Standing Out from the Crowd
We have a saying at PIE Recruitment that finding a full-time job IS a full-time job, especially in todays job market.
However, as a Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Source or HR Manager there are tonnes of candidates looking for positions and these people will be the ones who decide whether to ‘reject’ or ‘shortlist’ applications. To stand out from the crowd, I am coming across many job-seekers who are turning to fresh, futuristic ways of presenting their information.
One of the recent trends in job seekers’ presentations to potential employers is a graphic CV. The philosophy behind that is clear – a picture is worth a thousand words and since the CV is the marketing document that is supposed to present you in the most concise way there is no better way to display that information. If, of course, it’s done correctly.
A recent survey has shown that recruiters and hiring managers spend on average 30 seconds looking at a CV, therefore it’s crucial that, within a quick glance, you stand out.
Who is your audience?
Creative CVs certainly aren't for everyone.
You should always apply in a relevant way to the industry. Are you applying to a graphic design firm, a funky art gallery, or an uber-hip ad agency? Then yes, they might appreciate an eye-catching, well-designed CV that reflects your unique personality. An accountant, account manager, or a bank manager probably won’t.
The Key(word) to Success
One of the biggest dangers of using a creative CV isn't that you may annoy a recruiter or potential employer. It has to do with a little something called an Applicant Tracking System or Online Portal.
A lot of companies now use these programs to screen the first round of CV’s, and it's not uncommon for flashy, complicated CV’s to be disregarded by the technology within before it even gets to any humans.
Get to the Point
If you do decide to submit a creative CV, remember that it's not a total free-for-all - you should still abide by some basic writing rules such as full name and contact information, dates of your professional timeline and key accomplishments.
Most importantly, information should be presented in a clear, concise, easy-to-read format. Remember, most people will spend no more than 30 seconds looking at a CV.
With millions of job seekers submitting resumes online, it can be hard to make yours stand out. So what if you told your career story in bright colors, charts and pictures instead of just plain old black-and-white words like everybody else? Yep, that's a thing. And an increasingly popular thing thanks to our data-obsessed culture.
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