A creative resume can mean the difference between landing your dream job and receiving yet another rejection letter. Taking into consideration the sheer number of applications employers are forced to sift through, there simply has to be something about your resume that stands out from the crowd.

But first, let’s talk about a few things to avoid when you are trying to stand out in a sea of resumes. Jokes that might not work well without context, misspellings, and grainy photos will not help you stand out. In-person applications should avoid scented paper, glitter, or ink that smears when dry. Remember, you want to stand out, but for a good reason!

Here are some creative ideas to ensure your resume doesn’t get passed over.

Land That Interview: 3 Creative & Different Resume Ideas

1. Eye-Catching Resume Designs (or Templates!)

A visually appealing resume can greatly increase your chances of securing employment. If an employer can see that time and effort has gone into the appearance of your resume, it gives the impression you actually care about the advertised position.

Whether you choose to feature eye-catching fonts and colors or a strikingly minimalistic design, there are a variety of different ways to give your resume some creative flair. If design isn’t your strong suite, try finding a resume template you can use.

2. Show Off Your Portfolio

If you think you have what it takes to excel in a new role, why not prove it? Including a portfolio in your resume can demonstrate your capabilities far more effectively than just listing your employment history. You should be proud of your work and take any opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience.

Depending on the nature of your profession, presenting evidence of your abilities can be done in a variety of ways. For example, a tradesperson could include photos of houses they have helped build, and a teacher could feature their lesson plans. A resume with a portfolio included has the potential to separate your application from the rest of the pack and strengthen your chances of progressing to the next round of the recruitment process.

3. Include Testimony

Another creative way of adding to your resume’s uniqueness is to include written testimony from past employers or clients. Every job application should contain the contact details of at least three professional referees, but if your former supervisors and co-workers are willing to vouch for your capabilities, why not take advantage of their favorable opinions?

By featuring a letter from someone who can confirm you are as qualified as your resume claims, recruiters will have extra motivation to proceed with your application. The testimony doesn’t need to be lengthy; just a few short paragraphs detailing your strengths should be more than enough to convince potential employers of your value as a potential member of their team.

Bonus Resume Idea: High-Quality Paper

Although many job applications are submitted online, in person applications give you an additional chance to stand out. Paper that is slightly thicker than regular computer paper and slightly off white will stand out in a stack of boring resumes. Keep in mind, it doesn’t need to be $20 a sheet, just slightly thicker and nicer than standard printer paper.

Final Thoughts on Resume Design

Regardless of how great your interviewing skills are, in order to make it through the first stage of any recruitment process, your resume should be able to capture the attention of potential employers with its originality and creative flair.

Do you have any advice on how to make your resume more creative? Share your thoughts in the comments below.