Bob was my inspiration for this entry. He asked for input on his résumé. I posted a comment, then thought about sharing it with all of you. Of course, I added other points of interest to keep in mind, so it isn't Bob's critique verbatim. I realize many people already know this, but you'd be surprised how many don't (for instance, someone who starts grad school immediately after undergrad). So if this post helps even one person (Bob included), it was worth my time to write. If it helps no one, its no worse than any self-indulgent blog I've read.
I've worked as a designer, an art director, a creative director, and an educator. I've seen a lot of CVs (on the hiring end) and I've held a lot of jobs. My creative CV has gotten me many, many interviews (and the job!).
First of all, always use the industry standard for terminology, when you send correspondence and in an interview. In the educational arena, no one calls it a résumé. It's a CV, short for "curriculum vitae." Also, I may be wrong about this (a writer's opinion, please) but if you do not spell résumé with the use of accent marks, it reads as the word resume [ri-zoom], meaning to take back or begin again.
If you are a designer, it is imperative that you actually design your resume. This is your number one marketing tool, and it's your first impression. If it's not a strong one, it will promptly get filed (in the trash). You have only seconds to entice the reader to learn more about you. Presentation is everything.
Use a grid. As with any design project, always consider the underlying structure.
There should be something that separates you from the other 100 or more résumés (no joke) that the potential employer receives. In addition to making a visual impact (and I don't mean kitschy or gimmicky stuff - rather strong design), make it memorable. A unique design on a standard-sized but high-quality sheet, or an unusual shape (other than 8.5x11) is memorable. Just keep in mind that the format should still be easily copied, scanned, and faxed. For example, 7.5x10 or 7.5x11 still fits on a standard-sized copy board. Who said the paper has to be white? Get a hold of some paper samples and choose a beautiful paper color and texture, not just standard laser paper. Remember that any changes that deviate from the "norm" should be smart design decisions. Most times, you'll email a PDF of your CV or apply online initially, but it's always good to have a hard copy of your CV when you go for the interview.
Excellent writing is memorable, and it makes a strong statement about you. As with every assignment you've had in grad school, you should challenge yourself to be creative in the way you present yourself (written voice).
Rethink the wheel. Rewrite those old, boring category names (experience, knowledge, education) using creative words, maybe some powerful verbs? Also rethink how you tell about the job descriptions. Maybe they are not even necessary? Most people skim over that "blah blah blah" section of a CV because there's nothing new there. You discuss all that in an interview, anyway, and often it's mentioned in a cover letter. If you keep the descriptions, have a little fun with creative writing. A professional designer or writer will appreciate good writing with a fun delivery. They will sense your enthusiasm.
List your Web site or blog. Don't have one? Better get one.
Run spell check. If your CV and cover letter is one of over one-hundred a blatant typo is reason enough to exclude you from an interview.
Don't lie. Don't even stretch the truth about who you are, what you know, where you've worked and how long, where you went to school (and whether you graduated), or the extent of your software knowledge. In an interview, be completely truthful about your part in any piece you show. Don't let them assume you did everything from concept to published piece if your only involvement was layout for someone else's idea. And that's not a bad thing. Employers want to know that you work well independently, but also as part of a team.
Lastly, extensive lists of software only prove that you are a skilled technician, but a future employer wants to know that you can think. Don't just tell them where you've worked, where you've gone to school and the software programs you know. Remember, say it or show it. Your CV should SHOW it. Prove to the viewer that you are worthy of an interview.
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4 comments:
Hi Janet,
I totally agree with your comments. I looked at the CV you were asked to critique. My first reaction was— "looks like a web designer layed this out. "
The type needs an underlying grid to give the page an organized look. The spacing and the scattered paragraphs only add to the confusion. It needs an overhaul.
Becky Eason
In most businesses, there is no quicker way to get your resume thrown out than to use colored paper or non-letter sized sheets. That may be effective when applying to a design firm, but most businesses (who are increasingly employing scanners) but will get tossed in the trash at, say, most government jobs.
Dave, I thought we were all in school for design? Who would spend all the money to get a design degree just to apply for a job as a scanner? I know many designers in government jobs who do not subscribe to traditional standards. The days of "normal" are gone.
Yes very true, lying on CV is never a good idea. If you are ready to lie or embellish experiences on your resume, then be prepared to get caught. Always make resumes and applications carefully and truthfully. In the long run it will serve you better.
Examples of Resumes
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