How to Create a Free-Form Resume
When it comes to resumes, it is no longer a one-size-fits-all world. Where once resumes were designed using a linear and chronological blueprint to state experience and education, it's now a matter of choice. The free-form, or non-traditional, approach to selling oneself is gaining speed in these days of social websites, personal videos and blogs. Free-form resumes are not only gathering fans in the creative markets---design, art, music, advertising and marketing---they are also making a showing in more traditional fields. One reason could be the lack of employment availability and the increasing numbers of applicants; the decision to stand out amongst the candidates, by way of a non-traditional introduction, is akin to getting your foot in the door. Once inside, however, the rules are the same: sell, sell, sell.
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Instructions
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Give your resume a chance to introduce you. Take into consideration the person or persons who will receive your resume. If you neglect to state your qualifications and education, opting instead for a full-on creative design, you may never earn an interview. Choose instead to cover all of your bases by showing your creativity as well as your ability to do the job. "Some professionals promote themselves in brochure-style resumes that resemble corporate marketing brochures," says Kim Isaacs, Nationally Certified Resume Writer. "This style is suitable for consultants, independent contractors or executives who would like to demonstrate their marketing or design skills."
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Choose your format. Whether you send your resume by email or by ground mail, be sure and choose the design format that best fits your needs. Would an online video spotlight your qualifications better than a fold-out brochure sent by mail? A writer might choose to highlight excerpts from his blog or published works while a photographer would obviously feature photography. In part, your decision for email vs. ground mail will depend on the type of employment applied for. The more creative the industry, the more creative should be your approach.
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Design and edit thoughtfully. Overall layout will incorporate headers and content. Will you choose abstract art as the focal point of your resume or highlight words and descriptions of your character? If you are using color, be sure that your elements are strong enough in black and white as some companies will print out your resume on printers with no color capabilities. Also, if sending your resume by ground mail, it is wise to include several copies so that each interviewer has an original copy.
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Know when to stop. Overdesigning is a common mistake when creating a free-form resume. Your resume should be easy to read, well organized and well written. Incorporating too many design elements can be distracting to the reader and result in a swift kick to the curb. Stick to two or three fonts and remember to utilize white space for a clean and clear result.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the advice of someone in the field that you are applying for to look over your resume. Initial reaction can tell you if you are too far off base.
Keep your writing to a professional standard and avoid colloquial or informal language.
