6 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
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Palo Alto, California
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Is it okay to be more artistic/creative with your resume if you're applying for a more creative job?
Office Hours #1: Resume Writing with Judy Park [39:48]
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#resume #resume-building #job-applications #creative
6 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hello!
I have hired creative designers before, and for me, I like to start getting a sense of the candidate's design skills in the resume. Now I would still recommend having appropriate design for the job you are seeking (e.g. don't use a comic book type design for an enterprise company's design job). I would say that the equivalent to seeing a creatively designed resume for me is seeing a hobbies section on a resume– not required at all, but is fun to see.
Having said all that, using a standard resume template is totally fine and will not hurt your chances. The reason is that given that this is for a creative job, the most important thing will be the portfolio.
Although I like creative resumes, I know some other managers that do not like it. So just like adding a hobby section on your resume, there's a chance that it'll hurt your chances of getting the job if the hiring manager sees something they do not like.
Happy to answer follow up questions, so if I can provide further insight, just let me know!
Best of luck!
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Dexter
I have hired creative designers before, and for me, I like to start getting a sense of the candidate's design skills in the resume. Now I would still recommend having appropriate design for the job you are seeking (e.g. don't use a comic book type design for an enterprise company's design job). I would say that the equivalent to seeing a creatively designed resume for me is seeing a hobbies section on a resume– not required at all, but is fun to see.
Having said all that, using a standard resume template is totally fine and will not hurt your chances. The reason is that given that this is for a creative job, the most important thing will be the portfolio.
Although I like creative resumes, I know some other managers that do not like it. So just like adding a hobby section on your resume, there's a chance that it'll hurt your chances of getting the job if the hiring manager sees something they do not like.
Happy to answer follow up questions, so if I can provide further insight, just let me know!
Best of luck!
--
Dexter
Stephen Ramirtha
People Manager
18
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Definitely agree with Dexter's answer! Having a creatively designed resume does give the hiring manager a glimpse into your capabilities. I also agree that it's optional -- your skills on your resume should be doing the talking. To provide another analogy, it's like a cherry on top of a cake. Not required if the cake is already delicious, but a nice touch depending on the company and role.
Dustin Finkle, PMP
Marketing Program Manager
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
Hey, there!
Agreed, a unique style is super helpful to stand out from the crowd of resumes. As a Marketing Program Manager for a creative team that works closely with the Creative Director, I appreciate a well laid-out resume that gives a bit of creative flair - but yes, your experience and skillset will do the heavy lifting.
Check out 12 on this website about inspiring resumes: https://www.canva.com/learn/50-inspiring-resume-designs/
Agreed, a unique style is super helpful to stand out from the crowd of resumes. As a Marketing Program Manager for a creative team that works closely with the Creative Director, I appreciate a well laid-out resume that gives a bit of creative flair - but yes, your experience and skillset will do the heavy lifting.
Dustin recommends the following next steps:
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Yes, being more artistic and creative with your resume can be appropriate when applying for a creative job, such as a position in design, marketing, or advertising. In these industries, a traditional, straightforward resume may not accurately reflect your skills and personality. A creative and well-designed resume can help you stand out and showcase your ability to think outside the box. However, it's important to balance creativity with professionalism. While your resume should reflect your individuality and creativity, it should also be easy to read and understand, and clearly highlight your qualifications and experience. Make sure that the design elements you use are relevant to the job you're applying for, and that they don't detract from the content of your resume. Ultimately, the most important aspect of your resume is the content. Make sure your resume emphasizes your relevant skills, experience, and achievements, and that it accurately reflects your qualifications for the job. A creative and well-designed resume can be a valuable tool, but it should complement and enhance your qualifications, not distract from them.
Melissa D
Sr. Graphic Designer
34
Answers
California, California
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Absolutely. As others have previously mentioned, it helps get a sense of your abilities before the rest of the process, and it is also optional. It's a great way to showcase great layout and basic design principles, especially if you're able to format the information in a legible, unique way. Be careful though, being unique won't help if the document isn't very legible or professional; there needs to be a balance.
As with everything, it's also dependent on the hiring manager. Even if the role is creative, work with the HR representative to get an understanding of what the hiring manager might prefer. Some managers want to see professionalism and corporate adherence in the resume, but creativity in your portfolio, etc.
As someone who's been on both sides of this, I like to see creativity in a resume. A bit of personality helps the hiring manager and interviewer understand a bit more about you and can tailor the questions better. The areas I've noticed that hinder applicants are:
1. too lengthy (3+ pages); 1 is ideal for me to see you can put the most important information on 1 page in an organized way
2. inconsistency (only some job titles are bold, only some include the location, etc.)
3. too much design, not enough content (I want to be able to read your qualifications that you've worked so hard for; your portfolio can show me the rest)
As with everything, it's also dependent on the hiring manager. Even if the role is creative, work with the HR representative to get an understanding of what the hiring manager might prefer. Some managers want to see professionalism and corporate adherence in the resume, but creativity in your portfolio, etc.
As someone who's been on both sides of this, I like to see creativity in a resume. A bit of personality helps the hiring manager and interviewer understand a bit more about you and can tailor the questions better. The areas I've noticed that hinder applicants are:
1. too lengthy (3+ pages); 1 is ideal for me to see you can put the most important information on 1 page in an organized way
2. inconsistency (only some job titles are bold, only some include the location, etc.)
3. too much design, not enough content (I want to be able to read your qualifications that you've worked so hard for; your portfolio can show me the rest)
Don Shell
Director, Corporate Communications
25
Answers
Fenton, Michigan
Updated
Don’s Answer
As someone who's worked in media and design for 20+ years, I can say having an aesthetically pleasing resume is a definite plus, but remember design's 3 F's: Form Follows Function.
Studies show hiring managers give your resume seven seconds of initial scrutiny, before deciding if they want to read closer. Seven seconds! In that blink of an eye they'll decide if they want to give you a second glance. That means you'd better have a clean, clear resume that showcases your artistic talent, but also the ability to convey important messages quickly.
I'd put more work into your online portfolio site (you do have one of those, right?), which is where the real decisions will be made. Your resume is only the hook to get them there. So yes, make it visually appealing, but don't let its real purpose get lost in the shuffle.
Studies show hiring managers give your resume seven seconds of initial scrutiny, before deciding if they want to read closer. Seven seconds! In that blink of an eye they'll decide if they want to give you a second glance. That means you'd better have a clean, clear resume that showcases your artistic talent, but also the ability to convey important messages quickly.
I'd put more work into your online portfolio site (you do have one of those, right?), which is where the real decisions will be made. Your resume is only the hook to get them there. So yes, make it visually appealing, but don't let its real purpose get lost in the shuffle.
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