6 Tips for Using a Creative Resume

6 Tips for Using a Creative Resume 6 Tips for Using a Creative Resume 14 Theres no solid consensus on the use of creative resumes; its a huge turnoff for some recruiters, while others appreciate the effort. However, most would agree that ultimately it depends on the job youre applying for. Follow these tips for using a creative resume. Whos your audience? If you work in a creative industry, or youre applying to a particularly forward-thinking company, by all means, have a bit of fun with your resume. For graphic designers and people with similar talents, its a great way to show off your skills while sharing your background with recruiters. If youre applying at an accounting firm, a law office, or a hospital, you should stick with a more straightforward approach. Use your keywords. Just because youre being creative doesnt mean you can ignore the basic rules of resume writing, such as using keywords. In fact, its more important than ever to use keywords when your resume is less traditional in order to avoid being weeded out by an Applicant Tracking System ATS. Pepper words throughout the resume that are relevant to the job youre applying for. Even with keywords, there is the chance that the ATS wont be able to read your document, so its a safe bet to submit a standard resume when applying online. Double your efforts. As mentioned above, sometimes its safer to submit a traditional resume- but that doesnt mean you have to throw your creative resume away. Cover your bases by sending your creative resume through the mail, or post your creative resume on LinkedIn and include a link on your standard resume. Make sure its easy to read. Sometimes creative resume writers get carried away and forget that someone actually has to read their resume. Recruiters time is limited, and if they have to search for relevant information, they may just be tempted to throw the resume in the trash. Make it worth it. So youve committed to using a creative resume to stand out among other job applicants. Now, youve just got to pull it off. Is your idea truly original, or are you just ripping off someone elses creativity? Do you have impressive design skills, or are you shaky? Make sure that your creative resume actually reflects your skills and doesnt leave the recruiter wondering why you chose that route in the first place. Different doesnt necessarily mean better. Know the risk involved. Unless a job specifically asks for a creative resume, you wont be rejected for having a traditional one. However, no matter what kind of company youre applying to, you do run the risk of encountering a recruiter who is simply turned off by creative resumes. Ultimately, your resume should be a constantly evolving document that matches the job youre applying for. Depending on your career path, a creative resume can certainly be an asset that shows off your accomplishments and your personality at the same time. Have you ever thought of using a creative resume? What response did you receive? Please share your experiences in the comments below! Michelle Kruse has over 10 years of hiring and recruiting experience and a background in coaching and leadership development. At ResumeEdge, Michelle recruits and hires resume writers, provides training and ongoing support, manages strategic partnerships, and serves as a subject matter expert on the job search process.