Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Registration • Varnishing • Color Management

Pantone

Term from Printing Services industry explained for recruiters

Pantone is a standardized color matching system used worldwide in printing, design, and manufacturing. Think of it as a universal language for colors - like a dictionary where each color has its own unique number and name. When someone refers to "Pantone" in their resume, they're indicating they understand how to work with this color standard to ensure colors stay consistent across different materials and printing methods. This is especially important in brand identity work, packaging design, and commercial printing where exact color matching is crucial.

Examples in Resumes

Managed color accuracy for brand materials using Pantone matching system

Created packaging designs incorporating specific Pantone colors for global brand consistency

Developed brand guidelines featuring Pantone color standards for company-wide use

Typical job title: "Graphic Designers"

Also try searching for:

Print Designer Packaging Designer Production Artist Prepress Specialist Color Management Specialist Brand Designer Print Production Manager

Where to Find Graphic Designers

Professional Communities

Job Boards

Industry Events

• Printing Industry Trade Shows
• Color Conference

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a client's brand colors aren't reproducing correctly across different printing methods?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should explain the process of color management across different materials and printing processes, mention creating standards for different applications, and discuss communication with clients about color expectations and limitations.

Q: How do you manage color consistency in a global brand campaign across multiple print vendors?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating comprehensive color standards, working with different regional printing capabilities, and maintaining quality control processes across multiple vendors.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between Pantone spot colors and process colors?

Expected Answer: Should explain that spot colors are pre-mixed inks for exact color matching, while process colors are made by combining cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks, and when each is most appropriate to use.

Q: How do you choose between coated and uncoated Pantone colors?

Expected Answer: Should explain how paper type affects color appearance, when to use coated vs. uncoated swatches, and how to communicate these choices to printers and clients.

Junior Level Questions

Q: How do you find a Pantone color match for a client's existing brand color?

Expected Answer: Should describe using physical Pantone guides, digital color libraries, and basic color matching tools to find the closest Pantone equivalent.

Q: What information do you need to include when specifying a Pantone color in your design files?

Expected Answer: Should mention including the complete Pantone number, whether it's coated or uncoated, and communicating any specific printing requirements to production teams.