Are you thinking about getting creative with your resume to get noticed? Is it a good idea or not? Let’s find out.
Job applications tend to come in the hundreds if not thousands when companies release job postings. It can be difficult to stand out from the rest of the crowd when you’re not there in person. All you have is a piece of paper with a few hundred words on it. So, would a creative resume benefit you in your job hunt? It all depends on the job role that you’re applying for and whether the employer would prefer it.
According to research by Simplyhired, most employers still prefer the traditional format of resumes where the information is displayed in a predictable way. Even if it is for a creative industry role. The 3 formats that are generally preferred are:
- a chronological format
- functional resume
- combination resume
Whether you create a creative resume or a traditional one, it is a great idea to take advantage of Career Resume’s FREE RESUME CRITIQUE. Let our professional resume writers take a look at your resume and offer helpful suggestions and tips to make it even better.
Pros of using a creative resume
Creative industries tend to be open to creative resumes. Makes sense, right? Sometimes, it can be rather underwhelming to just read words on a white page. Industries such as marketing and design where it is important to showcase great skills in creativity. Web design and content creation are also very creative jobs.
Cons of using a creative resume
Although creative resumes are becoming more popular, that doesn’t mean you should immediately begin to create one and send it out to potential jobs. Many more companies still prefer the traditional format.
It’s worth noting that with so many applicants applying for the same role, to help weave through the applications to find an ideal candidate they still use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These can automatically screen resumes and check which candidates have the desired skills for the position. These machines require text-based resumes, as apposed to videos or online portfolios.
In other circumstances, companies just simply do not like creative resumes, suggesting that graphics and visuals are unnecessary. In some cases, they also feel it’s not taking the application process seriously. Therefore, when applying, consider the industry you’re applying for and the company’s ethos/culture.
How to get creative
If you’re a creative person or applying for a creative industry role, try to do something out of the box with your resume. Be sure to check out the industry and company that you’re applying for and make it specific to them. Do they specialize in brand identity design? Is it a social media company? Perhaps filming and editing? These factors will help to determine how you format your resume and what to include in it.
It’s not just the resume that you have to be creative with either. Consider different ways you can circulate the resume rather than the traditional method of email. For example, search online for creatives in the sector and consider sharing it with them through their socials or post it on your own socials if you already have a large network.
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About the author: Jamie Costello is an experienced business writer.
Contact Jamie at @jamie88costello.
