Considering Your Audience is Not Selling Out
Kent R.
“I want my resume to be a creative expression of my unique gifts!” This not uncommon request prompts me to delicately remind potential clients that the resume is “about you but for them” and that many readers will be turned off by a creative approach. Most people instantly get the differentiation and appreciate the frank advice. But sometimes a potential client balks. “I don’t want to sell out to get a job” is usually the subtext, if not the out-and-out response.
If you feel like following resume writing best practices is selling out, let me allay your fears. Considering your audience is not selling out. And your audience – your potential employer – is what is most important when creating a resume.
I am all for individual expression. There is a time and place for communicating your unique gifts in a creative way. However, as hard as it may be to hear, an effective resume is rarely a creative resume.