Do Graphics Belong on Your Resume?

For creative job seekers, resume graphics can seem like an innovative way to stand out from the crowd. In reality, however, employers tend to view them with skepticism. If you are considering adding graphic elements to your resume design, consider the choice carefully.

When it comes to job hunting, there is no hard and fast rule about resume graphics. Some resume design guides encourage you to add logos or other images, particularly when applying for jobs in a creative industry. Most guides advise a more traditional approach, however.

For job seekers, the opinion of the employer is the most important to consider. In a 2012 survey of employers, Forbes magazine found that the reactions to resume graphics were overwhelmingly negative. While some respondents expressed an openness to unique designs or non-traditional fonts, most preferred that applicants stick to a more traditional layout. In fact, one person mentioned that resume graphics struck her as evidence of "gimmickry and narcissism."

In many cases, job seekers use graphics to pull focus from a less-than-ideal work history. While this strategy might pay off in the short term, it is impossible to hide your true experience from employers—no matter how beautiful your graphic work is. For new professionals or inexperienced workers, a better strategy is to use a cover letter to sell yourself as a candidate.

A conservative resume layout keeps the focus on your experience, education and skills. It is easy to scan, so employers can find the information they need in seconds. A busy hiring manager might not have time to hunt for the name of your college or your last employer among a slew of graphics; he is more likely to move on to a more readable, professional resume.

The reaction to graphic-laden resumes is highly dependent on the personal preferences of individual employers. As such, it is impossible to predict how your potential boss will react to your chosen resume graphics. If she has a strong negative reaction to the design of the resume, it can discount you as a candidate regardless of your qualifications. For most job seekers, this risk is not worth the relatively minimal potential reward.

There are exceptions to the no-graphics rule. If you are applying for a job as a designer, you might be able to get away with adding graphics—but only if they show off your skills. If you choose to take the risk, your resume must be visually arresting. Pay careful attention to your graphic design to ensure that employers can easily read your job history and other important information at a glance.

In most cases, resume graphics present an unacceptable risk, particularly in a tough job market. By sticking to a traditional design and layout, you can help the employer focus on the qualifications that will make you an asset to the company.

(Photo courtesy of (Witthaya Phonsawat)/freedigitalphotos.net)