Getting creative with your CV Heres what to remember - Viewpoint - careers advice blog Viewpoint careers advice blog

Getting creative with your CV Here’s what to remember - Viewpoint - careers advice blog There are endless ways to catch the eye of a recruiter or potential employer, but, when it comes to CVs, will having a creative CV/resume really help you land your next tech job? During my 16 years in recruitment, I’ve seen it all â€" infographic CVs, video CVs and gaming CVs. These types of creative resumes  are becoming more and more widespread, but are they as popular with recruiters and employers? In this blog, I explore some of the pros and cons of this new breed of CVs. Is the most important information getting lost? Although attention grabbing, CVs created in infographic or video format can often sadly get lost in the system, meaning the CV you’ve spent hours, if not days crafting, isn’t getting the air time you think it deserves. The reason being is simple; many larger corporates use specific software for processing job applications. For example, some are keyword-driven, meaning that if you don’t have the right keywords on your CV, in the right format they simply won’t be picked up. So, be all means demonstrate your creativity through your CV, but ensure that it is also available in a .docx format, just in case. Remember your audience Often, when you submit a CV for a tech job, it’s very unlikely that the person hiring or your potential new boss is the one that reads it first. It will more than likely be an internal recruiter or human resources professional who first claps eyes on your  resume someone, who likely won’t fully understand and appreciate the complexities of the role. The takeaway here is that you must bear this in mind â€" take time out to fully read the job description to get a real feel for what the organisation is looking for. Look out for keywords and phrases used throughout the job description and use these throughout your CV. So, although your resume can by all means be creative, you must ensure it is extremely clear and fully reflects the role for which you are applying for â€" in the eyes of all who are reading it. The message I’m trying to get across here is that when searching for a new role in tech, your CV needs to strike the right balance between creativity and formality. Be creative, but never let your creativity obscure your message â€" that you are the right person, with the right skills and experience for the job. Updating your CV? Our CV writing tips and advice will help you get started   Why the job for life mentality no longer exists in IT Digital marketing: the new IT crowd? 3 necessary steps to becoming an IT contractor 3 questions Im always asked about IT contracting 2016: the year of the digital diviners Join our LinkedIn Group Join our LinkedIn Group to share your thoughts and stay up-to-date with the latest on business, employment and recruitment news in the IT industry. Join our Group Top six CV tips from Hays