume?

A desktop publisher resume is a document that jobseekers create and use when searching for a job in the publishing business. The resume contains details like your competencies, work history, and academic qualifications. It presents all the important information to the recruitment team, so they can determine if you're the most suitable candidate to fill the desktop publisher vacancy. Regardless of the industry, these publishers complete the following tasks, most of which may appear in your resume:

  • assess graphics, text, or other content that writers and designers generate

  • revise graphics, such as pictures or images

  • collect existing resources to make various layouts

  • change layouts and effect changes as needed

  • amend text properties, like size, and column width

  • transfer pictures and content into publishing programs

  • combine text and build interconnected pages

  • alter documents for printing or for websites

  • submit ready files to a commercial or high-resolution printer for printing

Related: What Is the Standard Canadian Resume Format? (With 7 Tips)

How to write a desktop publisher resume

Consider these eight steps to write a persuasive desktop publisher resume that can guarantee you an interview:

1. Review resume formats

The first and most important step is to determine the resume format to adopt. There are diverse resume formats, though the major ones are the chronological format and functional format. If you have worked before, you can use the chronological format. This formatting style focuses on your previous knowledge of the job, academic history, and relevant capabilities. If you're new in the industry on have limited experience, consider adopting the functional format. Here, you can emphasize your abilities, competencies, and accomplishments.

2. Examine the job posting

Crafting a suitable resume starts with an evaluation of the job advert. Read and understand the job posting outlining the job description and job specification. The job description explains comprehensively what the company expects from an ideal desktop publisher. Find the keywords the organization is using to explain the role and create your resume with these keywords in mind. Incorporating these keywords tactically allows the employer to gauge the applicant you are. Again, including keywords ensures the applicant tracking system properly reads your resume, and this may enhance your prospects of earning an interview.

3. Indicate your contact details

Once you have established the format to use and have understood the job posting, you may start filling in your details in the resume template. Start by creating an informative header. In the header, which appears at the top of the page, write your name and contact details. It's advisable to have your name appear in large fonts, so it stands out from other information in the resume. Beneath your name, write your phone number, e-mail address, and your city and province. The contact details help the potential employer reach you easily if they need any clarification.

Read more: How to Write a Good Resume That Impresses Employers

4. Include a professional summary or a career objective

A professional summary is a proclamation that sums up your experience, achievements, and abilities and how you're going to employ these qualities to succeed in your desktop publisher's job. This summary is usually short and is typically three sentences long. It gives the hiring manager an insight into the type of applicant you're, which may make them want to know you more. To catch the attention of the prospective employer, align your competencies with those listed in the job posting. If you're new in the industry, you may consider a career objective in place of a professional summary.

5. Configure your resume

Compose an eye-catching resume that is captivating to the potential employer. You can realize this by outlining your noteworthy traits and competencies. Remember that the first opinion the hiring manager forms about you is the lasting impression. Here are some resume formatting tips you can consider when writing your resume for a job in desktop publishing:

  • use professional fonts such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial

  • restrict your font range to 10 to 12

  • bold the skills, work experience, and academic achievements subtitles and use bullets for improved readability

  • only apply the necessary spaces in your desktop publisher resume

Read more: Resume Format Guide (With Tips and Examples)

6. Highlight your experience

This is where you state your work history, in a sequential order. Mention the name of your current and previous employer and the time you worked in the establishment. Also, state your relevant abilities and your attainments. Support your statements with figures to convince the hiring manager. If you received a reward for any of the roles you listed, you can also mention them here. Also, if you're seeking a job for the first time, you can discuss your volunteer or internship opportunities. Mentioning your work history may boost your odds of securing the job.

7. Describe your academic history and certifications

Mention your academic achievements, starting with the latest, the school where you received your credentials, and the time you earned the certificate. Desktop publishers normally require an associate's degree in graphic design or graphic communications, and you might also require proficiency in programs such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop Illustrator. If you have additional certifications like the aforementioned ones, you can state the certification name, the certifying organization, and the date earned. Earning a relevant certification boosts your likelihood of getting a desktop publisher's job and may also increase your chances of earning a higher salary.

8. Include relevant skills

Incorporating important desktop publisher's resume skills is a vital aspect of getting a job in this field. Your skill set shows your traits and proficiency. It's helpful to align your capabilities to the specific job, as stated in the job posting. Here are some skills that you may find to be appropriate for this role:

  • Creativity: Desktop publishers require an excellent sense of judgment on how to produce illustrations and text to develop pages that are attractive, decipherable, and easy to comprehend.


  • Communication skills: These publishers discuss diverse page layout ideas with writers, graphic creators, and editors. They also use active communication skills to note suggestions and express their own thoughts.


  • Computer skills: These professionals often use computer programs, especially when developing page layouts and designing graphics.


  • Marketing: These publishing experts employ marketing abilities to sell their creations. For instance, they can apply these competencies to generate advertisements for their inventions.


  • Attention to detail: When crafting and auditing page layouts, these publishers often pay attention to specifics like font sizes, margins, and the general look and precision of their work.


  • Editing: These professionals usually revise documents for spelling inaccuracies, grammatical faults, or irregularities. They can also edit pictures to ensure they are the right size or design before publishing.


  • Organizational skills: Working in the publishing industry involves adhering to tight schedules, and you require excellent planning and prioritizing skills to ensure you publish documents in a reasonable timeframe.


  • Typography: As a desktop publisher, you require the capability to arrange text. This incorporates knowing how to use diverse fonts, alter text size, and configure the text to improve readability.

Related: How to List Microsoft Office Skills on a Resume

Example of desktop publisher resume

Here's an example of a resume in desktop publishing to guide you in crafting your own:

Geen Williams
Desktop publisher
Toronto, Canada
Geen.williams@email.com
777-444-2222

Career Objective

To secure a desktop publisher's role in a highly reputable company

Highlights of Qualifications

  • Highly knowledgeable in graphics design and desktop publishing processes

  • Vast knowledge of document configuration, editing, and scanning

  • Sound understanding of computer graphics, picture editing, and printing procedures

  • Skilled in using Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite

  • Ability to oversee and handle all allocated desktop publishing tasks effectively

  • Ability to relate with customers concerning electronic publishing matters, positively

Professional Experience

Desktop Publisher
Voiugy Solutions, Toronto, ON
April 2013 – Present

Responsibilities

  • Corrected and confirmed all concluded work, promptly

  • Positively cooperated and worked with the project manager, editor, and other team members

  • Generated and published content of excellent quality

  • Developed and executed graphic and text guides and procedures

  • Applied for and upheld the stock level of all required office provisions

Desktop Publisher
Trex Associates, Toronto, ON
March 2010–January 2013

Responsibilities

  • Developed, designed, and published a range of documents, as required

  • Created and corrected graphics using editing applications like Illustrator and Photoshop

  • Ensured text quality and performed editing activities

  • Generated, corrected, and delivered PowerPoint displays

  • Deduced and adhered to the organization's standards and RFP provisions

  • Guided new team members and trained them on the organization's standard design procedures

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design
Westvern College, Ontario, CA

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