Career Questions and Answers
Is it a good idea to include some graphic illustration on a CV to make it stand out?
Asked by thejazzyman
A friend of mine is adamant that incorporating his graphic illustration designs directly onto to CV will boost his chances of employment. The vacancy is for a sales assistant at a clothes retailer. He believes that this will distinguish himself as a little more creative and forward thinking than other applicants. I believe he's making a huge mistake but I can't think of a valid reason why.
A:
Best Answer:
It will make him look like a fool. If he was going for a graphic design job, then he'd have a portfolio with that kind of thing.
It might make him stand out - but it also makes him look like someone who wants to do something else, rather than selling clothes.
A:
I think it's a bad idea. I look at CVs and Resumes at least once a month during hiring periods and this wouldn't look professional. Even though it's just a sales assistant job you still want to reflect a sense of professionalism (conforming), which this obviously doesn't accomplish. Yeah, you'll stand out, but adversely.
Answered by CT
A:
It's a very bad idea. If people ask for CV's, they are prepared to read them and will judge the CV on it's own merits rather than how your friend decorates it!
If the employees want to see how creative your friend is, they will test this in some other way... either through the interview or with a short test... they will not expect to see drawings on a CV... he can show his creativity on his CV by putting something under his personal interests which says he likes to draw etc...
Drawing on his CV will make him look like he is easily distracted, not sensible and maybe not reliable... It will probably give them a laugh but probably won't get your friend the job.
Afterall, a CV is only an introduction to your friends personality.. what education/experience/interests he has... not a full personality check
Answered by fairy_depp
A:
What would really make him stand out is if he had the qualifications required for the job. I personally think that they don't really care about graphic designs as long as you write a proper cv and letter.
Answered by ManUFan
A:
It ain't that much of a good idea,mate........
Answered by Melissa-Marianwen
A:
Just print it on coloured paper. Not too bright or garish, just enough to make it stand out.
Graphics just look tacky, trust me on the couloured paper.
Answered by Mully D
A:
I think he is making a terrbile mistake. it will make his CV look pathetic. Potential employees don't care about little pictures on the cv they care about the qulaifications etc. Tell your friend if he doesn't want the job then use it!
Answered by Gem*
A:
nope-your CV is a formal document...
he really should take the logo off his CV...
if he wants to impress them, staple a custom made buissness card to the CV, but dont put aything colourful on a CV
Answered by ribena_wrath
A:
I think it is a good idea as long as there is not to much of it and not pokemon's or cheesy kitty cat's
I have seen some stupid cv's and tossed them for that reason
Colored papper with a great font and format is a better way to go.
Answered by angel h
A:
ok heres the simple answer without need of explanation
"NO "
Answered by missy k
A:
Employers look at CVs' for information succinct information about the applicant they dont want fancy writing or inventive designs on a CV it will just detract from his chances, in fact chances are they may not even read it because of the fancy flares the only good idea of a picture on your cv is your photo at the top so the employer has an idea what you look like.
Answered by dimples
A:
I get loads of CVs sent to me. If I had one with lots of graphics on it, it would get filed in that cylindrical filing cabinet under the desk straight away.
He needs to say something to grab attention within the first half page. It has to be something about why he would be good for the position.
Answered by spook542
A:
Speaking as someone who has had to look at many, many CV's over the years, I can tell you that a prospective employer wants to see a CV that is clear, succinct and to the point. Any fancy artwork, as well as fonts, colours and coloured paper will go straight in the bin.
Use plain white paper, black ink and a standard, easily legible, font. Exclude anything that's irrelevant, and don't give details of referees - if they are required, they will be asked for.
Answered by Colin M
A:
An employer isnt interested in how well he can make computer graphics or doodles.
CV needs to be plain andstrightforward. Having pretty doodles on it will not help. If i saw an application like that, i would think the person had not taken the application very seriously.
Answered by lozzielaws
A:
No they will think his mind is elsewhere - they go with qualifications and experience not his artistic ability.
Answered by jackie m
A:
I think that's a great idea. A friend of mine who is a graphic designer printed her c.v. onto a T. shirt and sent it in the post. She got the job.
Answered by mindblock
Best Answers are selected by the person who asked the question or other Yahoo! users.
Find out more at
Yahoo! Answers
