A resume is not a medium in which creativity is widely expressed. It’s usually just a document containing important information such as work history, awards gained or practical skills. More often than not, it’s a page or two of white stock paper covered in 12 point Times New Roman. This tradition is born from universal professionalism, but as the professional world evolves with social trends and technology, this format has some room to grow. When formatted for a job that requires any amount of creativity, it makes sense that a resume should reflect the creativity of the candidate. This means stepping outside of the pre-accepted resume boundaries and allowing artistic flare a place to be expressed. Qualified applicants are creating some wildly inventive resumes that present not only relevant information but also their ability to think abstractly. Here are a few things to remember when either creating or reviewing a creative resume.

When Creating a Resume

Be sure to have a resume that is fun but also professional. Let your skills be represented in inventive ways without being so inventive that your talent is lost on your future employers. If you turn in a resume to be an accountant, for example, a classic style resume is most likely your best bet. However, if the job you are applying for is dependent on creativity, make sure to express your artistic side. If the person reviewing your resume doesn’t appreciate the added flair, you probably don’t want to work for them anyways. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Be graphic. An infographic is a great design choice when applying for any creative position. They are intriguing, factual, and will set you apart from most other applicants. Take a look at this example. Infographic
2. Match the design with your style. If you work best in an open schedule, let your resume reflect that artistically. If you work best in a regimented schedule, reflect that in the same way. Take a look at this resume as a great example: Design and style
3. Add some flair. Many businesses take PDF files in place of a hard copy resume. Formatting your resume in new ways allows you to show off your skills and, if applying for a tech-savvy job, could help you land the gig. Here is a great example: Flair

When Reading a Creative Resume

If you’re in the position of reading resumes, especially at a small business, be open to accepting those that are creative and not just a simple list of talent and accomplishment.  A creatively designed resume may seem silly and unprofessional, but it tells you a lot about the applicant. It shows that they have the ability to think outside the box, aren’t afraid of taking risks and are clever. These qualities are ones that might be left unrepresented in a conventional resume but are also paramount to the success of any business, large or small. Keep in mind that if someone submits a creatively designed resume, they could be an invaluable asset.

As social evolution and technological advancement progress, applicants will find more and more creative ways to present their talents. Being open to exploring these avenues as both author and audience will allow you to improve your business or career. As in most things in life, keeping an open mind can never hurt.