Recruiting: When to Use a Non-Traditional Resume

When applying to a new job there are some steps you must follow before deciding on a resume format.

1. Understand your industry. Even if you'll be a graphics designer or a video editor, if the industry or company you're applying to is very conservative, be mindful of that and don't scare them off with too much "out of the box" thinking.
2. Understand your functional role. If your role in this company would include creative thinking, or presenting data in a clear, concise manner, keep that in  mind when choosing a resume format.
3. Read through the application requirements clearly. Sometimes they lay out exactly what is needed in the resume. Make sure you hit every single point required, and those they mark as "preferred" if you have them.

Now for types of resumes to consider.

Traditional: Typically there are 3-4 major sections: Contact Information, Experience, Education, and other information that may be relevant to that role. Under experience, the sections are generally chronological starting with the most recent work.

Functional: Instead of organizing your accomplishments by job in a chronological order, think about the 5-7 main functional or technical capabilities or competencies that the job you're applying for wants in a top candidate. Then arrange bullets under each functional/technical area regardless of which job they were for. Be sure to indicate the company or title, so they have context though!

LinkedIn Profile: This is really only for LinkedIn. I wouldn't recommend formatting a resume to look like LinkedIn and hand it to a potential employer. That said, if you're looking for a job, once you have your resume finalized, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile, too. In fact, you should updated something on the profile about once a week so that it's active and climbs to the top of the search results.

Video: A video resume is typically a short video that highlights the job applicant's skills and experience. While most of this type of resume occur with the candidate sitting or standing in front of the camera, if your potential new job requires a lot of creativity, you could use this opportunity to stand out in the medium in which you'll operate for the job itself. For example, you may add music, visuals, text, etc. However, keep in mind this almost always accompanies a traditional resume and does not stand on its own.

Infographic: An infographic resume uses visuals including images, photos, graphs, charts and other graphics to provide information about a job seeker. They are similar to traditional resumes in that they convey contact information, previous work experience, and related skills. However, infographic resumes convey this information in a highly visual format. Since most adults respond to visual graphics, there's a benefit to this version. Plus, it shows cohesive understanding of how to depict data in a way that everyone can understand, which could be particularly relevant for your type of job. For example, instead of listing previous work experience in chronological order, an infographic resume may display this information in an illustrated timeline. 1

Online Portfolios: This can be a great alternative for anyone who's in graphic design or web design. You'll still need a paper resume, but what better way to demonstrate what you can do than to show them online. Be sure to add a link to your site on your resume in the block with your contact information, and also add it to your email signature.

I'd love to hear about your thoughts or experience with non-traditional resumes!


1. About.com article by Alison Doyle