Smoke and Mirrors Are Fun Resumes Really Just Fluff - CareerEnlightenment.com

Not only that, but the success of creative applications is partly dependent on industry. Without fail, the big news stories cover applicants in creative fields: advertising, copywriting, design and technology. But slip a sparkler through the letterbox of a law firm or corporate grad scheme, and you’re more likely to get sued than hired.Can we compromise?As with all things under heaven, there is a middle ground to the creative job app. The art is finding a way to stand out within the constraints of the standard process.Firstly, there are ways to make a resume eye-catching short of putting it on a chocolate bar. Simply shake up the layout. Infographic resumes are a neat way to get a bunch of information across in a visual, stimulating format that can be as professional or playful as you like. Alternatively, try using charts or a mind map format â€" anything to up your visuals.This approach is unlikely to put off prospective employers. If you can’t afford professional resume-writing services like Stand Out CV, don’t shy from self-designing. After all, if you’re applying for a creative job, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your skills.Alternatively, if you’re up for a client-facing role â€" sales, PR, consultancy and so on â€" you might want to consider making a video resume . You can find platforms all over the web; all you need is a camera and a proactive attitude. Just remember: a video resume should never replace a written one, only supplement â€" it’s for showing off your personality and communication skills, not your experience.Finally, if you’re just looking to make yourself that bit more visible, follow up on applications. If a couple of weeks pass and you hear nothing from a company, send one polite email â€" more will look desperate or, worse, stalkerish â€" enquiring whether your resume was received. It shows you’re organised, dedicated and, most of all, that you care.I don’t know whether this tea-stained scroll got its designer any interviews, though I like to think it did. What’s clear is that he put more effort into his resume than most â€" and that, whatever the result, gets top marks from any recruiter. So if you want to stand out from the crowd this application season, try revving up your resume first. You might just be surprised by the results.