Résumés Made to Order

By Caitlin von Liski in Ask Jen, Careers, Special, TXEX on March 19, 2013 at 1:54 pm | 2 Comments

Résumés are getting more creative than ever. One job-seeker made his résumé into an Amazon product—complete with customer reviews and “frustration-free breathable packaging”—while graphic designers aplenty have whipped up snazzy infographics. Wondering if an unconventional résumé is right for you? Here’s what you need to know:

Be wary of professional résumé designers. Don’t pay someone else to write your résumé for you. You know your experience better than anyone. Getting help with the design or proofreading is one thing—but don’t hand it over completely to someone else.
Do your research. Not sure whether your career field is the place to showcase an unconventional résumé? Find professionals in that field, connect with them on LinkedIn, and conduct information sessions. These will give you the inside scoop on whether your résumé will get noticed or tossed into the “no” pile.
- Add pizazz: Career fields that are more accepting of creative résumés include: fashion, retail, advertising, marketing, social media, film, project management, design, sales/sales management, website development, technology, and hospitality.
- Stay safe: If you’re in finance, accounting, government, health care, or investment banking, you’ll probably want a more conventional résumé.
Get creative. You don’t have to send your résumé to a designer to get noticed. From social media to InDesign, Photoshop, and Word, it’s easier than ever to create your own unconventional portfolio. Get inspired by others’ one-of-a-kind résumés.
Prioritize. Never lose track of what’s most important: highlighting your professional experiences and skills so the employer sees you as the best fit—on paper—for the job.