Is Your Resume the Definition of Insanity

Is Your Resume the Definition of InsanityIs Your Resume the Definition of Insanity2Splash Rsums, a personal branding studio that is out to change the way people look at rsums, and shes also a member. When Albert Einstein allegedly said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, he probably wasnt talking about your rsum.But isnt that exactly what most of us do? We submit the same dull, dreary rsum to employer after employer expecting to eventually hit the bulls eye and land the job of our dreams. That sounds like insanity.Youve written and rewritten your rsum, and youve held a microscope to each and every word. But thats leid enough these days.The explosion of social media and websites like Pinterest, Instagram and Etsy are examples of how our communication has evolved into a more visual style. We use pictures to tell our stories and sell our products, and its very effective.I often remind my clients that their rsums are marketing docum ents, not just lists of accomplishments and skills. And the purpose of a rsum, like any other marketing effort, is to sell something and position yourself in front of the hiring manager for an interview. In this case its you and your skills. So, go sell yourselfI also suggest that job seekers challenge the assumption that rsums must adhere to a certain set of rules. Says who?Instead of doing the same thing that everyone else is doing- over and over again- grab this opportunity to showcase your innovative, creative thinking with a unique rsum that reflects your personality. If you choose not to hire a professional, how can you make your rsum more creative on your own?Here are a few suggestions to make your resume more creativeAdd small, appropriate imagesUse untraditional, yet readable fonts. (A favorite is Garamond)Try switching your layout from horizontal to verticalAdd swatches of colorEarlier this month, I read a blog post on about a successful job search using a creative rsum. I was so excited And this is not an isolated case. There are many examples of job seekers using creativity to guide their rsum design.Our work is a huge part of our identity, especially in certain cultures. Working on rsums can be an emotional experience for both the rsum writer and client. I once heard of a colleague who gave her client this advice a rsum is not a career obituary. This is so true Use your rsum as a set of talking points to sell yourself in the interview.Certain fields may be known for conservatism and conformity. But, there are firms and interviewers looking for fresh talent and new ideas. What better way to stand out from the crowd than with an exciting rsum?If something works, stick with it. But if its not working? Change the method, and youll be sold to your ideal organization or firm in no time.