Not many people know this, but Leonardo da Vinci is widely credited as the inventor of the resume when he wrote a letter to Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, outlining his skills, inventions, and capabilities. Ironically, he didn’t get the job! So, what does it take to create a resume that stands out and will definitely turn heads? The following are true-life examples that we hope will provide unique inspiration for what can sometimes be a very dull and traditional job-hunting process.
The LEGO Resume – Andy Morris
Who would have thought it, the first-ever LEGO resume, with a miniature version of the candidate (Andy Morris), coupled with his very own custom-made instruction manual! It’s nothing short of genius. Andy’s creative stunt not only grabbed the attention of recruiters but also propelled him into a global audience. And guess what, Andy is an Aussie! He was a design graduate from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has since successfully set up his own design studio, specializing in—yep, you guessed it—LEGO-style novelty equipment.
See it here on https://www.andymorris.studio.
The Video Game Resume – Robby Leonardi
This has to be one of my favourites. This is a totally interactive and immersive resume design, where the user can play through a side-scrolling video game to explore Robby’s career history, education, hobbies, interests, and so much more. Robby now works as a freelancer specializing in illustrations, infographics, websites, animated videos, and games. If you get time, explore the creative genius that is Robby.
See it here on: http://www.rleonardi.com/interactive-resume/
Video Game Resume No.2 – Daniel Sternlicht
We said before that Robby Leonardi was one of our favourites. However, Daniel Sternlicht is without a doubt our personal favourite. Never in the history of resume writing has there been a video game-style resume that keeps the user absolutely engaged to find out what happens next. This self-styled video game showcases Daniel’s ability as a front-end engineering developer, but more importantly, as a creative genius. This one will put most resume writers to shame! Warning: if you are visiting this website, be prepared to spend at least 5 to 10 minutes working through this totally interactive journey.
Matthew Hirsch – The Chocolate Bar
At first glance, it’s very easy to mistake this for a common chocolate bar with packaging, but take a closer look. Firstly, it’s a “Hirschie” bar, not a “Hershey.” Matthew, who is the creator, was a design student and worked as part of a team to create something unique to say thank you to Hershey’s senior and executive team for the time they spent working with their college and helping their students. As a kid, Matthew was nicknamed “Hirshy,” so he couldn’t miss the chance to create the “Hirschie Bar.” The 1991 on the front of the wrapper refers to his birth, and of course, all the secret titles such as ingredients highlight his skill sets. The design and strategy are nothing short of brilliant. Thinking of doing something similar? Be warned. You may find the recipient eating the chocolate bar and throwing away the wrapper!
Say Hello to the Right Side of My Brain!
What’s lacking in most resumes these days is any sense of personality. Resumes are so dry, which is why recruiters only spend around 10 seconds navigating through the content (before they start to fall asleep or lose concentration). But every now and then, a resume pops up that catches the reader’s imagination and interest, and this one is one of those. In addition to unique graphics, we love that Soumitra has reinvented the “My Skills” section. The introduction is short and sweet. Sticking to a one-page design, there is every chance people will be calling him just to find out who the person is behind the graphics.
The Google Search Resume – Eric Gandhi
When Eric first designed his resume, it took the employment world by storm. Basing his resume on a Google search result, he was able to offer a unique proposition that resonated quickly with the online audience. Although these days the format may look a little dated, if you cast your mind back just 10 years, this resume would have been a real pioneer in design and innovation. What’s more, he took the time needed to think about the content and keep the reader interested in reading more. It’s all very search friendly- ideal for ATS systems.
The Facebook Resume – Sabrina Saccoccio
Just like Eric and his Google resume, Sabrina wanted something a little more on point with today’s online click-based audience. And guess what, she came up with the idea of a Facebook-style resume and it worked. She soon gained media attention, and before you knew it, she propelled her career in media production. In fact, companies such as CBC Radio 3 were so impressed, they were happy to post her application on their blog (with her permission, of course).
The Character Artist – Pierre Rogers
We’re really not quite sure what to make of this resume—is it the work of a genius or a madman, or a combination of both? What is guaranteed is that this resume definitely stands out. It’s an incredible one-page artistic piece, which readers may either love or hate, but I guess that is what Pierre wanted—to grab people’s attention. The inspiration behind the resume was Pierre’s interest in computer gaming.
The Infographic Resume – Katie Briggs
As a graduate in art, Katie simply wasn’t interested in building a traditional resume. Katie ripped up any old stigmas and focused purely on design and eye-catching headlines. I’m glad she did. Her take on an infographic-style resume really set a new standard in the market. Packed with colourful charts, icons, and easy-to-digest stats, Katie’s resume doesn’t just tell her story—she visualizes it. This is a very clever marketing technique to quickly capture the reader’s eye, which ultimately gets you interested in reading more. Sometimes, a picture (or in this case, an infographic) really is worth a thousand words—or in this case, one dream job.
Self Photo Design – Magnus Henriksen
If you are going to create a resume, there’s no point in beating about the bush. You are the centre of attention. And using that concept, Magnus has definitely nailed it. While the resume contains very limited written content, it’s pretty clear what Magnus’ intent is. Magnus has since gone on to become a very talented graphic designer and artist, and you can find details on his portfolio here: https://www.behance.net/henriksen.
The Printed T-Shirt Resume – Kelly Kinney
Kelly Kinney took the concept of “wearing your heart on your sleeve” to a whole new level by printing her resume on a T-shirt. I really can’t picture how the scene would play out where Kelly walks into an interview wearing her resume. Where does the recruiter or interviewer place their eyes without avoiding some severe awkwardness? However, it definitely strikes up a conversation. Kelly’s philosophy is, “If I can sell myself this well, I can sell your company this well too.” Kelly is definitely an innovator who has the confidence needed to show her brand in a unique way that I’m sure very few, if any, would dare.
The Billboard Resume – Adam Pacitti
I guess if you want to outdo Kelly Kinney and her T-shirt concept, why not print a whole billboard? Adam’s strategy is absolutely legendary; he actually spent his last £500 on producing this billboard coupled with a dedicated website. The strategy worked, and he was soon picked up by a media advertising agency and has also progressed into making his own documentaries as well as online entertainment about professional wrestling of all things.
Sweeten the Deal – The Cake Resume – Karly Blackburn
Life is meaningless without a little bit of sweetness. Karly Blackburn was faced with a dilemma: how to get her job application noticed at Nike. Knowing that there would be countless other applicants, Karly put her thinking cap on (actually, it was her chef’s hat) and decided to bake her way to the top of the recruiter’s shortlist for a subdivision of Nike (a start-up). It seems that the strategy paid off, securing her several meetings with the bosses at the big “Just Do It” global icon. Could this strategy pay off with other companies? Quite possibly, but you’d hope that the cake would reach the intended contact without having slices cut out (which would most likely ruin the resume layout!).
FAQs - Creative Resumes
Do creative resumes really work?
Yes! Creative resumes can offer something unique and different to the market. However, it's important to balance creativity with professionalism so that the design doesn’t overshadow your skills and experience.
Are there industries where creative resumes are more effective?
Creative resumes are particularly effective in industries like graphic design, marketing, advertising, and the arts, where innovation and originality are highly valued. However, in more traditional industries, such as finance, a more conventional approach may be better received. For example, the CEO of CBA might not appreciate receiving a LEGO resume or a T-shirt resume.
What are the common mistakes in creative resumes?
The biggest mistake is not aligning the resume with your intended audience. It’s crucial to think about who will be reading your resume and tailor the design accordingly. Each of the examples above had a clear strategy and targeted a specific person or team. Avoid being generic, as this can dilute the impact of your creative approach.
Can a creative resume backfire?
Yes, it can if not executed properly. If the design is too unconventional or doesn’t align with the company’s culture, it might be viewed negatively. Additionally, be aware that if your design is particularly unusual, it could attract attention on social media—whether you intend it to or not.
