An original CV to stand out? Faced with resumes that all look alike, a little touch of originality can help capture the recruiter’s attention, differentiate yourself, and – hopefully – trigger a job interview.
But the professional world has its codes, and it’s important to understand and respect them. Yet some people seem to ignore these codes and – in order to stand out to recruiters or optimize their visibility on social media – they choose to create a very original CV.
Is this naivety? A desire to distinguish oneself? A lack of taste? That’s not the question. We should instead ask, “Are all means acceptable to grab attention?” Unfortunately, no!
Unless you’re applying for a creative position, a job in communications, or you’re a talented graphic designer, an original CV with quirky layouts and colorful designs, as well as exotic fonts, should be reconsidered. In fact, they make the CV harder to read. The recruiter may find it more difficult to quickly locate the essential information needed to understand your profile.
Likewise, a person presenting, for example, a photo taken in evening attire or set against a vacation background might not align with the type of candidates the recruiter is looking for.
Let’s not forget that the purpose of a CV is to highlight your background, showcase your strengths and skills.
The risk with these kinds of practices? You might ruin your reputation. When the message doesn’t come across clearly, or is misunderstood, you could discredit yourself.
Originality can be a tool to capture a recruiter’s attention, but it needs to be used in moderation. A small touch is enough. Otherwise, it’s better to stick to the essentials and maintain a simple style.
For a CV that stands out and truly highlights your background, contact me at flavia.spasiano@interview-lab.ch