In today’s competitive job market, there are a variety of tactics to make yourself stand out among a flood of resumes. Of these tactics, creativity is an important one — sometimes. Here are four super-creative resumes:
This resume would be perfect for aspiring film directors, producers or actors. It shows creativity that is necessary for that field, plus, stands out from a sea of white resume papers.
Infographic resumes are kind of trendy now (see here), and this type of resume could be applicable to many creative fields. One in particular that it could work well for would be graphic design; if an aspiring graphic designer put together this resume, it would not only deliver the content of his experience, but display his skills as a designer.
This resume, while creative, doesn’t seem like it would be applicable to many fields — maybe a travel agent or someone aspiring to do foreign service or diplomatic affairs.
A t-shirt resume is definitely a creative way to display your resume content. You can basically be a walking billboard advertisement! Aspiring fashion buyers or fashion designers can take this to another level by designing their own garment.
These resumes are great examples of using creativity to stand out in a job search; however, creativity to this extent is not always appropriate. Here are some tips on using creativity the right way:
1. Keep it relevant
Remember, your resume is primarily about content — what you’ve accomplished and where you’ve been — more than presentation and format. If you go the creative route, keep it relevant to your industry and include all the right information.
2. Think of your audience
Creative industries require creative people, who can display their skills through their resumes. But, if you’re applying for a more traditional or conservative industry, like law firms or financial institutions, you may want to stick with the traditional, professional paper resume.
3. Don’t overdo it
If you decided to be creative with your resumes, keep it tasteful. Show your skills and also show your restraint — don’t go overboard and avoid being overly “in-your-face” about your resume. Don’t be obnoxious!
Job seekers, do you like these creative resumes? Do you have any more tips for using creativity in your job search?
