5 Brilliantly Creative CV Examples
We’ve all spent hours trying to make our CVs sparkle to grab the attention of recruiters. But have you thought about doing something completely off-the-wall creative?
While employers might expect online applications that consist of two A4 pages detailing your qualifications, experience, and achievements, there’s more to writing a great CV than Times New Roman and sensible headings.
With a little bit of flair and pizazz, you can create something that’ll really stand out and help you progress quickly through the application process. Here are some of the best creative CV ideas we’ve come across.
Best creative CV examples
These are some of the most effective, unconventional, and unique CVs that have helped people get jobs:
1. Google CV
Possibly our favorite thing about this alternative CV is that the idea is actually so simple and easy to create.
When Eric Gandhi was applying for a job at Google, he formatted his CV to look like he’s appeared in a Google search for a ‘Creative, hard-working, talented designer’.
Did it work? Yes. Eric was offered an interview just 30 minutes after submitting his application. But he actually ended up turning down his job offer at Google and has since built an amazing career working for the likes of eBay, Walt Disney Studios, BuzzFeed, and the Weather Channel.
I was looking for a way to stand out from all the other designers out there. Truthfully, I got fed up with following the stuffy, formal conventions that you are expected to follow in your job hunt or work life.
2. ‘Save me from emigration’ billboard
While it isn’t technically a CV, this billboard by Féilim Mac An Iomaire is very inventive. Wondering how potential employers could get in touch? Féilim’s email address was on the bottom of the billboard.
The bold stunt proved a big success, resulting in 20 interviews and several job offers. Féilim eventually took a job at Paddy Power – and was saved from emigration as a result!
3. ‘Employ Adam’ billboard campaign
While we’re on the subject of billboards, media production grad Adam Pacitti got everyone talking when his campaign seeking employment went viral. Adam spent his last £500 on a billboard, set up a video CV and a website, and suddenly appeared all over international newspapers and TV. Oh, and he received over 100 job offers. He eventually ended up working at media company KEO and spent his first paycheck on another billboard to say thank you. Of course, I was hoping it would go viral, but I ended up receiving coverage from newspapers across the country and websites around the world. If you fancy creating your own website, our tips can help you do it in just 20 minutes.
4. Musical guitar CV
Musician and graphic designer Scott McFadden decided to turn his beloved guitar into a very original resume. Not surprisingly, when he posted the photos online, he got quite a lot of attention over it. It might not be the most practical CV to take along to a job interview, but it certainly shows some serious style and creativity.
5. CD CV
Digital design student, Sean Ball, went all out with his quirky CV.
Turning his resume into a coordinated design across business cards, CD-ROMs (those were the days), and accompanying booklets, he created the ultimate example of not just saying what his skills are but showing them.
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While a lot of people have tried to hop onto the video CV bandwagon, Graeme Anthony blew this out of the water.
He created his own interactive YouTube video (or a CVIV), showing off his smart design and production skills. Very clever.
It shows off my personality in a way a paper CV can’t. It’s got the wow factor.
