How to Make a Creative Resume (12 Templates & Examples)
Standing out when job-seeking isn’t just about your experience and qualifications. How you present yourself matters, too. A great creative resume can help you catch the recruiter’s eye while still looking professional.
Catching a recruiter's eye can be tough. And sometimes, your qualifications and experience aren't enough. But can a creative resume solve your problem?
In this guide, we cover the following:
- What a creative resume really is (and what it isn’t)
- When you should use one, and when you shouldn’t
- How a creative resume looks with examples
What is a creative resume?
Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of creative resume you need to know about, and one most certainly works better than the other. (Spoiler: It's the second one!)
1. Overly-designed creative resumes
First up, you’ve got your fully-designed creative resumes. The ones that break all of the standard resume writing rules. These may include infographic creative resumes, portfolio-style creative resumes, or interactive resumes.
We do not recommend these types of resume. Submitting any of the above creative resumes can be risky business. Recruiters don’t have long to review each application. If yours is hard to read or includes extra steps (such as opening a web page), they may simply reject it.
Data Insight
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can’t always parse creative resumes with many visual elements. Since 76.3% of recruiters use ATS systems in the US, failing to make your creative resume compatible is a huge mistake.
2. Traditional resumes with creative flair
Now, it’s time to talk about the other type of creative resumes, and the ones we recommend using. These follow a traditional style in that they are still text-based and highly readable. However, they include creative elements to stand out from the crowd.
There are plenty of ways to spruce up your application, while still making sure it ticks all of the boxes. You can add interesting elements like color blocks, textures, unique fonts, and so forth.
For instance, if you are an illustrator, you might create an illustrated border or header for your traditional resume. This will make your resume stand out to potential employers but the written portion will still be scannable for the ATS.
Here are some of the elements of readable creative resumes:
- Pops of color. While traditional resumes mostly employ muted colors, you can include pops of color to bring it to life.
- Attractive designs. Creative resumes can have attractive, eye-catching designs while still being professional.
- Interesting fonts. You can experiment with more creative fonts for your name at the top of your resume as well as your headings and subheadings. However, be sure that the text is still readable.
- Still professional. They include essential information, such as your name and contact information, work experience, education, skills, etc.
- Printable. Be sure that the resume can still be printed easily and that everything is still legible when printed.
Now let's look at some examples of creative resumes for inspiration, plus some top template recommendations.
12 creative resume examples
Looking for some great creative resumes? We’ve got you covered with the examples below. For even more inspiration for your specific industry, check out our collection of resume examples.
1. Design Director Creative Resume Examples
Incorporating subtle pops of color, plenty of white space, and a balanced visual, this example has it all. This is best for senior level professionals in the creative field.
2. Creative resume example for a software engineer
With blue accents and a captivating sidebar, this is certain to catch recruiter's eyes. Ideal for mid-level professionals with a linear history.
3. Creative resume example for a marketing pro
Big and bold, this creative resume example features a strong header paired with a traditional two-column design. This would suit a mid or late-career pro.
4. Creative resume example for an artist
Art is a visual medium, but that doesn't mean you need to go overboard on the design. This example uses subtle color accents in the headers. Great for any artist when paired with a full portfolio.
5. Creative resume example for a tattoo artist
This tattoo artist creative resume example grabs attention with a bright yellow hue. It's ideal for professionals of any level.
6. Creative resume example for a makeup artist
Featuring an elegant header, a neat sidebar, and a wealth of white space, this creative resume example is a great place to start. It would work for new and mid-level artists.
7. Creative resume example for a CFO
Using clear color accenting and a linear design, this resume example for a CFO is ATS-friendly and clear.
8. Creative resume example for a PR executive
PR specialists know all about making the right impression. With an attention grabbing header and two color tones, this example is hard to ignore. It's ideal for mid-level pros.
9. Creative resume example for a content writer
Words may be your medium, but that doesn't mean your creative resume should lack flair. Adding a pop of color, this example is best suited to a junior writer.
10. Creative resume example for a voice actor
With a two-column design and red used sparingly, this creative resume is attractive while remaining text-based. It would work for any level of voice actor.
11. Create resume example for an SEO specialist
Including a bold header and small colorful elements, this example is both professional and creative. It would be great for a junior SEO pro.
12. Creative resume example for a football coach
With green accent colors and light text, this football coach resume example scores high. It's best for mid-level professionals.
When to use a creative resume (and when not to)
If you are considering using a creative resume, you should consider how this will go down with recruiters. For example, if you are applying to a role in a staid industry like finance or law, it may hurt your candidacy. On the other hand, if you’re a graphic designer, it may be a smart move.
It’s important to use some discretion. Let’s break it down simply:
Use a creative resume when
- You work in a visual or creative field. If your industry is creative (e.g. photography, graphic design, acting), for example.
- The job advert requests it. Always follow the employer's instructions first and foremost.
- You’re looking to stand out. If you want to stand out in a sea of applicants, this is an option.
Don't use a creative resume when
- You’re applying for a traditional role. If you work in the legal, financial, healthcare, or standard corporate industries, for example.
- You’re worried about the ATS. Avoid making an overly creative resume that will hinder this system.
- The advert emphasizes keywords and qualifications. Creative resumes can get in the way of facing strict credential matching.
Crafting the perfect creative resume can be something of a balancing act. You need to make sure your application can parse the ATS and be read by recruiters. With the right approach, you can easily craft a creative resume that is at once professional and readable, too.
How to make a creative resume (step-by-step)
Customizing a readable creative resume comes with some real benefits. They often grab a hiring manager’s attention better than a traditional resume.
Plus, if you do not have a lot of work experience, a creative resume can help you emphasize your skills and other qualifications over your chronological work history (or lack thereof).
Ready to get started? Here’s a quick rundown of how to make a creative resume in three simple steps:
Step 1: Choose a template
The layout you choose should fit your field or profession. For instance, a graphic designer may go bold and opt for a more casual format, while a writer may start out with an elegant template. Make sure you consider what recruiters in your industry are likely to expect.
To choose the right format for you, check out our resume templates. We have a selection of options tailored to recruiter expectations. All you have to do is pick your preferred design.
Step 2: Customize your creative resume
When you’ve chosen your template, click on it. You’ll then enter the editor. Here, you can see a live preview of the document on the right-hand side.
Click the plus (+) sign next to each resume section to add it to your template, and then fill out your details. You can also use our AI-powered suggestions to help you pick the right words.
Next, switch up the styling (such as the colors, spacing, and font) in real time. Head to the bottom of the previewed document, where you can change the font style and size, alter the colors on certain elements, and decide on the line height.
Step 3: Optimize it for the ATS
Once you’re happy with how your creative resume looks, there’s one last thing to consider. It needs to be ATS-friendly. Should your application not parse the ATS system, you risk your chances of landing an interview.
ATS systems search for specific keywords to match your skills, experience, and qualifications to the vacancy. If the system can’t easily scan your application, it may reject it. To optimize your creative resume, make sure you follow some simple rules.
Don’t include text baked into images |
Ensure the headers are text (not imagery) |
Use standard section labels throughout |
Opt for simple, readable font styles |
Export your creative resume as a plain-text PDF |
Always read the submission instructions before submitting your PDF online. If there are any specific guidelines from the recruiter, you’ll need to follow them to a tee.
Creative resume example ideas
If you work in a highly creative industry, you may be searching for some unique resume ideas. Here are some creative resume examples that quite literally think outside of the box.
1. Infographic layout
An infographic can be a good option for graphic designers, web designers, those who work in IT, and so forth. An infographic will still contain some written text, but it is visually more interesting and can show off your design and presentation skills better than plain text.
2. Timeline creative resume
Looking to give the recruiter a visual illustration of your career history? A timeline creative resume does just that. Use a timeline through the center of your document so the reader can follow your background in an engaging way. However, make sure your text is text (not imagery!) so that the ATS can still parse your application.
3. Color-block design
Color, when used well, has the power to catch any reader’s eye. Crafting a document with a large block of color in the background can work well for creative professionals. Just make sure the recruiter can read the text. Try using a lighter color text that stands out against the background.
4. Portfolio-style document
In some fields, such as illustration, photography, and graphic design, the recruiter may expect a portfolio over an application. In these circumstances, you can make a resume that features your work directly. However, be wary of having too many images and not enough readable text.
Expert Tip
Whatever style of resume you decide to use, make sure your cover letter matches to create a cohesive look for your application. Our collection of cover letter templates and cover letter examples make it easy to get started.
Final tips for creating your creative resume
A creative resume sounds like a great way to stand out on paper, but it has its drawbacks. ATS systems can't always read non-traditional formats, and so it's smart to avoid them. Additionally, you should make sure any design elements demonstrate your abilities, rather than distract from your qualifications.
Want to create a creative resume but lack design experience? Use Jobseeker’s professional resume templates to build a polished, ATS-friendly document. Our tools help you balance visual appeal with professional credibility, with no graphic design background required. For even more formatting tips and expert advice for writing your resume, check out our collection of resources.
Frequently asked questions about creative resumes
What makes a good creative resume?
A good creative resume showcases your skills through its design while being readable and professional. It includes all essential information (contact details, experience, education, skills).
Adding some creativity can help you to stand out. However, any visual elements support your qualifications rather than overshadowing them.
How to format a creative resume?
To format your creative resume, organize your experience and skills in a logical flow that guides the reader's eye. Use white space, clear headings, and consistent fonts to maintain readability.
Are creative resumes a good idea?
Sometimes. Creative resumes work for designers, artists, photographers, and other visual professionals where your design skills matter.
However, in more traditional industries or when a recruiter is using an ATS, you may want to avoid overly-designed documents. You can craft a traditional resume featuring some creative elements, such as pops of color, different font styles, and spacing.
What’s the difference between a generic resume and a creative resume?
Traditional resumes often have understated designs featuring black text on white backgrounds and conventional layouts. A creative resume, on the other hand, may include visual elements like custom graphics, unique layouts, color schemes, or infographics.
Are creative resumes ATS-friendly?
ATS systems cannot always parse creative resumes, especially if there’s too much visual noise. Unusual layouts may be tricky for this software, and could lead to rejection. To give yourself the best odds of success, go for a standard format and customize it to suit your needs.
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