Graphics, Photos and Colors, Oh No!
Dawn Rasmussen, CMP
Want a fast and easy way to get your resumé tossed into the round file? Include any kind of graphic element.
As a general rule, graphics, colors and photos are not acceptable in resumés, with the obvious exception for candidates applying in creative fields where that kind of innovation is expected. In the case of photos, human resource and hiring managers are legally bound to not discriminate against job candidates, and by providing a visual representation of yourself prior to an interview, you might provide extraneous data that can influence an employer’s decision before you meet them. Discrimination, albeit difficult to prove, is rampant in the job marketplace and can include ageism and racism, even boiling down to looks.
Now wait a minute. I’m pretty good looking, won’t that help me get a job? In theory, you aren’t being hired for your chiseled cheekbones, you’re being hired for your ability to do the job. Therein lies the danger zone for employers if they make decisions based on visual preferences. For this very reason, many hiring managers (with the obvious exception of the entertainment industry) skirt any resumés that come with photos. They simply don’t want the liability that photos add to the recruiting process.
But there is a new wrinkle in this wisdom. LinkedIn.com and other social networking sites offer photos of job seekers, with intended and unintended consequences. As social media flourishes—and photos are more and more likely to be seen by hiring managers—remember to never misrepresent yourself as something you are not. Eventually, any disparities will be glaring. In the event you post a photo, make sure it is an accurate and professional reflection of yourself. Smile, engage with the camera and exude confidence.
Now, consider graphic elements. Think about the end users and how your document might read to them. Visual cues on your resumé—such as shaded lines to break out sections—can be effective tools. You may be tempted to add unexpected elements to the document to draw attention to it, but remember, the purpose of the resumé is to provide—in formal fashion—your career credentials. Keep it professional. That’s why adding color is generally verboten, if only because you don’t know if the end user has a color printer or not.
DAWN RASMUSSEN, CMP, is the president of Portland, Ore.-based Pathfinder Writing and Careers, which specializes in hospitality/meeting professional resumés. She has been a meeting planner for more than 15 years and an MPI member since 2001.