Resumes

[Rocketpig]

I'm working on my resume (I found out I'm underpaid about 10k a year yesterday) and I pose you this question:

What is "too much" in a resume? I'm thinking that for a design/illustration job, a PDF created in InDesign with graphics and a nice layout would have much more of an impact than a typical Word resume (which I already have in case I need to fax it).

What do you guys think? Would some of you mind posting some of your resumes that use graphical content? I'm leaning toward a very simple (yet modern) layout with a few examples of my work.

I need to finish this today because there's a design job with a video game company that is screaming my name.

[Mynock]

I resume was very simple. I went one color (black) and a thick card stock. I had no graphics on my resume. I was simply my logo, text, and some lines to break things up. Make it an interesting, but readable layout, and you can get by without looking like trying too hard. The paper stock can make the difference, it did in my case. It got me my first job (along with the design). The owner of the quick printing shop didn't like the thick stock, but it was enough to make him call me after reading the typo in my cover letter. Spent nine months there before leaving to work for a large format printing company. Pay attention to the font. Try to grab one that has numbers that drop below the baseline. It makes the numbers which there are a lot of stand out a bit.

[morea]

^ I use something similar - my resume is mostly text with a few lines and a personal "logomark".

I try to pay particular attention to keeping it simple and straighforward, and leave enough white space so that the reader won't feel overwhelmed by the amount of information on the page... bullet points work particularly well for this.

Remember, on average, a resume is only looked over for 30 seconds - and that is only if the reader can't find a reason to put it down sooner!

Here are some resume info links, if you get a chance to look them over.
Happy, useful links about graphic design resumes (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=137159&postcount=4)

[Eraser Nubbin]

I've heard that using a slightly different size of paper is beneficial, makes yours stand out from all of the other resumes in the heap-o-applications

[idaho]

Rocketpig, I just sent you a PM.

[Mitch Wood]

Go to portfolio sites and download some samples for inspiration. I think you will find that as mentioned less is soo much more, legibility and a concise layout will be more productive.

That way you get to see the standard of work and CV/resume.

[idaho]

I would keep your resume to one page. More than that is generally considered a " no no". Like Morea says, employers are only going to look at it for about 30 seconds. Once you get an interview, they will read it more thoroughly.

Keep the graphics simple and above all else - PROOF READ IT. A single misspelled word can kill your chances. Bad use of the english language will kill you as well. Have a couple of other people prroof it for you. A fresh set of eyes is always best.

Email it to me and I will be glad to proof it for you.

[morea]

I always try to draft at least 2 or 3 people to look over my resume when I finish it - and I *still* had one get out with a typo once! :o

And definitely, one page is best! As for the graphics, I believe that it is common practice to send a resume with cover letter and 3 printed samples of your work as a package to a potential employer. It has always worked pretty well for me.

Good luck!

[Rocketpig]

Yeah, it will definitely be one page only. I'm thinking that four samples running the left edge of the page with the rest being type is the way I'll go.

KISS, a designer's best rule especially when designing for him/herself. I think we have a tendency to overkill a design when it's for ourselves.

Oh, and there will be NO typos on the resume. :)

[idaho]

Do you know what the job title is that you are applying for?

[morea]

another remotely-resume-related tip: when you write up your cover letter, call the company first (if you don't have a contact name), and ask the person who answers the phone who is in charge of hiring for that position. Be sure to get the correct spelling of their name, and address the letter accordingly.

Attention to detail is important in this biz! :p

[Rocketpig]

Do you know what the job title is that you are applying for?

Lead designer.

[idaho]

There has been a lot of talk about your resume but I haven't heard any mention of a demo reel. If you are applying for Lead Designer position, shouldn't you have one?

Also, I just visited your website (very nice), you design gallery is all out of whack. All the links point to either the same image or nothing at all. You might want to fix that before you send your resume.

Just my $.02

[Rocketpig]

There has been a lot of talk about your resume but I haven't heard any mention of a demo reel. If you are applying for Lead Designer position, shouldn't you have one?

Also, I just visited your website (very nice), you design gallery is all out of whack. All the links point to either the same image or nothing at all. You might want to fix that before you send your resume.

Just my $.02

I haven't updated that site in two or three years. No time between a full-time gig, freelance jobs now and then, and the demands of a girlfriend.

All that stuff is soooooo old that I don't give out that site to anyone with my resume.

My portfolio is in such bad shape that it's embarrassing.

I wish I had the time to fix it but alas, it just is not to be. :(

[reuber1]

I haven't updated that site in two or three years. No time between a full-time gig, freelance jobs now and then, and the demands of a girlfriend.

All that stuff is soooooo old that I don't give out that site to anyone with my resume.

My portfolio is in such bad shape that it's embarrassing.

I wish I had the time to fix it but alas, it just is not to be. :(

Sounds familiar

[Rocketpig]

BTW, what are some good design job sites?

I'm browsing:

HotJobs.Yahoo.com
CareerBuilder.com
Monster.com

Any others you guys know of?

[morea]

check here: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4008