Creative Resume 101: What Works in the Current Employment Market

Artist drafting his creative resume

The constant advancements in technology have enticed many young professionals to seize the opportunity to pursue a career in one of today’s most in-demand fields, the creative industry. Even in the present day, the creative industry continues to amaze with new opportunities and possibilities.

So, if you’re planning to set your feet, walk on this career path, and become one of the successful professionals in this track; kick-start your job search in the field with the help of our creative resume writing guide!

What is a Creative Resume

Whether you’re changing careers or pursuing a career in the creative field, you must first catch the hiring managers’ attention through your resume. This isn’t only limited to traditional resumes; it also includes the creative resume. There’s nothing wrong with the usual black-and-white resume design; but since you are establishing a career in the creative industry, a creative resume is highly recommended.

A creative resume doesn’t follow the traditional way of writing resumes. It is a visual representation of the applicant’s professional information and accomplishments. Through this, you can present your skills and feats in a manner that bucks convention. You can also showcase your artistic prowess by including graphics and videos on your creative resume. Usually, these resumes are sent online, along with your online portfolio, video sample, or personal website.

When to Use a Creative Resume Format

A creative resume format represents the unique design skills and creativity of a job seeker. While creative resumes are eye-catching and attention-grabbing, this resume format is not applicable for all industries. It’s advisable to research the company culture of your prospective employer first. Assess which type of resume format is more appropriate.

For instance, this resume format might not work well within the engineering, accounting, or healthcare sectors which require skills and qualifications that don’t need creative visuals. But if you’re planning to build a career in the creative industry, then this format is the perfect chance to highlight your artistic flair.

On the other hand, multimedia artists use creative resume formats to flaunt their skills and experiences through various visual elements. This allows them to display graphic designs that can’t be translated into words.

That said; this resume format has easily become the top choice of many graphic designers, visual artists, web designers, photographers, video editors, filmmakers, and other professionals in the field.

graphic artist drawing sketches and colorful illustrations on her iPad

How to Make a Creative Resume: The Dos and Don’ts

Let’s say you have the qualifications, skills, and experience that would qualify you for the job. Can you showcase them on your resume? No worries! Read this creative resume writing guide to help you craft one that will surely impress hiring managers.

The Dos in Creative Resume Writing

Follow these creative resume writing tips and grab the hiring managers’ attention!

1. Do include visual elements.

This type of resume is popular among creative thinkers since it allows them to modify it with their own graphics and layout styles. As a creative professional, level up your game and outline your layout! This is your time to unleash your creativity in creating your own icons and palettes.

2. Do work on your brand.

Do you want to showcase your personal brand in your resume? Use colors that describe your personality. Create your own brand logo and design your own icons. Combine all these elements altogether to draft a one-of-a-kind creative resume.

3. Do keep it creative yet cohesive.

You have the freedom to choose your own layout. However, always make sure that each detail complements each other. Highlight your skills and unique ideas as they will serve as one of your edges among other applicants.

4. Do proofread it as much as you can.

A minor blunder might taint your impression on the recruiting manager. Have it reviewed by someone else so you may gain input on how to improve your creative resume.

Young designer at work writing creative resume

The Don’ts in Creative Resume Writing

Wondering what to avoid when writing a creative resume? Continue reading to find out what you should steer clear from.

1. Don’t plagiarize.

Just like other forms of art, your resume depicts your own expression. Don’t fall for the trap of copying others’ work because it says so much about your work ethic. It’s fine to get inspiration from their works; but never, ever copy the entire thing and claim it as your own.

2. Don’t go overboard with the design.

Remember, keeping it simple is better than going extreme with the designs. The important thing is to present the relevance of your career history and information to the job position you’re applying for. Having a clean design makes it more attractive to hiring managers.

3. Don’t be too wordy.

Rather than writing flowery and lengthy sentences, utilize your creative ideas to make your resume more aesthetically attractive and less wordy. Including a block of text in your job search tool defeats the purpose of the icons and other graphics.

4. Don’t forget your goal.

At the end of the day, your main target is to impress your hiring managers and get your dream job. Hence, you should arrange all your creative efforts in a manner that will convey your skills and strengths. You have the freedom to include your own style but don’t get too carried away in such a way that you lose track of your goal.

Creative Resume Design Sample

Looking for recommended design inspiration or a designed resume template? Fret no more! Resume Valley career experts are here for you. View our sample below and learn how to create your own job search tool.

Creative Resume Sample with Dos and Don’ts

Download Creative Resume Sample with Dos and Don’ts here.

Pursuing a career in the creative field gives you endless possibilities, especially if this is your calling. Go and get the hiring managers’ affirmative response for a job interview with your creative resume! If you are still not confident and in need of expert opinions on your creative resume, don’t worry; Resume Valley is here for you. Check our resume services today!

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