

You aren't average, so why should you apply just like everyone else?

You eat ice cream with a fork. You go skydiving on weeknights to relax after a hard day at work. You don't fit within a box, so you'll be damned if you're going to submit a resume just like the other sheep… err, job candidates.

Used well, a creative resume can really give you an edge o ver the competition. Creative resumes show you're an outside-the-box thinker and a creative problem-solver. These are all sought-out traits in potential employees, especially since the problems modern companies are facing seem to solicit especially creative solutions.

Feeling pretty good about yourself and your creative resume? Don't get too complacent. The truth is, for all the benefits creative resumes afford, they have just as many pitfalls. Truly creative resumes are a new frontier, and we all know those come with as many risks as rewards.


1. Forgetting your industry

Despite what the internet might tell you, creative resumes aren't the right fit for every position. If you make a stellar infographic resume to get a job in the visual arts field, you're well on your way to career bliss. Using this type of resume shows off your job-specific skills in both a creative and practical way. It makes sense.


2. Thinking creativity will mask sloppiness

You're truly impressed with your idea of making a video resume. You can't imagine how the moving images of your video will fail to wow hiring managers. In fact, you're so impressed with your own stroke of genius, you've put zero effort into the information about yourself and your experience you're sharing with that manager.

Spoiler alert: hiring managers and recruiters aren't impressed merely because you've thought of something creative. They've been around the block a few times. They're not going to hire you on the spot just because you've recorded a video resume. Plenty of other job seekers have had the same stroke of genius. And those job seekers probably realized video resumes have to be just as polished and professional as their paper counterparts.

Don't expect your flashy method of delivery will make up for a lack of content. It won't.

3. Skimping on relevant information

Some candidates see resumes that list work experience and job titles as a thing of the past. So instead of focusing on experience, these candidates focus on their skills and accomplishments. It's a good way to personalize your skills and make yourself more than a list of dates and titles.

So what could go wrong? Plenty! Sometimes these resumes can make your accomplishments seem out of context. It's important for employers to know not just how you've achieved something, but in what setting. Without proper context—and especially if you exclude dates entirely—employers might side-eye these resumes, wondering whether you're hiding something.

Make sure to properly ground your accomplishments in your work or educational settings. Don't skimp on the information employers need to understand how impressive you are.





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