A Comprehensive Guide for Crafting Your Visual CV

After networking events, people end up with stacks of business cards and resumes to go through. Most people hand out regular resumes, but using a visual resume can let you express your creativity and make you stand out from the crowd.

Knowing how to make a visual cv and what to put in it can impress your future boss. In this article, we’ll talk about what a visual resume is, when to use it, and give you steps to make your own. Plus, we’ll share some templates to help you along the way.

What is a visual CV?

A visual CV, also known as an “infographic resume,” is a creative way to present your qualifications instead of using the usual resume format. It’s a great way to grab attention and highlight why you’re perfect for the job you want.

A visual CV is a jazzed-up version of your regular resume. Instead of the usual black text on white paper, you have more freedom to get creative with how you show off your work history and skills. People often use icons, graphics, colorful backgrounds, and cool fonts to make their visual CV pop.

When should you use a Visual CV?

Using a visual CV is ideal for networking. It showcases your creativity and helps you stand out from the crowd. Stick to your traditional CV or resume for job applications and online job sites. However, you can also share your visual CV on social media to grab attention. When starting a new job, introducing yourself with your visual CV can quickly give your coworkers a glimpse into who you are and what you bring to the table.

While visual resumes can be useful for many job applications, certain industries or employers might prefer the traditional resume format. It’s crucial to research the company and position beforehand and customize your resume accordingly. Some fields, like graphic design, web design, art, and copywriting, highly value creativity, personality, and artistic expression, making visual resumes particularly relevant.

Checking the company’s social media accounts can give you insights into their culture. Regardless of your career, having a backup traditional resume alongside your visual one is smart. This ensures you’re ready to meet various employers’ needs. For instance, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) when you apply online. These systems scan resumes for keywords related to the job you’re seeking. Having both types of resumes covers your bases.

ATS systems struggle to read graphics, so it’s crucial to:

• Save the text separately on your visual resume so the system can pick up the vital info.
• Stick to using visual resumes for emails, in-person applications, or handing them to hiring managers during interviews.
• Steer clear of too many colors or graphics that might make your resume look unprofessional.

When to use a classic CV

Stick to a classic CV when applying for jobs or posting on online job boards. Traditional CVs let you include more info. If you go for a visual CV, keep it clean and readable. They often have fancy formatting, which limits space for details. Avoid pie charts, slang, bar graphs, and excessive formatting on a visual CV.

Remember, automated tracking tools might not handle visual CVs well. They focus on keywords, not visuals. If a recruiter requests your resume, give them both your visual and classic CV. They can then decide which to share with clients based on their preferences.

How to create an effective visual resume

While using a visual resume might help you stand out from the competition, there are a few rules and recommendations you should be aware of.

1. Focus on the content

No matter how you design your resume, make sure to focus on showing off your skills and qualifications. Usually, resumes have similar stuff like your job title, skills, work experience, and education. You can also use strong words to talk about what you’ve achieved. Graphics in a visual resume can help highlight these details without taking over. Remember to customize your resume for each job you apply to, matching the language and style to what the company wants.

2. Organize your information

When you’re making your resume, think about what info is most important and make it stand out with visuals or where you put it on the page. Check for stuff you’ve said more than once or that could fit better in another part of the resume. This makes sure your resume is neat and easy to read, even with visuals. At first, use fewer visuals to keep things organized and clear.

3. Use a portfolio

Remember, your resume should fit on one page. Adding a link to your portfolio is a good idea. It lets you show off your personality and projects without cluttering your resume with too many visuals.

4. Avoid overcrowding

Depending on how much experience you have, fitting everything onto one page can be tough. A visual resume can help by showing all your credentials in a compact way. But if it starts getting too busy, it’s okay to switch back to a simpler format.

5. Perform a six-second test

Most hiring managers only spend about six seconds scanning resumes. You can check if your resume stands out by scanning a job description for keywords, setting a timer for six seconds, and trying to find at least five matching details on your resume. It’s best to have someone who hasn’t seen your resume do this test for you.

Visual resume templates

Here are two templates to help you make your visual resume:

• Minimalist template

If you’re aiming for a visual resume that’s clear and simple, go for a minimalist layout.

• Two-column template

This template divides the page into two columns, making it easy to organize your info.

• Tips to improve your visual resume

The following tips can help you improve the look and functionality of your graphic resume:

• Consider adding color

Adding color to your resume can impress employers, showcasing your design skills and creativity, especially in certain industries. But keep it simple with just a few colors and plenty of white space to avoid overwhelming the reader. This way, they can focus on your content.

• Use icons to highlight important details

Icons are a great way to draw attention to key details in your visual resume, like your skills and work experience. They help guide the reader’s focus to the most important parts of your document, showcasing why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

• Add your logo

Adding your personal logo to your visual resume can emphasize your professionalism. And business achievements, leaving a positive impression on potential employers or clients. Consistency is key, so make sure to use your logo and the same color scheme across all your professional materials, including your cover letter and portfolio.