Here at 52 Limited, we see a lot of resumes. Many of them very well done… some over done… and some a tad too vanilla.
You’re a creative right? Well, look like it.
The hard part is: what does a good “creative” resume look like? Tough to say. Here’s a blog post that spells it out, both with examples as well as with some top tips and tricks.
Enjoy!
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Cavan Riley
F. Claire Scroggins
Sebastien Nikolaou
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Also.. here are some tips to create by. I’m a huge fan of #7 and #9.
1. If the job you are applying to has resume requirements, follow them. Even if it means keeping a Word version of your resume for such occasions.
Our two cents… or I guess better stated: “52-cents,” get it?: It’s totally OK to have multiple copies of your resume. In fact some folks who have a very multifaceted background are encouraged to keep a somewhat modular resume where sections can be moved, arranged, or omitted depending on what sort of job requirements the opening or company prefers.
2. Typography is key. This is your potential employer’s first chance to judge your design skills, and almost all design includes some form of type. You are expected to refine and perfect your text layout on your resume just as you would a design for a client.
3. Organization is also key. If people can’t find your information, they won’t be calling you. Some design positions bring in hundreds of resumes daily. There is no time to search for information.
4. Spell check. Spell check again. Read your resume out loud to catch any errors you may have missed. Have a friend proofread. Have someone else proofread. And, then run one more spell check. You don’t want to miss out on a job because you used you’re instead of your, or to instead of too.
5. Legibility is a must. Most interviewers will not be in their twenties. Keep your text legible — dark enough and large enough for the average person to read. Ask a parent or relative who is a little older to give you an honest opinion about the legibility of your resume. If you are planning to fax it, legibility is even more important. Do a test fax to make sure that your page is coming across clearly.
6. Less is more. If you try to add graphics to your resume, you’ll see that there is a VERY fine line between creative and cheesey. When in doubt, stick to creative type and minimal use of color. A good designer should be able to use type in an interesting way — without the need for photos or drawings.
7. Leave your photo off of your resume. Unless you’re interviewing for a modeling job.
52-cents: The photo is no bueno. In fact, some companies will disqualify you for simply including it! Due to EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) standards, some companies really want to know as little as possible about you, short of your qualifications. By including your picture, you could be giving them too much information including race, age, gender, religion. They really just want to avoid knowing that info altogether.
So… even if you’re a total hottie… leave it off.
8. Make sure your resume is standard size, standard orientation, and on one page if possible. You don’t want it to get lost in a stack, or be annoying to file.
52-cents: I’m actually indifferent about this one. Often times, your resume may run over a page. Especially if you’ve been working for a long time at many different “staff” positions. In my opinion, a couple pages is fine. Don’t omit crucial info just to get your resume cropped to a single page.
9. Stick to clean paper. Leave the cheesey parchment resume paper for the family holiday letter. As a designer, your creative type should make your statement for you — not the paper with the clouds on it.
52-cents: This really says it. And yes, we still get resumes in the mail, on “fancy,” even scented paper. First of all, we are not your long lost lover, don’t scent your paper. Use a nice stock and beautiful design. Leave the “fancy” paper to the bridal shower planners.
10. Don’t forget your grid. The grid you use when creating a graphic layout applies here also. Your resume should be balanced and pleasing to the eye.
11. Keep away from decorative, swirly, circus, crazy, or ridiculous fonts. Again, clean and professional type is best.
52-cents: Translation=legible!
12. Don’t forget to be yourself. Remember, the company you are interviewing for is looking for a creative person. Leave the cookie-cutter objective statements for your high-school resume-writing class. Show them who you really are with a few creative statements in your own language. Just remember to keep it professional (you don’t want to offend anyone or turn anyone off) — but not law-school-graduate professional.
52-cents: Ooh! This is so good. Nothing like a beautiful resume with amazing type, nicely done graphics, and a personal brand that kicks hiney topped by an objective that reads: “I’m looking for a work family that will enhance my already budding design skills.” No shit. You don’t have to write that! Everyone is looking for that! Be yourself.
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To view further examples, links to these portfolios, and to read the original post, please visit Creativeopera.com, brilliantly written and curated by Manda Szewcqyk.
Tags: creative jobs, creative staffing, design jobs, freelance work