In today’s competitive job market, a standard resume can easily get lost among the numerous responses to a job posting from other candidates. One way to stand out and grab the attention of an employer is by using a non-standard resume.
In this article, we will explore several creative ways to compose an original CV that will help you attract attention and increase your chances of getting hired.
What is the purpose of a creative resume, and what are its advantages?
Advantages of a Non-Standard Resume
1. Attention Grabbing.
Unconventional resumes stand out from standard formats and grab the reader’s attention, whether it’s a manager, recruiter, or specialist from another field who might forward your resume to someone interested.
2. Demonstration of Creativity.
An unusual resume allows you to showcase your professional creativity and originality as a person, which can interest the employer.
3. Highlighting Key Skills and Achievements.
A creative resume helps visually highlight your key skills and achievements, presenting them in the most favorable light.
What can non-standard resumes look like? You can come up with anything, but here are some common variations you can use:
Types of Unconventional CVs
- Graphic resume.
- Infographic resume.
- Presentation resume.
- Video resume.
- Interactive resume.
Where to Start Creating a Creative Resume?
Actually, creating a mega-cool advanced resume should start with writing the most ordinary standard resume in Word. Yes, that’s right. After all, the visualization of your professional image should come from somewhere. You need high-quality source material.
So first of all, start creating (or editing, adapting to a specific vacancy) a solid classic resume. When it’s ready, you can already start being creative based on this.
Let’s now consider each variety of unusual CV in more detail.
1. Graphic Resume.
Design a visually appealing resume that matches your field and reflects your personality and professional style. Use attractive colors, fonts, and layouts to make the graphics look appealing.
To be better remembered, add a picture of you (in a professional style) to your CV.
2. Infographic Resume.
Create a structured and visually appealing infographic that presents your work experience, skills, and achievements in an easy-to-understand format.
Use graphs, diagrams, and icons to visualize your career and professional information. Highlight professional acomplishments, personal qualities and soft skills in graphic blocks so that the employer immediately sees your value as a candidate.
3. Presentation Resume.
Create a file presentation that contains slides with information about your work experience, professional skills, and achievements.
Use visual effects and design elements to catch the recruiter’s attention.
4. Video Resume.
Record a short video where you talk about yourself, your work experience, and why you are suitable for the position. Demonstrate your communication skills, energy, and confidence in front of the camera.
Use a video resume to highlight your personality, presentation skills, persuasion, public speaking, and external appearance.
5. Interactive Resume.
Develop a web page or interactive PDF where the employer can interact with the pages to get the necessary information about you.
Include links to your projects, work, portfolio, publications, or speeches so that the employer can learn more about them.
Pay attention to the custom navigation and interactive elements such as graphs, charts, and links.
How to Create a Creative Resume?
There are two options:
1. Create It Yourself.
Make such a resume yourself. For example, on the basis of a template. Or learn how to work in graphics programs, record videos, or create business card websites.
2. Order It from a Service.
You can order a creative resume from a service, such as freelance platforms.
Key Points for Creating a Non-Standard Resume
1. Tailor It to the Job and Company.
Adapt the content and format of your non-standard resume to the job requirements and company specifics.
2. Keep Things Professional.
Despite the creativity, maintain a professional style and format to avoid straying from the essence of the resume. The beauty of your “masterpiece” should not overshadow its content.
3. Highlight Your Professional Achievements.
Remember that achievements are the most important part of a CV. Highlight your work successes to make the employer see you as an effective specialist, not just someone who can present themselves creatively.
4. Pay Attention to Details.
Ensure high-quality execution, grammar, and spelling to make your non-standard resume produce a professional impression, polished to the end.
How to Deliver a Non-Standard Resume?
You can deliver it in several ways:
1. Email.
Attach your non-standard resume to an email or message on a job site and include a cover letter, otherwise your “creation” might not be opened.
2. Personal Delivery.
Hand your original resume to the HR manager personally to create a memorable moment, make an impression on the employer, and answer any questions they might have.
After all, in all other cases, your CV may simply be overlooked, no matter how super creative it may be. In addition, the wow-effect of the first viewing of your CV will be largely forgotten by the time of the actual job interview.
3. Online Platforms.
Publish your non-standard resume on job sites, professional platforms, or social media where it can also catch the attention of employers.
A resume in the format of a website can be hosted on a hosting service, your own domain, or a free subdomain, or handed to the employer on a flash drive.
In summary, using an original resume is a somewhat risky but effective way to stand out among other candidates, catch the attention of the employer, and show your uniqueness and professional value. So, feel free to experiment and surprise employers!
Create your creative resumes and send them to me; I might publish them, and more people will see them.
