You're torn between creativity and professionalism in your resume. How do you decide what recruiters want?

Resumes should always be professional, yet a resume can be more creative if the industry is marketing, graphic design, creative arts, etc. With that said, it's still best practice to not include a photo (it creates bias). It is okay for all resumes to include a slight pop of color (within reason). For a more traditional industry such as finance and banking, it's always best to keep the resume simple.

Understanding the norms of your industry is crucial when deciding how to approach your resume. In creative fields like graphic design or advertising, showcasing your originality through a unique resume layout or design can be beneficial. However, in more traditional sectors such as banking or law, it's important to stick to a conventional format. Even within creative industries, it's essential to ensure that your creativity does not overshadow the content. Your resume should always be easy to read and the information should flow logically.

To sum up Professionalism and creativity in a single sentence in the context of a resume, I would like to say :- "Be Creative in content, and professional in tone". Content is the king, supported by metrics, formatting and proper language, can indubitably make your resume stand out.

If you want to know what recruiters want, it's if you can do the job for them. And that's what you need to show in your resume. Your resume is like your marketing material. Yes you can be creative and maintain professionalism by following these tips : 1. Use clear and formal layout with lots of white spaces. 2. Don't use fancy fonts or add so many colours to show creativity. Instead select a simple , readable font and colour. 3. Research the company and know their culture. Go through JD. And decide accordingly. 4. Unless you are into design industry like graphic design, fashion industry, photography etc. always use simple formatting and structure. For more tips, feel free to connect

Understanding the norms of your industry is crucial when deciding how to approach your resume. In creative fields like graphic design or advertising, showcasing your originality through a unique resume layout or design can be beneficial. However, in more traditional sectors such as banking or law, it's important to stick to a conventional format. Even within creative industries, it's essential to ensure that your creativity does not overshadow the content. Your resume should always be easy to read and the information should flow logically.

I recommend researching and assessing the company's cycle. Are they looking at driving revenue or decreasing operational spending and costs? Are they going through a restructuring, an acquisition or a system implementation? These are all vital things to assess when you are looking at how to best sell your experience by choosing the areas of your background to highlight in your resume

Before you start drafting your resume, take the time to research the company and its culture. Many organizations now have an online presence that can give you insights into their values and expectations. If the company appears to value innovation and individuality, you might have more leeway to express your creativity. On the other hand, if the company has a more conservative or formal vibe, it's safer to err on the side of professionalism. Tailoring your resume to align with the company's culture can greatly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Researching the company you're applying to is important for both its look and feel and content. Here are some easy ways to learn more about organizations beyond merely Googling. 1- Use LinkedIn search tools to see if you know anyone who works or used to work at the company. Reach out to them and ask for some insights about their culture. You can also ask them to put in good work for you with the recruiter! 2—Ask ChatGPT for information about the company, including any recent articles or press releases written about it. This will not only help you learn more about the company but also allow you to use the information in your interview. 3- Look at the company's LinkedIn page, website, and social media to get a feel for who they are. ??

It's better to research the company because understanding its culture and industry standards helps you tailor your resume effectively. By looking at the company's website, social media, and job postings, you can gauge whether a more creative or traditional approach is appropriate, ensuring your resume aligns with what recruiters are looking for.

Both! Balance and authenticity is key. Professionalism is shown through a well-organized, error-free format that clearly outlines your skills and experiences. Authenticity ensures your resume honestly reflects your achievements and abilities, building trust with potential employers. Creativity can make your resume stand out, using unique design elements or showcasing innovative projects, while still maintaining a polished and genuine presentation.

Creativity reveals itself best in formatting. Depending on your professional discipline, you can get very creative using tools such as Canva instead of Word. Strive for something that is refreshing, keeps your eye moving through the document and don't overdo formatting. And professionalism, as is truth, is always demanded, yet that will come in the form of what achievements you choose to highlight. Strive for something that makes you stand out from the crowd--tangible, positive and something that made a real, measurable difference. Use some data, too. And be sure you show your energy through the word choices you make on the document. Managed is boring. Effectively managed is better. Cohesively managed even better.

Striking the right balance between creativity and professionalism can set you apart from other candidates. Use a clean, readable font and layout while adding a touch of personal flair, such as a subtle color scheme or a tastefully designed header. Remember that the content of your resume—your experience, skills, and achievements—should be the star. Any creative elements you include should enhance, not distract from, the important information you're presenting.

Opt for a clean, modern design with subtle creative touches, like a pop of color or a unique layout, to catch the recruiter’s eye without overwhelming them. Use professional language to describe your skills and achievements, but don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine through. Tailor your approach based on the industry and company culture; a tech startup might appreciate more creativity, while a corporate firm might prefer a more traditional look. Balancing these elements ensures your resume stands out while still conveying professionalism.

When it comes to your resume content is QUEEN! ?? Here are some ideas to ensure your content hits recruiters in all the right places. 1- Consider adding a summary section at the top of your resume to quickly convey your professional brand and key qualifications. 2- Customize your job titles to match the job posting if your previous titles were unconventional. 3- Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 4- Keep your resume to one or two pages and use bullet points for easy readability. 5- Regularly update your resume to reflect your latest achievements and skills, and ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Follow me for more juicy resume tips! ??

The content of your resume should be as tailored as the design. Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. If you're in a creative field, consider including a link to your portfolio. In more conservative industries, focus on conveying your qualifications and expertise in a clear and concise manner.

Remember: your CV is like your business card and, therefore, your entry ticket to an interview. Every word in your CV should be relevant to the specific job position and highlight your unique selling proposition (USP), presenting you as the ideal candidate among other competitors.

Getting feedback on your resume from two different sources can be really helpful to land an interview. First, talk to subject matter experts in your industry. They can tell you if your resume content makes sense. For example, if you're a backend software developer, get feedback from a senior developer or an engineering manager. Second, consult a career coach or resume professional. They can help with the format and writing style of your resume.

I always recommend seeking advice from peers, mentors, and experts in resume writing. Your peers and mentors may be able to see things that you have achieved that you haven't. An experienced resume writer will be able to assess whether your resume sells your competitive advantage. As an ex-recruiter, I can tell you if your resume would make me call you and go into the reject pile.

The structure, layout, and language (style) of your CV reflect your way of working and provide the recruiter with a first impression of your efficiency and professionalism. If your CV contains grammar or spelling mistakes, this can undermine your credibility and suggest a lack of attention to detail, potentially impacting your chances of making a positive impression. Btw: I recommend always sending your CV as a PDF document. Word files may be blocked by a company's IT security systems because they are often considered a potential risk for viruses.