How to create an original CV?
Looking for a job can be a challenge, especially in sectors where competition is fierce.
To help you stand out in the job search process, creating an original curriculum vitae (CV) is an effective strategy.
However, the dose of originality must be subtle.
The originality of your CV must be in line with the professional sector targeted, the type of position sought and the recruiter’s profile.
What do you need to know about an original CV?
Let’s find out in this article.
What is an original CV?
The original CV transcends the simple presentation of an individual’s professional background and qualifications.
It features a distinctive format to offer a unique opportunity for the candidate to stand out from the crowd.
A variety of innovative approaches have emerged over the years, from Facebook and Twitter-style CVs to video CVs.
The essence of the original CV lies in the candidate’s desire to break away from the traditional Word CV.
To achieve excellence in the design of an original CV, three key elements must come together.
First and foremost, the CV must be truly original.
For example, it’s best not to reproduce ideas you’ve seen before, such as Word or PDF formats.
Creativity must be expressed in new ways to capture the attention of recruiters.
The choice of original format must also be adapted to the target audience.
In ultra-traditional sectors, the use of original CVs may be inappropriate, as it could distract attention from the candidate’s skills and professional experience.
An original CV should be striking without sacrificing the clarity of the information presented.
Avoiding spelling mistakes and choosing appropriate fonts and formats are key to ensuring that the original CV achieves its objective.
On the other hand, originality should never detract from the substance of the CV.
Important information such as work experience, education and other crucial elements should remain clearly accessible.
A good tip is to use free CV creation software to write and layout an original CV.
For example, you can use Impress to create your CV.
With Impress, you can make a video CV, lay out your professional CV, include your personal information and technical skills to set yourself apart from the rest.
This tool also offers ready-to-use resume templates.
What are the advantages of an original CV?
The original CV has many advantages.
For example, it allows :
Distinguish yourself from other candidates
Faced with a flood of applications, an original CV attracts the recruiter’s attention and enhances your personality.
An original CV attracts the recruiter’s attention and arouses interest.
Imagine receiving a pile of identically worded CVs in Word and PDF format, and suddenly coming across an illustrated, infographic or video CV.
The latter is bound to stand out and intrigue the recruiter.
It will make them want to learn more about the candidate.
Show what you can do
An original CV is much more than just a list of skills and experience.
It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your talents and know-how.
If you’re a graphic designer or have a degree in graphic design, for example, you can create photo CVs in the form of computer graphics.
A web designer can create a design CV and integrate his portfolio directly into it.
An illustrator can create a hand-drawn CV.
They can also create a simple Word or PDF CV and include important information.
For other professions, a salesperson can write a CV in the form of a sales pitch.
If you’re a recent graduate, you can create an interactive curriculum vitae or a classic CV.
Show your personality
An original CV is an excellent way of giving an insight into your personality and values.
It gives the recruiter a better idea of who you are and whether you’re a good fit for the company.
If you have a sense of humor, don’t hesitate to use it in your CV.
A well-placed witticism can make you more likeable and memorable.
Share key moments from your career or inspirational quotes.
This will help the recruiter discover your motivations and aspirations.
A video CV, a mind-map CV or an interactive CV are all great ways of showing off your creativity and personality.
An original CV can also help you gain confidence.
By taking on a bold CV, you show that you’re confident in your abilities and aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
What’s more, an original CV can be an excellent way of showing that you’re capable of thinking outside the box and proposing innovative solutions.
Finally, a modern CV can be a starting point for a conversation with the recruiter.
How to create an original CV to stand out from the crowd?
These days, it’s quite possible to create an original CV to stand out from the crowd.
For example, you can :
Use an original online CV template
To create an original CV, use a CV template on Canva.
This software offers a variety of modern, classic and original templates.
You’ll have a variety of templates to make an eye-catching, professional CV.
You’ll also have the opportunity to use clear headings for a chronological or thematic CV, depending on your choice.
What’s more, creative CVs can be downloaded free of charge from Canva before being personalized.
Far from being like the CVs you can create with Word, Photoshop or PowerPoint, the CVs created by Canva really stand out in the eyes of recruiters.
With Canva, ensure legibility with a neat layout and relevant icons.
Stand out from the crowd by creating a sober, graphic CV that highlights your skills.
If this is your first job, for example, it’s advisable to opt for a minimalist, easy-to-read CV.
Personalize the templates according to your sector of activity, whether you’re a recent graduate, a designer, an engineer or a project manager.
Maximize your chances in the recruitment process by highlighting your skills and strengths.
Download, modify and complete your CV free of charge with Canva to attract the attention of employers.
Select an original font
Designing an original CV requires careful attention to every formatting detail, and font selection is an element not to be overlooked.
Indeed, finding a font that combines legibility and creativity can prove tricky for candidates.
So choose a clear font that will eliminate any reading effort for the recruiter.
Examples of original fonts that can be integrated naturally into CV content include :
- Spartan
- Inconsolata
- Oswald
Don’t forget to personalize your CV according to your sector of activity.
Avoid spelling mistakes to create a positive first impression.
Pay particular attention to original layout and personal information, while using relevant typography such as Helvetica.
Stand out from other candidates by highlighting your skills in a coherent way and in a unique format.
With these tips, increase your chances of success in the recruitment process and make your CV a differentiating element on the job market.
Customize the design
Once you’ve chosen the template and adjusted the font, you can make your CV more creative by opting for specific colors.
For example, you can choose a color that reflects your preferences.
This will allow you to highlight your personality.
You could also consider selecting the color (or colors) of the brand or company you aspire to work with.
This approach will add a distinctive touch to your CV.
Choose skills that stand out from the crowd
To persuade employers that you stand out as an exceptional candidate, you need to surprise them.
This can be a complex task, as most CVs contain relatively similar information.
Your objective is therefore to select original skills that are out of the ordinary and that the recruiter doesn’t often find.
By opting for unusual assets, you will arouse the employer’s interest.
You’ll also demonstrate added value that goes beyond conventional skills.
This original approach will attract the recruiter’s attention and strengthen your position as a candidate.
Insert a free section for original information
On the Curriculum Vitae you create with Impress, you have the option of including a free-form section.
This section of the CV gives you the opportunity to include original information that may work in your favor for the job.
Ideas for free headings to personalize your CV include :
- References ;
- Publications ;
- Language certifications ;
- Additional courses and training ;
- Computer languages.
By integrating this information in a free section, you can highlight specific aspects of your profile.
Some examples of original CVs
If you’d like some inspiration from our original cv templates, here are a few examples to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
The video CV to make you stand out
The video CV is a bold and innovative approach to showcasing your skills and career path.
By opting for this format, you can express your personality, your dynamism and demonstrate your ability to communicate.
This strategy is particularly effective in sectors where visual and verbal communication is important.
Creating a CV in video format allows you to attract the recruiter’s attention in a more immersive way.
However, creativity must not compromise the clarity of your message and the presentation of your professional skills.
Your personality must be brought to the fore, while respecting the standards and expectations of your target professional sector.
In short, the video CV is a bold strategy for standing out from the crowd, but its success depends on your ability to combine originality and relevance.
Here is a beautiful Video CV created by Charline using Impress
Download Impress and do the same!
Impress is a free application
The creative CV in brochure form
Turning your CVs into brochures is an innovative strategy that lets you play with layout, colors, images and graphics to make your profile more attractive.
This format allows you to integrate interactive sections, infographics and other visual elements to highlight your skills and achievements.
However, please ensure that readability and clarity of information are not compromised in any way.
When choosing this approach, make sure that visual presentation doesn’t outweigh professional relevance.
Keep in mind that every visual element should contribute to a clear understanding of your qualifications and experience.
The aim is to capture the recruiter’s attention in a positive way.
By incorporating these creative elements into your CV, you can set yourself apart significantly.
Original CV in brochure form – source Artur Bartnik
The original CV in infographic form
Opt for the use of infographics to present the key information on your CVs. By condensing the details of your career path, skills and achievements into attractive visual elements, you can capture the attention of recruiters. Infographics offer a concise, visual approach to communicating information. If, for example, you want to create an original CV in the form of an infographic, make sure that every graphic element contributes to a clear representation of your qualifications.
Clarity of information must remain the priority, so that the recruiter can quickly grasp your skills. The aim is to make your CV more visually appealing while preserving an easy understanding of your professional profile. By incorporating infographics in a thoughtful way, you have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. However, don’t forget to maintain a harmonious balance between visual creativity and the clarity of your intended professional message.
Original CV in the form of an ingrophy – source www.corinnelarre.com
In all cases, whether it’s a video CV, a creative brochure or an infographic, you need to strike the right balance between originality and professional relevance.
The ultimate goal is to stand out from the crowd while presenting your skills and experience clearly and convincingly.
Want to try Impress to create your original video CV?
