Here’s a question I recently received, and I wanted to share the topic with you. It is another resume question, but it’s a resume question with a twist.
I recently started my job search and I’ve noticed how much resumes have changed over the years. My resume looks so bland compared to the one my friend is using that has graphics in it to highlight their skills. I was wondering if using graphics was acceptable.
There is a lot of confusion about resume styles and what’s appropriate because the market is flooded with information on this topic, and some of it can be perplexing.
Resumes have changed over the last few years. It would seem the more creative you can be in presenting your background, the more attention you could capture, but it pays to be aware of biases that exist.
Most employers agree that you should keep your resume content straightforward yet distinctive.
Using graphics or visual cues on your resume can be a good strategy particularly if you are in a creative field, however I would suggest keeping them to a minimum, using the “less is more” approach when deciding to use graphics.
In a creative field, your resume will serve as an example of your artistic talents. To lean toward a conservative style of resume could give the perception you lack imagination or style when selling a message. In a job search the message is you — your value to the employer.
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Graphics can be overused. For example, consider the job seeker who used icons to represent spreadsheets when showing an increase in companies profit under their watch.
They didn’t stop with the spreadsheets. They also used a different icon for every employer. Since their background was in banking, a more traditional field, the use of graphics didn’t generate positive reactions from the hiring decision-makers. The resume was so unusual decision-makers felt it lacked credibility.
The goal of a resume is to attract attention with good taste. You don’t want a resume that stands out too much. Take the candidate who sent in a resume in the form of a shoe. Did they accomplish their goal? Yes, but the interviewer didn’t value their humor or innovative approach. Always keep in mind that you have no control over the bias interviewers will have when they see your resume.
Standing out too much with graphics or visual cues is a risk that may pay off, depending on the corporate culture and the industry. For example, using testimonials instead of graphics on your resume might add value and creditability to your background while maintaining a more conservative feel.
If you decide to use visual cues on your resume, you might want to create two versions — one for print and one for online applications. Using graphics, charts or other visual cues will probably be incompatible with most ATS applicant tracking systems, and your resume could be overlooked.
If you decide that graphics are for you, keep them in good taste and have the right reasons for using them.
