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So, you're in the midst of figuring out how to stand out in your job search. Last week, we delved into the do’s and don’ts of resume writing. If you haven’t had the chance to read that article, you can find it here. This week, we're venturing into more exciting territory. We're about to explore a creative and engaging approach to resume building – the art of crafting a visual infographic resume. In a job market where competition is fierce, catching the attention of potential employers and standing out is crucial. An infographic resume emerges as a perfect tool for achieving just that.
Personally, I created my first infographic resume over 10 years ago. If you haven't ventured into this realm yet, you might find yourself a bit behind the curve, my friend. Looking back at mine now, I can identify areas for improvement. However, back then, these were WOW. A decade ago, I had to enlist the help of a graphic designer for this task. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, you now have all the tools at your fingertips, including AI, to craft your own. In this article, I’ll delve into the importance of having an infographic resume and provide insights into some easy-to-use tools to get the job done.
Why Opt for an Infographic Resume?
Let's face it – traditional text-based resumes can often feel like they're getting lost in the shuffle. When your resume is stacked among others in black and white, how can you ensure your professional story catches the discerning eye? This is where visual infographic resumes come into play. By leveraging compelling visuals, vibrant colors, and engaging graphics, these resumes possess the power not only to captivate but also to leave a lasting impression on employers and hiring managers. They offer a glimpse of your personality in a visual format. You can effectively emphasize what you want them to know about you. Moreover, they're simply more engaging than the old-fashioned black and white resumes. I would dare to assert that a traditional resume serves as the foundational requirement, a strong LinkedIn profile adds another feather to your cap, and an infographic resume? Well, that's a show-stopping WOW.
What Elements Should Be Included?
A visual infographic resume is much more than an aesthetic treat – it's a strategic instrument for presenting your professional journey in a captivating manner. It encompasses more than your work history; it intricately weaves in your personal details, skills, experiences, achievements, and more. It empowers you to highlight what truly sets you apart. You should have a clear understanding of the types of positions you're targeting and ensure that these distinctive elements are showcased in your infographic. For example, if you're a former crew member, highlighting the cultural diversity you experienced on a ship could be a significant asset to a prospective employer. Likewise, showcasing the places you’ve traveled to and the size of teams you've managed can make you stand out. These are unique aspects that many land-based applicants can't boast of. Visually displaying this experience in an engaging way creates a resume that's not just eye catching but also presents a holistic representation of your skills and background, setting you apart from the crowd.
Where to Begin Your Journey:
Your starting point is to take your conventional paper resume and pinpoint the experiences or achievements that truly stand out. Go through your resume line by line and highlight what sets you apart. If you're targeting a specific role or position, ensure that you emphasize the elements that could potentially be barriers for a hiring manager. As a personal example, when applying for a role requiring management of 30+ direct reports, my current role didn't technically involve any direct reports. To overcome this, I highlighted the various roles I'd held and the remote management of the shipboard team I oversaw. This approach helped to dispel the misconception and served as a compelling highlight on my visual resume. What are the things you need to dispel?
Crafting Your Layout:
Starting simple is a great start. You can begin with sketching ideas on paper or creating small icons. This can be done before delving into a design platform or seeking the help of a graphic designer. Ensure your infographic is contained within a single A4 page or legal paper. Once this foundation is set, let your creativity flow. Design it in a manner that is visually appealing and effectively highlights the elements you want your reader to focus on. Remember, a person's eye naturally moves from left to right, so ensure that your most important points are strategically placed on the page.
Leveraging Resources:
Creating an attention-grabbing infographic resume need not be an overwhelming task. You'll soon tap into a huge library of curated templates available online. If you possess a knack for design, you can start from scratch, but be mindful not to overcomplicate things. (Looking back at mine from 10 years ago, I'm stressed just looking at it – I'd probably pare it down by half today.) Utilize platforms that offer beautifully designed templates and find ways to seamlessly integrate your highlights. These platforms have hundreds of expert designers, so use them! Websites like Canva, Enhancv, and Visme provide templates and design tools tailored specifically for creating visually appealing resumes. Search infographic or infographic resume. Take advantage of these resources to breathe life into your creative vision. Here are some I’ve found:
Seeking Feedback:
Once your layout is established and you're content with it, enlist the help of at least ten people to proofread your resume. Yes 10! Explain your objectives, the types of jobs you're targeting, and ask for specific feedback. Request that they identify any typos or confusing elements. You're not soliciting design advice; rather, you're seeking out red flags that point to clear mistakes. (From my experience, soliciting design advice from ten people will likely lead to significant confusion.)
Staying True to Yourself:
Lastly, in the pursuit of differentiation, authenticity should remain unwavering. Infographic resumes provide a platform to showcase your uniqueness in an entertaining yet professional manner. Striking the right balance between creativity and authenticity can result in a resume that truly mirrors your genuine self. Don't hesitate to infuse elements that are humorous and memorable – today, for instance, I might include a small bunny beside my avatar because I own a pet bunny, and such quirky details make people remember you. After all, people want to connect with you on a personal level.
Always remember that your resume is a reflection of your professional identity. The visual approach extends beyond aesthetics; it's about effectively communicating your value. You, as a former crew member, possess unique value for potential employers. Your voyage equips you with distinct skills and experiences that make your resume a canvas to display your potential. Let your visual infographic resume be your signature in the job market – a testament to your expertise and an invitation to open doors to exciting new opportunities.
If you want to learn more, take the time to watch our webinar on this topic. And GOOD LUCK! Remember we are here to support the crew and the cruise industry, so reach out for anything you need! And if you have not applied with us, you will not hear of future job postings, so take a moment to share your information - you never know what your next gig could be!
#CareerSuccess #VisualResume #WebinarReplay #PersonalBranding #CareerJourney #StandOut #InfographicResume #ProfessionalGrowth #Ship2shoreEmploy
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