How to write an instructional designer resume

Creating a compelling resume as an instructional designer requires a strategic approach that highlights your unique blend of educational expertise, technical skills, and creative abilities. Whether you’re an experienced learning professional or transitioning into the field, your resume must effectively communicate your value to potential employers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of crafting an instructional designer resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market.

Understanding the Instructional Designer Role

Before diving into resume writing, it’s essential to understand what employers are looking for in an instructional designer. These professionals create educational experiences, training programs, and learning materials for various audiences. They use their understanding of teaching methods along with technology skills to create learning experiences that are interesting and help people learn better.

Instructional designers work in diverse settings including corporate training departments, educational institutions, e-learning companies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Each environment may require different emphases in your resume, making it crucial to customize your application for each position.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

The format you choose significantly impacts how hiring managers perceive your qualifications. There are three main resume formats to consider:

Chronological Format: This traditional format is ideal if you have a steady career progression in instructional design or related educational technology roles. This format clearly demonstrates your career growth and is the preferred choice for most hiring managers.

Functional Format: This structure highlights your core abilities instead of focusing on a timeline of past roles, making it useful when shifting careers or when your work history is not continuous. However, some employers view this format with skepticism, so use it cautiously.

Hybrid Format: Combining elements of both chronological and functional formats, the hybrid approach allows you to showcase relevant skills while maintaining a clear work history. This is often the best choice for instructional designers who want to highlight specific competencies while showing career progression.

When selecting a format, consider using professional resume templates that are designed to be both visually appealing and applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly.

Structuring Your Instructional Designer Resume

Contact Information

Begin your resume with clear, professional contact information at the top of the page. Include:

1. Full name
2. Professional title (Instructional Designer or Learning Experience Designer)
3. Phone number
4. Professional email address
5. LinkedIn profile URL
6. Portfolio website or online portfolio link (essential for instructional designers)
7. City and state (full address is no longer necessary)

Ensure your email address is professional. Avoid outdated or unprofessional email providers or handles.

Professional Summary or Objective

The professional summary is your elevator pitch—a brief, compelling statement that captures your expertise and value proposition. This 3-4 line section should immediately convey what makes you a strong candidate.

For experienced instructional designers, focus on:

1. Years of experience and areas of specialization
2. Key achievements or quantifiable results
3. Technical proficiencies or unique skills
4. Industries you’ve worked in

Example: “Results-driven Instructional Designer with 7+ years creating engaging e-learning solutions for Fortune 500 companies. Proven track record of improving learner engagement by 45% and reducing training time by 30% through innovative curriculum design.”

For those transitioning into instructional design, emphasize:

1. Relevant transferable skills from previous roles
2. Educational background in learning theories or educational technology
3. Passion for creating effective learning experiences
4. Relevant certifications or training

Understanding how to optimize your resume to a specific job description will help you craft a professional summary that resonates with each employer.

Core Skills and Competencies

Create a dedicated skills section that allows hiring managers to quickly identify your technical and soft skills. This section is crucial for passing through ATS systems that scan for specific keywords.

Technical Skills to Include

1. Authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Lectora)
2. Learning Management Systems (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, Cornerstone)
3. Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
4. Video editing tools (Camtasia, Adobe Premiere)
5. Assessment tools (Quiz makers, survey platforms)
6. Programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, if applicable)
7. Project management software (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

Instructional Design Methodologies

1. ADDIE model
2. SAM (Successive Approximation Model)
3. Bloom’s Taxonomy
4. Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation
5. Adult learning principles (Andragogy)
6. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Soft Skills

Understanding the importance of soft skills is vital. Reference guides on leadership skills and entry-level skills to identify which interpersonal abilities to emphasize:

1. Communication and presentation skills
2. Collaboration and teamwork
3. Problem-solving and critical thinking
4. Project management
5. Stakeholder management
6. Attention to detail
7. Creativity and innovation
8. Time management

Organize your skills strategically, placing the most relevant ones for the specific job at the top of the list.

Writing Compelling Work Experience Descriptions

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. Each entry should follow this structure:

Job Title

Company Name, Location

Dates of Employment (Month/Year – Month/Year)

Under each position, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. Follow these best practices:

Use Action Verbs

Start each bullet point with strong action verbs that demonstrate your capabilities:

1. Designed, Developed, Created, Built
2. Implemented, Launched, Deployed
3. Analyzed, Assessed, Evaluated
4. Collaborated, Coordinated, Facilitated
5. Improved, Increased, Enhanced
6. Streamlined, Optimized, Transformed

Quantify Your Achievements

Show the impact of your work;

Instead of: “Developed training modules for sales team”

Write: “Developed 15 interactive e-learning modules for 200+ sales representatives, resulting in a 35% increase in product knowledge scores and 20% improvement in sales performance”

Demonstrate Technology Proficiency

Show your ability to leverage various technologies:

“Authored 25+ SCORM-compliant courses using Articulate Storyline 360, incorporating branching scenarios, knowledge checks, and gamification elements to enhance learner engagement”

“Administered Canvas LMS for 5,000+ users, customizing interface, creating automated enrollment workflows, and generating analytics reports for program directors”

Highlight Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

“Partnered with subject matter experts, graphic designers, and developers in cross-functional teams to create 50+ hours of interactive training content aligned with business objectives”.

Education and Certifications

Education Section

List your educational background in reverse chronological order:

Degree Type, Major

University Name, Location

Graduation Year (or Expected Graduation Year)

Relevant degrees for instructional designers include:

1. Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology
2. Master’s in Educational Technology
3. Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction
4. Bachelor’s in Education
5. Bachelor’s in Educational Psychology
6. Bachelor’s in Communication

If you’re a recent graduate, you may want to include relevant coursework, thesis topics, or academic projects. However, if you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief.

Certifications

Professional certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and validate your expertise. Include:

ATD (Association for Talent Development) Certifications

1. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
2. ATD Master Instructional Designer Certification

Technology-Specific Certifications

1. Articulate Storyline Expert Certification
2. Adobe Captivate Specialist
3. Google Certified Educator

Project Management Certifications

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Industry-Specific Certifications

1. Healthcare Learning Management Systems
2. Financial Services Training Certifications

Format certifications as:

Certification Name

Issuing Organization, Year Obtained (or Expected)

If you’re working toward a certification, you can note “In Progress” or the expected completion date.

For comprehensive guidance on structuring these sections, refer to the ultimate guide to resume writing.

Creating an Impressive Portfolio Section

Unlike many professions, instructional designers should include a portfolio section or link in their resume. Your portfolio showcases your design capabilities, creativity, and range of work.

What to Include in Your Portfolio

1. Sample e-learning modules or courses
2. Instructional videos or tutorials
3. Infographics and job aids
4. Assessment instruments
5. Curriculum documents and course outlines
6. Case studies showing your design process
7. Before/after examples of improved training materials

How to Present Your Portfolio

1. Create a professional website using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Adobe Portfolio
2. Use video hosting platforms like YouTube or Vimeo for video samples
3. Upload interactive modules to cloud storage or e-learning platforms

In your resume, include your portfolio link prominently:

1. In the contact information section
2. In your professional summary
3. As a separate “Portfolio” section

Example portfolio entry:

Professional Portfolio: www.yourname.com/portfolio

Features 20+ sample projects including interactive simulations, video-based learning, mobile microlearning modules, and gamified assessment tools

Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many organizations rely on ATS to filter resumes before they reach recruiters, so knowing how to optimize your resume for these systems is essential.

Use Standard Formatting

1. Use fonts like Calibri, or Helvetica
2. Avoid graphics, images, tables, and text boxes that ATS cannot read
3. Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
4. Check job posting preferences before saving your resume in pdf or doc format

Incorporate Keywords Strategically

Review the job description carefully and identify keywords and phrases that appear frequently. Naturally incorporate these throughout your resume:

1. Job-specific skills (Articulate Storyline, SCORM, xAPI)
2. Industry terminology (blended learning, synchronous training, learner analytics)
3. Methodologies (ADDIE, SAM, agile development)
4. Soft skills mentioned in the posting (collaboration, communication, analytical thinking)

Explore how to write an effective resume to learn more about balancing ATS optimization with readability for human reviewers.

Avoid Common ATS Mistakes

1. Don’t use headers or footers for important information
2. Avoid unconventional section names that ATS may not recognize
3. Don’t use acronyms without spelling them out at least once
4. Avoid special characters or symbols

Consider using an ATS-friendly resume templates to ensure your formatting passes automated screening.

Tailoring Your Resume for Different Instructional Design Roles

Instructional design encompasses various specializations. Tailor your resume based on the specific role:

Corporate Training Specialist

Emphasize:

1. ROI and business impact metrics
2. Compliance training experience
3. Sales enablement or product training
4. Change management support
5. Onboarding program development

E-Learning Developer

Highlight:

1. Proficiency with authoring tools and LMS platforms
2. HTML/CSS/JavaScript skills
3. SCORM/xAPI/cmi5 standards knowledge
4. Responsive design for multiple devices
5. Multimedia development capabilities

Curriculum Designer

Focus on:

1. Course mapping and learning objectives alignment
2. Instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches
3. Assessment design and evaluation methods
4. Accreditation or compliance requirements
5. Academic program development

Learning Experience Designer (LXD)

Showcase:

1. User experience (UX) principles
2. Design thinking methodology
3. Learner-centered design approach
4. Innovation and creative problem-solving
5. Human-centered design research

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Too Generic

Avoid using the same resume for every application. Each resume should be customized to match the specific job requirements and company culture. Research the organization and incorporate relevant keywords and examples.

Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

Don’t just list what you were responsible for—demonstrate what you accomplished. Shift from task-oriented descriptions to results-oriented accomplishments.

Weak: “Responsible for creating training materials”

Strong: “Created 30+ training modules that improved employee compliance rates from 75% to 95% within six months”

Including Irrelevant Information

Keep your resume focused on information relevant to instructional design. While diverse experience can be valuable, lengthy descriptions of unrelated jobs dilute your message. If you have extensive work history outside the field, condense these into brief entries or eliminate them entirely if they’re very old.

Neglecting Proofreading

Errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting signal lack of attention to detail—a critical skill for instructional designers. Proofread multiple times, use grammar-checking tools, and ask a colleague to review your resume before submitting.

Using Outdated Design or Information

Remove obsolete software skills and outdated methodologies. Your resume design should be clean and modern while remaining professional.

Making It Too Long

For most instructional designers, a two-page resume is ideal. Entry-level candidates may use one page, while very experienced professionals might extend to three pages. However, every line should earn its place—be ruthless in editing unnecessary content.

Additional Sections to Consider

Depending on your background and the job requirements, consider including these optional sections:

Professional Affiliations

List memberships in professional organizations:

1. Association for Talent Development (ATD)
2. eLearning Guild
3. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
4. Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT)

Publications and Presentations

If you’ve published articles, book chapters, or presented at conferences, include them:

“Microlearning Strategies for Remote Workforces”

eLearning Industry Magazine, March 2024

“Implementing VR in Corporate Training”

Presenter, ATD International Conference, May 2023

Awards and Recognition

Highlight relevant awards:

1. Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards
2. eLearning Guild DemoFest Winner
3. Employee of the Year for Learning Innovation
4. Academic honors (if recent graduate)

Volunteer Work

Include volunteer experience if it demonstrates relevant skills:

Volunteer Instructional Designer

Nonprofit Literacy Organization, 2022-Present

1. Develop free educational resources for adult ESL learners
2. Created 10-module self-paced learning program serving 500+ students

Languages

Mention your language proficiency levels;

1. English (Native)
2. Spanish (Professional Working Proficiency)
3. French (Limited Working Proficiency)

Cover Letter Considerations

While not part of your resume, a well-crafted cover letter complements your application. Use it to:

1. Explain your passion for instructional design
2. Provide context for career transitions
3. Highlight specific experiences relevant to the role
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the company
5. Address any potential concerns (employment gaps, location)

Learn about different cover letter types and how to write compelling letters for various situations.

Leveraging Technology in Your Job Search

Resume Builders and Tools

Consider using professional resume builders that offer:

1. ATS-optimized templates
2. Pre-written content suggestions
3. Easy customization for different roles
4. Professional formatting
5. Export options for various file types

These tools can significantly reduce the time spent on formatting and help ensure your resume meets industry standards.

Tracking Your Applications

As you apply to multiple positions, organization becomes critical. Use a job application tracker to:

1. Monitor which companies you’ve applied to
2. Track application deadlines and follow-up dates
3. Record interview dates and notes
4. Manage different resume versions
5. Store job descriptions for reference

Building Your Online Presence

Beyond your resume, strengthen your professional online presence:

1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords
2. Share thought leadership content in instructional design groups
3. Engage with industry professionals on social media
4. Contribute to instructional design blogs or forums
5. Showcase projects on professional networks

Special Considerations for Different Career Stages

Entry-Level Instructional Designers

If you’re new to the field:

1. Emphasize relevant coursework and academic projects
2. Include internships or practicum experiences
3. Highlight transferable skills from teaching, training, or related roles
4. Showcase personal projects or volunteer work
5. Focus on your portfolio to demonstrate capabilities

Reference student skills guides to understand how to present early-career competencies effectively.

Career Changers

Transitioning from teaching, human resources, or another field:

1. Create a skills-based section highlighting transferable abilities
2. Connect previous experience to instructional design responsibilities
3. Address the transition in your professional summary
4. Include relevant certifications or training programs
5. Emphasize projects that demonstrate instructional design skills

Experienced Professionals

With extensive experience:

1. Focus on recent, relevant positions (last 10-15 years)
2. Emphasize leadership and strategic contributions
3. Include high-impact projects and measurable results
4. Highlight mentoring or team leadership experience
5. Consider a more concise treatment of early-career positions

Resume Examples and Samples

Reviewing sample resumes can provide inspiration and help you understand what works. Look at resume examples across different industries and experience levels to:

1. See how others structure their information
2. Identify effective ways to describe similar experiences
3. Understand industry-specific terminology
4. Get ideas for formatting and organization
5. Learn from successful applications

Additionally, explore resume samples that demonstrate best practices in presenting qualifications, achievements, and skills.

Final Review Checklist

Before submitting your resume, review this checklist:

Content

Contact information is current and professional

Professional summary is compelling and relevant

Skills section includes job-specific keywords

Work experience emphasizes achievements with metrics

Education and certifications are clearly listed

Portfolio link is included and functional

All information is relevant to the target position

Format

Clean, professional appearance

Consistent formatting throughout

Adequate white space for readability

No spelling or grammatical errors

File is saved in requested format

File name is professional (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)

ATS Optimization

Keywords from job description included naturally

Standard section headings used

No graphics, images, or complex formatting

Acronyms spelled out on first use

Contact information not in header/footer

Customization

Resume tailored to specific job posting

Company research reflected in content

Most relevant skills and experience highlighted

Professional summary addresses position requirements

Conclusion

Writing an effective instructional designer resume requires strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what employers seek. Your resume is more than a list of jobs—it’s a marketing document that should compel hiring managers to learn more about you.

Remember these key principles;

1. Customize your resume for each application
2. Emphasize results and impact, not just responsibilities
3. Showcase both technical skills and soft skills
4. Optimize for ATS while maintaining readability
5. Include a portfolio link to demonstrate your work
6. Keep the design clean and professional
7. Proofread before submitting

By following the guidance in this comprehensive article and continuously refining your approach, you’ll create a resume that opens doors to exciting instructional design opportunities. Invest time in crafting a document that truly represents your capabilities, and you’ll stand out in a competitive job market. As you develop your resume, remember that it’s a living document. Update it regularly with new skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Stay current with industry trends and adjust your resume accordingly. With a well-crafted resume and a strong portfolio, you’ll be well-positioned to advance your instructional design career. Take advantage of modern resume writing resources and tools to streamline the process and ensure you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light. Your next great opportunity in instructional design is waiting—make sure your resume helps you seize it.