CV of a graphic artist, journalist or illustrator – unusual form

• CV
• 26.11.2020

When we send our application documents, especially to a large / well-known company or to busy positions, we are aware that the recruiter will most likely receive hundreds of CVs at the same time. If we care about work, it is obvious that we want to stand out somehow and show that we are the candidates that the company needs. In the so-called creative industry, it can be much simpler – CV of a graphic artist, illustrator or even proofreader does not have to be boring at all. Its unusual form can be perfect and be a kind of our portfolio. When to consider an unusual CV? We suggest in this article!

“Boring” CV, often necessary

At a time when there are a lot of CV templates available on the internet, both free and as well as paid ones, you can get the impression that an ordinary, unremarkable document will not break through today.

However, it is worth being aware that graphics, additions, underlines and colors will not work in every industry. You need to match your documents to the recipient, and some companies even require professionalism and seriousness, in which there is no drawing instead of our photo.

The safest thing to do is to think about an unusual form of CV when we operate in the so-called creative industry and we know that it allows us to show our skills and ingenuity before the recruiter even reads the content. Therefore, for example, a resume of a graphic designer , which will be decorated with beautiful graphics, will most likely defend itself.

In many cases, however, the ideal solution will still be classic elegance and minimalism in form. Let’s not forget that a “regular” black and white CV can also be visually interesting while not distracting from the content.

Unusual CV

What form can an unusual CV take? Actually any. However, it is worth remembering that if the employer asked for documents to be sent, despite an interesting additional form, it is also worth sending a traditional one so that he can read it at any time.

An unusual CV can theoretically be a regular PDF, but with unusual elements such as graphics, drawings, charts – depending on which of our skills we want to emphasize. Thanks to this, the CV can become our showcase and a kind of portfolio.

Some people, however, choose other forms – a website for example. In the IT industry, it can be a perfect representation of not only our experience but also our skills. Do you want to design websites? Here you are! In response to the advertisement, you send a link to your CV on the page you have designed. Two in one.

In some jobs, you may find a video resume interesting. Here, however, it is worth remembering that the quality of the recording must be very good, the sound clear, and we are specific – such a recording should not take longer than reading our CV. It can take the form of an elevator pitch, i.e. a very concise and short self-presentation.

How many people, so many ideas – there can be many unusual forms: a book, a leaflet, an advertising poster, or even an application? Actually, there are no limits.

What can a graphic resume or other unusual documents look like?

So what are some examples of such unusual behavior?

There was a video of the internet back then, in which a young man explained how he got a job at one of the alcohol companies. The job applicant sent his CV to the company in the form of a letter in a bottle (of course, from the champagne produced by the company). The form caught the employer in such a way that the man was hired.

You could also find CV of the graphic designer on the web, who designed it based entirely on the graphics of Mario game. His professional career was one of the stages of this game.

It’s obvious that every now and then someone comes up with a brilliant idea that circulates viral on the internet. However, on a daily basis you can also use a bit more “hackneyed” ideas that will show skills and emphasize creativity.

For example, an illustrator may add a self-portrait instead of his own photos. Moreover, he can, for example, create his own handwritten font to be used in the headings, giving the whole document a specific character.

A proofreader can leave a few special errors in the CV and then make corrections with the help of proofreading marks.

A journalist can create a CV that resembles a reportage. A storytelling CV can also work great in the case of writers. As we have already mentioned, how many people, so many ideas and certainly everyone will find something for themselves.

Sending an unusual CV can make us stand out from the crowd and the recruiter will notice our candidacy right away. As it turns out, as the examples above prove, a creative CV can provide us with employment. Therefore, if we want to show our creativity, it is worth considering such an unusual path.

Remember, however, to adjust it to the company to which we apply. A CV resembling a portfolio will not always be a good solution. So if we have the opportunity to check the nature of a potential job, let’s do it so that an unusual CV does not destroy our chances of employment.