How to write an infographic CV
Your CV is the first thing an employer will see and read about you, so you want to make it as engaging and relatable as possible. When writing and designing your CV, it’s good to keep the job description in mind but also think about ways you can make it more appealing. This is where infographic CVs can become really useful. They are visually appealing and really interesting to look at, before you even start reading. However, they’re not for everyone and not used as often as they could be. This article will talk you through what an infographic CV is, why you should consider one and hopefully help you decide whether it’s a good step for you to take.
What is an infographic CV?
When you feel like a ‘typical’ CV just isn’t enough anymore, infographics may be the way to go. The job market can be incredibly competitive and being able to find solutions that allow your CV to stand out from the rest can be really useful. An infographic CV is a visual representation of your skills, experience and qualifications.
Normally, a CV would be primarily text based. However infographic CV’s use images, graphs, timelines and more to present information. You are not only telling the employer what you’ve achieved but you’re showing them as well. Whether you are in a creative sector of engineering or not, being able to grab the attention of the employer is priceless. This type of CV allows you to show them exactly who you are. It also breaks up the traditional chunks of text and can make it easier for some to digest the information. Making you memorable, which is the key to a good CV.
Why should I choose an infographic CV?
Some employers will directly ask for infographic CVs when applying for a role and others may not. It’s important to point out that if an employer has asked for your CV to be in a specific format, then do listen to them. They have usually asked for a reason. However, if it’s not specified and you think an infographic CV can help boost your application, then here’s why they can be a great tool.
infographic CVs are used to share a more visual representation of how your career looks. You’re able to paint a picture for the employer, of what steps you have taken in your career to get where you are now. Images, graphics and graphs allow them to absorb the information in a differently to how they would with a traditional CV. You also give yourself too be a bit more creative. You’re able to showcase parts of your talents in design work.
When should I not use an infographic CV?
Just like anything else, there are going to be positives and negatives. There is a time and place for infographic CVs to be used and it’s important to know when to steer clear. As mentioned above, if the employer asks for a specific type of CV to be submitted, don’t steer away from this. Chances are, they’ve asked for a reason and their systems aren’t going to be compatible with it.
Also, where infographics look great, if you have a really long CV, with specific information you must include, infographics may not be the right direction to take. A downfall to infographic CVs is that where design really shines through, it does take up a bit of space and leave you with less room for the content. If you are someone that has a lot of important information that can’t be missed, it may not be the right route for you to take.
How do you start this type of CV?
It can be important to really let your personality shine through on your CV but it’s equally as important to maintain a good balance of creativity and information. You want to make sure that your CV is clear, concise and easy to understand. You don’t want to have employers questioning things and having to search for the relevant information.
Make sure you have a list of everything you must include on your CV. Sometimes there are things that can be left out and added into your cover letter or online application if you have one. But in order to have a successful CV, you need to grab their attention. Don’t leave out important elements to make room for the design, it should be the other way around.
Pick your design and make it simple. Although infographic CVs are a way for you to express yourself and be creative, you need to make it easy on the eyes. Don’t go for something full of colour and over the top, especially if this isn’t compatible with the type of job you’re applying for.
You also need to give yourself some time. CVs take a lot of time as it is, but when you’re trying something new and adding a design element, they’ll take even longer. Give yourself time to research what type of CV would work best, look at others on people’s online portfolios and take inspiration.
Where can one be used?
There is a time and place for infographic CVs. If you don’t feel comfortable using them for job applications, there are other places that they’re useful. If you have an online website where you showcase your portfolio and CV, this can be a great place to share it. As well as your LinkedIn profile. Giving employers, recruiters and anyone else the chance to find it online. Some people react a lot better to visual CVs, so now might just be the right time to give it a go.