Creative vs. Traditional Resumes: Which One Should You Use?

Which One Should You Use?

When it comes to resumes, one size doesn’t fit all.

Imagine you’re a hiring manager staring at a stack of 100 resumes. Ninety-nine of them look nearly identical-black text, white paper, Times New Roman font. But then comes one that pops. Color, clean layout, icons, maybe even a splash of personality. You pause.

Now ask yourself: Is that the resume you want to send, or is it the one you want to avoid?

Welcome to the age-old debate: creative vs. traditional resumes. Whether you're applying to a corporate giant, a scrappy startup, or a cutting-edge creative agency, the resume you choose can set the tone before you ever speak a word.

What is a Traditional Resume?

The traditional resume is your classic go-to: black-and-white, reverse-chronological format, and no frills. It focuses on your skills, experiences, education, and accomplishments-straight to the point.

Best for:

• Finance

• Law

• Government

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• Any role where structure, compliance, and professionalism rule the day

Why it works: Traditional resumes are clean, easily scannable by applicant tracking systems (ATS), and immediately familiar to recruiters who skim hundreds daily.

But if you’re trying to stand out in a creative field, it might feel… well, boring.

What is a Creative Resume?

Creative resumes add personality to your paper. Think of colors, infographics, logos, illustrations, and layouts that stray from the typical format. Some even include videos or personal websites.

Best for:

• Design

• Marketing

• Advertising

• Media

• Startups

• Tech

Why it works: Creative resumes show more than just your experience- they show how you think. They showcase design sense, branding skills, or storytelling abilities in ways a bullet point never could.

However, they aren’t perfect. Many ATS systems can’t parse them properly. And in more conservative industries, they might come off as unprofessional or distracting.

So… Which One Should You Use?

Ask yourself:

• Who’s your audience? What’s the company culture? Research the industry and the job posting.

• Will your resume be read by a human or software first? If it’s software (an ATS), keep it traditional or hybrid.

• Is your work visual or conceptual? If yes, a creative resume can be an advantage.

The Middle Ground: Hybrid Resumes

If you want to balance flair with function, go hybrid. Use subtle design elements—like icons, a pop of color, or a modern font- without disrupting the structure. It feels fresh but still plays well with technology and tradition.

Final Thoughts

Your resume is your first impression. It's your pitch, your handshake, and your headline. Whether you choose traditional or creative, make sure it tells your story, honestly, and confidently.

Don’t just design a resume. Design your message.

And if you’re ever in doubt, tailor your resume to the company-not just the job.

Because the best resume isn’t always the loudest or the cleanest. It’s the one that gets you the interview.

Want help crafting your perfect resume-creative or traditional? Let's make yours unforgettable. Wright's Resumes and Connections is here to guide you every step of the way. You’ve got this!