How To Create An Infographic Resume (With Types And Tips)

Updated 7 February 2023

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When applying for any creative job, creating an infographic resume can differentiate you from other candidates. Using graphics and other design elements in your resume can highlight your creativity and display your qualification and experience in a way that is easy to understand. If you want to create a graphic resume, it may be helpful to understand more about how to do so.

In this article, we discuss what an infographic CV or resume is, explore its different types, understand when to use such resumes, discover the steps required to create one and learn some tips to create graphic resumes that differentiate you from the other candidates.

What Is An Infographic Resume?

An infographic resume uses more visuals than text to highlight skills, qualifications and experience. Using graphic design, you convey a story of your professional life to a potential employer. This resume type uses colours, icons, stylish layout, unique fonts and backgrounds to organise information in an easily digestible way. For instance, in infographic resumes, instead of saying that you have experience using software, you include a rating system and provide a score to it.

You can do the same with interests and skills. Using a combination of images and text makes your resume attractive and readable. As these resumes are visually appealing, they are more likely to gain the attention of an employer.

Types Of Infographic Resumes

Here are some types of infographic resumes:

Flowcharts: Often, candidates use flowcharts to depict progression. For this reason, use flowcharts in your experience and skills section.
Timelines: In a graphic resume, timelines help in telling a story in chronological order. Use timelines to explain how one experience resulted in another or how your jobs or skills changed with time.
Statistical infographic: When you want to explain complex data in your resume, consider using statistical infographics. It can make your resume more visually appealing.

When To Use Infographic Resumes?

Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to shortlist candidates, so sharing only a graphic resume often does not serve any purpose because ATS software cannot process images. The chances are that the ATS may discard your resume because you are not sharing in the traditional format. So, it is essential to understand when to use a graphic resume, like in these instances:

When an employer asks for it: A job opening may state that a candidate has to carry or attach a graphic resume with their job application. So, before sending your graphic resume to every job you apply for, read the job description.
When promoting yourself on social media: Use a graphic resume and share a link or image of your resume to attract potential employers on social media.
When introducing yourself to a new job role: Use your graphic resume to inform your colleagues about your skills and qualifications. With a graphic resume, you can make a positive first impression.
When posting on your website: A graphic resume is an excellent addition to your website. Posting your resume on your website makes your resume accessible to anyone who visits your website.
When supplementing with your traditional resume: You may attach your graphic resume along with a functional or chronological resume. Submitting a traditional and graphic resume can help in creating an impression on employers who value artistic expressions.

When To Use Traditional Resumes?

When applying for jobs or sharing resumes on different online job boards and portals, use a traditional infographic CV. It is advisable to apply using a traditional resume because you can include much more information. A graphic resume may not allow you to add much information because most of the space gets occupied with graphics and other design elements. Also, keep in mind that ATS systems cannot read or process keywords or other information on a graphical resume.

When appearing for any job interview, you can give a copy of both graphic or traditional resume. This way, employers can decide which resume copy to consider for a job opening.

How To Create An Infographic Resume?

Follow these steps to create a graphic resume:

1. Choose a layout and colour palette

The first step of creating a graphic resume is choosing a resume layout and colours so the hiring manager notices your effort. Also, to make your resume visually attractive, use dark colours on a light background. While you can use any layout or colour to present your information, ensure that your infographic CV is cohesive and follows a proper logical flow.

2. Select a font

After deciding the layout and colour, choose a legible font. The font you select affects your resume's readability and attractiveness. While you can use both Serif and Sans Serif fonts, it is advisable to use one professional font. Also, focus on using widely used fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial or Tahoma, as employers easily recognise them. To improve the readability of your resume, ensure your font size is between 10 and 12 points.

3. Create a captivating resume header

After deciding the layout, colour palette and fonts, focus on creating a captivating resume header that describes you and your profession. So, start by placing your contact information and other personal details at the top of your resume. Though it is an optional choice, you can add your photo next to your details. Adding a photo adds personality to your resume.

4. Use the right content

As an infographic CV comprises icons and other graphical elements, it leaves less space for your text. So, briefly outline your experience, skills and education. Use details that are necessary for a particular job role. To avoid using too much text, focus on charts describing your work history or bar graphs to show your proficiency in each skill.

5. Proofread your work

Before submitting your resume to employers, proofread your resume to identify any spelling or grammatical errors. You may end up altering an infographic CV if you find any errors. So, to avoid such scenarios, proofread your content in text format before uploading it on an infographic layout or template.

Tips For Creating Infographic Resumes

Here are a few tips to follow for creating graphic resumes:

Limit the use of colours

For creating a visually attractive resume, use only three to four colours, either separate colours that work together or varying shades. Having more than three colours may distract the employer. Based on your personality, you can expand the colour selection. For instance, you can blend blue and green or brown and purple to begin your design. Also, focus on using dark colours on a light background to increase readability.

Ensure a logical order

Even in graphic resumes, focus on following a logical or chronological order to ensure the proper flow of information. For instance, if you start with education, write in chronological order, followed by your experience and skills. This helps in presenting information in a timeline during which you earned your qualification and experience. Logical order in a graphic resume makes it coherent and easily understandable.

Simplify your layout

Whether it is a traditional or graphic CV, every infographic CV's purpose is to highlight skills, qualifications and experience in the best possible way. So, keep your layout simple and increase your chances of getting hired for a desirable job role. You can review an infographic CV or resume to draw inspiration from other professionals in your industry.

Hire a graphic designer

While it is easy to create an infographic CV, taking help from professional designers can ensure that your design elements are such that it highlights your skills and experience. For instance, a graphic designer may give suggestions on the colour palette to make your resume stand out among competitors. These designers know the latest design trend that can help in capturing an employer's attention.

Create this resume only when necessary

As you cannot share an infographic CV for every job role, create this resume only when necessary. If you work in a creative industry, learning to design may be helpful in creating a resume that stands out. Focussing on the designing part of your infographic CV is essential to get your CV shortlisted.

Use a template

For those who want to create a quick graphic resume, consider using templates. Use a search engine to search for an infographic CV template and choose one that you prefer. To use the template, download it and add your professional information without worrying about the design aspect.

Use quotations

Quotes from previous employers can make your resume stand out and are an essential component of a graphic resume. You can convert compliments from your professors or employers into quotes to become the best fit candidate for a job role. Peer endorsements can also be a great addition to your resume.