Job seekers are frequently advised to do things that help them stand out from their peers and get noticed by potential employers. An infographic resume that uses data visualization to help tell a story seems, at first glance, to accomplish the task. However, an infographic resume or more conventional resume that incorporates graphic elements may not be the best choice for everyone. Before creating one, assess its benefit to you.
There are no set rules for using graphics in resumes. Consequently, some career advisers encourage the inclusion of images and graphical elements, while the majority of employers still favor more traditionally formatted documents. Before deciding whether to use an infographic resume, first determine whether it presents the best picture of you as an applicant. Then, address the following issues to better assess what resume format is best for your circumstances.
The Nature of Your Industry
Positions in creative industries, particularly the visually oriented industries, are the most suited to an infographic resume. Fields such as advertising, marketing, web and graphic design need employees who possess artistic skills and the ability to effectively present ideas and convey messages visually. More conventional industries such as manufacturing or accounting are far less likely to be impressed with your artistic skills.
How Your Resume Will Be Reviewed
If you are applying to a position online or submitting your resume to a large company, it probably will be processed first by a machine. A large number of companies rely on software to sort through the resumes received from applicants. Most of these applicant tracking systems are programmed to search for specific keywords relevant to the job position. Even the most advanced of these systems can't properly process a graphics-laden document. For purposes of applicant tracking systems and for ease of printing, you need a text-based resume to accompany the infographic resume.
Your Content Requirements
An infographic resume needs to accurately convey information in a readable, easily understandable and visually appealing way. If your information is not easily converted into figures or cannot be readily explained in a graphical manner, then an infographic resume is not the appropriate format for you. Keep in mind the amount of details. If your infographic resume is so overloaded and overcrowded with information that a reviewer must decipher the meaning, you defeat the purpose of using an infographic in the first place.
Generally, setting yourself apart from the competition is desirable. However, getting noticed is not enough. Substance still matters, regardless of format. Also, the intended audience requires consideration. An infographic resume might or might not have a greater impact during your job search process. It is up to you to weigh objectively its potential advantages and possible downfalls before you decide to use it.
Photo courtesy of bplanet at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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