A resume is a document with which job candidates market themselves to hiring managers. Their goal is to present the candidates in the best possible light, to make sure employers get engaged, invite the job seeker for an interview, and eventually get offered a career.
Usually, resumes can be divided into four types: chronological, functional, hybrid and targeted. Chronological resumes sort the candidate’s professional history chronologically, so that hiring managers may see just how the person progressed and evolved.
Functional resumes focus on key skills and achievements rather than time, while hybrids are a combination of the two. Finally, targeted resumes can be any of the three, but they’re usually crafted for the specific position a job seeker is applying for.
But there is also another type of resume that doesn’t follow this set pattern. It is called the infographic resume and instead of through words, it presents data through graphics and visuals. The principle behind this approach is that us humans are visual beings, and that we’re programmed to better respond to visual stories, rather than letters and numbers.
What Does An Infographic Resume Look Like?
So what does a professionally written infographic resume look like? Well, if you’ve ever seen an infographic, you’re very close. An infographic resume is usually formatted as a picture, either in a .jpg or a .pdf file. It is larger than a traditional resume, more colorful and with different fonts. If we’d have to put it in any of the four abovementioned categories, a functional resume would be the closest match. Infographic resumes focus on the candidate’s skills and achievements. It shows plenty of numbers and stats, but presents them visually so that they’re easier to digest.
Who Should Use An Infographic Resume?
Anyone who wants to stand out of the crowd and have "wow" factor!
If you are an accomplished professional with demonstrated success in achieving company growth, improving processes, managing employees or programs, or have a C-Suite or High-level executive, sales, or marketing background, an infographic resume may be the ideal document for you.
They also work great for quantifiable jobs such as c-suite positions or managerial ones, as they allow for visual storytelling. Combine all your successes, achievements and skills in a single page that’s easy to consume and understand to every hiring manager or executive.
Talk to one of our infographic professional resume writers to see if an infographic resume is right for you.
When Do You Send An Infographic Resume To An Employer?
An infographic resume should only be used "after" you land the job interview. You should only apply to jobs with a standard chronological, functional, hybrid, or targeted resume. After you land the phone or in-person interview, that's when you should email or hand deliver your infographic resume to the potential employer or the hiring manager. This creates a "wow" factor when employers see your infographic resume!
Stand out from the crowd with an impressive, creatively designed, and professionally written infographic resume!
Conclusion
Infographic resumes are a double-edged sword. When done properly, and sent to companies that can appreciate this kind of creativity, it can give you an edge against your competitors. On the other hand, if it’s poorly executed, or sent to companies employing ATS systems, your resume might never make it into human hands. So be careful and consider your options before deciding to avoid the traditional job-hunting approach.