As a job seeker in architecture, it’s natural to want your resume to stand out. After all, the field is all about creativity and innovation, but most reviewers spend a mere 6 seconds looking at the document you spent hours designing.
What do you want them to notice?
A traditional resume aims to summarize your skills, experience, and education/training. Joining the trend of creative and colorful resumes may hurt you in your job search.
In this article, we’ll explore why a traditional resume is more effective and offer tips on creating an effective resume that will catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
The Problem with Creative Resumes
While a creative and colorful resume may seem like a good idea, there are a few reasons why it can actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
First and foremost, many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords and experience. These systems struggle to read creative resumes, which can result in your application being overlooked. They can’t uncover the keywords needed to confirm that you are a match for a firm.
Graphics tend to obstruct the process. They also suggest that you spend more time designing less important images than focusing on the real work at hand.
Furthermore, recruiters and hiring managers often prefer traditional resumes because they are easier to read and understand. Studies show that simple, easy-to-read resumes are more effective at capturing a recruiter’s attention and getting you to the interview stage.
Ultimately, simplicity equals success.
How to Create an Effective Resume
So, color and creativity are out.
What should you do to create an effective resume that stands out? Here are some tips:
- Use a traditional format: Stick with a standard resume format, including distinct headings, bullet points, and legible font no smaller than 10pt. You will make it easier for recruiters to read and understand your experience and qualifications.
- Keep it concise and easy to read: Remember the 6-second rule. Your resume should be at most two pages in length, and each section should be easy to scan. Use bullet points to highlight your most significant accomplishments and skills.
- Emphasize relevant experience and skills: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting the experience and skills that are most relevant to the position.
- Use keywords from job postings:Insert keywords from the job posting in your resume to help you get past the ATS and increase your chances of getting an interview.
A Standard Resume is the Succinct Summary They’re Looking For
You can create a compelling and traditional resume that will catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.
Remember, the goal of a resume is to showcase your qualifications and get you to the interview stage, so prioritize content over creativity. A creative and colorful resume can be visually stunning and full of exhilarating design. Unfortunately, it also presents a barrier to understanding who a candidate is and what skills and experiences they possess.
Opt for a traditional format that summarizes your assets.
Want help getting your resume noticed? Let DBI help you – contact us here.
For more information on how to spot a great communicator in a design interview, please contact us here.
