Should a Graphic Designer Have a Creative Resume - ZipJob

Should a Graphic Designer Have a Creative Resume - ZipJob Those in graphic design and other creative fields often put together creative resumes in hopes of standing out but it usually works against them. Many others in thecreativefieldalso often submit creative resumes(UX Designers, photographers, interior designers). Remember that the hiring manager is not hiring you based on the aesthetics of your resume. Theyre looking at your experience, education, skills and other relevant information. Here is an example of a creative resume: Here are other reasons you shouldnt use a creative resume along with the type of resume format a graphic designer should use. 4 Reasons Graphic Designers Should Never Use a Creative Resume 1. Hiring Managers Prefer a Traditional Resume Format Most hiring managers prefer a traditional resume format. When theyre looking at hundreds of resumes per day the last thing they want to come across is something that looks like an art project. Its often hard for a hiring manager to look at a creative resume and quickly find the information they need and when that happens, the resume is often rejected. 2. Its Hard to Tailor a Creative Resume You should be slightly tailoring your resume to each position you apply to and that is really difficult to do with a creative resume. Editing graphics, images or even just text is usually a hassle with a creative resume. 3. Getting Past Applicant Tracking Systems Most companies today use whats called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems automatically scan your resume to determine if youre a good match for the position. It does this by scanning your resume for keywords, experience, education and other important factors. You can see more information here on how to see if your resume is ATS friendly. Creative resumes with fancy designs, colors, graphics and fonts have a difficult time getting read by an ATS. When that happens the resume is automatically rejected. 4. Unprofessional Whether or not youre targeting a job in graphic design, you need to make a professional first impression. Although a creative resume could look pretty awesome it just doesnt have a professional feel to it. What Type of Resume Should a Graphic Designer Use? A graphic design should use a traditional resume format just like everyone else. You would of course want to include links that showcase some of your work but the creative design should be left off of your resume. Stick to a traditional chronological or functional resume format. Here is a good example of a resume for a graphic designer: Conclusion Even agraphic designer should use a traditional format as its what both hiring managers and ATS systems prefer. The aesthetics of your resume have no effect on the hiring managers decision. Using a creative or infographic resume with colors, designs, fancy fonts and graphics will only do more than good. The only time you should use a creative resume is if you are certain that the employer prefers one. There are many resume builders that can help you put together a creative resume. Good luck with your job search! Should a Graphic Designer Have a Creative Resume - ZipJob Those in graphic design and other creative fields often put together creative resumes in hopes of standing out but it usually works against them. Many others in thecreativefieldalso often submit creative resumes(UX Designers, photographers, interior designers). Remember that the hiring manager is not hiring you based on the aesthetics of your resume. Theyre looking at your experience, education, skills and other relevant information. Here is an example of a creative resume: Here are other reasons you shouldnt use a creative resume along with the type of resume format a graphic designer should use. 4 Reasons Graphic Designers Should Never Use a Creative Resume 1. Hiring Managers Prefer a Traditional Resume Format Most hiring managers prefer a traditional resume format. When theyre looking at hundreds of resumes per day the last thing they want to come across is something that looks like an art project. Its often hard for a hiring manager to look at a creative resume and quickly find the information they need and when that happens, the resume is often rejected. 2. Its Hard to Tailor a Creative Resume You should be slightly tailoring your resume to each position you apply to and that is really difficult to do with a creative resume. Editing graphics, images or even just text is usually a hassle with a creative resume. 3. Getting Past Applicant Tracking Systems Most companies today use whats called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems automatically scan your resume to determine if youre a good match for the position. It does this by scanning your resume for keywords, experience, education and other important factors. You can see more information here on how to see if your resume is ATS friendly. Creative resumes with fancy designs, colors, graphics and fonts have a difficult time getting read by an ATS. When that happens the resume is automatically rejected. 4. Unprofessional Whether or not youre targeting a job in graphic design, you need to make a professional first impression. Although a creative resume could look pretty awesome it just doesnt have a professional feel to it. What Type of Resume Should a Graphic Designer Use? A graphic design should use a traditional resume format just like everyone else. You would of course want to include links that showcase some of your work but the creative design should be left off of your resume. Stick to a traditional chronological or functional resume format. Here is a good example of a resume for a graphic designer: Conclusion Even agraphic designer should use a traditional format as its what both hiring managers and ATS systems prefer. The aesthetics of your resume have no effect on the hiring managers decision. Using a creative or infographic resume with colors, designs, fancy fonts and graphics will only do more than good. The only time you should use a creative resume is if you are certain that the employer prefers one. There are many resume builders that can help you put together a creative resume. Good luck with your job search!