I get a lot of questions about resumes, and there is a lot of confusion about resume styles and what’s appropriate. I often am asked about the wisdom of including graphics in a resume to help it get noticed. So, let’s look at this option.
It would seem the more creative you can be in presenting your background, the more attention you can capture, but it pays to be aware of biases that exist.
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 using the “less is more” approach
Graphics can be a good addition to your resume depending on the industry and how you present them.
when deciding to use graphics.
In a creative field, your resume will serve as an example of your artistic talents. A conservative resume could give the perception you lack imagination or style, but you can overuse graphics. Here’s an example: A job seeker used icons to represent spreadsheets when showing an increase in company profits under his watch. He didn’t stop with the spreadsheet graphics. He used a different icon for every employer, too.
Since this job seeker had a background in banking — a more traditional field — using graphics didn’t generate positive reactions from hiring decision-makers. In fact, the resume was so unusual for the industry, decision-makers felt it lacked credibility.
The goal of a resume is to attract attention with good taste, so 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, they got noticed, but the interviewer didn’t value the humor or the innovative approach.
Most employers agree that you should keep your resume content straightforward yet distinctive, and you have no control over the bias an interviewer will have when they see your resume.
Standing out too boldly with graphics or visual cues is a risk that may pay off, depending on the corporate culture and the industry.
It’s also important to consider how your resume will be submitted. If you decide to use graphics on your resume, you may want to two versions. The graphic-style resume will be a good choice for mail or hand delivery. For use with online applications, consider eliminating graphics because they probably will be incompatible with the ATS (applicant tracking systems) companies use. If this is the case, your resume could very well be overlooked.
If you decide that graphics are a good fit for your industry, keep them in good taste and have the right reasons for using them.
