Resumes

Question

I just read about resumes templates and was so surprised that some of the resumes had color blocks and lines that looked more like a fancy brochure. Now I know times have changed and I may not (obviously)kept up but I was taught that employers didn't want color or fancy lettering just simple resume look.  So is the color stuff what they are using these days and if so what type of format should someone use who is a senior person now.  Thanks for help to understand.

Kathy O'Malley Zonyk · Answer

If you go with a graphic resume you would still require a plain text only version for applying online. I am in the design field and have found it useful to have two types of resumes. Keep your resume divided into simple, clear and clean layout and you can't go wrong!

MELINA GARDA · Answer

As a Recruiting professional with 20 years of experience, both internally and externally, I echo the first response here - most online application systems (even the newest ones!) still have a problem parsing and handling resumes with lots of graphical components. Keep the structure and layout of your resume simple and easy to read - YOU ONLY GET 6 SECONDS OF ATTENTION! Instead of focusing on *resume* format, make sure you're hitting the crucial keywords and experience right up front. And if you're applying for a creative role, make sure you have a website with examples of your work and that website should be listed in your contact info and often there's an option to add it to a field when you apply.

Tl:dr - make your resume easy to READ and make sure the CONTENT is good. Design goes on your website.

Stef Foster · Answer

I am sure what I have to say has already been said... But here I go.  ? I am a recruiter and look at many resumes. I prefer easy to read vs fancy and colorful.  Granted most of my resume reviewing is through our applicant tracking database.

Side note....For those actively looking, I recently learned that you copy the job description, paste on the last page of your resume, change the font to white and then save as a PDF.  This will increase odds of your resume getting through the AI resume screening!

Back to color blocks.  I think this also depends on your profession and role you seek.  I could also see a simple color or block being ok to good when providing a hard copy at the interview or job fair.

Best of luck!

Christeen Mcdonough · Answer

I guess I am old fashion, I have a plain resume.

EMILY KIKUE FRANK · Answer

For what it's worth, I despise resume templates.  They look like templates.  Color blocks can be nice additions in more creative circles, but they key is not to sacrifice content.  Nobody thinks the pretty vine border means you have experience that you don't.  You want to customize your resume to each job you apply to, using their keywords and highlighting your skills.  Beyond that, how it looks is up to you.  If you like pretty, go for pretty; if you like straightforward, go for straightforward.  Content is king.

Brittany Lynn · Answer

This is great advice!  Thank you.

adussol · Answer

This is something I've questioned in the past too! Content and design varies widely based on the type of job you are looking for.   If its helpful to you at all,  I was told by the recruiters at a previous job that clean and clear is always best for passing an ATS system.

As stated previously, I think some of the more creative formatting can get lost in translation a bit. When I was a hiring manager, the recruiters would forward me resumes that they felt met the criteria we were looking for.  Unfortunately, quite often formatting on resumes that were more creative tended to not transfer well.

Putting a picture on a resume can also be tricky, and it is something I would avoid unless the application/job posting specifically requests it.  On one hand, its nice to be able to put a face to the name/accomplishments being reviewed.  On the other hand, I do know of some recruiters/HR managers who immediately discard resumes with pictures as they don't want to be thought to be giving someone an interview or hiring based on a person's appearance.

jenavargas · Answer

Great question!

I’m a recruiter, career coaching, personal brand strategist and resume writer.

Yes, there are different content + copy strategies and resume templates for each level. I work with entrepreneurs, executives and experts across many industries and levels.

You’ll definitely want to have a polished and refreshed look. It’s extremely important to tailor your information to the types of positions you’re excited, interested in and qualified for.

I’d love to help support you on your journey - www.calendly.com/jenavargas/15mins/

Katie Malone · Answer

I think it all depends on the type of job you're looking for/hiring for. I recently hired a social media content creator/designer. For that position, I was looking for a resume that really stood out and looked like a creative person. I'm in social media, and while I have a resume that looks much more traditional, I would guess that many people in my field have more aesthetically pleasing resumes. 
What has been blowing me away is the resumes I'm getting from potential interns who are still in college. Most of these resumes have true meat -- college kids who have had actual jobs/internships -- AND look good. Seems like it's already a tough world out there for Gen Zers.

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