Do You Need to Use a Creative Resume?

It all depends on the role you apply for and what the recruiter expects, so you'll need to do your research in advance. Contact company employees on Linkedin and ask if they're sending a creative resume, do some Google searches around what's typically expected in your industry, and if you're still not sure, call the hiring manager to ask if a creative resume would be welcome.

For some employers, a creative resume can break the monotony of looking at hundreds of résumés, all of which look the same. Using one can give you an advantage and can wait for you as a candidate willing to go the extra mile. However, other employers may see creative resumes as a nuisance that creates extra work for them (such as opening a resume in alternative software, searching for information between a complex design, or watching a three-minute video) and slowing down the app review process.

The perception of what makes a good resume is very subjective, both to the creator and the reader. As a career guidance specialist at a creative institution, I stress to students the importance of researching and understanding the 'audience' as much as possible for a resume', explains Neville Kemp, career counselor at the University of the Creative Arts (UCA). -Some companies invite applicants to submit a resume that showcases their creative style and ideas, while others are clear on the types of approaches they would like to see, while others prefer a well-stylized, organized resume with focused creative content within the portfolio.'

If you're confident that your traditional resume is strong, your portfolio work should tell the employer everything there is to know about your creative talent. However, if the job posting calls for a custom-designed resume or a more creative approach to your application, you'll need to follow the instructions.

Another thing to consider is that these types of resumes are not suitable for every profession. “A résumé for a creative role in graphic design, fashion or the like will definitely help set you apart from other candidates,” says Neville, but if you're applying for jobs in business, finance, healthcare, engineering or law, it's probably best to stick with more traditional formats. .

I'm Applying for a Creative Role, What Should My Resume Include?

One of the most important things to remember when designing a creative resume is that while presentation is important, nothing should take precedence over content. Employers expect to be able to find all the usual elements of a standard resume, such as your contact information, education and work history. For more details on what's included in how to write a resume. If this information is lost amid an overly complex design, recruiters are unlikely to spend time searching for it.

It reflects that resumes should be beautiful and inspiring, but not at the expense of functionality. I want to see some personality, but not enough to mess with the navigation. To be able to track a reverse chronological job history, for example, you need to know where to look for important and private information. 'If you're adding a personal statement, be sure to mention your expertise and successful projects you've worked on, and don't be afraid to drop out big companies or clients you've worked with.

Also, don't forget to include a section on relevant skills, such as proficiency in specific design or editing software.' Creative resumes should contain the same information as a traditional resume. Anything you can't fit on one page – two absolute maximums – is probably not worth including,' adds Becs. And no, we don't need photos.

‘As a result, no matter how creative; Such resumes still need to be professional, relevant, readable and concise. A PDF 'mini portfolio' can be attached to the cover email with your resume. This has the advantage of being accessible offline. A link to an online portfolio is prominently displayed in your CV, so an employer may be making it to view the hiring. 'Place your portfolio link at the top below your name or contact information. Don't be fooled into thinking that a creative resume will mask a poor portfolio. If you don't have a strong portfolio of jobs to back up, employers won't be taken away by a fancy resume or cleverly edited video. This is why you need to do some work beforehand to make sure your portfolio is ready to scratch and includes only examples of your best work.