Non-traditional resumes are welcomed mainly in the creative industry. This is the kind of resume that works commonly when an applicant would also like to demonstrate their talents in their resume. In the creative field, hiring teams would expect this kind of resume to flow in.
First, let’s take a look at what a traditional resume is. These are mostly in black and white or monochromatic, text-heavy, and have almost no room for other elements. Although the design is there, the right kerning and positioning of the information, an image of themselves but no other elements at all. A traditional job resume’s goal is to detail the necessary information and that is it.
Source: Cubic classic resume design. Zety.
Non-traditional resumes usually entail a creative’s persona or personal branding. These resumes often burst in colors and graphical elements, but never to put the information in unreadable danger. With the overall look, one would immediately know that it is non-traditional.
Source: Laura Gutiérrez/Resumé/CV
Apart from having a separate portfolio for all their designs to be showcased, having a resume to detail important information is still necessary. Graphic designers may consider a non-traditional resume as a non-negotiable. Teams who will be looking to hire new designers would want to look into an applicant’s resume and already see their ability or skill. Some would include a version of their resume on the first pages of their portfolio.
Source: Resume by Le An Khuong. Behance.
Animators, videographers, filmmakers, and alike would be making a portfolio reel of their creations. While their skills are already showcased in a highlight reel, an extensive review of their past works and collaborations written in a resume is still valuable regarding the hiring team’s reference for their background.
There is a great number of resume examples as well as templated classic or traditional resumes available even on your default software. With the rise of free and online resources, like Canva, even non-traditional resumes have been embraced by many. The templated designs can be edited with the user’s information, and can also be modified to the user’s color preference. While it would look nice to submit a resume with non-traditional or colorful resumes, somehow these templates have been put to test. It could presuppose that the job applicants designed it themselves. Some designs would have a limit on the information and the user may not be able to expound on their skills or tasks. These are all just a few of the challenges that can be expected in using templated designs.
Creating your own non-traditional resume would be the best choice. It is appropriate to use in the sense that you yourself would be showcasing not only your educational background, experience, and skills, but you will also be able to present yourself as a designer, as a creative with your own style to be explored. A level of expertise can be seen just in your resume.
In hindsight, it would be most appropriate for creatives and designers to use non-traditional resumes, other professionals may still be able to explore a more clever look of their resumes without having to sacrifice a space just to put a colored shape or illustration. A play with colors and necessary icons but never fully immerse or prioritize the design rather than the information needed. You know yourself enough, you can never go wrong on how to present yourself… professionally.
Want more inspiration for non-traditional resume design?
Check more on Behance.net about how creatives made their resumes and portfolios!
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