A creative resume is often a great option for job seekers to stand out. But if you’re not working in a creative field like graphic design or fashion, how do you know when your resume crosses the line from creative to distracting? 
Creative resumes can vary in nature–for some job seekers, it may mean adding a cool border or printing their traditional resume on colored paper. Others may opt to redesign their resumes entirely, incorporating images and graphics to completely disrupt the traditional style of blocked text and bullet points. Showing some creativity on your resume can be a positive overall–not only does it help you to stand out, but it also shows off your ability to think outside the box when handed what can be a routine task.
Still, getting too crazy with your resume can leave hiring managers scratching their heads or worse–throwing yours in the trash. So before you start sending your unique resume out to employers, ask yourself these questions:
Is it readable? The very point of a resume is to create a document that’s able to convey a quick overview of your skills and accomplishments, not to leave the recruiter spending 10 minutes trying to locate your contact information. No matter how you choose to spice up your resume, make sure that, first and foremost, all text is clear and readable, not obstructed by too many graphics or fancy fonts.
Is it overly distracting? Resumes should be able to be scanned quickly to allow hiring managers to assess whether or not you’d be a good fit in a snap. Most recruiters will decide if you’re a good fit within seconds of looking at your resume. Don’t shy away from portraying your experience in a visually appealing way, but make sure you don’t distract from the point of your document, which is that you’re a competent and qualified candidate with a variety of skills and expertise. Make sure hiring managers can find this information easily, despite the flashy visuals.
Does it give recruiters a clear idea of what you’re about? Picking a cool theme can make your resume stand out, but remember that your resume is a reflection of you as an individual. It should reflect your personality and career goals, not someone else’s. If you choose to have help making your resume creative, just make sure the end product is an accurate representation of your unique characteristics–not just another piece of graphic design work.
Does it work for all recruiters, or just one? Don’t spend too much time designing a resume for just one employer. If you decide to spice up your document with visuals and graphics, it should be able to work for any recruiters who come across it, not just one. That’s not to say you shouldn’t tailor your resume to reflect the skills and experience a particular employer wants–just make sure the text of your document is easily editable. Always save a working version of your resume, not just as a PDF!
For those willing to put in the extra time and effort, creative resumes are a great way for job seekers to get their resumes noticed by recruiters in a sea of qualified candidates. Consider the elements listed above to avoid overdoing it, and you’ll be well on your way to standing out!
Job seekers, have you used a creative resume in your job search? Was it successful? What advice would you give to job seekers looking to make their resume stand out? Share your thoughts in a comment below!
