Writing a CV can seem like an arduous task. Formatting and presenting yourself in a formal yet effective manner can appear both tedious and unappealing. The main aim of a CV is to present the relevant information in a way which is accessible for your employer, however in creative industries, a CV can be seen as an opportunity to showcase your skills within the strict format parameters.

When to use a Creative CV

Anything from Marketing and Graphic Design to Copywriting and Publishing can all be considered as a creative industry. Approaching your CV as a miniature brief set by potential employers means advertising yourself and skills can be combined effectively, as long as the appropriate vital information is included.  Here, a creative CV brings a different dimension to job applications, as a normal, more formal CV can only address your skills and abilities through the mentioning of achievements and references, whereas being more creative provides a glimpse of what you can bring to the business immediately.

Although the design and formatting of a CV can be developed and changed, the content included must be considered the most important aspect of your application. Being too creative can ruin your chances of interviewing if the information presented is unclear, so consideration is key when deciding whether a creative CV is the way to go to impress readers and supervisors.

When Does a CV Become Creative?

Creative CV’s can differ from simple changes in layout and fonts,  to multimedia and three dimensional products, all acting as a personal advertisement in their own unique way. Below is an example of a Creative CV which abides by traditional application form methods, as well as becoming a way in which job related skills can be portrayed.

Here, contact details, education and past work experience are all included, yet are positioned in a way in which showcases the applicant’s skill set. By combining the relevance of academic and occupational experience, the CV serves it purpose of informing the employer as its layout is well-suited to the job position applied for.

Tips of the Trade

Start by writing a CV out in the normal fashion, so you know that all the relevant information has been included then change the layout and design to promote yourself accordingly. It is important to remember the sole purpose of a CV is to advertise yourself and your skills, so the inclusion of important information such as past employment and education is just as important as showing your awareness of editing and formatting techniques. Ultimately, you want to ensure you have included everything you want your potential employer to know about you, before a creative slant is placed on your application.

Research the company or business you are applying to in order to ascertain whether a creative CV will be appreciated in accordance to their practises and filing systems. Looking into the company’s advertising style can help you tailor your CV to match their outlook and ethos, every company differs in approach so it’s important that your CV adheres to the rules and themes.

If you have any more queries regarding CV’s or job applications, visit the York St. John Jobs and Opportunities Page, or visit the Careers Team situated in the Quad East 007 on campus.