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Can I spice things up graphically on my resume to make it easier to grasp the concepts?

Or should I stick to text-only?

Office Hours #1: Resume Writing with Judy Park [42:20]

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Thank you comment icon Judy Park's answer: I would say better safe than sorry! I discourage it even if you're going into graphics or a related field. Definitely do not include your photo. Keep the ugly word doc template, keep the font simple in order for you to pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) easily if there is one. CareerVillage Office Hours
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Lila’s Answer

Yes! As a hiring manager having reviewed many resumes a little spice goes a long way. I also added a bit of color to mine to break things up. I'd look for a template online and plug n play there - they tend to be cleaner. If you make one yourself you might spend all your time on the design and not on the content.
My general resume advice is:
- Only one page. Unless you are at the peak of your career, the resume should stick to one page.
- Highlight skills on the right in the border area, and experience on the left in the main area. Break that up with clean, simply design
- If you are serious about a job, submit a cover letter - it will set you apart and allow you to explain anything confusing on your resume
- Keep the tense the same, current positions should be written in current tense and past experience all written in the past
- If you say a skill is attention to detail - make sure every detail on that resume is perfect
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Chirayu’s Answer

Yes, you can use graphics such as charts, graphs, and tables to help illustrate data and concepts on your resume. This can make your information more visually appealing and easier for the reader to understand. However, be mindful of using graphics too excessively, as it can make the resume look cluttered and harder to read. It's important to strike a balance between the visual elements and the text, making sure that the graphics complement and enhance your information, rather than detracting from it. The goal is to stand out compared to the other applicants so it cannot hurt to make it a little personalized but do not overdo it. Good luck!
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John’s Answer

I believe the last statistic I saw was that most interviewers spend less than a minute or two reviewing a resume. And in today's automated world pre-scanning may also be in effect. To Lila's comment above, pop out your "skills" and lead with your job function in each career section with the company and city of employment coming after.

If the reviewer only spends 60 seconds on the document what are the three items you want them to remember? Are those items clear and even repeated in the document clearly.

Go Get'em! JW
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi, I would recommend minimal to no actual graphics or images and including a picture is not advised. Graphics will be distracting to those assessing your interest and experience. However, it is definitely good to structure and format the resume so that the content is easy to read using clearly distinguished sections, bolded headers, and bullet points.
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Ashley’s Answer

Hi, CV Office Hours!
I'd recommend keeping it simple unless you are in graphic design or going after an 'art's' job. Pictures and graphics dont always show up the best and remember your resume is your story so being thoughtful about what is on their content wise is important...also, its important to remember you want your resume to be clean and formatted across all platforms; web, mobile, linkedin etc. for that reason I would keep it traditional with bullets and convert to a PDF when applying to jobs or networking. Headshots on resumes are personal options but best success is letting your resume speak for itself. Always check formatting, grammar and strong content. That goes a long way over a picture - in my opinion; and I'm a Recruiter.
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Rugila’s Answer

Hello!

As someone who reviews tons of resumes everyday - I would strongly recommend avoiding graphics, bright colors, photos. Try to stick to 1 page at most. Make sure it is clean and simple and easy to read through while focusing on adding experience directly relevant to the position which you are applying for.

Best of luck!
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Amanda’s Answer

Understanding your audience is best bet when considering "spicing things up" with your resume.

As you can see from the responses to this topic there doesn't seem to be a general consensus.

Think about the position you are applying for and ask yourself a few questions:
1.) Am I applying for a job where the average employee age is under 30?
2.) Will the graphics, colors, layout make it hard to read?
3.) Is the additional "spice" necessary or distracting?

When I am reviewing resumes I like to see work history and skill sets relevant to the position.

Regardless of layout or graphics be sure to highlight you in relevancy.

I have never looked past a resume because of spice but I have looked past individuals who list out pages of work history and skill sets.

Good look job hunting!
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Kim’s Answer

Experiment!

We are long past the 1980's when we took our resumes to a print shop to be professionally prepared and were stuck with that one resume!

Now, you can submit some traditional resumes, and some that are a bit unique. I like the two column format, with some items set out in a smaller column, and experience in a wider column, like Lila described. If you are applying for a marketing position, remember that your resume is a marketing tool, and you are trying to market a very important product. Yourself!

So, while I like variety, and believe there are very few hard and fast rules (definitely proofread it!), I am also concerned about the ATS doing the first-read of the resume. So, maybe stick with traditional and when you get an interview, bring in a snazzed-up version?

Bottom line, do what works for you. Keep track of what style of resume you sent to who, and what interviews you get. And also remember, no two people in hiring positions think alike. So, what might work with one company may not work with another. It's all an adventure!

Good luck!
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Priscilla’s Answer

Hi!! I love reading resumes that are well organized, aesthetically pleasing, and are aligned with the hob description. I don’t se any issues in using visual elements (1 or 2 max), but I would prefer to see more relevant content.
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Ashley’s Answer

As a first run through resumes, most large companies will send it through a database to search for key words that were in the job description, so any graphics will be a waste of your time. Make sure to steer clear of narratives, make your message succinct with bullets. Your resume should be no longer than 2 pages, and ensure you have as many of the key words in your text as possible, without, of course, falsifying any of your qualifications.
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Marlene’s Answer

Keep your resume clean and professional. It is important to remember that you are not preparing a resume to attract your own attention, but the attention of a potential employer. Graphics can be distracting and give your resume a overly busy look.
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Jason’s Answer

I had found great success with bullet points and even putting a picture of myself towards the header(top right or left) of the resume.
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Don’s Answer

Studies show you have seven seconds to make an impression on a hiring manager or recruiter with your resume. Seven seconds! So you'd better make them count.

Making your resume aesthetically pleasing can't hurt, but remember that form should always follow function. Do you clearly have your name, contact, education, experience and highlights showcased? Is it clean and easy to follow? Has it been tailored to better fit the role you're applying for? Most importantly, does it make me want to read more?

Keep working at it until you're confident the answer to that question is a definite "yes."

Good luck!
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