Create an Infographic Resume: Tips & Examples

Key Takeaways

• Understand the definition of an infographic resume and its unique characteristics.
• Learn to identify the specific situations where an infographic resume is most effective compared to other resume styles.
• Discover how AI-powered resume tools can help you ensure the content of your infographic resume is well-written and impactful.

Modern resumes often contain between 300 and 500 words. This limited space requires job seekers to make a strong, concise impression.

One way to enhance your resume's impact is to leverage visuals. The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" holds true; strategic use of images and graphics can provide a more comprehensive view of your qualifications, depending on your circumstances.

A resume that incorporates visual elements is known as an infographic resume. By carefully combining color, images, and data visualizations, you can showcase your skills and experience in a memorable and engaging way.

While infographic resumes can be highly effective, they aren't suitable for every individual or job. Exercise caution when considering this format. Let's explore what an infographic resume is, when to use it, and how to create one if it aligns with your needs.

What is an Infographic Resume?

An infographic resume blends visual design with text to present your skills, experience, and personality in a distinctive format. Unlike chronological resumes, which list your work history by date, or functional resumes, which emphasize skills, the infographic resume prioritizes design and creativity. Some even resemble narrative resumes, employing visuals to tell the story of your career.

There isn't a standardized infographic resume template. You'll find templates using star ratings, bar charts, or timelines. The presence of icons and images is a hallmark of this resume type.

Infographic resumes are appropriate in a few specific scenarios:

• In-person interviews: Use it as a visual aid to elaborate on data related to your work, after the employer has already reviewed your standard resume.
• Networking events or career fairs: A visually striking printed resume can help you stand out.
• Personal websites or online profiles: Use it when you have an engaged audience willing to spend time reviewing your resume.
• Informal jobs: Roles like dog walker or tutor might be a good fit.

If you're a creative professional, such as a graphic designer, consider using both formats: a standard resume for online applications and an infographic version to showcase your design skills during in-person interviews.

Pro Tip: Certain industries, including banking, medicine, and government, generally don't favor creative resumes. Always research industry-specific resume examples and best practices to ensure your application is appropriate and effective.

How to Create an Infographic Resume

If you've decided an infographic resume is right for you, here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Plan Your Strategy: Infographic resumes allow for boldness and creativity, but remember it's still a professional document. Use your LinkedIn profile or existing resume as a reference for the information to include. This will help you focus on your qualifications rather than just the design. Consider the story you want to tell and the most effective way to tell it. Define your job target, preferred template services, and budget.

2. Choose the Right Information: Select the information that best showcases your qualifications. Adhere to basic resume principles, even when using an infographic format.

3. Select an Appropriate Template: Numerous resume builders and templates are available. Evaluate options based on whether they appear playful, polished, or professional. Choose a design and layout that aligns with your job target.

4. Research Template or Builder Services: Decide whether to download a template or use an infographic resume builder. Before committing, ensure you can customize the template to your liking. Read reviews to gauge user satisfaction. Also, confirm the download cost, as some "free" options require a fee.

5. Plan Your Layout: Use infographics judiciously. Leverage your design skills to highlight key information. Balance visuals with text and white space.

6. Add Your Information: Begin with your contact details and location. Most tools and templates include standard sections for skills, education, and work experience.

7. Customize Your Resume: Use appropriate colors and fonts to complement your content. Avoid overwhelming the resume with too many visuals. Your work experience section is a prime opportunity to replace complex bullet points with simple infographics.

8. Optimize for Readability: Use bullet points, stylized fonts, and contrasting colors to ensure your resume is easy to read.

9. Proofread Carefully: Many templates and services lack built-in spellcheck.

10. Review and Evaluate: Ensure your infographic resume remains achievement-focused. Visual elements should enhance, not detract from, your qualifications.

11. Ask for Feedback: Can a recruiter easily understand your unique value proposition? Seek impartial feedback.

12. Download and Share: Save your resume as a PDF to preserve the design.

Pro Tip: Avoid using an infographic resume for online job applications. Instead, use an ATS-friendly template.

Infographic Resume Examples

1. Contemporary Example: This style uses a fun color scheme for a modern look. The challenge can be fitting all your information neatly. Pros: Eye-catching design, clear key points, good space for experience. Cons: Social media icons might suggest links on a printed resume.

2. Creative Example: Use this to complement a traditional resume. It incorporates a color gradient and corresponding background color. Language fluency charts are a nice representation of skills. Not ideal for online applications, but suitable for informational interviews. Pros: Balanced use of graphics and text, bold color. Cons: Too much space for certifications and skills, not enough for work history.

3. Aesthetic Example: This is suitable for professions like interior design, and is best used for emailing to potential clients. It integrates design elements with information. Pros: Colored box for awards draws attention, clear contact details. Cons: Layout doesn't allow for enough information or career progression. Font choices can be hard to read.

4. Polished Example: Color highlights skills and separates sections. This is ideal to bring to an interview. The hiring manager will already have your full resume. Pros: Plenty of room to explain work history. Simple, professional design. Cons: US resumes typically don't include a headshot, though it's acceptable on infographic resumes for networking.

5. Bold Example: A black background is dramatic for digital resumes. This keeps the design simple for when you don't want to say too much. The timeline explains career milestones. Pros: Black background makes the color scheme sleek. Cons: Missing work history and education sections, only room for four skills.

Infographic Resume Templates

If you're seeking a template, platforms like Canva offer diverse options.

Infographic Resume Tips

Your infographic resume must be simple and readable. Use a sufficient font size, clear headings, and logical organization.

Use Design Effectively and Efficiently: As Robin Williams notes, "Design should communicate its message effectively and efficiently.” In resume writing, this means conveying your job qualifications.

Limit Icons and Graphics: Ensure they enhance understanding, not distract.

Headshots: In the US, avoid headshots due to ATS compatibility and discrimination concerns. However, they are acceptable in certain countries or for specific jobs.

Test for ATS Compatibility: Use a copy-paste test. If you can copy plain text to a blank document and read it, you pass.

Maintain Consistent Design: Double-check that fonts and stylistic elements are consistent throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of an infographic resume?

The primary disadvantage is its incompatibility with online job applications. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) often struggle to parse them, potentially leading to your application being overlooked. For a resume that's visually appealing without being overly complex, consider a modern template. Traditional resumes can incorporate color, multiple fonts, and two-column layouts while remaining ATS-compatible.

What is the difference between a traditional resume and an infographic resume?

They're suited for different contexts. Traditional resumes are text-based with simple formats optimized for digital applications. Infographic resumes emphasize creativity through design elements, making them ideal for in-person interactions.

What are the advantages of an infographic resume?

A well-designed infographic resume stands out. It helps employers quickly grasp your key qualifications and achievements, leaving a positive impression.

What is the goal of an infographic resume?

Like all resumes, the goal is to secure job offers. Professional infographic templates achieve this by making your qualifications more memorable.

How do infographic resumes differ from other resume formats?

Infographic resumes incorporate visual elements, while standard resumes rely primarily on text, basic formatting, and occasional color to showcase skills and experience.