What are 5 creative ideas to make your resume stand out in 2021?

Recruitment in the digital era is nothing like what it used to be with paper applications. Nowadays, the average recruiter screen between 50 to 100 applications per week. They have positions to fill and deadlines to meet. Between applicant tracking systems, recruiters in hurry and quotas to meet; It is crucial to make your resume stand out from all the others. We have carefully researched what can likely hold a recruiter's attention on a resume.  Here are 5 creative ideas that will make a difference and also make your resume stand out in 2021. 

1. Including a link to your online portfolio

Online portfolio websites such as linkedin have become a must for every professional. Adding the link to your linkedin profile or other portfolio website will increase your chances to pass the ATS. Most applications research starts with a quick search on linkedin. If recruiters cannot find you there, or if you don't add a link to your resume, your application is more likely to end up in a trash bin. You need to have a professional online presence to showcase your talent and personality. You can see it as an online diary of your professional experience and skills. By adding it to your resume, you are advertising yourself to the company you are applying for. 

Warning: make sure that your linkedin profile or whichever portfolio site you are using adds up value to your application. If not, do not add it!

2. QR code 

How it works :  A QR code is basically a barrecode which can contain all sorts of information such as a direct link to a portfolio website, address information, publications or reviews . You can adjust it as you want by adding colors, a logo or a background picture. You can personalize one for your resume and give recruiters a way to find more information about you without having to search the internet. 

Why you should add it: This method is effective both for online or physical applications. The main advantage of this tool is that you choose how you want to appear to the recruiters and you save space on your resume. It saves time for the recruiter and makes you stand out from the other candidates. Especially tech people, who are applying for roles in digital marketing, public communication, and others and want to demonstrate their creativity and ability to innovate. You want to make your resume as impressive as possible and therefore selecting the right tools are important. 

Please watch the video at the end of the article, which showcase a step-by-step process of creating a QR code and adding it to your resume.

3. Make a strong visual impression 

It is common to hear “make your resume as simple as possible”, but simple doesn’t mean you cannot make it visually appealing. In fact, to increase your chances of getting selected, you need to stand out by having great visuals. It helps speed the reading process as well as focusing on the most important parts. The internet is flooded with templates and resume samples that can be good or bad. You have to be careful when selecting the right templates. Also, you can adjust the templates depending on the job you are applying for. Of course, for a job in marketing you will need to select one that demonstrates your design and marketing skills. Moreover, it doesn't stop at the template, you can play with fonts, headers, bullets and other formatting tools. Click on the link here,  to have access to multiple free templates gathered by professionals from the TELFER School of Management.