how to make creative resumes

23 Creative Resume Examples for 2024

In This Guide:

Gisele henne creative resume shows results not responsibilities, pierre rogers’ creative resume showcases intense passion, jimmy moore’s resume shows out of the box thinking, emily bain shows how a creative resume can stand out.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Linda Nakanishi shows by doing

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

Anton Yermolov has a simple and creative 1-page resume

An extraordinary korean style resume, magnus henriksen is nothing but himself, harrison carter watkins shows off his design philosophy.

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

Pau Morgan gets the important information across

Jimmy raheriarisoa’s resume is bursting with personality.

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Victor Rodriguez creative resume thinks inside the box

Nick begley thinks way outside the box, should you use a creative resume, how do i make my resume creative (without going overboard).

Gone are the days when a resume was only about showing your work experience.

A great creative resume needs to stand out.

Whether it’s at a career fair or in an HR department, when recruiters have looked at 100s of resumes in a single day, they should remember yours.

But that’s easier said than done.

So we found 23 truly unique creative resume examples to show you just what’s possible.

While each has its strengths and weaknesses, they all have something to teach you about how to create a standout resume.

Here’s what you’ll learn today:

• Browse through unique resume examples and the tactics they use to highlight important info;
• When should you be creative on your resume (and when not);
• Practical tips on how to make your resume more visually appealing.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

We designed most of Enhancv’s features with the applicant’s individuality in mind.

Sure, we could have made a sleuth of simpler, black-on-white resume designs, but for that you’ve already got MS Office.

Some features that make Enhancv a staple creative resume builder include My Time, the 1000s of font, colour and background combos and the ability to rename just about any section of the builder to your liking.

This gives you a starting point to unleash your creativity and do some wondrous things without going overboard:

• Spruce up your headline or any other section;
• Make use of a single page resume ;
• Describe your passions and professional resume story just like we did with Marissa Mayer’s resume .

For the 23 designers below, sending a resume in a black-on-white A4 doc file is a sacrilege.

And, while being creative on your resume has its time and place (read more about that at the end of the article), you can use some of the design choices below to your advantage.

Let’s dive in!

Gisele’s resume does a great job balancing eye-catching design with a strong focus on results. Right away you can’t miss the key metrics here: 20 corporate projects delivered, 40 books managed, 15 years of freelance experience. All that is valuable information you have to pass to the reader right away.

It’s best to focus on results and not responsibilities. This has been a resume writing best practice for years , but it can’t be emphasized enough. Still, what makes this resume stand out is the “creative process” section. It’s designed to get the reader to really understand Gisele’s way of thinking, something a traditional resume wouldn’t be able to convey.

Last but not least, the “Etc.” section is a very smart way to grab employers’ attention and showcase side activities that shaped Gisele as the person. Things like playing the piano and guitar since childhood may be left out of most resumes, but they show qualities like dedication and consistency.

Gisele didn’t play for a few years and then got bored, she stuck with it. Those are qualities employers look for.

Pierre Rogers has incorporated his passion for computer games into his resume. His completed missions are his achievements, his special attributes are his experience and his weapons are his software as a character artist. It’s clear he didn’t get into his field because he couldn’t think of anything better to do.

Showing your passion for your work speaks volumes to employers, making you more memorable and hireable. That’s a lesson Pierre has learned well.

Filmmakers and producers always need to be ready to think outside of the box. From having to reshoot a certain scene when an actor has a new hairstyle to creating a chase sequence on a shoestring budget. Jimmy‘s resume shows he has the mindset to tackle those tough problems by showcasing his creativity. True, it has far fewer career details, but those can always be available on request. What Jimmy has done here is make a strong first impression.

With both of the resumes she uses, Emily starts off with her top professional strengths. Putting them right beneath her name ensures any read will get the main points right off the bat. One resume then focuses on telling her story and giving important context to the rest of the resume while the other gets straight into her work history.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Scott’s resume gives you an immediate impression of who he is and how he thinks. What it sacrifices in details it makes up for in personality (plus by including a link to more information, the typical biographical details we expect to see on a resume are all readily available).

The inclusion of subtle background elements encourages readers to take some time to explore the resume, giving it more time to make an impression.

You may have read that recruiters spend 6 seconds on a resume . Well, it’s unfortunately true. Often the choice whoever gets an interview call comes down to who made a quick impression. Linda starts off with two sentences explaining who she is and what she does before breaking down her work and life skills.

The result is a resume that explains the essentials in advance before inviting you to explore more. You can check Linda’s website here .

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

You have to see the full version of Deda’s remarkable resume ! In it she shares not only the obligatory things (skills, experience, etc.) but also her Design Theory, Life Essentials, Personal Lifestyle Preferences and the Statement of Purpose – things that reveal much more about her personality.

Personality is important enough that even Richard Branson admits that it’s the most important component when hiring. Why? Because tech skills can be learned with time, but being persistent, diligent, and communicative are rare gems in a sea of qualified applicants.

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Matteo Reggi’s resume shows he has the mind of a designer. His mind works a bit differently and you may have to tilt your head a bit to get it all. But that’s how interesting and engaging design often works.

The resume may be unconventional, but so is Matteo. Instead of pretending to be something he’s not, he brings his whole self to his resume. If you ask us, it really shows. You can view his work here .

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

We simply love this resume! Stuart Mayhew has combined information regarding his knowledge and experience and has shaped it brilliantly with this design. It paints a picture of a full person, from various life and work experiences to generally how he thinks.

Combined with a powerhouse list of clients, there’s plenty here to make a recruiter want to strike up a conversation and learn more about Stuart. That’s where he can have the chance to make yet another good impression.

He’s produced hundreds of copies of his simple and contemporary 1 page resume to hand out. Besides the design, Anton’s resume stands out by including information that’s hardly typical. Travels, interests, and characteristics bring his personality and experience to the forefront.

A great idea is to change the name of your “tech skills” section to a more job-specific one like Creative Fields or Management Skills, so that it’s more relevant to the position you are applying for. Go & see his work !

Undoubtedly a unique design incorporating Korean elements, this resume actually stands out in more ways than one. The whole resume has a fantastic “My Favorite Things” section which really shows off their design skills. One small issue is using language like “Please contact me…” which can signal a lack of confidence. Otherwise, this resume is memorable.

Magnus Henriksen created this original resume that shows him both as a person and as a professional. It’s simple and straight-forward in a refreshing way while not sacrificing any personality or style. Having such a resume confirms your skills as a designer and makes you stand out. Elements of it may be a bit immature, but Magnus isn’t interested in being anything other than himself.

It’s for the best, as companies should always know what they’re getting when they hire. With Magnus, they’re getting a talented jokester. You can check out some of his work here .

Next up is Harrison Carter Watkins’ Creative Resume . “How I think” is a powerful section to include, especially the way he did it – separate it into two parts – “Thoughts & Method” and “Productivity & Speed” which add a layer of personality alongside the technical one.

Another thing that makes a great impression is the quote featured prominently in the center: “The details don’t make the design, they are the design.”

You get a strong feeling for Harrison’s philosophy of design alongside his work experience and other details. For more of his works check out his Behance profile .

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

This resume is outstanding not only because of it’s visual appearance but because of the compelling manner Chris has described himself. Including sections like “Clearing the mind” or “The Intangibles” provide a lot of details about your true personality and are a much better way to express what kind of person you are.

Besides, dividing your skill set into 3 parts – Knowledge, Design and Management & Communication, enables the recruiter to immediately see what your main areas of expertise are and gives him an incentive to keep on reading. See all his amazing work here .

Here Pau has visualized his work experience in an easy-to-understand way so that a recruiter can process the information faster. He’s also included the section “Expositions” which, in his case, is pretty important and tells a lot about his abilities. Visit his personal website to enjoy more of his work.

3 things about Jimmy’s resume impressed us – it’s short and concise, extremely well-designed and it emphasizes on the most important information – his title, skills and awards. Plus, it’s bursting with personality. See all of his work here .

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Maybe one of the most stylish resumes we’ve came upon. From its homages to the original macintosh and classic telephones to the classy self portrait, Monica shows her skills and passions with style. Combining her motivation and professional goals into the footer also leaves the reader with an excellent final impression. See her amazing work here .

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Navdeep has done an amazing job visually breaking up the different sections in his creative resume . He begins with a simple, straight-forward line about who he is: “I love to design great looking, usable interfaces.”

The other thing we appreciated is that he highlights the fact that he has worked with top companies using a simple “Clients” section. We strongly encourage you to include that information, especially if you have worked for companies like Apple, Disney, MTV or SAP.

Last but not least the way Navdeep divided his skills so that they can be easier to process is very effective – “Practice Areas” and “Technologies”. You can check his work here .

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Pam is a professional storyteller whose resume does just what it should: tells her story. Hagan Blount has done a great job turning her resume into a real masterpiece.

Positioning her awards and professional achievements in the middle of her resume is a great idea, especially if you have some numbers and medals to show as she does. They tell the reader that you’re goal-oriented.

The other unique element here is the “Testimonials” section at the bottom.

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

This is a great example of a performance-based resume by the same person who created Pam Bailey’s resume: Hagan Blount.

Again the content is based on results, not responsibilities, and the design highlights them well. The best part is that the resume is personalized for the VP of Sales position Seth is applying for. For that reason, he’s split his experience into three different categories – Business Development & Strategic Planning, Sales, and Marketing.

That way he stresses the fact that he has what it takes to succeed in that role. Personalizing your resume is one of the best things you could do to raise your chances of getting an interview.

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Sometimes a resume just breaks the mold. Jonathan Wakuda Fischer’s is one such example. His resume takes the form of an identity booklet, old Russian style.

Everyone likes seeing absolutely unexpected things and if you read his resume carefully you will realise that Jonathan has gone far beyond the design of his resume and has created a real masterpiece.

Recruiters aren’t going to forget him. Check out his website here .

Victor Rodriguez is clearly being a bit cheeky with his “thinking inside the box” resume . You should never forget that the main goal of your resume is to make a great first impression to the person reading it, no matter whether it’s a word document, infographic, powerpoint presentation or a cereal box.

I can barely think of a better way to grab someone’s attention, especially if this pops up on your table! You can explore Viktor’s creative work here .

We have saved the dessert for last – Nick Begley is the bold man whose resume is a candy bar. When we said these were creative resume ideas, we weren’t kidding.

If you are in a creative industry you already know better as to whether or not sending a creative resume is the right way to go.

How about the rest of us, the non-designers who still want to stand out?

We have to take into consideration the public enemy #1 of creative resumes out there – the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, for short.

It’s a computer software that is designed to read simple text on resumes and match skills, experiences and keywords to the job description.

This is why it will have a hard time if you encode your key information into graphics and images.

With that being said, the above designers don’t have to pay attention to ATS at all.

They send resumes directly to employers. Which can be the case for many of us.

Small and medium-sized companies aren’t likely to use ATS, either.

Whereas even if you’re applying for a position in a big corporation, you can still incorporate a dash of creativity, as long as you maintain a professional tone.

Here’s a thought – you don’t have to make a cereal box resume to impress recruiters.

Frankly speaking, nobody is expecting you to be creative.

So, if you make a few adjustments here and there, it will come as an added bonus.

Use creative tactics, such as two-colour combinations, adjusted font size, easy-to-read font family, proper resume margin and skimmable layout. ( Enhancv’s resume builder takes care for the lot of it.)

Designers made their infographic resumes to highlight key information in a creative manner. You too can incorporate their tactics described above, albeit in a more down-to-earth way.

• Resume Guides

Should You Include Irrelevant Experience on Your Resume?

Interview question: tell me what you know about our company, 500 irish created a resume for saint patrick. here it is, a guide to leaving your job on your terms, how to format a cover letter, how to ask for feedback after an interview.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)

Your resume is arguably the most valuable piece of paper for your career. But this document can be daunting for many. Maybe you’re not sure how to fit in all your information onto one page. Maybe you’re not sure about the right way to format and write your resume. Maybe you don’t even know what the heck a resume is!

Whatever your concern, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the perfect resume, from scratch.

What Is a Resume?

What are employers looking for in a resume.

• Pick Your Format
• Start With Your Basic Information
• Add in Your Work Experience
• Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience
• Don’t Forget Your Education
• Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests
• Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)
• Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)
• Edit and Refine It

What Are Some Examples of a Good Resume?

A resume is a summary of your career, whether yours is just getting started or has been going on for years. Coming in at around one page in length (two only under specific circumstances), it showcases the jobs you’ve held and currently hold, the responsibilities you’ve taken on, the skills you’ve developed, and the qualities you bring to the table as an employee. Together, those things make it super easy for any hiring manager to see your qualifications and fit for a role.

For all the work you may put into writing one, hiring managers actually spend very little time—mere seconds in many cases—looking at your resume. But despite this sad fact, it’s safe to say that creating a great resume (rather than hastily throwing one together) still matters.

“If you miss the mark, your resume may never be read. Even worse, you might be removed from the applicant pool by a computer before a human even knows you exist,” says Muse career coach Heather Yurovsky , founder of Shatter & Shine. So you want to get it right because, as she explains, isn’t the goal to “spend less time looking for a job and more time in a role you love?”

You might be wondering if you can lean on your LinkedIn profile instead of writing a resume. The answer, sadly, is no. Most hiring managers still expect you to submit a resume, even if they also look at your LinkedIn. Even if you don’t need a resume for a job you’re applying for now, you’re going to need one at some point in your career—they’re not anywhere close to going out of style. So it’s best to always have one at the ready should an opportunity pop up.

And although LinkedIn has plenty of benefits, a resume has one clear advantage: While your LinkedIn is usually a broader picture of your career trajectory, your resume gives you the opportunity to tailor your career story to a specific role or company (more on that later).

Oh, and you’ve probably heard of something called a CV? It’s slightly different from a resume , and usually more common with academics and job seekers outside the U.S.

Hiring managers look for three things on your resume, “What did you do? Why did you do it? And what was the result?” says Muse career coach Martin McGovern , owner of Career Therapy. “If you can answer all three of these questions in...your resume bullet points, you’re going to be on the right track.”

Clear, easy-to-understand language is key. “The truth is that most resumes make no sense. They are stuffed with jargon, they are too technical, and they are filled with redundancies. Try to read a resume that isn’t yours and you will quickly realize that it feels like an alien wrote it,” McGovern adds. Put yourself in the shoes of a recruiter who has no idea how your role works—how can you make your resume accessible to them?

The hiring manager also cares about more than just you and you alone—they care about you in relation to them. “Hiring managers want to see if a candidate matches the requirements” of the role they’re hiring for, Yurovsky explains. “Your resume should paint this picture so the hiring manager not only knows what day-to-day responsibilities you can handle, but why you, above other[s], bring value to their organization.”

How Do You Write a Resume?

Whether you’re someone who’s never written a resume in your life, or you need a nice, thorough refresher on the process of creating one, follow these steps to go from a blank page to a complete—and dare I say beautiful—document.

Related: This Free Worksheet Makes It Easy to Create (or Update) Your Resume

1. Pick Your Format

Before you start typing one single thing, you have to decide what you want the overall resume to look like.

Resume builders can be helpful for this step—they’ll take all your basic information and organize it for you, eliminating some of the legwork. You can also use a pre-made outline, such as one of these free Google Docs templates .

But it’s often safest to start with a clean slate all on your own and eventually upgrade to a more advanced layout. (If you'd still like a place to write all the relevant information before you get started, check out our resume outline .) This allows you to course correct, edit and re-edit, and choose a resume format that best fits your particular situation (after all, not everyone has a career trajectory that’s easy to compartmentalize).

In general, you’re most likely to cover and/or include sections on the following:

• Your work experience
• Your non-work experience, including professional organizations, community involvement, or side projects
• Your education and certifications
• Your skills (specifically hard skills) and interests

So how do you format and organize all of that information?

By far the most common (and safest, if you’re not sure which route to take) option is reverse chronological order . This means you organize your experiences from most recent to least recent. So your work experiences would go above your education, and your current role would go above previous roles you’ve held. This of course has its exceptions—maybe you went back to grad school between jobs, or your most recent role is irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. So the whole page may not be exactly in reverse chronological order depending on your situation. It’s just a guideline.

There’s also something called a functional or skills-based resume . This is used pretty rarely, mainly with career changers and those with limited or complicated work histories. It gets its name because it’s primarily about listing your skills rather than experiences, and showcases them above your work history and education.

You can also opt for a combination resume , which is a mix between a reverse chronological resume and skills-based resume. It highlights your skills at the top, but allows just as much room below to cover your job and school experience.

Use caution when choosing these two formats: “Combo and skills-based [resumes] can be hard to follow, because [they force] the reader to hunt for connections between your skills and experience, and [don’t] provide the full context of your work,” says Muse Career Coach Angela Smith , founder of Loft Consulting. “I’ve also heard a lot of recruiters say that they automatically discount skill-based resumes because they feel the candidate is trying to hide something. I don’t necessarily believe that, but I think it’s important for job-seekers to know that perception is out there.”

2. Start With Your Basic Information

Your contact information should always go at the top of your resume. In this header you’ll want to include anything that could be helpful for a recruiter to get in touch with you. Usually, this means adding in:

• Your full name (preferably the name you use across the web)
• Your phone number
• Your personal email address

You might also choose to include other basic information, such as your LinkedIn or personal website URL, your GitHub (for technical roles), your social media profiles (if relevant to the job), or your address. If you’re looking to move for a job, you may choose to leave out your address or write “open to relocating” to better your chances of getting an interview.

The key is to make this part as clear as possible. If a hiring manager can’t reach you, there’s no point in perfecting the rest of your resume.

3. Add in Your Work Experience

This section will most likely be the bulk of your resume. Even if you’re changing careers, employers still want to see where you’ve worked, what you’ve done, and the impact of that work to get a sense of your background and expertise.

Your “Work Experience” might be one entire category, or you might choose to break it up into “Relevant Experience” and “Additional Experience” to highlight the jobs that are most important for hiring managers to focus on. Either way, you’ll almost always want to have your most recent experience at the top and your older experience down below.

Within your work experience, you’ll want to include each official job title, the company (and possibly its location), and the years you worked there. Below that, you’ll add in two to four bullet points explaining what you did in that job, the skills you built and exercised, the tools you used, and the results of what you did. If you accomplished a lot during your time there, focus on the responsibilities that made the most impact or you’re the most proud of, as well as the ones that best align you with the job you’re applying for (more on that in the following sections). It’s key here to list, if relevant, quantitative as well as qualitative accomplishments.

For example, you might write:

Associate Accountant, Finances and Co., Ann Arbor, MI September 2017 – Present

• Manage billing and invoicing for more than 50 clients, ensuring the deadlines and needs of our enterprise partners, including Big Company and Super Star Org, are met
• Collaborate closely with sales, account management, and project management teams on project setup, maintenance, and invoice management
• Assist in the streamlining of invoicing guidelines and procedures through documentation and the implementation of new software, resulting in an average two-week decrease in total time spent per client

Your resume bullets should be in past tense if you’re referring to past jobs and present tense if you’re talking about your current roles. In addition, your bullets should always start with a strong action verb that best describes what you did. And if you have examples of your work, consider hyperlinking them here as well.

If you have a ton of experience and this category is starting to run long (read: over one page), consider kicking out your oldest jobs unless they’re super relevant to the job you’re applying for, or extra impressive for your field.

Not sure where to start? “It’s helpful to do a brain dump and create a document that has everything and anything you consider as experience or an achievement,” says Yurovsky. From there, she explains, you can start to whittle down what is and isn’t important. And you can refer to this document later if you ever decide to update your resume for a specific role.

Need more specific advice on listing your work experience on your resume? Check out these additional resources:

• When you’ve held multiple jobs at the same company: 2 Jobs, 1 Company: How to Show Multiple Positions on Your Resume
• When you’re not sure what your accomplishments are or how to explain them: Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments
• When you want to spruce up a boring or insignificant job: How to Make Your Most Boring Jobs Sound More Interesting on Your Resume
• When you’re considering fudging a job title: The Answer to “Can I Change My Job Title on My Resume to Make It More Accurate?”
• When you’ve had a bunch of short-term gigs: How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume

4. Consider Including Volunteer Work or Other Experience

Anything you’ve done that’s not work experience—your side gig, volunteer work, special projects—can be hosted under clearly-labeled sections (“Volunteer Experience” or “Activities,” for example). Depending on how robust your work experience is, these things may be worth including, particularly if they’ve helped you level up your skill set or better align you with your dream job. Plus, they make you look that much more well-rounded, passionate, and hardworking.

If you’re a recent grad, you might also build out a section for on-campus activities, such as clubs, organizations, or leadership experience. This can be a great supplement if you’re lacking in the jobs department. You can frame these just as you would professional jobs—including your title, the organization’s name, and bullets describing what your role was and what you accomplished.

Read More: This Is Exactly How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

5. Don’t Forget Your Education

If you’re still in school or just graduated, your education can go at the top of your resume, but for pretty much everyone else, this goes near the bottom. Most people include their school, graduation year (for folks less up to about a decade out of school), major, and degree. Brand-new grads might also write in their GPA, honors and awards, study abroad, thesis, or other notable achievements. But keep this section super simple, as you don’t want it to take up too much space over your work experience.

It’s possible you have unique education experience, such as taking an online course or certification. If you did this specifically as a way to boost yourself within your industry, definitely include it. Again, list everything more or less reverse chronologically—so a grad school degree would go above an undergrad degree, and a more recent relevant online course would go above that.

Learn more about the ins and outs of listing your education on your resume:

• How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume
• How to List Online Courses on Your Resume the Right Way (Because Yes, There Is a Wrong Way)

6. Top It Off With Some Skills and Interests

The skills section of a resume gets a bad rap, but it’s just as important as the rest of the stuff you include. It’s a quick list a recruiter can scan to see if your skill set aligns with what they’re hiring for. And it’s super ATS-friendly (ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” the robot that in some cases reads your resume before a human does) because it allows you to add in keywords the machine is scanning for.

Usually this section goes at the bottom of your resume, but in special cases—such as a skills-based resume or when someone’s switching fields—you may place it further up.

What exactly do you throw in here? You’ll want to list any hard skills and applications you’re familiar with (Photoshop, SEO, JavaScript, to name a few examples), and, if relevant, your level of expertise. Avoid including soft skills here, like time management or public speaking—save those for your bullet points instead.

Be strategic when filling in your skills. Don’t list things you actually couldn’t do at a high competence level (I’m looking at those of you who say you’re “great” at Excel), and maybe nix skills that are completely irrelevant to the job you want. For example, you may not even need to include Excel if you’re applying for say, a design position, unless it’s listed as a job requirement.

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m a really good volleyball player, but that’s not a “skill,” right? No, it’s not, but it is a hobby. Adding in a hobby section at the bottom of your resume is underrated, and frequently a smart choice. It can be a great conversation starter with a hiring manager, and it can show that you’re a good culture fit—or a culture add—for the company. Also, it’s just a nice way to add in some of your personality. So tack on a bullet point listing out some of your interests, such as hiking, rowing, or crafting (no more than five to seven work-appropriate verbs), and you’re all set here.

7. Write a Resume Summary Statement (if Relevant)

You may have heard of a resume summary statement . They’re not super common, but they can be useful to include near the top of your resume if you’re looking to add clarity or context to your resume. If you’re a career changer, you might find a summary statement helpful in explaining your leap and tying your experience to your new path. Or if you’re a more experienced professional, you can use a summary statement to highlight a theme that brings your career trajectory together.

Overall, you probably won’t need a summary statement if your career is pretty linear and your bullet points do a great job of emphasizing what you have to offer in terms of skills and experience. But if you think it makes sense to include one, “Take the time to think about what the person reading your summary wants to know before you write it,” says McGovern. “Good summaries explain why you do what you do and how it can help. For instance: Merging a background in ABC, I help companies improve XYZ through 123. Summaries shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.”

So, taking McGovern’s example, you might say:

Merging a background in social media marketing and PR with seven years in the consumer tech space, I help companies improve their internal and external communication and brand awareness through data-driven, quality content and strategies that align with the modern trends of the space.

Yurovsky adds that “you don’t want your summary statement to be a dense paragraph with too much information. You want it to be easy to read, concise, and memorable. Almost like a tagline.”

Read More: 3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

8. Tailor It to the Job (and the ATS)

Once you have your resume written out—you’ve broken down your work experience, tagged on some activities and additional experiences, and listed out your skills—it’s important to go back to the job description (or multiple job descriptions, if you’re applying to several similar jobs) and make sure that what your resume says matches up with the kind of candidate the employers are looking for. In other words, tailor it .

Let’s explain further. You’ll want to begin by tackling the ATS . This means combing the job description to see if individual words and phrases line up. What skills are they asking for, and have you listed them (so long as you actually have them)? What words are they using to describe their ideal hire, and do you use similar language in your resume?

Next, take a bird’s-eye view. If you were the hiring manager for the role, where on your resume would your eyes be drawn to? And what would you be looking for? Whatever you think will be most important for the recruiter, make sure it’s near the top of your resume, or otherwise emphasized.

Finally, dig into the role and responsibilities of the job. Does your resume reflect similar experience? If not, is there a way you can spin it so that it’s clear you’re capable of doing the job (and doing it well)?

These articles can help you if the word “tailoring” makes you start to sweat:

• What It Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”
• Your Guide to Making Unrelated Experience Look Relevant on Your Resume
• A Cool Trick: How to Spin 1 Resume Bullet 5 Different Ways

9. Edit and Refine It

Please, please don’t just write your resume and shoot it out without giving it a second glance. Hiring managers may not spend hours browsing it, but if there’s one thing that sticks out more than anything else it’s a glaring typo.

The best approach? Write a rough draft, then leave and come back to it later with fresh eyes to give it an edit.

Cover the basics: Is your contact information correct and updated? Are you using the right verb tenses? Does everything look consistent and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar?

Then do some cutting if your resume’s quite long. It’s no longer a hard-and-fast rule that all resumes must be only one page—but consider it a smart guideline for most applicants, especially if you've got less than 10 years work experience. The exception is if you’re very senior or very established in your career; in this scenario, a two-page resume isn’t completely out of the question. Everyone else, read this article for advice on how to cut your resume down.

Formatting-wise, it’s key to consider a couple things. First, what font are you using , and is it legible (for a human and a robot)? When in doubt, go with one of these simple, but sleek, options: Arial, Arial Narrow, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, or Helvetica.

Second, are you going to save it as a Word document or PDF ? Neither option is wrong, although a PDF helps ensure that your formatting is maintained, no matter what type of computer the hiring manager uses to open the document.

Third, is your resume formatted in a way that it’s skimmable? If it’s feeling crowded or overrun with words, read this: 12 Tiny Changes That Make Your Resume Easy for Recruiters to Skim .

Once you’ve given it a few good looks, it may be worth sending it to a friend or colleague (or even a career coach ) to get a second opinion. Don’t just have them edit it for spelling and grammar—they should dig into your bullets and offer feedback on whether or not your resume is showing you in the best possible light (it’s smart to also send them the job description for something to compare it to).

Here’s the thing: Your resume won’t ever look exactly like someone else’s, nor should it. How you choose to format it, organize your information, and talk about specific experiences depends not just on your career path, but on your field, the job you’re applying for, the company that job is at, and more.

So there isn’t a universal way to do a resume. But there are common themes. To give you some context as to how yours might turn out, here are three examples of different kinds of resumes.

The Most Popular: A Reverse Chronological Resume

As previously mentioned, a reverse chronological resume is preferred by many coaches and HR experts, mainly because it’s super readable. When everything’s in a clear order, it’s easy to skim and even easier to draw lines between experiences.

Who it’s good for: Just about everyone—from students applying to internships all the way up to senior-level executives (with an optional resume summary statement)

Download an Example Chronological Resume for a Software Engineer

The Unorthodox Route: A Functional or Skills-Based Resume

Rather than listing out your experience in reverse chronological order, a functional or skills-based resume has bullet points that reflect how each of your skills is demonstrated by the work you’ve done over the course of your career. At the bottom, you’ll include everything else, such as your education, job history, professional achievements, community involvement, and other technical skills. This is a good option if you have a somewhat all-over-the-place work history and want to tie everything together neatly.

Who it’s good for: Career changers whose work experiences may not appear to be relevant and people with an abundance of temporary jobs or gaps in their work histories.

Download an Example Functional Resume for a Project Manager

The Creative Angle: An Infographic Resume or Resume Website

This resume type is characterized by how it’s formatted visually. You may choose a reverse chronological order or skills-based style to organize your information, but also use graphics, colors, unique fonts, and even multimedia elements to help that information pop. Keep in mind that any creative resume is still likely subject to an ATS—and certain elements may be unreadable by a robot. So consider going this route only if you know a human will be reading your resume (and that said human might enjoy it).

Who it’s good for: People applying to creative roles (designers, editors, writers, marketers, video producers, for example), startups, or fun companies, or to jobs where a creative resume is encouraged, if not required.

Download an Example Infographic Resume for a Designer

Not a designer but want your resume to look just as pretty as this example? Check out these articles:

• 5 Sites to Create an Awesome Infographic Resume (Even if You’re the Least Creative Person Ever)
• How to Build a Resume Website That Will Impress Every Hiring Manager Who Sees It
• 5 Digital Tools That Will Make Your Resume Infinitely More Beautiful

Your resume is a living, breathing document. So while you won’t go through this whole process every time you apply for a job, you should be thinking about all these things as you go to update your resume for your next career step. You might decide later on to switch up the order, or remove or add things, or even get creative and try out a whole new format. If you’re not getting the calls back you expect, you may decide to scrap it and start over —and that’s totally OK.

Regardless of where this piece of paper goes and how it grows, when you give it the care and attention it deserves, you set yourself up for success. And you’ll make it that much more likely that you’ll land an interview and get the chance to prove to the hiring manager—over the phone or in person—what you’ve got to offer.

39 Creative Resume Examples & Templates (Creative CV Ideas)

This page may contain links from our sponsors. Here’s how we make money .

A creative resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is one document you can’t skimp on. This is true for everyone, but especially for designers and other creative professionals.

When applying for a job, the first impression you create is strong and longest-lasting. The same is true when making contact with a new potential client. That first impression has to help you stand out from your competitors.

That first impression is usually made via an online application, your website, an email, or even through social media. Hopefully, you already have a strong portfolio website , either a personal portfolio or your freelance business site. And hopefully, your social media presence continues your personal or business brand look and feel. But what about your resume?

Most job applications ask applicants to attach a CV or a resume. And after initial, brief research on your website or social media accounts, a prospective client will often ask for a resume if they don’t find the information they need or if they need to present a list of freelancers to their boss.

As such, no matter if you’re searching for a job or trying to land new clients, your resume design could be what differentiates you from a competitor with similar skills and level of experience. The right kind of creative resume truly reflects your character and experience in an expressive way.

The following are some excellent creative resume and CV examples to help get ideas flowing for your own resume design. Notice that some tend to remain more straightforward and business-like with a hint of creativity thrown in. Some go over the top in the creative aspect. And others strike a nice balance between the two extremes.

Designers have discovered new methods to showcase their skills and attributes in a bold way with creative CVs and resumes. You can come up with a highly creative resume idea, design it and then showcase your skills and abilities to the whole world.

You’ll need to make a calculated decision on your own resume design. If your brand look and style of work is highly artistic, then, by all means, go all out. If, however, you’re applying for a job in a less creative field, you may want to tone down tons of graphics and colors and stick with a more corporate look that still creatively reflects your personal brand.

Best Creative Resume Examples

We’ve searched to find the most creative resumes available. These creative resume examples and creative CV examples are sure to provide plenty of inspiration. And best of all, if you see a template you like, you can purchase it to save hours of your time.

Creative Resume by Jahangir Alam Jisan

Jisan’s creative CV uses icons, color, and bold banners to add creativity to his resume design. Plus, the unusual layout helps the information to stand out nicely while still maintaining a professional and organized look.

My Resume by Soumitra Saxena

This is another creative resume design that shows off the designer’s humor as well as his wide range of skills. Even with the creative illustration and extra information, the graphic design is still clean and organized, which says a lot about his engineering side as well.

Curriculum Vitae by Anton Yermolov

Both clean and colorful, Yermolov’s CV design stands out with neat columns and colorful icons. His illustrated self-portrait is a nice alternative to a photo and ensures it will look nice even if a client uses their own poor-quality printer to print a copy.

CV – Take a Look Inside by Amber Van Mieghem

Both the format and the fold of this CV design is fantastically creative. Amber does an excellent job of creating intrigue and keeping attention by leading to the next page with the fold.

Shameless Self-Promotion by Kyle Robertson

A personal logo is always a safe way to add some originality to a professional resume that needs to remain more on the corporate side. Robertson doesn’t stop there, though. His beautiful choice of fonts also adds to the appeal of his creative resume design.

My Resume by darthkix

Fitting a lot of information onto a single page is one of the more difficult parts of a resume, but darthkix solves this problem quite beautifully. The silhouette graphic on the background is a brilliant way to break up his information neatly but uniquely.

Resume by Yojna Shetty

I love how this creative resume organizes so much content so neatly onto a single page. At first glance, it is almost overwhelming, but the lines and other graphics help to draw the eye from one section to the next quite easily. It should not take very long for the viewer to go through it so each section and detail should be connected to the next one and everything should be displayed in a rather expressive and creative manner.

Self-Promotion by Syril Bobadilla

The bright colors in this original resume by Bobadilla are stunningly balanced out by the excellent, clean layout of content. Plus, the custom fonts add a very nice, original touch to the entire design.

Curriculum_Vitae by Francisco Hidalgo

I highly urge you to visit Hidalgo’s Behance page to view his curriculum vitae in full effect, as the images above do not do his gorgeous illustration justice. You can build on this idea and design similar creative resumes that are more than just a professional resume. Not only does his design show off his illustration skills, it also keeps his information easy to read and digest in a memorable viewing experience. Beautiful!

Curriculum Vitae by Camila Soto

Handwritten fonts and illustrations are a stunning touch in this creative CV and infographic resume by Soto. I love how each section is divided into boxes. Different calligraphic fonts have been put to use, few items have been sketched and you get a colorful resume for your work.

Resume by Roberta Cicerone

I really love how this website resume could also double as a poster-like print resume design. Roberta does an excellent job of keeping a visitor scrolling with uniquely phrased section headers and dotted lines. Different geometrical figures and calligraphic fonts have been displayed in quite a skeptical and playful way. Her illustrations and custom fonts are stunning!

Matthew Jhon Creative Resume Template

This modern template is perfect for a graphic designer or creative professional who wants a resume that makes a strong first impression on a hiring manager. You’ll have a place for your work experience highlights, as well as your education, skills, and contact info. The header and footer feature a stylish design. It comes as a Microsoft Word file (DOCX) and as a PDF.

This is one of the most creative and unique resume or CV templates you’ll find. It’s colorful and also includes a small illustration, as well as some shapes and icons. It comes in Ai, EPS, and PSD formats.

Alex Buell Template

If you want a resume or CV that stands out, this template is an excellent choice. It features a little bit of color and some subtle but stylish design elements to impress viewers. You can use the template in Word, Illustrator, or Photoshop. It comes in PDF and EPS format.

Colorful Resume Template

Who says resumes have to be boring? This template uses a lot of color, especially in the header, to really stand out. It comes in vector format (Ai and EPS file formats) and includes a template for a cover letter.

Charles Midleton Template

Here is another bright, colorful curriculum vitae template 100% guaranteed to stand out. It can be edited in Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator to quickly and easily create a beautiful resume. Shapes and colors make this design unique, but it also includes all the details needed to be effective.

Anthony Arlo

This colorful template features a large header with a photo and shapes that make a nice background for your bio and contact info. It also displays your relevant experience and skills attractively. Edit the template in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Word.

Lester Chandler

This package includes a two-page creative CV template and a cover letter template. This design features bold black & white, large photos, and a clean design. It’s perfect for creative professionals who want a great-looking resume showcasing their abilities.

Modern CV Resume Template

This template features a stylish design and a big header with a place for your photo. The skills section uses a creative way to display your most essential skills and your level of expertise. It also includes a nice cover letter template.

Darryl Philbin

This creative resume template and CV template is also professional. It’s exceptionally well designed with a lot of style to ensure you stand out. There’s a spot for a photo in the header, and the download even comes with a photo filter, so your photo will match the style shown in the preview above.

Mono Resume

We’ve looked at some examples of colorful resumes, but this one takes a different approach with a monochromatic color scheme. It’s perfect for creative professionals because the header is innovative and interesting, allowing you to enter a photo. It’s also got plenty of room for all the important details about your experience and accomplishments.

Alan Querin

Here is another black & white design that definitely stands out from the typical resume template or CV template. It uses typography and some well-designed content blocks to create a truly professional resume.

If you want a resume or CV that will stand out without taking extreme measures regarding an unusual design, this one is a good option. It uses color and some nice design elements, but still has a clean look and feel. It comes in PSD, Ai, and EPS formats.

Steven Gerard

This unique design includes a full-page photo with a greeting and a second page with a full resume or CV with a photo header. The full-page photo could be skipped if you want the simple one-page option. It’s a well-designed and colorful template that you’ll love.

Mauro Haskey Template

This template uses a beautiful design and layout that features a small photo and a brief profile in the sidebar. It includes all the necessary details like contact info, work experience, and education. The skills section at the bottom uses star ratings to display strengths in different areas creatively.

Juandha Whitney

This clean and elegant template makes creating a curriculum vitae with a professional look easy. You’ll be able to show off your strongest skills, education, and work experience.

Claire Ridley

Here is another very clean and professional CV template with a nice design. The header includes room for a photo and a brief bio before getting into the details of your experience and background.

Henry Silly Template

Present your qualifications in a clean and professional way with the help of this creative resume template. It comes in Illustrator format with five different color variations that you can choose from, and of course, you can also edit the colors if you’d like.

Pink Resume Template

Now, here is one that’s sure to be unique! The design uses a pink background, probably unlike any resume you’ve ever seen. It also includes all of the usual details, so it’s functional too.

This template uses some splashes of color for a creative CV design. It includes space for a headshot, a skills section that utilizes star ratings, and an additional template for a cover letter. The download includes the designs in Ai and EPS formats.

Two-Page Modern Resume Template

This unique resume template is not only creative in terms of design and style, but it’s also one of the few two-page templates you’ll see in this showcase. The first page includes details about you and your skills, and the second page is focused on work experience and education. The templates come in Word and InDesign formats.

Indah Kusuma

This CV template uses a colorful header with a photo. The rest of the design is fairly clean and simple. You’ll also get matching cover letter templates. The files can be edited in Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

The Peachy CV Resume Template

The Peachy template makes use of icons and content blocks to display your experience and qualifications in an attractive way. The header includes a spot for a small photo along with your name and contact info. This template is ideal for highlighting a few past jobs or specific experiences that you’ve gained.

Taylor Sheeran Template

This stylish design stands out from the typical resume template without being too unconventional. The dark header and footer add contrast and visual interest. The header includes space for a small photo. It also comes with a template for a matching cover letter, which is sure to come in handy.

Carol Holmes

This modern resume template’s layout is pretty unique and will make you stand out from other job applicants. It also comes with a cover letter template and can be edited easily in Microsoft Word.

Jim Halpert

Although it’s a fairly simple design, this CV is definitely unique. It makes excellent use of typography and gives you a solid template that could be used in many different industries.

Anthony Silver

With the help of this template, you can get a very professional CV in no time. There’s a sport for your photo in the head, and the resume layout is beautifully designed to show off your experience and skills. It is provided in InDesign file format.

Web Designer Resume Template

This template is a fun way for web designers to present their professional resume or CV. It includes a spot for a QR code at the top, which is a cool touch. Of course, there’s also a section to show off your experience, and the skills section at the bottom presents a way to display your specific skills visually.

Walter Smith

With this template, you can pack plenty of detail into your resume or CV without a cluttered look. You’ll have a place for your work experience, education, skills, contact info, references, and a brief profile and photo. It comes in four different color variations.

You Only Have a Few Seconds… A Creative Resume Will Help

Your creative resume can make a strong first impression on a potential employer or recruiter. How creative is your resume or CV design? Are you confident yours will stand out from the rest of the pile? If not, then you may want to use one of the creative resume examples above (or use a resume builder) to model your own design, but don’t forget to consider your audience. And have fun with it so that your creative passion shines through loud and clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

A creative CV or resume will show off your skills or experience in a way that sounds out from most text-based resumes during a job search. It may include color or a more unique visual design. If you’re in a creative industries, like designers, taking this approach as a job seeker may help you to get an interview.

The easiest way is to use one of the many templates showcased on this page. In just a few minutes, you can have a beautiful resume or CV that you can be proud of. Check the creative CV ideas in this article to find one you like.

If you’re in a creative industry, taking a more original approach to your resume can be effective and may help you to land your dream job. However, in other industries you may be better off with a more traditional resume.

It really depends on the person who is receiving and reviewing the resumes. Look at it this way, many job openings receive at least 100 resumes. The creative approach is sure to makes your stand out and be noticed. Will it help every time? No. But getting noticed is an important step if you want to get an interview, especially in a creative profession.

Tara Hornor enjoys writing about advertising, marketing, branding, web and graphic design, and more. As Senior Editor for Creative Content Experts, she has over 2,000 published articles on the web. Connect with @TaraHornor for more design and freelancing advice.

30+ Creative Resume Templates for 2024 [Grab One Now!]

Want your resume to stand out in a pile of 1,000+ applications?

Then you need a creative resume template!

Here’s the thing - most resumes look alike. They’re all black and white, with a standard layout, and very generic content.

Do you want to impress the recruiter with your creativity and ingenuity, or do you want to just blend in with everyone else?

We’re thinking you want to go with option #1.

So, in this guide, we’re going to cover 30+ of the most creative resume templates we’ve seen on the web.

30+ Creative Resume Templates

The 3 ways you can go about using these 30+ creative resume templates are:

• You can use an online resume builder with ready-to-go templates.
• You can fire up MS word and use a Word template .
• Or, you could use a Google Doc resume template that you can edit online.

We’re going to include both free and paid templates, so you get to pick whichever suits your needs.

Here are 30+ creative resume templates you can start using now.

Creative Resume Template by Novorésumé

Price: Free

As an example, let’s say you work in marketing (or any other creative field).

If that’s the case, then you probably have natural talents for design and understanding what makes a person buy a product.

Think of your resume as the product here.

You can also apply this knowledge and skills to create your own resume and make it stand out from other candidates.

This resume template does just that. You can use it as inspiration, or you could also choose and customize according to your needs and job role.

From the colors to the layout, our creative resume template can help you land your dream job in the industry and kickstart your career.

Modern Resume Template by Novorésumé

Need something more modern, that’s both professional as well as flexible?

You can follow our modern resume template to stand out from the crowd in just about any industry.

That’s what’s so good about it - it has pretty much every resume section you’re going to need, and it’s easy to follow as well.

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and stand out from other resumes with its great design.

Though the focus of this template is on the work experience , you can always customize it to your liking within a matter of minutes.

Functional Resume Template by Novorésumé 

This functional resume template is super simple and works for creative entry-level and senior position jobs alike.

There’s plenty of space for work experience , organizations , honors and awards , and more.

So, you can focus on either of the sections, depending on where you’re at at this stage in your career. 

And with the vibrant colors and a clear layout , you can’t go wrong with this template.

College Resume Template by Novorésumé 

Are you in college or a recent graduate with not a whole lot of work experience?

You can use this college resume template to show off your resume objective , skills, and experience (if you have any).

If you don’t have a lot of work experience though, you can also use the template to prioritize other sections.

The resume is extremely easy to follow, while staying under 1 page, and is an updated version of the 21st-century college resume template.

It’s simple and straightforward.

• Don’t have a lot of experience and need help writing your first resume? Check out our guide on how to make a resume with no experience .

Basic Resume Template by Novorésumé

This basic resume template is very easy to personalize and you can make it truly yours in just under 10 minutes.

If you want something that’s professional , yet also creative , you can’t go wrong with this one.

It has a very straightforward approach and a color scheme design that stands out from other candidates.

And the best thing is, it’s 100% customizable to your liking.

Executive Resume Template by Novorésumé

Do you have a lot of experience as well as technical skills you want to show off without your resume becoming cramped?

This executive resume template might be more up your alley.

It has a contemporary approach with plenty of sections for your work chops, as well as an eye-catching design that will make sure your resume is spotted first.

Just because it’s for a higher-up position, doesn’t mean the design should be boring.

Professional & Modern Resume Template by Hired Design Studio

Where to Get It: Behance

This modern resume template is great for creatives of all levels.

If needed, you can also go onto the 2nd page , and it even comes with a sample cover letter .

The soft colors are a nice change from other traditional resume colors and it’s incredibly easy to follow along with too.

If needed, the resume ALSO comes with a free icon pack of 100+ extra icons and a detailed user guide.

Creatives can go wild with this as it has pretty much everything you’ll need.

All you have to do is fill in the outline .

Intern Resume by Design Studio Teti

Price: $5.50

Where to Get It: Etsy

You’ll save time with this intern resume template and make sure your resume is unique.

If you’re looking to land the internship of your dreams, this resume can help you showcase your skills and accomplishments in the best way possible.

It’s easy to edit in Google Docs and comes with a cover letter template , as well as some extra resume writing tips and tricks.

And since it’s 100% editable, you can switch up any section , color , or even the font of the resume to match your vision.

PS - need more help with constructing an internship resume? Read more on our internship resume examples + writing guide .

Creative Resume Template for Word by Resume Studio Group

Where to Get It: Etsy 

This creative resume template for Word is a modern take on the one-page resume format.

It’s super functional as well as presentable. 

If needed, the template also comes with an easy-to-edit 2-page template , a cover letter , and as a cherry on top - a free interview preparation workbook .

It has just about every section you’d need too. 

Modern Resume Template by MoreProfesh

Price: $18.00

This modern resume template makes sure your name stays on the recruiter’s mind and your resume on top of their stack.

The design legwork is already done for you - it’s fun, memorable, and has just the right amount of quirky.

Professional Minimalistic Resume Template by Ease Design Studio

Price: $2.40

Sometimes, good old minimalism is what it takes to stand out.

If people in your industry tend to use fancier resumes with a lot of colors, a minimalistic resume could be what you need to stand out.

And that’s the case with this professional minimalistic resume template.

The clear structure guarantees to stand out from other candidates and the resume also comes with a guide on how to write a strong resume and a catchy cover letter .

You can edit pretty much the whole template (from the text to the colors and the font), and if needed, it also comes with its own icon pack.

So, if the design catches your eye, the template has pretty much everything else you’ll need.

One Page Resume With Photo by GetLanded

Price: $15.21

Want to beat the competition?

Get ahead with this photo resume template!

If the price tag seems expensive, know that this template also comes with detailed instructions , a FAQ file, and a guide on more resume tips and tricks.

As for the actual resume layout , the primary focus is on work experience, and if needed, you can continue onto the second page.

If you have the experience, this resume has the design.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks.

PS - wondering if you should include a photo in your resume? It might depend a lot on your location. Check out our full guide on including a photo on a resume for more info.

Clean and Simple Resume Template by ZokiDesign

Where to Get It: ZokiDesign

Clean and simple resume template with a minimalistic aesthetic, easy to format, and a layout that covers a lot of sections.

You can show off your work experience , background , education , skills , and even your hobbies .

There’s plenty to do here.

You can change the color scheme too, and with its format and layout - it’s ideal for almost all creative roles.

Clean Resume/CV + Cover Letter Combo by Tamzid Hasan

This clean resume/CV cover letter template is both professional AND creative!

It follows a clean color scheme and a layout that mainly focuses on work experience.

Other then that, it also comes with:

• Microsoft Word (Docx) files.
• CV/Resume + Cover letter and references.
• 1 and 2 page version.
• Paragraph styles and free fonts.

Not too bad, right?

If you have plenty of work experience (5+ years), you can easily continue onto the 2nd page with this template and it’ll STILL look good.

Professional Personal Brand Resume by Mukhlasur Rahman 

Price: $8.86

Have a bright personality and want to express within your resume?

You can now do so with this professional personal brand resume template.

As long as you work within the creative industry, you can get away with having a resume that shines personality.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and a layout designed specifically for being loud.

It’s professional, beautiful, and most importantly - unique .

If needed, you can customize just about every detail of the resume.

But even when left as it is, it’s still going to stand out from a folder of resumes.

Free Resume/CV Template by Pune Design Studio 

With this creative resume template by Pune Design Studio, the default bright colors help you stand out, and you can always edit or customize them based on your vision.

The package comes with 4 PSD files so, the whole template is 100% customizable.

If you know your way around Photoshop, you can edit the layers as you wish. And if not, the resume also comes with a help file of instructions .

And once everything is to your liking, the resume is automatically print-ready.

Simple as that.

Resume Template 4 Pack by Refinery Resume Co

Where to Get It: CreativeMarket

Your life doesn’t fit into one page?

Then you might want this resume template 4 pack to get your resume refined and noticed.

As long as you have the experience for it, this resume has the space.

From the first hello in your cover letter down to the references, this pack is the full package.

What’s included:

• Photoshop, Illustrators, MS Word file.
• Optional 2nd page (and more), template.
• Optional references and cover letter template.
• All the fonts used.

Infographic Resume Template by Microsoft

Where to Get It: MS Office Templates

Show you know your way around design and you’re not afraid to get creative with this infographic resume template.

It follows a modern chronological order, starting with your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

With it, you can list your qualifications in an extremely unique way, while still being easy to follow.

This is a great example of custom tailoring your resume to your industry.

As far as creative resumes go, this one will definitely catch some eyes.

Free Resume Template by Fernando Báez 

This free resume template screams high quality.

After using it to get a few jobs with the very same template, Fernando is now sharing his resume secrets.

A free resume that’s already been tried-and-tested? 

What’s not to love.

In it, you’ll find all the fonts used, a free icon set , and an Adobe Illustrator file .

PS - Wondering what font to use in your resume? Check out our guide on what’s the best resume font, size, and format .

Creative Resume Designed by MOO

This creative template by MOO was made for jobseekers wanting to show off their creativity and eye for design.

It’s customizable to your needs, and with its neutral color scheme, you can show off your creative side with just a minute or two of editing.

It’s accessible for job-seekersof all levels. Even if you don’t have a lot of work experience, you’ll at least stay memorable with this resume.

And sometimes, being memorable is all that it takes to land the interview.

Slick and Elegant Resume Template by InkAndOcean

Price: $15.36

First impressions are everlasting.

Get noticed by employers with this slick and elegant resume now.

All you have to do is customize your text in the simple resume layout.

You can also easily edit text color , as it’s an MS Word format, and change the font type as well.

The cover letter also follows a similar black and jade design. So, if you want to stay memorable, half the work is already done for you.

All that’s left for you to do is fill in your background.

Bold Monogram Resume by Microsoft

Is your resume as bold as your personality?

If you’re using this bold monogram resume - you’re practically making a statement.

And that statement is that you’re not afraid to present your experience and talent in a stylish way.

The template also includes helpful tips for building an effective resume, with the focus being on your resume objective.

Meanwhile, the rest of the resume follows a smooth order in a way that makes sense.

Creative Watercolor Template for Word by TheArtofResume 

Price: $5.09

This watercolor template follows an interesting color scheme design that would only ever work in the creative industry.

If you’re a creative by craft, then you’re in luck.

The watercolor template is 100% customizable and there is no need to download anything else except just the resume pack.

The pack also comes with extra page templates, a cover letter, a reference page , 250+ extra icons, and even a resume writing guide.

A unique design with plenty of customizable options.

What else would you need?

Attention Resume by Spovv 

Where to Get It: Creative Market

Possibly the most unique resume template on this list so far, the attention resume template definitely lives up to its name.

And if it’s unique for this list, you know for a fact it’s going to stand out from other job applicants applying for the same job.

The template has been professionally designed, so editing it is a piece of cake for every beginner.

The clean and elegant look aside, the pack is also:

• A4 and US letter paper size.
• Print ready.
• Efficiently labeled with organized layers
• Easy to use.
• For any creative job.

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle 

Where to Get it: Creative Market

A large part of having a clean resume that catches eyes is the design and the colors.

And that’s the case here.

This template comes with 3 different color schemes, with a clean layout and an easy-to-read font choice.

Though, probably the best thing about this template is the use of white space.

There’s plenty of space between each section, and nothing feels cramped.

No doubt the HR manager reading this resume will find it easy to do so.

It’s the exact blend of professional and creative that’ll be the main factor in landing you the job.

2 Column Resume Template for Word by OdonoDesign 

Price: $0.80

This 2 column resume is easy to use and professionally designed if you don’t have the time to format your own layout.

The template also comes with a 2nd page (if needed) and a cover letter file.

But unless you have a really long and extensive work history, you’ll have no problem fitting all of your work experience with 1 page.

And because of the column design, it’s all going to look great and be easy to follow.

For people in the creative industry, this is a really concise way to show off your qualifications.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin 

Where to Get It: Dribble

Feeling fancy and want to leave a lasting first impression?

Why not do so with this elegant resume template.

Everything about it screams classy, while still being professional and modern.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys the finer things in life (yes, including your resume), this template might be more up your alley and be worth the price tag.

Though, remember the design can’t do all the work for you.

You won’t get hired just for the looks of your resume - the content inside has to be good too!

2 Page Resume/CV Combo by ResumeTemplates 

If you’re going to break the 1-page resume rule, then you’ll want to do so while looking good.

And that’s where this 2-page resume combo comes in. 

It’s compatible with Word, all image-editing software, and everything is well-layered and editable.

To top it all off, it’s also ready to print.

You can be up and running with your resume in your hands, after just 10 minutes of editing the template.

Professional Profile Resume Template by TheArtofResume

Where to get it: Etsy

Need a professional resume that presents your profile the best way?

This creative template has just the right amount of space for the About Me section. 

Start with a summary of your qualifications and skills, and then back them up with your work experience and skills sections .

All this, while having plenty of space within the sections and space to breathe.

If needed, the template also goes up to 3 pages, and even comes with a cover letter.

And on top of that - everything is customizable.

But even if you were to go with the default colors, you’d probably be fine as the color scheme and the design is on point here.

Key Takeaways

To recap, design isn’t everything.

But typically, it’s the first thing recruiters notice when looking at your resume.

Start there.

Pick a creative resume template that lets you stand out without costing you professionalism.

Once you’ve picked the right template, you need to work on the contents. Not sure how? Here are some of our best guides on perfecting your resume:

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume - Complete Guide
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format in 2024 [+Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How To Make a Creative Resume: Tips and Best Practices

Creative resumes are nontraditional resumes, including video resumes or resumes that contain graphics and alternative formatting. For some roles, a creative resume helps you show off your skills and catch the recruiter’s eye, but there are still crucial best practices to keep in mind. This blog post shows you how to write a creative resume that stands out and when to use one.

What is a creative resume?

A creative resume is a document that uses unique formatting to showcase your professional achievements. Depending on your experience and the role you’re applying for, creative resumes come in a variety of formats:

• Video resumes
• Colorful resumes
• Resumes with graphics and patterns

A creative resume usually uses its creative elements to better highlight your experience and accomplishments. They need to strike the right balance between personality and professionalism. 

When should you use a creative resume?

Learning how to make a creative resume is highly beneficial for creative fields, including graphic designers, copywriters, editors, and models. This is especially the case if you have a portfolio to display. A creative resume acts as an extension of your professional experience and this is your chance to show off your skills.

Here are a few ways creative resumes help certain professionals:

• A resume with a sleek design and graphics displays a graphic designer’s talent
• An effective video resume helps editors show off their use of B-roll footage and transitions
• A resume with an eye-catching header helps a copywriter show off their ability to grab attention

For certain roles, a creative resume immediately catches a recruiter’s eye and tells them you’re worth considering. However, certain industries won’t appreciate them, such as engineering, financial, and tech roles. Ensure you think critically about your industry and the company you’re applying to before you build a creative resume.

Even professionals in creative fields should stay dynamic when building resumes. Try making a bold creative resume when applying to a casual company, stick to a more traditional format for old-fashioned organizations, and strike a middle ground for companies that are in-between.

What elements should you include in a creative resume?

Knowing which elements to include helps you learn how to write a creative resume that stands out. Bright colors, striking graphics, and nontraditional formats are just a handful of potential sections for a unique resume.

Use our list to inspire you, then try one or two of these ideas on one of our resume templates . For example, incorporate creative writing and portfolio links into our modern template to blend eccentric elements into a professional resume.

Visuals and format

A visually appealing resume makes your application stand out. It’s also a slightly more subtle way to display your creativity, which is beneficial when applying to slightly more traditional companies.

Different colors, layouts, and formats are great opportunities for you to grab attention while still maintaining professionalism and readability.

For example, bold colors in small amounts make your resume pop without going over the top.

Do you find infographics easy to read and digest? Many recruiters do, too. Graphics like icons and charts make resumes easy to understand.

Some professionals use small icons to represent their abilities or fluency in a language. This helps hiring managers quickly understand your proficiency in a refreshing way.

Portfolios and projects

Try highlighting portfolios and projects on your resume. Provide links to your portfolio, written work, or websites you’ve designed – and ensure the links work before sending off the resume.

Even if you include links elsewhere, like your cover letter or in your resume email , it’s a good idea to still place them in your resume. Hiring managers have a lot to juggle and might misplace the link.

New and innovative elements

There are always innovations in resumes, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on relevant trends. For example, you might try using a skills matrix or a graphic timeline of your work experience.

A creative writer might write their professional summary in the form of a poem or a seamster may print their resume on beautiful fabric.

“For certain roles, a creative resume immediately catches a recruiter’s eye and tells them you’re worth considering.”

What to keep in mind when building a creative resume

A creative resume is a great opportunity to express your expertise, but it’s still a professional document.

An important part of learning how to make a creative resume is knowing when to reel yourself in and stay professional.

We list the best practices to balance your creative resume below. If you’re interested in learning even more tips and tricks to enhance your resume, check out our resume articles .

Work experience and skills

Your work history, skills, and competencies should still be clear and easily understood, even in a creative resume. Ensure you use clear terminology that accurately describes your skills and previous work responsibilities.

Education and certifications

It’s still important to list your education on resumes . Many creative job postings require educational certification, or at least prefer it.

Professionals in creative fields may have degrees from art schools or fashion institutes, or they may have coursework in ceramics making. It’s also very common for writers to have degrees in Communications or English.

Contact information

This resume element is vital. Your contact details must be at the very top of your resume and easy to quickly digest. This section should contain your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL.

For creative resumes, this is also a section to put your Instagram URL if you regularly post your art. You’ll also want to list the address of your artistic workshop if you have one.

Keep a consistent look

Your creative resume is different from a standard resume, but it still needs a clear layout, readable font, and complementary colors.

Even extremely unique resumes should have a consistent theme and a pleasing format. Check out our article on choosing a resume structure for advice, and then incorporate it into your creative resume.

Check and edit as always

Just like any resume, a creative resume needs to be double-checked and scanned for errors. Check it yourself and run it through a spell-check program, then ask friends and colleagues to read through it, too.

We recommend asking other creatives in your professional circle for their advice. These people can not only check for errors but also provide artistic advice on colors and layout.

Adapt it to the job description

Always adapt your resume to the role and match it to the job description. This not only helps the hiring manager instantly connect to your resume, but it also makes your resume ATS-friendly .

Even when writing a creative resume, we recommend avoiding job titles and skill names that are too unique. For example, a job post looking for a graphic designer may never find your resume if you list your title as a “ Graphic Superstar. ”

Build a Standout Creative Resume and Wow Recruiters

Knowing how to write a creative resume that stands out is a powerful skill. It’s a unique way to show hiring managers a preview of your capabilities before they even finish reading your resume.

Consider a variety of creative mediums, such as adding visuals, graphics, and links to your professional portfolio.

Just remember that this is still a professional document, so include a clear description of your work history and skills, keep a consistent design, and double-check for errors and flow.

You can pull together a creative resume in minutes by using CVwizard’s Resume Builder . Try building a quick resume, then adding links to your portfolio – or edit in your artwork after it’s done.

Make an impression with your resume

Create and download a professional resume quickly and easily.

10 Resume Tips To Help You Land Your Dream Job

How To Make Video Resumes: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

Awards to Put on Resumes (And How to Showcase Them)

How To Make a Creative Resume

While most employers prefer a simple, professional resume, there are some situations where a more creative and unique resume can work to your advantage. This article will cover what a creative resume is, the pros and cons of using one, when a creative resume is appropriate, and a few sample ideas and tips to get you started.

What Is a Creative Resume?

A creative resume generally contains much of the same information as a traditional resume , but it is presented in a more fun or interesting manner. Creative resumes are often tailored to a specific industry in order to show off your relevant skills and set your application apart from others. For example, a graphic designer might make an infographic style resume or otherwise make a visually interesting resume, while a videographer might create a video resume .

Benefits of a Creative Resume

There are a few different benefits of creative resumes . First, they can serve to grab a hiring manager’s attention better than a traditional resume, which can help you stand out from a crowd of applicants.

Additionally, creative resumes can be a more effective way to demonstrate your skills and qualifications , especially if you are applying to a job that relies on visual information such as graphic design, acting, modeling, photography, videography, and so forth. It’s often difficult to translate these skills effectively onto paper, so incorporating samples of your work directly into your resume can be very helpful.

Finally, if you do not have a lot of professional work experience , a creative resume can help you emphasize your skills and other qualifications over your chronological work history (or lack thereof).

Disadvantages of Creative Resumes

However, there are some disadvantages of using a creative resume as well. First, many companies and hiring managers prefer traditional resumes since they are generally easier to read and compare with other applications. Some hiring managers may also feel that including graphics, visual aids, design elements, or other non-traditional resume elements is distracting and unnecessary.

Plus, many companies now use applicant tracking system ( ATS ) software to screen every resume that they receive. These automated systems search for keywords that the employer has specified in order to determine if the applicant has the desired experience, skills, and so forth. ATS software can only scan text, however, so if your creative resume includes graphics or other non-text elements, it may be automatically rejected by the ATS or not even scanned at all.

If you feel that a creative resume makes the most sense for you but you are concerned about an ATS rejection, you may want to submit a simple, more traditional written resume in addition to your creative resume.

When To Use a Creative Resume

If you are considering using a creative resume, think about whether your creative abilities are sufficient to create a compelling one as well as if it’s appropriate for your industry. For example, if you are applying to a role in a staid industry like finance or law, a creative resume wouldn’t be appropriate and would likely actually hurt your candidacy. In general, if your industry has a dress code, a traditional executive-style resume will be your best bet.

Your creative resume needs to be professional, and it needs to present all of your relevant information.

It can take quite some time to create one, and it needs to be visually appealing as well as effective. If you aren’t completely confident in your ability to make an effective creative resume, you may be better off sticking to a traditional resume.

Creative Resume Example Ideas

If you have decided that a creative resume is appropriate for your industry and you have the skills and abilities to create an effective one, here are a few ideas for creative resume formats to help you get started:

Infographic

An infographic can be a good option for graphic designers, web designers, those who work in IT, and so forth. An infographic will still contain some written text, but it is visually more interesting and can show off your design and presentation skills better than plain text.

Video Resume

A video resume can be useful if you are applying to a visual or performance-based role, such as acting, teaching classes, presenting, and so forth. They can also be suitable if you are applying to work as a videographer or video editor. Video resumes are generally most successful when they are kept between 30 seconds and two minutes in length.

Online Portfolios

An online portfolio can serve as a supplement to a traditional resume or as a resume in its own right if you include your essential information in addition to the past work or visual elements that you are showcasing.

Unique Twist on a Traditional Resume

Finally, you can use a traditional resume as the basis for your creative resume, but add interesting elements like color blocks, textures, unique fonts , and so forth. For instance, if you are an illustrator, you might create an illustrated border or header for your traditional resume. This will make your resume stand out to potential employers but the written portion will still be scannable for the ATS.

Tips for Creating a Successful Creative Resume

Finally, here are some tips to help you make a compelling creative resume:

While traditional resumes should mostly employ muted colors or no colors at all, a creative resume can have pops of color that help show off your personality as well as your design skills, taste, and style.

Use Interesting Fonts

While it’s generally best to use a relatively plain, easy-to-read font for the body text of your resume, you can experiment with more creative fonts for your name at the top of your resume as well as your headings and subheadings. However, be sure that the text is still readable.

Use a Design Program

If you really want to create a unique resume, you may need to use a design program rather than a word processor or a template. However, be sure that you know what you are doing in the design program before attempting this so your resume turns out looking polished and professional.

Keep It Professional and Relevant

With a creative resume, you still need to present the essential information that would be expected on a traditional resume, such as your name and contact information , work experience, education , skills, and so forth. Additionally, be sure that everything you include on your creative resume is relevant to the position that you are applying for.

Make Sure It’s Printable

If you are submitting a resume that involves colors, graphics, and so forth, be sure that the resume can still be printed easily and that everything is still legible when printed. Ensure that your font color contrasts with the background color so that even if your colorful resume is printed out in black and white, the hiring manager will still be able to read it.

Key Takeaways

Creative resumes provide a little more flair and visual interest over traditional written resumes, and they can be beneficial for those who work in creative or visual fields. Demonstrating your skills can be more effective than trying to outline them in writing. When deciding if a creative resume is right for you, consider whether you have the time and abilities to create an effective one and whether it’s appropriate for your industry. If so, be sure to include all of the essential information that would be on a traditional resume. If you are concerned about ATS scans, you may wish to submit a traditional written resume in addition to your creative resume.

Not sure what information to include in your creative resume? Create your traditional resume first with Jobseeker ’s professional resume templates . You’ll have an ATS-optimized resume to submit and you’ll learn which information to include in your creative resume.

Get ahead of the competition

Make your job applications stand-out from other candidates.

Reverse Chronological Resume: Tips & Examples

Highlighting Your Technical Skills for Resumes

How to Write a General Resume

Category 10 minutes read

Creative Resume Design: 10 Tips For A Unique CV

September 17, 2021

For most people, creating a resume is one of the most dreaded parts of any job search. Where’s the fun in thinking back on all of your old jobs and figuring out how to make the work sound a lot more impressive than it felt? We have an answer for you: creative resume design.

In an increasingly competitive market, any edge you can get over the competition should be grasped. Don’t worry, Picsart can help break through the tedious work of creating a curriculum vitae (CV) so that you can stand out in the eyes of recruiters and hiring managers. Read on to learn why you may want to add a dash of artistry to your resume, as well as our top 10 tips on how to make a creative resume.

What Is Creative Resume Design?

If the idea of a traditional resume bores you to tears, you may want to think about adding a spark of creativity to your CV. A creative resume is a way to use colors, shapes, and other design elements to give employers a better idea of who you are and what you’re capable of.

Depending on the job you’re applying for, your creative CV may take the form of an infographic resume, a video resume, a personal website, or an online portfolio with samples of your work. The format of your resume should reflect the nature of the job you’re applying for. Think about which skills you need to show off, such as graphic design, video editing, illustrating, or web design. Then, figure out how you can include them in your resume design.

Not every hiring manager will be happy to see a creative resume design, especially if they work in a field that tends to be more formal and professional. However, there are a wide range of jobs where a creative CV will be beneficial. Unique resumes tend to work better for creative positions – such as graphic designer or video editor – but some companies with a more modern and informal brand culture may appreciate applicants that add a bit of personality to their CVs.

Aside from the fun, artsy elements, it’s important that creative resumes still contain all the information that you’d find in a traditional resume. This can include your education, work experience, skills, awards, contact information, and links to social media profiles, online portfolio, or any supplemental information you think may strengthen your job application.

Benefits of Designing a Creative Resume

Creative resumes can be an eye-catching way to make a memorable first impression, as long as the person in charge of hiring is on board with your creativity. By going above and beyond a traditional resume, you get a chance to show off your design skills and your personal brand, as well as any other visual media skills that may be relevant to the job. The key is creating a resume that shows your creativity while still being easy to access, read, and understand.

If you’re a creative professional, your resume formatting can be a sample of your abilities. A recruiter won’t even have to open your portfolio or click on the link to your website to see what you can do. That can definitely help your resume stand out in a stack of hundreds of applications.

A unique resume design may also be the best way for job seekers with a lengthy work history to submit an application that focuses on their skills and relevant experience instead of the timeline of their past jobs.

Quick note: If you’re using a creative resume, you may be worried about it being read by an applicant tracking system (ATS). To avoid any potential problems, you might want to upload a plain-text version of your resume to any online applications you fill out. That way, you can showcase your creativity without sacrificing how well your resume performs with an ATS.

10 Creative Resume Design Tips

Before you get started on your creative resume, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the best practices that go into good resume design. A great resume has the power to make you look professional and approachable while showing off your personality and skill. Here are our top 10 tips for making a unique resume:

Choose Your Fonts Wisely

The key to making a great creative resume is knowing where you need to reign things in. It can be tempting to choose fun, interesting fonts for every section of your resume. Unfortunately, that can make things look scattered, disorganized, and difficult to read.

If you have your heart set on including creative fonts , try to keep them to your section headings (and remember, creative shouldn’t mean hard to read). For the body text of each section, stick to a simple sans serif font that’s easy on the eyes.

Be Strategic in Your Color Choices

Colors have the power to evoke different moods and emotions, depending on how you use them. So before you start designing your resume, brush up on some basic color theory to help you choose which colors you want to include.

Warm colors (red, orange, and yellow) tend to be vivid and energetic, while cool colors (green, blue, and purple) may feel more calm and soothing. Think about the position you’re applying for and what characteristics the hiring manager may be looking for. Then, use color theory to help you choose the color scheme for your resume.

Don’t Neglect Your Cover Letter

If you’re going to use a creative resume for your job application, you should probably get a little creative with your cover letter too. Try to put some of the same colors and design elements from your resume into your cover letter (and any other documents you submit with your resume). This can show off your consistency, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Get to the Point

Unless you’re applying to a small start-up or local business, there’s a good chance that your application will be one of many that the hiring manager has to look through. Show them that you respect their time by making your resume concise and skimmable. The less time it takes for them to realize you’re perfect for the job, the better.

Pro tip: Avoid long paragraphs wherever you can. Including white space (think: paragraph breaks, bullet points, etc.) will make your resume easier to read.

Cut Out Old or Irrelevant Experience

Every inch of space on your resume is valuable. Don’t waste any by talking about jobs that you had years ago that have nothing to do with the position you’re applying for. You may have fond memories from your first job, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a recruiter wants to read about it. If you can’t bear to completely let go of your irrelevant experience, consider hosting it in an online portfolio that you link to at the end of your resume.

Need More Space? Try Using Columns

What can you do if you’ve cut out all irrelevant information and made your sections as concise as can be, but you’re still having trouble fitting everything on one page? Try adding a column. Columns help break up a page, making your resume format more organized and easy to read. You can even make the column’s background a different color to set it apart from the rest of the page, as long as it doesn’t make your font harder to read.

Make Things Interesting With Infographics

By now, you probably realize how important it is to make your resume easy to read. If you’re making a creative resume, you also get the chance to make it fun to read. Look over the different sections of your resume and see if there’s any information you can display in a more graphic way.

For example, you can use a pie chart or a star rating system to show your proficiency in different skills. Just make sure that your infographic is as easy to understand as it is visually appealing.

Include Samples of Your Work

If you’re applying for a job in graphic design, writing, or any other creative field, you should include a few samples of your work. These should be relevant examples that give your potential employer an idea of the type of work you’d produce for them if they hired you. You can include links to these samples on your resume or attach a separate “samples” document to your application.

Find Creative Ways to Show Your Personality

One advantage of a creative resume is that it gives you plenty of opportunities to infuse your personality into the design. You can do this by including a photo of yourself , adding fun shapes and designs to the page, or using your creative voice for your resume writing. Don’t be afraid to think out-of-the-box (while still keeping your resume easy to read and understand, of course).

Be Your Unique Self

The whole point of making a creative resume is to give potential employers a strong idea of who you are. If you’re not sure how to make a creative resume, it can be tempting to find a flashy example online and edit it to include your information. However, if you’re a creative professional, you should make sure that your resume design is your own unique work and style. You want to get hired for who you are.

How to Make a Creative Resume Using Picsart

When you see your dream job posted online, you don’t want to wait too long before you apply. Don’t give someone else a chance to impress the hiring manager before you do. The best time to create your resume is before you need it. That way, all you have to do when you see a job posting is go in and make a few tweaks to make everything relevant to the position you’re applying for. Get started on your dazzling creative resume today with Picsart by following these steps:

That’s it. You can go as wild as you want on the design, or keep it minimal and impactful. The key thing to remember is that a creative resume will mean different things to different people and for different roles. So be sure to adjust yours accordingly. And good luck on the job hunt.

Create at the Speed of Culture

Picsart is a full ecosystem of free-to-use content, powerful tools, and creator inspiration. With a billion downloads and more than 150 million monthly active creators, Picsart is the world’s largest creative platform. Picsart has collaborated with major artists and brands like BLACKPINK, the Jonas Brothers, Lizzo, Sanrio: Hello Kitty, I am a Voter, Bebe Rexha, Maroon 5, One Direction, Warner Bros. Entertainment, iHeartMedia, Condé Nast, and more. Download the app or start editing on web today to enhance your photos and videos with thousands of quick and easy editing tools, trendy filters, fun stickers, and brilliant backgrounds. Unleash your creativity and upgrade to Gold for premium perks!

Related articles

Inspirational Marketing

The ‘demure’ TikTok trend explained

Inspirational

From Burn to Bloom: A Queer Writer’s Journey to Self Discovery, Community and Starting a Business

Design School Tutorials

Hot pink color: Hex code, shades, and design ideas

Inspirational News

Happy Birthday Picsart Spaces! Celebrating One Year of Community and Creativity

Related tags

Creative Resume 101: What Works in the Current Employment Market

• January 18, 2022

The constant advancements in technology have enticed many young professionals to seize the opportunity to pursue a career in one of today’s most in-demand fields, the creative industry. Even in the present day, the creative industry continues to amaze with new opportunities and possibilities.

So, if you’re planning to set your feet, walk on this career path, and become one of the successful professionals in this track; kick-start your job search in the field with the help of our creative resume writing guide!

What is a Creative Resume

Whether you’re changing careers or pursuing a career in the creative field, you must first catch the hiring managers’ attention through your resume. This isn’t only limited to traditional resumes; it also includes the creative resume. There’s nothing wrong with the usual black-and-white resume design; but since you are establishing a career in the creative industry, a creative resume is highly recommended.

A creative resume doesn’t follow the traditional way of writing resumes . It is a visual representation of the applicant’s professional information and accomplishments. Through this, you can present your skills and feats in a manner that bucks convention. You can also showcase your artistic prowess by including graphics and videos on your creative resume . Usually, these resumes are sent online, along with your online portfolio , video sample, or personal website.

When to Use a Creative Resume Format

A creative resume format represents the unique design skills and creativity of a job seeker. While creative resumes are eye-catching and attention-grabbing, this resume format is not applicable for all industries. It’s advisable to research the company culture of your prospective employer first. Assess which type of resume format is more appropriate.

For instance, this resume format might not work well within the engineering, accounting, or healthcare sectors which require skills and qualifications that don’t need creative visuals. But if you’re planning to build a career in the creative industry , then this format is the perfect chance to highlight your artistic flair.

On the other hand, multimedia artists use creative resume formats to flaunt their skills and experiences through various visual elements. This allows them to display graphic designs that can’t be translated into words.

That said; this resume format has easily become the top choice of many graphic designers, visual artists, web designers, photographers, video editors, filmmakers, and other professionals in the field.

How to Make a Creative Resume: The Dos and Don’ts

Let’s say you have the qualifications, skills, and experience that would qualify you for the job. Can you showcase them on your resume? No worries! Read this creative resume writing guide to help you craft one that will surely impress hiring managers.

The Dos in Creative Resume Writing

Follow these creative resume writing tips and grab the hiring managers’ attention!

1. Do include visual elements .

This type of resume is popular among creative thinkers since it allows them to modify it with their own graphics and layout styles. As a creative professional, level up your game and outline your layout! This is your time to unleash your creativity in creating your own icons and palettes.

2. Do work on your brand .

Do you want to showcase your personal brand in your resume? Use colors that describe your personality. Create your own brand logo and design your own icons. Combine all these elements altogether to draft a one-of-a-kind creative resume.

3. Do keep it creative yet cohesive .

You have the freedom to choose your own layout. However, always make sure that each detail complements each other. Highlight your skills and unique ideas as they will serve as one of your edges among other applicants.

4. Do proofread it as much as you can .

A minor blunder might taint your impression on the recruiting manager. Have it reviewed by someone else so you may gain input on how to improve your creative resume.

The Don’ts in Creative Resume Writing

Wondering what to avoid when writing a creative resume? Continue reading to find out what you should steer clear from.

1. Don’t plagiarize.

Just like other forms of art, your resume depicts your own expression. Don’t fall for the trap of copying others’ work because it says so much about your work ethic. It’s fine to get inspiration from their works; but never, ever copy the entire thing and claim it as your own.

2. Don’t go overboard with the design.

Remember, keeping it simple is better than going extreme with the designs. The important thing is to present the relevance of your career history and information to the job position you’re applying for. Having a clean design makes it more attractive to hiring managers .

3. Don’t be too wordy.

Rather than writing flowery and lengthy sentences, utilize your creative ideas to make your resume more aesthetically attractive and less wordy. Including a block of text in your job search tool defeats the purpose of the icons and other graphics.

4. Don’t forget your goal.

At the end of the day, your main target is to impress your hiring managers and get your dream job. Hence, you should arrange all your creative efforts in a manner that will convey your skills and strengths. You have the freedom to include your own style but don’t get too carried away in such a way that you lose track of your goal.

Creative Resume Design Sample

Looking for recommended design inspiration or a designed resume template? Fret no more! Resume Valley career experts are here for you. View our sample below and learn how to create your own job search tool.

Download Creative Resume Sample with Dos and Don’ts here.

Pursuing a career in the creative field gives you endless possibilities, especially if this is your calling. Go and get the hiring managers’ affirmative response for a job interview with your creative resume! If you are still not confident and in need of expert opinions on your creative resume, don’t worry; Resume Valley is here for you. Check our resume services today!

Related Post

7 Good Work Habits You Need to Develop and Practice to Achieve Career Success

The Resume Trends to Ace Job Search (Plus the Red and Green Flags of Resume Writing)

Why and How You Should Choose the Best Font for Resume

Helpful links.

• Employee Log In
• Search for:

How to Make a Résumé: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our thorough guide on how to make a résumé! Crafting a compelling résumé is crucial for securing your dream job. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a résumé that effectively showcases your skills, experiences and qualifications.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key elements of a successful résumé: selecting the right format, highlighting contact information and personal details, showcasing work experience and key achievements, emphasizing education and professional development, optimizing for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and online applications, and refining your résumé with other professional tips.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer or looking to enhance your job prospects, our guide will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to create a standout résumé. Let’s get started!

Choose the Right Résumé Format

One of the first decisions you’ll make when creating a résumé is selecting the right format. The format you choose will depend on your specific circumstances and the jobs you’re applying for. Understanding the different résumé formats can help you present your skills and experience effectively.

There are three primary résumé formats: chronological, functional and combination. The chronological format emphasizes your work history, listing your most recent experience first. This format is ideal if you have a solid work history and want to highlight your career progression.

The functional format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. This format is suitable if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers. By emphasizing your skills and achievements, you can demonstrate your value to employers.

The combination format merges elements of both the chronological and functional formats. This format is ideal if you want to highlight both your skills and work history.

To select the appropriate format, consider your career goals, work history and the job you’re applying for. If you have a solid work history and want to emphasize your career progression, the chronological format might be the best choice. If you have employment gaps or want to highlight your skills, the functional format could be more suitable. If you want to showcase both your skills and work history, the combination format is a great option.

Effective formatting is also essential. Use clear headings and bullet points to make your résumé easy to read. Choose a professional font and maintain consistent formatting throughout. Be concise and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Finally, proofread your résumé for any errors or typos before submitting it.

Highlight Your Contact Information and Personal Details

It’s crucial to include your contact information so potential employers can reach you easily. Include your full name, phone number and email address at the top of your résumé. You might also want to include your LinkedIn profile or a link to your professional website, if applicable.

Adding a professional summary or objective statement is also important. This section provides a brief overview of your skills, experience and career goals, helping employers quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to their organization.

Including relevant (and appropriate) personal details and achievements can make your résumé stand out. Highlight any certifications, awards or honors that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Additionally, consider including any relevant volunteer work or community involvement that showcases your skills and character.

Showcase Your Work Experience and Key Achievements

Effectively showcasing your work experience and key achievements is essential. This section highlights your professional journey and demonstrates your value to potential employers. Here are some tips to make your work history stand out:

Craft Compelling Bullet Points for Your Work History:

Use concise and action-oriented language to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to grab the reader’s attention. Quantify your achievements wherever possible by including numbers, percentages or specific results.

Highlight Your Accomplishments and Quantifiable Results:

Focus on your most significant achievements in each position. Whether it’s increasing sales, improving efficiency or implementing successful projects, highlight these accomplishments to demonstrate your impact. Employers value measurable results that showcase your abilities.

Include Relevant Skills and Certifications:

Don’t forget to include relevant skills and certifications in this section. List technical skills, software proficiencies and any certifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This will help employers quickly identify your qualifications and suitability for the role.

Emphasize Your Education and Professional Development:

Highlighting your educational qualifications and degrees is crucial when creating your résumé. Start by listing your highest level of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, along with the name of the institution and the year of graduation. This information helps employers gauge your level of expertise and academic background.

In addition to your degrees, consider including relevant coursework and projects that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in specific areas. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position, you could mention coursework in typography or projects where you designed logos or brochures. Including these details shows employers that you have hands-on experience and are well-rounded in your field.

Another important aspect to emphasize is your professional development and certifications. This can include workshops, seminars, or training programs you have completed that are relevant to your desired job. If you have obtained any industry-specific certifications, such as a project management or IT certification, be sure to highlight those as well. Employers value candidates who actively pursue opportunities to enhance their skills and stay updated in their field.

Optimize Your Résumé for ATS and Online Applications

When applying for jobs online, it’s important to understand how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work. These systems filter and rank résumés based on specific keywords and criteria. To increase your chances of getting noticed, here are some tips for optimizing your résumé for ATS and online applications:

• Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Research the ATS used by the company you are applying to and tailor your résumé accordingly. Pay attention to the keywords they are likely to be searching for and incorporate them into your résumé.
• Tips for Incorporating Keywords and Optimizing for Online Applications: Use relevant keywords throughout your résumé to match the job description. This will help your résumé get past the initial screening process. Additionally, make sure to use a clean and professional format that is compatible with online applications.
• Avoiding Common Résumé Mistakes and Formatting Issues: Double-check your résumé for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that the font, font size, and formatting are consistent throughout. Avoid using images, graphics or complex formatting that may not be compatible with ATS.
• Polish Your Résumé with Professional Tips and Guidance

Creating a résumé that stands out from the crowd requires careful polishing with professional tips and guidance. This section provides valuable insights on proofreading and editing your résumé, formatting tips for a clean and professional look, as well as guidance on including additional sections like volunteer work or hobbies.

Proofreading and editing your résumé is crucial to ensure clarity and accuracy. Take the time to carefully review your content for any spelling or grammatical errors. Pay attention to the flow of your sentences and make sure they are easy to read and understand. Consider asking a friend or family member to review your résumé as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you might have missed.

Formatting your résumé properly is essential in creating a clean and professional appearance. Use a consistent font throughout the document and make sure it is easy to read. Utilize headings and bullet points to organize your information and make it more visually appealing. Additionally, consider using a professional résumé template to help you maintain a polished look.

While your work experience and educational background are important, including additional sections like volunteer work or hobbies can help you showcase your personality and interests. Highlight any relevant volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills or align with your career goals. Including hobbies can also provide a glimpse into your interests outside of work, which can help you connect with potential employers on a personal level.

Locate a career center.

Access career resources.

Let's stay in touch

Sign up and receive information on a range of topics including thrift shopping tips and inspiration, job and career advice, home organization ideas and stories of individuals served by local Goodwills.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International supports a network of more than 150 local Goodwill organizations. To find the Goodwill headquarters responsible for your area, visit our locator.

• Find a job at Goodwill
• Help Center
• Employee Login
• Make a donation
• Get career help
• Partner with us
• Online Auction Site For Shopping
• Access Sustainable Jobs And Resources

• Arts, Design & Media
• Career Exploration
• Government, Policy & Social Impact
• Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)
• Health Care & Sciences
• Technology, Data & Engineering
• Career Assessments
• Career & Major Exploration
• Resumes, Cover Letters & Application Materials
• Graduate & Professional School Preparation
• Job & Internship Search Strategies
• Negotiation & Offer Evaluation
• Professional Conduct
• Bear Treks – Explore Industries
• Chancellor’s Career Fellows Program
• Pershing Fellowship in Non-Profit Leadership
• Stipends for Unpaid Summer Internships
• Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment
• Faculty & Staff
• Attend an Event
• Engage with Students
• Post a Position
• Hiring International Talent
• International Employer Resources in Asia
• Recruiting Calendar
• Recruitment and Offer Policy
• Visiting the Center for Career Engagement
• Hire WashU: Annual Employer Forum
• Career Outcomes
• Center for Career Engagement Leadership
• Academic Partnerships Team
• Career Development Team
• Employer Engagement Team
• Events, Operations & Programs Team
• Student Career Peer Team

Resume Considerations for Creative Careers

Preparing well-considered application materials is of course an important part of the internship and/or job pursuit — however, within many industry niches, disciplines, and practices, design of these documents, at both the macro and micro level, are evaluated very closely, and in some cases, more closely than the conventional content detailing roles and experiences, etc.

Generally speaking, if you are positioning yourself as a designer or an art director (or similar role), you should never use a template to compose your resume — your materials need to reflect your own original visual language (designers should consider resumes and application materials as an extension of the portfolio as these will be evaluated as such by creative hiring managers and design leads at firms and studios). Think carefully about typeface choices, structure, relationships. Please review specific considerations for the designer’s resume and cover letter . Many alums and young professionals will include their resumes on their portfolio sites — review for ideas and inspiration, but never lift any design or other content from your peers (considered a violation of academic and professional integrity).

If you are applying for a position outside of a creative recruiter’s realm — say, an account executive or planner — consult more conventional resume tips and insights but definitely consult with a career coach and/or alum working in the field to help guide your approach. Review a standard action word bank to help diversify your language in a resume, cover letter, or other materials.

• Delete a Page in Word
• Convert PDF to Word
• Page Numbers in Word
• Double Space in Word
• Table of Contents in Word

How to make a resume in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or need a resume refresh, you’re probably considering Microsoft Word for the task. We’ll walk you through options for making a resume in Word, from using helpful templates to creating a resume from scratch.

Use a built-in Word resume template

Use a word resume template on the web, use a third-party word resume template, create a word resume from scratch.

The quickest and easiest way to make a resume in Word is using one of Microsoft’s templates . You can look for one directly in Word and choose from a large collection of options.

Open Word, select File > New , and pop “resume” into the Search box. You can then browse the templates with resumes for specific jobs and industries along with those for any type of position.

Choose a template to see a description and pick Create to use the resume.

The Microsoft resume templates come with placeholders that you can simply swap out for your own details. This is handy if you like the appearance of all elements in the template. Of course, if you’re not fond of the color scheme or font styles, you can change those types of items.

Remember to go to File > Save As to save a copy of your resume.

Maybe you don’t have Microsoft Word on your computer yet but need your resume in that format. You can use Word on the web for free with a Microsoft account and take advantage of resume templates.

Visit the Microsoft Create website and explore the resume templates . If you see one you like, select it to open it directly in Word for the web.

Alternatively, select Create from scratch and choose Resumes, flyers, brochures . When Word opens, use the Designer sidebar on the right to browse through and choose a resume template.

Then, swap out the placeholders for your own details and customize the resume as you like.

If you like the template idea but don’t care for any of the Microsoft options, you can check out third-party templates for your resume. Here are just a few of the top options and samples of resume templates they offer for free.

Resume Genius

With Resume Genius , you can pick from over a dozen custom Word templates to download. From simple to professional to aesthetically pleasing to visually appealing, you’re sure to find at least one resume template you like.

Hloom offers over 15 resume and CV templates for free and even more if you don’t mind paying. Be sure to select Free on the left below License if you want to narrow down the no-charge options. As a bonus, you’ll also see a tab for cover letters if you’re in the market for one of those too.

Template.net

One more place to check out for Word resume templates is Template.net . You’ll find a large variety of attractive options specific to position or resume style. Like with Hloom, select Free beneath License on the left, and be sure to take a look at the cover letter collection too.

After you download a resume template from one of the above sites, simply customize it with your own details.

Maybe you’d prefer to simply create your resume from scratch; this is always an option if you have the time. Consider reviewing the above templates and samples for the information you should include and ideas for formatting.

To get started, add the following details to your resume:

Full name and current position : Place your name and position at the top. If you don’t have a current position, you can certainly omit it.

Objective (optional) : Provide a brief description of your goal to potential employers beneath your name and position. This is an optional inclusion — if you add one, try to keep it short and sweet with one to two meaningful sentences.

Contact details : Include at least your email address and phone number. If you have an up-to-date website or LinkedIn profile, you can add these as well. Make sure these details are kept together in a specific location so they’re simple to find.

Work experience : List your work experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with your position, then move onto the employer, month, and year you worked there, and your duties. You should include your duties and responsibilities in a list format making them easy to review.

Education : List your educational history in chronological order with the most recent first. Start with the degree, then add the school with the month and year you attended.

Skills, awards, and more : Use a list format to add your skills, awards, certifications, volunteer work, and any other details you feel important to the position or company.

Here are several tips when formatting your resume in Word:

• Use a heading or larger font for your full name at the top.
• Add headings for the Experience, Educations, and Skills sections.
• If you decide to use color, keep it to just one or two complementary colors.
• Try to use the same font style throughout, taking advantage of font sizes, headings, or bold formatting for more prominent details.
• Use a font that’s easy to read like a 12-point Arial, Calibri, Georgia, or Times New Roman for the main body text. You might also consider which font style works better for reading on the web versus on a printed piece.
• If you include a headshot, make sure it’s a professional one.
• Consider using a table to structure your resume, as shown above.

Finally, be sure to keep the appearance and content of your resume consistent.

Is it OK to make a resume in Word?

Absolutely! This is exactly the type of document you should create in a word processing application like Microsoft Word. If you prefer, you can also use a web application like Google Docs to make a resume or downloadable software like LibreOffice Writer.

Once your resume is complete, you can save it as a PDF or other requested format in most word processing applications for submission to the potential employer or hiring manager.

How far back should a resume go?

Most experts recommend 10 to 15 years is appropriate for a resume. Keep in mind that you should include relevant work experience for that time period . For example, if you’re a nurse who worked at a fast-food chain for two months 12 years ago, you can likely exclude that job.

How many pages should a resume be?

The standard for a resume is one to two pages. However, this can depend on the length of your experience and education in relation to the position for which you’re applying. For instance, someone who’s been in the workforce for 20 years might require two pages, but a recent college graduate would probably only need one page.

Editors’ Recommendations

• It took Microsoft 30 years to change this Windows feature
• Microsoft is axing unlicensed accounts for this popular service
• How to use mail merge in Microsoft Word
• How to download Microsoft Word
• Microsoft might be building its own Vision Pro rival
• How-To Guides

Upgrading to Windows 11 comes with a few requirements, and that includes a bump in random access memory (RAM). And with Windows 10 nearing the end of support, many users will soon need to consider switching to Windows 11 regardless of how much memory it consumes.

Windows 11, while it introduces a host of new features, may consume more RAM than its predecessor, but the amount of memory that it uses is not universal. Below, we'll explain what RAM is, explore how much RAM Windows 11 actually uses, and how to lower that amount if your PC is having a hard time. Windows 11: RAM usage when idle

Microsoft Teams is reportedly testing a new design that merges the app's channels and text chat into one user interface, a lot like Slack. This could potentially streamline text communication for organizations and businesses, as The Verge's Tom Warren mentioned in his Notebook newsletter post.

The newsletter mentioned that Microsoft is currently testing a change combining the text chat and channels into one UI. An internal Microsoft message said: "Our new experience brings chats and channels together to get you to what matters faster."

Since releasing the original Surface tablet in 2012, Microsoft has grown its PC business into a multibillion-dollar enterprise. The mobile Surface line has expanded to include 2-in-1 and traditional clamshell laptops in various form factors. There's the Surface Pro 11, Surface Laptop 7, Surface Laptop Go 3, and Surface Laptop Studio 2. That's quite the lineup, and you'll find a Surface on a number of our best-of lists such as best tablets and best laptops.

The two most mainstream lines, though, are the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Laptop 7. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and you'll want to keep them in mind if you're looking for a Surface and choosing between the two. Specs and configurations

How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter? (And How to Write One)

How to study abroad: a full guide for students, what can you do with a chemistry degree.

Professional Resume Writing Services

Find the plan to land your next job faster.

Our services have helped over 1 million professionals land more interviews and get hired faster..

9700+ 5 star reviews

Professional Growth

Get traction with employers with a professional resume..

ATS-optimized resume

Career.io Premium Trial

60-day interview guarantee

Cover Letter

LinkedIn Makeover

Career Evolution

Core documents to ensure you get the interview..

ATS-Optimized resume

Career.io Premium Access

60-day Interview Guarantee

Career Confidence

Everything needed to stand out and get your target job..

Top 10% of Writer Network

60-Day Interview Guarantee

We’re committed to helping our customers succeed. If you don’t get called for an interview in 60-days, your rewrite is on us.

PROTECT YOUR DATA

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our   Privacy Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

Free All-in-One Office Suite with PDF Editor

Edit Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE.

Read, edit, and convert PDFs with the powerful PDF toolkit.

Microsoft-like interface, easy to use.

Windows • MacOS • Linux • iOS • Android

• Articles of Word

How to Create an ATS Resume with 90+ Score [Tips with Examples]

We've all been in that frustrating position where we endlessly send out resume after resume to different companies, hoping for a call for an interview to finally impress them with our knowledge and skill set. The catch is, many of these companies aren't even noticing your resume because it isn't optimized.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a powerful tool that helps you analyze your resume's score based on relevant keywords and structure. If your resume doesn't achieve a good score, it's likely to go unnoticed. In this article, I will explain what an ATS is, how it works, and how you can optimize your resume to achieve a score of 90+ and land that dream job.

What is an ATS Resume and how does it Work?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application used by employers to manage and streamline the recruitment process. It collects, sorts, and ranks job applications, allowing recruiters to efficiently handle large volumes of resumes.

The ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job description and evaluates the format and structure to ensure compatibility. Resumes are then scored based on how well they match the job criteria. High-scoring resumes (usually 80% or above) are passed on to human recruiters for further review, while lower-scoring resumes may be stored for future reference or rejected. By automating these tasks, ATS helps organizations save time, reduce bias, and improve the overall hiring process.

The ATS Market

The ATS market refers to the industry surrounding Applicant Tracking Systems, which are software applications used by employers to streamline the recruitment and hiring process. These systems manage everything from posting job openings to screening and sorting resumes, scheduling interviews, and onboarding new employees.

Key Statistics:

99% of Fortune 500 Companies: Nearly all of these large corporations regularly use ATS platforms.

70% of Large Companies: A significant majority of large businesses utilize ATS for their hiring needs.

20% of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses: A growing number of smaller enterprises are adopting ATS solutions.

75% of Recruiters: Most recruiters use ATS or other tech-driven tools to review applications and enhance the candidate experience.

94% of Recruiters: An overwhelming majority agree that ATS has positively impacted their hiring processes.

The ATS Score

Upon review, your resume is graded on a scale of 1 to 100%. The scoring criteria are as follows:

80% or Above: Resumes scoring 80% or higher advance to a human recruiter for potential interview consideration.

20% to 80%: Resumes in this range are stored for future reference but may not be immediately considered.

Below 20%: Resumes typically face immediate rejection.

Key Points:

Use Standard Formatting: Avoid complex layouts, graphics, or fonts. Stick to a simple, clean format.

Incorporate Keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume to align with what the ATS is searching for.

Use Standard Headings: Use common headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to help the ATS categorize your information correctly.

Avoid Tables and Graphics: These can confuse the ATS. Stick to bullet points and straightforward text formatting.

Customize for Each Job: Tailor your resume for each job application by adjusting the keywords and focusing on the most relevant experience and skills.

How to Create an ATS Resume with 90+ Score

ATS optimization is crucial for job seekers aiming to enhance their chances of getting noticed by employers. While the process itself isn't excessively complicated, achieving a high score requires strategic use of specialized tools. One such tool is Teal, which aids in optimizing keywords throughout your resume to align with the specific job requirements and increase visibility within ATS scans.

When it comes to crafting your resume, choosing the right software is equally important. WPS Office is highly recommended for creating ATS-friendly resumes due to its compatibility with various file formats that ATS can easily parse. Its user-friendly interface and robust features allow you to design and format your resume effectively, ensuring it retains clarity and professionalism.

After preparing your resume using WPS Office and optimizing it with Teal, it's essential to validate its effectiveness. Jobscan offers a valuable service by analyzing your resume against job descriptions and providing an ATS score. This score indicates how well your resume aligns with ATS requirements used by potential employers. By leveraging these tools together, job seekers can significantly enhance their resume's chances of passing through ATS screenings and securing coveted interview opportunities.

Step 1. Keyword Optimization from Job Description- Teal

As we know by now, an ATS will skim through resumes based on keywords. But what keywords need to be in there? Yes, this can be tricky if you're trying to figure things out on your own, but if employers are using tools like ATS, why don't you? Tools like Teal help you look for keywords in different job applications to make sure your ATS resume format has all the required keywords that an ATS might look for while filtering out resumes.

Teal helps job seekers, whether newly graduated or experienced professionals looking to switch jobs, to increase their chances of passing the ATS. Rather than going through the job description manually, job seekers can use the Teal tool that scans through the job description and returns the required hard and soft skills that need to be present in the resume, helping you achieve a 90+ ATS score. Let's see how we can work through Teal to find keywords to optimize our resume:

Step 1: First, visit Teal on your preferred browser. It is recommended to use Google Chrome because Teal's extension is available for Chrome.

Step 2: Next, simply visit the Chrome Web Store and download the Teal Chrome extension by clicking on the "Add to Chrome" button.

Step 3: Once you have installed the Teal Chrome extension, visit a website such as LinkedIn where you might have a job application you would like to apply for.

Step 4: Once at the job application, you will see the Teal icon on the left side of the screen, click on it to expand.

Step 5: Now you can see all the hard skills and soft skills that the employer is looking for in a potential candidate. These are the keywords you need to consider while creating your resume.

Step 6: Users can also click on the "Save Job" button to later review the job application on Teal's interface.

Step 2. Use an ATS-Friendly Resume Template- WPS Office

So now that you have all the keywords, you need to incorporate them into your resume strategically in key positions. But before you do this, you need to ask yourself: is your resume following the correct ATS resume format? ATS scores are not just based on keywords; an ATS resume does not follow a specific format, but there are specific formatting guidelines, such as proper sections, flow, and the overall feel of the resume.

I know all of this can be hard to follow, so I hired a professional to do this job for me: WPS Office. WPS Office is a professional office suite that allows job seekers to create resumes using ATS resume templates for free with its resume builder tool. So, let's see how we can use the WPS resume builder to create an ATS format resume:

Step 1: Let's head over to WPS Office on your desktop. If you haven't downloaded WPS Office yet, get yourself a copy to create your very own resume in a few easy steps.

Step 2: In WPS Office, click on the Tools tab in the left side pane.

Step 3: In WPS Tools, click on the "Resume Master" option.

Step 4: In the OUResume interface, click on the "Create My Resume Now" option.

Step 5: Previous resumes will appear here. If you want to create a new resume, click on the "Create My Resume" button to start creating your resume.

Step 6: You will now be redirected to the OUResume resume builder interface. Here you can see all the sections that will be present in your resume on the left side pane.

Step 7: If you don't like the template, click on the "Switch Resume" button.

Step 8: A library of resume templates will be loaded on the right side of the screen. Click on the template you like to continue.

Step 9: Simply fill out the information for each section and then click on "Download" to save a copy of your newly created resume.

WPS Office gives you the option to download in PDF, Word, or TXT formats.

Step 3. Resume Customization [Combining Keywords from Job Description]- Teal

Now that we have an ATS format resume created using WPS Office and all the keywords required for the job application, the next task is to update our resume according to these keywords to ensure it doesn't get filtered out by the ATS. The manual method is to input the keywords into your resume manually using WPS Writer. However, to make this task a bit easier and quicker, we will head back to Teal.

In Teal, you can upload your resume, and with the correct formatting, Teal identifies the content of the resume. The keywords are displayed side by side, making it easier for job seekers to update their resumes for each job application. Let's see how we can carry out this process on Teal.

Step 1: Let's visit the Teal website on our preferred browser.

Step 2: Click on the "Resume Builder" tab on the left side pane.

Step 3: Click on the "New Resume" button on the top right to create or upload a resume to Teal.

Step 4: You now have the resume builder interface open, where you can create a new resume from scratch by entering your information.

Step 5: If your resume is already ready, click on the "Menu" button on the top right and then select the "Import Resume or LinkedIn" option.

Step 6: Click on the "Upload" icon to select a file from your desktop or simply drop your resume in the upload location to upload your resume on Teal.

Step 7: Once your resume is uploaded, the next step is to match it with one of the saved jobs to review keywords and add any missing keywords. For this, click on the "Matching" tab.

Step 8: In the "Search Jobs in Your Tracker" field, select the job application you want to optimize your resume for.

Step 9: You will now have the Matching section on the right, with the match score being displayed.

Step 10: To improve your match score, scroll down and see the list of keywords relevant to the job application. Simply add the missing keywords in your resume to improve your match score.

Step 11: Once your match score reaches 90 or more, click on the "Export PDF" button and select "Resume" to download a copy of your optimized resume.

Step 4. Free ATS Resume Checker Tool- Jobscan

Once the resume is ready, the final step is to test it yourself before submitting. I've found a great tool for this purpose: Jobscan. Jobscan not only provides you with the ATS score but also shows areas of suggestions where you can focus to further enhance your resume.

Let's take a look at the steps needed to get your resume's ATS scores using Jobscan:

Step 1: First, head over to your preferred browser and navigate to the Jobscan website.

Step 2: On Jobscan's homepage, click on the "Scan your resume" button.

Step 3: The page will scroll down automatically. Here, click on the "Upload your resume" button to upload your resume from your desktop.

Step 4: Once the resume is uploaded, the next step is to paste the job description and then click on the "Scan" button.

Step 5: After posting the resume or job description, Jobscan will process it, and the results will then be shared, including a score and suggestions on how the resume can be improved.

How to Convert ATS Resume to PDF without Losing Format

You’ve created your ATS resume with sections, columns, and a lot of hard work, but there's a common issue of Word documents losing formatting. Imagine all the information in your resume shifting to different lines, and columns getting messed up. To avoid such problems, converting your resume to PDF format is the best solution. WPS Office offers free tools to easily convert your Word document to PDF , ensuring your resume maintains its formatting and reaches employers as intended.

WPS Office’s editing tools simplify post-review adjustments. Whether you need to refine content or tweak formatting, WPS Office makes the editing process seamless, helping you present your qualifications effectively and professionally.

Here is how WPS Office can help you convert your resume documents to PDF while keeping the formatting of your document intact:

Step 1: Open the resume document in WPS Office.

Step 2: Click on the Menu button located in the top right corner of the WPS Writer interface.

Step 3: In the Menu drop-down, select the "Export to PDF" option to open the WPS PDF Converter .

Step 4: In the WPS PDF Converter window, if you wish to change the folder where you want to save your resume PDF, visit the "Save path" field and change the path.

Step 5: Finally, simply click on the "Convert" button to export your resume to PDF format, preserving the formatting, and your PDF will be ready to be sent with your job application.

1. Should I customize my resume for each job application?

Customizing your resume for each job application is crucial because it ensures that the skills and experiences you highlight closely match the specific keywords and requirements outlined in the job description. This alignment increases your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many employers use to screen resumes based on relevance. This personalized approach enhances your chances of standing out and securing an interview.

2. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when optimizing my resume for ATS?

It is crucial to pay attention to the following points when optimizing your resume for ATS:

Avoid excessive design elements like columns, fancy text, colors, or photos, as ATS may not interpret them correctly.

Ensure your resume includes keywords directly aligned with the job description to meet ATS screening criteria effectively.

Customize your resume for each application to address specific requirements and enhance your chances of passing through ATS filters.

Refrain from including images, charts, graphs, or outdated information that could hinder ATS scanning capabilities, and focus on relevant and up-to-date content.

3. Can I still make my resume visually appealing while ensuring it's ATS-friendly?

Yes, you can create an aesthetically pleasing resume that is also ATS-friendly by following these guidelines:

Opt for a professional layout with clear fonts such as Times New Roman.

Eliminate the use of colors and ensure you are not excessively bolding or italicizing elements of your resume.

Keep your resume concise to one page by removing unnecessary details.

Choose a modern and clean format to enhance readability and ensure easy navigation.

Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to align with ATS requirements.

Replace the objective statement with a summary to emphasize your skills and qualifications.

Land Your Dream Job With WPS AI

Landing a good job is like a headstart for a fulfilling future in the career you've chosen for yourself. To ensure your resume stands out in today's competitive job market, leveraging WPS AI Tools can be of massive help. These tools are designed to help you create an ATS-optimized resume that meets the stringent criteria of Applicant Tracking Systems. By using WPS AI Tools, you can easily tailor your resume with the right keywords, structure, and format to maximize your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Download WPS Office today and take the first step towards securing your dream job with a powerful, AI-enhanced resume.

• 1. Resume Objective Examples and Writing Tips 2024
• 2. How to Build an ATS-Friendly PDF Resume in 2022
• 3. Top 10 Work from Home Productivity Tips [With Examples]
• 4. How to Write a Book Review [Tips with Examples]
• 5. Best Skills for a Resume [Tips with Examples]
• 6. How to Create a Resume with Canva Resume Builder - A Comprehensive Guide

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

Watch CBS News

Berklee College of Music professor teaches kids how to make rap music and keep it clean

By Mike Sullivan

Updated on: August 14, 2024 / 11:43 AM EDT / CBS Boston

DORCHESTER - A Berklee College of Music music professor and renowned Massachusetts rapper is helping at-risk teens turn their life experiences into clean content music. 

Roy Studmire , also known by his rap name, the International Show, first brought the program to Massachusetts inmates, but now it is helping these kids to find an avenue into rap music and production.

What is TRIM?

It is called TRIM , which is an acronym for "the route into music." In addition to being an artist, Studmire is a professor at Berklee, where he teaches hip-hop songwriting and production. Throughout his career, he has always written clean content music, which means there are no curse words or provocative language.

"The majority of what we see online is very toxic to the point that I can't even allow my 10-year-old son to watch award shows," Studmire told WBZ-TV. "Clean content music is impactful and fun, as well sonically it sounds the same, but with a different message. All of my music is clean, and I have been able to get my music on NFL, USA, MTV, and BET. I have gotten music all over the place."

Studmire started TRIM with inmates at the South Bay Correctional Facility. He pushed the inmates to write clean content music about their experiences.

"This lyric, maybe if I can think about that differently, maybe I can think about life differently," explains Studmire, "People treat them like animals, but they are people just like us. They know they made a mistake. They are looking for that other chance. The program allows them to do it in a way that's not going to lead them back there."

Clean music

Last year, Studmire paired up with MissionSAFE to bring TRIM to their services for at-risk youth. At first, the kids didn't quite get the concept of clean music.

"They were like, 'Ah, we can't do that,' because that is what their society is," tells Studmire, "After they started doing the songs, they were like, this is the greatest thing we have ever done. It's our job to show them another way to express themselves, and some may spill into their decision-making in life."

"I heard it was about music, so that pushed me to want to explore," says Matthew Robinson, a student in his TRIM class, "I have been through a lot, so most of my talk is what shaped me to be who I am today. I want to give you all a gist of what I have seen so you can get a message out of my piece."

Studmire helps the students to create a beat from scratch. After they put together the sound, the students began writing before performing in a recording studio with their peers.

"I hope people like me. I hope people rock to my music. I hope they connect to it because you have been through it," adds Robinson, "I hope it opens doors. I really am talking. I hope it does. I put my all into my songs."

Mike Sullivan is a multimedia journalist for WBZ-TV. He returned to his home state of Massachusetts after reporting in the Midwest for more than ten years.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Massachusetts sees first human case of EEE since 2020

Maps show potential for "Northern Tier" rail service in Mass.

Two people hurt, sailboat sunk after Hingham boat crash

Health care workers call on state to keep Nashoba Valley from closing

More From Forbes

Here’s how to make money as a reseller.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Reselling has emerged as a profitable venture for many entrepreneurs.

What Is A Reseller?

Different methods of reselling, how to create a reselling business or side hustle, wholesale suppliers for resellers, how much can resellers make, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Reselling has emerged as a profitable venture for many entrepreneurs, offering a flexible way to earn income with relatively low upfront costs. Whether you're looking to start a reselling business full-time or just want to supplement your current income, understanding the basics of how to become a reseller is essential. The reselling market allows you to buy products at a lower cost and sell them at a higher price, generating a profit. With the rise of online marketplaces, becoming an online reseller has never been more accessible—similar to making money as an influencer . By mastering the art of reselling, you can turn a side hustle into a thriving business and learn how to make money reselling effectively.

A reseller is an individual or business that buys products at a lower cost and then sells them at a higher price, earning a profit from the difference. Reselling typically involves sourcing items from wholesalers, manufacturers, or even secondhand markets and then selling them through platforms like online marketplaces, physical stores or social media.

Commonly resold products include electronics, clothing, shoes, collectibles and digital goods like software or domains. The reselling process can range from simple one-off sales to managing a full-scale reselling business, where inventory is regularly sourced, listed and sold.

Resellers can operate in several different ways, each with its unique approach to buying and selling products. The main types of resellers include retailers, wholesalers and distributors. Retailers buy products in smaller quantities and sell them directly to consumers, often through online platforms or physical stores.

Wholesalers, on the other hand, purchase goods in bulk and sell them to other businesses or retailers, usually at a lower price per unit. Distributors act as intermediaries, purchasing products from manufacturers and distributing them to retailers or wholesalers. Resellers can operate through various methods, such as online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon , direct-to-consumer sales via e-commerce websites or through social media platforms.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, dropshipping.

Dropshipping is a reselling method where you sell products directly to customers without holding inventory. Instead of purchasing stock upfront, you partner with a supplier who fulfills orders on your behalf. When a customer buys an item from your online store, the order is forwarded to the supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.

Dropshipping is ideal for businesses or entrepreneurs who want to start an online reseller business with minimal upfront investment in money or physical space. It works well for products that are easy to ship and have a consistent demand, such as fashion items, electronics or home goods. This model allows resellers to focus on marketing and customer service while the supplier handles inventory management and shipping logistics. However, carefully selecting reliable suppliers and competitive product pricing is crucial to ensure profitability.

Creating a reselling business or side hustle is accessible for many aspiring entrepreneurs.

Creating a reselling business or side hustle requires minimal upfront investment, making it accessible for many aspiring entrepreneurs. To get started, you'll need a small amount of capital to purchase initial inventory or set up an online store, along with time and effort dedicated to finding reliable suppliers, setting competitive prices and marketing your products.

The earning potential in reselling varies widely depending on the type of products you sell, your chosen reselling method, and how much time you invest. Some resellers make a modest side income, while others scale their operations into full-time businesses earning six figures or more annually. Success in reselling depends on strategic planning, market research and consistent effort.

Setting Up An Online Store

For many resellers, setting up an online store is a crucial first step. This is your digital storefront, where customers can browse your products, make purchases and learn more about your brand. Whether you use platforms like Shopify, Etsy or eBay, having a professional and user-friendly online store builds credibility and makes it easier to reach a wider audience.

Creating an online store requires an initial investment of time and resources. You'll need to choose a platform, design the layout, upload product listings with high-quality images and descriptions and set up payment processing. While this step involves a one-time setup, maintaining and updating your store is an ongoing process, as you'll need to manage inventory, add new products and respond to customer inquiries regularly.

Building Supplier Relationships

Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers is essential for a successful reselling business. Suppliers are your source of inventory, and having trusted partners ensures you get quality products at competitive prices. This step helps streamline your operations and can lead to better deals or exclusive products.

This process requires time to research and vet potential suppliers, negotiate terms and establish trust. You'll need to maintain these relationships continuously, as consistent communication is key to ensuring a steady flow of products and resolving any issues that arise. This is an ongoing step in your business, as supplier relationships must be nurtured and adjusted as your business grows.

Marketing And Promotion

Marketing and promotion are critical for driving traffic to your online store and converting visitors into customers. This step involves creating a marketing strategy that may include a combination of social media marketing, email campaigns, SEO optimization and paid advertising. Effective marketing increases your brand visibility, helping you reach your target audience and ultimately boosts sales.

This step requires an investment of time, effort and sometimes money, depending on the marketing channels you choose. As marketing is an ongoing effort that evolves with your business, you’ll need to continually assess what’s working, optimize your campaigns and stay up-to-date with marketing trends to ensure your business remains competitive in the marketplace.

Alibaba is one of the largest wholesale marketplaces in the world.

A wholesale supplier is a company or individual that sells products in large quantities at discounted rates to resellers. Working with wholesale suppliers is one of the most common methods for resellers to acquire inventory, as it allows them to purchase goods in bulk at lower prices, maximizing profit margins when reselling to consumers.

While partnering with wholesale suppliers is a popular and often effective method, it is not the only way to resell products. Alternatives like dropshipping or sourcing from manufacturers directly are also viable options, depending on your business model and goals. However, the reputation of wholesale suppliers can vary widely, so it's crucial to conduct thorough research and vet potential suppliers carefully to ensure that you’re working with reputable companies.

Alibaba is one of the largest wholesale marketplaces in the world, connecting resellers with manufacturers and suppliers primarily based in China. It offers a vast range of products across various categories, from electronics to apparel, making it a go-to platform for resellers looking to source goods at competitive prices.

Alibaba provides extensive customization options, allowing resellers to order products with their branding or specific design requirements. The platform also offers buyer protection services, including secure payment methods and dispute resolution, which help safeguard transactions.

SaleHoo is a directory of wholesale suppliers and dropshipping companies, offering resellers a curated list of over 8,000 vetted suppliers. Unlike Alibaba, which connects resellers directly to manufacturers, SaleHoo is a middleman, ensuring that every supplier in their directory is reputable and reliable.

Their biggest advantage is the vetting process, which saves resellers time and reduces the risk of dealing with suppliers that are not reliable and don’t have the best reputations. The platform also offers market research tools to help resellers identify profitable niches and products. SaleHoo’s comprehensive support and resources, including educational guides and community forums, make it an excellent choice for beginners. It’s useful for various products, from fashion and beauty items to electronics and home goods. Still, it’s especially beneficial for resellers who value trustworthiness and community support in their supplier relationships.

Global Sources

Global Sources is a B2B platform similar to Alibaba, connecting resellers with verified suppliers from Asia. It’s particularly known for its focus on electronics, hardware and other tech-related products, though it also offers a broad range of other goods.

The platform also hosts trade shows, allowing resellers to meet suppliers in person and negotiate deals directly. Global Sources offers detailed supplier profiles, including their export history, product certifications and quality control measures. The platform’s emphasis on verified suppliers and its extensive range of high-tech products make it an excellent choice for those looking to specialize in gadgets, components or innovative tech solutions.

Resellers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly, depending on their niche, strategy and effort. Profitability varies with niche and methods. High-demand products like electronics or limited-edition sneakers often yield higher profits. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Amazon or eBay can increase earnings due to their large customer bases. Successful resellers often focus on specific niches to build expertise and streamline their operations, which can lead to higher margins. Adapting to market trends and utilizing effective sourcing strategies are key to maximizing income.

Bottom Line

Reselling can be a profitable venture across various products, from vintage clothes to digital assets. The key to success is finding high-demand items, effective sourcing and leveraging the right platforms. Tailoring your approach to each niche can maximize earnings and build a sustainable business.

How To Make Money Reselling Vintage Clothes

Reselling vintage clothes can be lucrative if you source unique and high-quality items. You make money by finding rare or designer pieces at thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets or other digital marketplaces and selling them at a premium online. Marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, Depop and Poshmark are ideal platforms for this niche.

The vintage clothing market is strong, driven by trends in sustainability and retro fashion. Earning potential varies widely but can range from hundreds to thousands per month, depending on the rarity and condition of the items. Building a reputation and niche within the vintage community can lead to higher profit margins and steady sales.

How To Make Money Reselling Shoes

To profit from reselling shoes, focus on high-demand brands and limited-edition releases. You can acquire popular sneakers through retail drops, secondhand markets, digital marketplaces or even bulk purchases, then sell them for a markup on platforms like StockX, GOAT or eBay.

The shoe resale market is booming, with some limited-edition sneakers fetching thousands of dollars. Earnings can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on your investment in acquiring high-value shoes and your selling strategy. Success in this niche often involves staying current with trends and understanding what buyers want.

How To Make Money Reselling Legos And Toys

Reselling Legos and collectible toys involves sourcing popular or discontinued sets and reselling them at higher prices. You can find these products through clearance sales, estate auctions or online marketplaces. Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are effective for selling.

The market for Legos and collectible toys is robust, with certain sets significantly appreciating value. Depending on the rarity of the items and your sourcing strategy, earnings can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month. Specializing in collectible or high-demand items can increase your profit potential.

How To Make Money Reselling Digital Products

Reselling digital products , such as software, templates or graphics, involves purchasing or creating digital assets and reselling them through online platforms. You can use marketplaces like Etsy, Creative Market or even your own website to reach potential buyers.

The digital product market is growing, with high demand for customizable and professional assets. Depending on the quality and demand for your products, your earnings can range from hundreds to thousands per month. Creating valuable and unique digital products can significantly enhance your earning potential.

How To Make Money Reselling eBooks

To profit from reselling eBooks, you can either create your own content or source popular books with resell rights. Selling these eBooks through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or your own website can generate income.

The eBook market is competitive but lucrative, with potential earnings ranging from hundreds to thousands per month. Success depends on selecting in-demand topics, effective marketing and providing quality content. Building a reputation and expanding your eBook portfolio can lead to increased sales.

How To Make Money Buying And Reselling On Amazon

You can source products from wholesale suppliers, clearance sales or online to make money reselling on Amazon . Utilizing Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) can streamline the process.

The market on Amazon is vast and competitive, with potential earnings from low hundreds to high five- or six-figures per month based on your product selection and sales volume. Success requires understanding market trends, effective sourcing strategies and optimizing your listings to stand out.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

How to Make Compost at Home

About making compost

• Compost is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material produced by the natural decomposition of leaves, grass clippings, and many other organic materials.
• The composting process "happens" without human intervention because microbes and soil animals are on the job 24 hours a day, decomposing plant and animal remains.
• Composting allows you to expedite this natural process to produce a regular supply of compost (a.k.a. "black gold") for your landscape.
• Finished compost contains major and minor nutrients necessary for plant growth and also improves soil structure.

Why should I compost?

• It reduces the amount of material going to landfills. Municipal waste is composed of 13% yard wastes, 12% food waste, and 34% paper, most of which can be composted (U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste 2005).
• Compost is a valuable and free soil amendment that saves gardeners the money used to buy alternatives, such as peat moss, fertilizer, or vermiculite. It improves soil tilth (physical condition of the soil), aeration (reducing compaction, improving root growth and water penetration), water-holding capacity (important during droughts), and contains a wide range of plant nutrients. Most soils benefit from regular additions of compost.
• Compost suppresses some soil-borne diseases. Populations of some microbes in compost may out-compete pathogens for food and habitat while others attack or repel plant pathogens.
• It's good for the environment, fun, educational, and an activity the whole family can help with.

How is compost made?

• Bacteria, fungi, and other microbes are the key players in composting. These organisms "feed" on organic matter and use the carbon and nitrogen it contains to grow and reproduce.
• The heat generated by your compost pile is a result of microbial activity. Microbes are active in small numbers at temperatures just above freezing and are most numerous at 130º–140º F.
• They are assisted by many larger organisms like earthworms, slugs, snails, millipedes, sow bugs, ants, and various insect larvae that feed on plant and animal matter in the soil. These same organisms are responsible for the decay of both forest floor litter and the corn stubble in a farmer's field. Therefore, do not be alarmed if you find any in your compost pile. They are performing the initial breakdown of coarse materials - biting, chewing, decreasing the size of the materials, and thus increasing the surface area so that the microorganisms can do their work.
• Composting microbes use carbon for energy and nitrogen for growth (protein synthesis). When you mix various forms of organic material in your compost bin, it is important to achieve a proper balance of carbon to nitrogen (C:N ratio).
• The proportion can vary; the microbes will function well at C:N ratios from 25:1 to 40:1. A mixture of materials containing 30 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen is considered ideal.
• Most organic materials do not fit the 30:1 ratio exactly, so different materials are mixed together. With the proper mix, microbes and other digesters will quickly start working to make compost for you. Finished compost has a C/N ratio of 20 - 25:1.  

Carbon, nitrogen sources, and items not to compost

Types of composting

Cool or passive composting.

• This method is not labor-intensive but requires patience.
• This process is carried out by a narrow range of microorganisms (mesophiles) that reproduce in the ambient (outdoor) temperature range, i.e., 40° F. to about 110° F.
• These microbes are thorough and produce excellent compost, but they need about a year to complete the process.
• If you constantly add fresh materials to your pile, the materials on top of the pile will be in the early stages of decomposition when the material at the bottom is ready to use.
• Remove the top of the pile and harvest the compost at the bottom annually, or start a new pile when the first pile is 3'x3'x3'.
• Don't build a pile over 5' high because the weight and volume will compact the organic wastes and limit air movement. This can cause smelly, anaerobic decomposition.
• Turn the pile once or twice a year, to hasten the process and create a more uniform product.

Hot or active composting

• This method produces a compost harvest in the shortest period of time but requires more careful attention and periodic labor.
• Hot composting usually involves a bin, or perhaps a pile, which is filled all at one time with the necessary ingredients without the addition of more raw materials later.
• The ideal bin size is a minimum of 3'x3'x3' or 27 cubic feet.
• A heap this size involves a broad range of microorganisms and generates significant heat.
• Once triggered into action and provided with the appropriate mixture of carbon (browns), nitrogen (greens), water, and air, the 'thermophiles' (heat-loving bacteria) will generate temperatures of 130-170° F., and will produce a compost harvest in six to eight weeks.
• The temperature will typically rise within 24 hours after the bin is filled. As the thermophiles consume nutrients and oxygen, they produce enough heat to evaporate some of the moisture.
• The temperature will decrease as they begin to die. This occurs when all of the easily digested sugars and starches are broken down and the tougher compounds like hemicellulose and cellulose remain.
• Before the temperature drops below 100° F., turn the materials so that fresh materials, air, and, if necessary, water are available at the core of the bin.
• In time, the volume of the original material will decrease. DO NOT add more raw materials unless the process is not working properly.
• Continue checking the temperature, turning, adding moisture, etc., until the volume of the material is about 50% of the original. The temperature will not rise again.
• The compost should be dark brown and should not resemble the original materials. Let the pile sit for two weeks, allowing the mesophiles to finish it off. This is known as curing and will help stabilize the nutrients.

Compost Temperature Control

• Temperature can be monitored in several ways. Compost thermometers are available for purchase.
• Or use your hand to monitor the temperature. If the pile feels cool when you thrust your hand into it, it probably needs to be turned. (The target temperature is 100º and body temperature is about 98.6°).
• If the pile/bin feels at least as hot as the hot water from your faucet, it is doing fine. If it feels really hot and has the aroma of ammonia, it may need a little more carbon, because excess nitrogen may cause anaerobic (no oxygen) decomposition that results in bad odor and more heat.

Sheet composting

• This is an excellent method for creating a new bed in late summer for planting the following spring.
• Mow or weed-eat the grass and weeds in the area as low as possible.,
• Place overlapping sections of newspaper or unwaxed corrugated cardboard over the entire area.
• Cover with 8 inches of one or more of the following: compost, aged manure, shredded leaves, or grass clippings (avoid weeds with seedheads and herbicide-treated turf).
• In spring, you'll be able to plant directly into the soil without the need for rototilling. 
• This method uses up large amounts of locally-available organic material, requires some initial labor, does not require turning, and boosts the earthworm population.

Trench composting

• This method offers the small-plot vegetable gardener an opportunity to improve the soil on a continuous basis.
• Dig a trench or hole in a garden bed about eight to twelve inches deep.
• Bury your kitchen waste (fruit and vegetable peelings and cores, coffee grounds, etc.) covering the material as you go with soil or chopped leaves. Chopping the scraps with a shovel prior to covering will speed decomposition. The kitchen waste will feed soil animals and microorganisms increasing soil fertility.  Note: many tea bags contain plastics. Only plastic-free tea bags should be composted. Otherwise, open the tea bags, empty the contents into your food scraps bucket, and dispose of the bags as trash.
• Rotate the location of the trenches and holes. It works best in fenced gardens that exclude raccoons, possums, and groundhogs.
• You can trench compost kitchen waste throughout the year although the process slows significantly from November through March.

Instructions for a wire compost bin

Composting tips

• Locate compost bins and piles away from trees to reduce the likelihood of roots growing into the compost.
• Mix materials thoroughly; it's usually not helpful to layer materials.
• To speed up the process you can add an extra nitrogen (e.g., cottonseed meal, blood meal) source at each turning.
• Keep your compost pile moist (like a wrung-out sponge) but not soggy for efficient decomposition. Excess moisture causes anaerobic decomposition and offensive odors. During dry weather, it may be necessary to add water at weekly intervals.
• Do not add branches and other woody materials unless they are chipped into small pieces.
• In dry weather, cover the pile to prevent excess moisture loss and to aid decomposition. A tarp or other cover also protects the pile from becoming too wet during periods of heavy rainfall and helps prevent nutrient leaching.
• Turn or mix the pile regularly. If fall-gathered leaves make up the bulk of the pile, turn the pile in mid-November before freezing occurs. Do not turn the pile in winter because this allows too much heat to escape and slows decomposition.
• When kitchen scraps are collected or composted it can be helpful to mix in a dry, high-carbon material, such as leaves, sawdust, or shredded paper, to reduce odors and facilitate decomposition.
• Enclosed compost tumblers can quickly become soppy wet and anaerobic if you add too many kitchen scraps and rotted fruits and vegetables, and not enough brown materials.

Comparison of composting methods

When is compost ready to use and how can I use it in my yard?

• When the material is even in color and texture and has an earthy smell with no "off" odors.
• When the temperature of the pile is at the outdoor temperature.
• When a small amount placed in a plastic bag and sealed causes no condensation of moisture inside the bag.
• Incorporate it into the soil as a soil amendment. Add to established beds or when creating beds.
• Use two inches of compost as mulch around landscape plants to keep the soil cooler, retain moisture, and add nutrients to the plants over the course of the growing season.
• Grow vegetable and flower transplants and container plants in screened compost. Try a mixture of 50% compost and 50% commercial soilless growing media.
• Use it to make compost tea, which has multiple benefits to plants and soil.  Applying it to the soil around plants or spraying it on foliage applies beneficial microbes that could suppress the colonization of disease-causing fungi. Compost tea also contains small amounts of organic nutrients necessary to the health of plants. It encourages earthworm activity and will enhance the population of soil microbes.

How to make compost tea

Compost tea is made by "steeping" compost in a bucket of water (5 parts water to 1 part compost by volume) for 1-3 days, then straining and applying the liquid to plants. Make compost tea using composted yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc.) or vermicompost (worm compost). Do not use farm animal manure compost. It is low in a wide range of nutrients and good for fertilizing seedlings and transplants.

Based on HG 35 Backyard Composting, author former HGIC Consultant Lew Shell. Reviewed by Jon Traunfeld, Director HGIC, Extension Specialist, Fruits and Vegetables . Rev. 9/2020

Related information

Organic Matter and Soil Amendments

Still have a question? Contact us at Ask Extension .