For a Motion Designer, a visually stunning portfolio is crucial, but your resume still needs to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) first. Highlighting the right technical software proficiencies and animation techniques ensures your application reaches the hiring manager. This guide covers the top hard and soft skills, action verbs, and ATS tips specifically tailored for motion design roles.
Top hard skills for motion designer resumes
These are the technical skills that ATS systems and hiring managers look for on motion designer resumes. Include the ones you genuinely have experience with.
Adobe After Effects
The industry standard for motion graphics and compositing, essential for almost any motion design role.
Cinema 4D
A leading 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software highly valued for 3D motion graphics.
Motion Graphics
The core competency of creating animated graphic design, demonstrating your primary capability.
2D Animation
Fundamental skill for creating movement in a two-dimensional space, often required for explainer videos and UI animations.
3D Animation
Adding depth and realism to animations, a highly sought-after skill for advanced motion design projects.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Crucial for video editing and assembling final motion design projects with audio.
Adobe Illustrator
Necessary for creating and preparing vector graphics before animating them.
Typography
The art of arranging type, vital for creating legible and aesthetically pleasing text animations.
Storyboarding
Essential for planning out the sequence of animations and communicating concepts before production.
Visual Effects (VFX)
Important for integrating live-action footage with generated imagery to create realistic environments.
Color Grading
Enhances the visual tone and mood of the animation, ensuring brand consistency.
Character Animation
A specialized skill that brings characters to life, often needed for narrative-driven projects.
Video Editing
The broader skill of manipulating and arranging video shots to create a cohesive final product.
Blender
An increasingly popular, open-source 3D creation suite used for modeling, rigging, and animation.
Adobe Photoshop
Used for creating and editing raster graphics, textures, and storyboards.
Got your skills list? Use these skills in our free builder with ATS-optimized templates.
Build your resume →Essential soft skills
Beyond technical ability, these soft skills differentiate strong motion designer candidates.
- Creativity
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Adaptability
- Project Management
- Receptiveness to Feedback
- Storytelling
Recommended certifications
| Certification | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Using Adobe After Effects (Adobe Certified Professional) | Validates your expertise in using After Effects for industry-standard motion graphics. |
| Maxon Certified Professional (MCP) | Demonstrates advanced proficiency in using Cinema 4D for 3D modeling and animation. |
| Autodesk Certified Professional: Maya for Television and Film (ACP) | Proves your technical skills in 3D animation using Maya, highly relevant for high-end motion design. |
Power action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to demonstrate impact.
Example resume bullet points
Here's how to use these skills in real resume bullets with quantified results.
ATS optimization tips
Use Standard Software Names
Ensure you spell out software exactly as it appears in the job description, such as 'Adobe After Effects' rather than just 'AE'.
Contextualize Your Skills
Don't just list '3D Animation' in a skills section; weave it into your experience bullets to show how you applied it to achieve measurable results.
Include Portfolio Links Prominently
While ATS scans for text, human reviewers will want to see your work. Include a clean, clickable link to your showreel at the top of your resume.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important skills for a Motion Designer resume?
The most critical skills include proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Premiere Pro. Core competencies in motion graphics, 2D/3D animation, and storyboarding are also highly sought after by employers.
How many skills should I list on my Motion Designer resume?
Aim to list 10-15 highly relevant hard skills and 5-6 key soft skills. Focus on the specific tools and techniques mentioned in the job description to maximize your ATS compatibility.
Should I include a link to my showreel on my resume?
Absolutely. While keywords help you pass the ATS, a link to your showreel or portfolio is essential for the hiring manager to evaluate the quality and style of your motion design work.
Put these skills to work
Now that you know which skills to highlight, use our free resume builder to create an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords in the right places.
Ready to build your resume? Use these skills in our free builder with ATS-optimized templates.
Build your resume →