If you have ever needed a CV for a creative industry, are lost on how to structure a creative CV or simply want your application to stand out, this article is for you. Whether you have had plenty of past CV creation experience or you are a newbie, these tips and strategies can help you take your CV to the next level. 

Ditch Boring Traditional CV Templates 

One way to make your CV stand out especially if you are applying for a job in a creative field is ditching traditional CV templates. The copy pasted template that comes up first in your search engine has been done time and time again. By ditching the traditional template, this is a surefire way to make sure your CV doesn’t get overlooked.    One in demand option is a video CV format. This can easily be created by using an online video editor to help streamline the process. Straying from the typical written format, will help you stand out from the crowd and make you a really compelling candidate. This also aids with familiarity by putting a face to a name. Overall, a video CV just makes you more personable to a hiring manager.    If you feel a video CV is inappropriate for the job, then don’t fret. There are still other creative templates you can use to stand out that are still technically in document format.    One of the best alternatives to traditional templates and boring dot point lists is an infographic CV. This is a CV that uses visual elements like charts, graphs and icons to present information in an engaging and creative way. You may include a photo of you in your resume for the personability aspect.    What if you really want your CV to stand out but you know you can’t submit a video CV? The best option for you may be an interactive CV. This may even combine elements of the infographic CV, but it goes one step further. One way to make your CV more interactive is by implementing QR codes that link to online portfolios. QR codes are more presentable than links and demonstrates your creativity and proficiency in using online tools. This is actually easier to do than you think with an online qr code generator. All you need is your link and an idea of how you want it to look, and you’re ready to go. By including these elements you can create a dynamic and memorable experience for the hiring officer. 

Harnessing Design Elements for Impact 

The next step to creating the perfect CV to highlight your creativity is utilising design elements. These tips can be applied to both video and written CV format.    Incorporation of a colour palette is an easy way to make your CV look more creative. This may be one or multiple colours. You could select colours that reflect your personality, industry or the specific job you are applying for. For example, a blue themed resume may have blue headings, blue borders or other blue graphic elements (like the QR code). This colour choice may be used to represent your calm manner, which could also be presented practically if you choose to do a video CV.    Next use whitespace to create balance within your CV. This strategy is most effective when accompanied by traditional CV tips such as concise wording. Using whitespace will help guide the reader’s eye to important elements. By strategically distributing text and elements to create a visually appealing CV this can help create a narrative for the employer. Additionally, by having a visually appealing but easy to follow format, this will guide the reader in navigation and enhance their interest.

Using Your Creativity to Showcase Your Strengths

You should utilise your CV as a place to show off your personal strengths. This is an important aspect of what employers are looking for after all.    One way to use creativity to achieve this goal is by creating a compelling personal statement. A personal statement should showcase your personality, passions and unique value proposition. You may use creative writing techniques to help engage the reader, and show your ability for engaging text. This approach is especially suitable for jobs in the creative writing industry or content marketing space.    Next you should spend time on a portfolio that impresses. If you are going into a design or creation focussed field, it may help to show off past projects. For example, this might include past dress designs for designers, artworks for artists or building sketches for architects.    You should use your portfolio as evidence for what you claim in your CV. Make sure to show off the skills you mention in your CV to support your statements. Remember, actions speak louder than words!

Polishing Your CV for Professionalism and Error Eradication

Lastly, if you are opting for a creative CV, it’s still important to stay within professional guidelines and keep your CV appropriate. For example, it would likely not be appropriate for a software engineer to link their painting portfolio to their CV.    The first step you want to do before finalising any CV is proofing. This applies to video editing as well, as you should make sure to check for any awkwardly phrased moments or long spaces.    For written CVs, proofreading is vital. You must meticulously correct for grammar, spelling and formatting errors. Small errors like this can detract from your professionalism and show an inattention to detail.    Make sure you adhere to professional standards throughout your CV. Avoid using slang, idioms or other unprofessional wording. Read the job description and check the level of professionalism that is presented in the listing. This will give you a good indication of what the employer is expecting.   If you’re tight on time or feel like you may have missed something, it may be worthwhile to seek feedback from your peers or career advisors. This will help you find errors you may have missed and have a second pair of eyes.    Returning to the first example, a career advisor would advise against linking a painting portfolio for applying to a software engineering position. You should use feedback as a way to identify areas for improvement in terms of grammar, structure, presentation and appropriateness of elements and use of CV format. 

Final Notes

This article has given you the best ways to harness your creativity and make your resume stand out. Creating a CV can be trial and error so don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time. Just be sure to give yourself ample time to present yourself well to your potential employer.