Getting creative with your CV? Here’s what to remember

There are endless ways to catch the eye of a recruiter or potential employer, but, when it comes to CVs, will having a creative CV/resume really help you land your next tech job?

During my 16 years in recruitment, I’ve seen it all – infographic CVs, video CVs and gaming CVs. These types of creative resumes are becoming more and more widespread, but are they as popular with recruiters and employers? In this blog, I explore some of the pros and cons of this new breed of CVs.

Is the most important information getting lost?

Although attention grabbing, CVs created in infographic or video format can often sadly get lost in the system, meaning the CV you’ve spent hours, if not days crafting, isn’t getting the air time you think it deserves.

The reason being is simple; many larger corporates use specific software for processing job applications. For example, some are keyword-driven, meaning that if you don’t have the right keywords on your CV, in the right format they simply won’t be picked up. So, be all means demonstrate your creativity through your CV, but ensure that it is also available in a .docx format, just in case.

Remember your audience

Often, when you submit a CV for a tech job, it’s very unlikely that the person hiring or your potential new boss is the one that reads it first. It will more than likely be an internal recruiter or human resources professional who first claps eyes on your resume – someone, who likely won’t fully understand and appreciate the complexities of the role.

The takeaway here is that you must bear this in mind – take time out to fully read the job description to get a real feel for what the organisation is looking for. Look out for keywords and phrases used throughout the job description and use these throughout your CV.

So, although your resume can by all means be creative, you must ensure it is extremely clear and fully reflects the role for which you are applying for – in the eyes of all who are reading it.

The message I’m trying to get across here is that when searching for a new role in tech, your CV needs to strike the right balance between creativity and formality. Be creative, but never let your creativity obscure your message – that you are the right person, with the right skills and experience for the job.

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Author

James Milligan

Global Head of Hays Technology

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James Milligan is the Global Head of  Hays Technology, having joined in 2000. In his role, he is responsible for the strategic development of Hays’ technology businesses globally.