Instructional Designer resume example
What makes this resume great
This resume is a strong example for an Instructional Designer because it demonstrates a clear career progression in the field, from associate to senior roles. The candidate has relevant advanced education and a robust set of technical and pedagogical skills. The inclusion of specific tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, LMS, SCORM) shows hands-on expertise. The resume also highlights experience in both corporate and academic settings, which is valuable for versatility. The skills and education are directly aligned with industry standards for instructional design.
Resume summary examples for Instructional Designer
Example #1
Strong Summary
Innovative Senior Instructional Designer with 8+ years of experience designing and developing engaging eLearning solutions for corporate and academic environments. Expert in Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and LMS administration, with a proven track record of improving learner outcomes and project efficiency.
Weak Summary
I have worked as an instructional designer for several years and am familiar with eLearning tools.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Results-driven Instructional Designer skilled in curriculum development, needs assessment, and adult learning theory, with a Master’s in Instructional Design and a passion for creating impactful learning experiences.
Weak Summary
I like making courses and have a degree in education.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Accomplished eLearning developer with a strong background in project management and a history of delivering high-quality training programs on time and within budget.
Weak Summary
I have done some project management and worked on training programs.
Resume achievement examples for Instructional Designer
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Led the redesign of a corporate onboarding program, resulting in a 30% increase in new hire retention and a 25% reduction in training time.
Weak Achievement
Redesigned onboarding program for new hires.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Developed over 50 SCORM-compliant eLearning modules for a university, increasing student engagement scores by 18%.
Weak Achievement
Created eLearning modules for students.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Managed a cross-functional team to deliver a blended learning curriculum ahead of schedule, saving the company $40,000 in development costs.
Weak Achievement
Worked with a team to deliver a curriculum on time.
Essential skills for a Instructional Designer
- Instructional Design
- eLearning Development
- Articulate Storyline
- Adobe Captivate
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Curriculum Development
- Adult Learning Theory
- Needs Assessment
- Project Management
- SCORM
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Instructional Designer
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Instructional Designer.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Instructional Designer, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Instructional Designer (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.