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June 24, 2011 - Shammam Consulting Services

The classic resume is a standard of professionalism that has been agreed upon between prospective employees and prospective employers since the dawn of the barter system. The traditional resume typically consists of a white piece of paper, size 12 font, and an easy to read list of skills and accomplishments designed to convince any reader that the author is a talented and skilled worker. However, recent years and economic stress have driven applicants to generally be more creative when formatting their resumes, resulting in some truly ingenious creations. The new technological market has developed a need for creative thinkers. Whether you are creating a resume or reviewing one, here are a few things to consider.

When Creating a Resume

Make your resume as professional as it is creative. Don’t forget that this is a representation of your ability to perform well in the job you are applying for. If you err on the side of being too creative, you might run the risk of leaving out important information about your relevant skills. However, don’t shy away from presenting that information creatively. Here are a few tips to start you off.

1. Be graphic. An infographic is a great design choice when applying for any creative position. They are interesting, factual, and will set you apart from most other applicants. Take a look at this example. Infographic
2. Match the design with your style. If you work best in an open schedule, let your resume reflect that artistically. If you work best in a regimented schedule, reflect that in the same way. Take a look at this resume as a great example: Design and style
3. Utilize flair. If you are able to turn your resume in as a PDF, don’t be afraid to add specialized components to give a bit of flair to your application. This shows off both your creativity and your talent. Take a look at this example. Flair

When Reading a Creative Resume

What qualities do you look for in a candidate? Ingenuity? The ability to think outside the box? Brains? These are all traits that can be communicated in a creative resume. Don’t turn a blind eye to an applicant who turns something in that doesn’t fit your traditional view of an application. Instead, keep an open mind to expanding your view of what a resume should look like. Chances are if someone turns in a well-done creative resume, they could be exactly what your business needs.

As technology advances, job seekers will find more and more creative ways of expressing their talents in the hope of setting themselves apart in any applicant pool. Having an open mind when reviewing these creative resumes will allow your business to find the most creative and adept candidate for the job.