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30+ Creative Resume Templates for 2024 [Grab One Now!]

Want your resume to stand out in a pile of 1,000+ applications?

Then you need a creative resume template!

Here’s the thing - most resumes look alike. They’re all black and white, with a standard layout, and very generic content.

Do you want to impress the recruiter with your creativity and ingenuity, or do you want to just blend in with everyone else?

We’re thinking you want to go with option #1.

So, in this guide, we’re going to cover 30+ of the most creative resume templates we’ve seen on the web.

30+ Creative Resume Templates

The 3 ways you can go about using these 30+ creative resume templates are:

• You can use an online resume builder with ready-to-go templates.
• You can fire up MS word and use a Word template .
• Or, you could use a Google Doc resume template that you can edit online.

We’re going to include both free and paid templates, so you get to pick whichever suits your needs.

Here are 30+ creative resume templates you can start using now.

Creative Resume Template by Novorésumé

Price: Free

As an example, let’s say you work in marketing (or any other creative field).

If that’s the case, then you probably have natural talents for design and understanding what makes a person buy a product.

Think of your resume as the product here.

You can also apply this knowledge and skills to create your own resume and make it stand out from other candidates.

This resume template does just that. You can use it as inspiration, or you could also choose and customize according to your needs and job role.

From the colors to the layout, our creative resume template can help you land your dream job in the industry and kickstart your career.

Modern Resume Template by Novorésumé

Need something more modern, that’s both professional as well as flexible?

You can follow our modern resume template to stand out from the crowd in just about any industry.

That’s what’s so good about it - it has pretty much every resume section you’re going to need, and it’s easy to follow as well.

With a clean and modern aesthetic, this resume is a great way to quickly sum up your qualifications and stand out from other resumes with its great design.

Though the focus of this template is on the work experience , you can always customize it to your liking within a matter of minutes.

Functional Resume Template by Novorésumé 

This functional resume template is super simple and works for creative entry-level and senior position jobs alike.

There’s plenty of space for work experience , organizations , honors and awards , and more.

So, you can focus on either of the sections, depending on where you’re at at this stage in your career. 

And with the vibrant colors and a clear layout , you can’t go wrong with this template.

College Resume Template by Novorésumé 

Are you in college or a recent graduate with not a whole lot of work experience?

You can use this college resume template to show off your resume objective , skills, and experience (if you have any).

If you don’t have a lot of work experience though, you can also use the template to prioritize other sections.

The resume is extremely easy to follow, while staying under 1 page, and is an updated version of the 21st-century college resume template.

It’s simple and straightforward.

• Don’t have a lot of experience and need help writing your first resume? Check out our guide on how to make a resume with no experience .

Basic Resume Template by Novorésumé

This basic resume template is very easy to personalize and you can make it truly yours in just under 10 minutes.

If you want something that’s professional , yet also creative , you can’t go wrong with this one.

It has a very straightforward approach and a color scheme design that stands out from other candidates.

And the best thing is, it’s 100% customizable to your liking.

Executive Resume Template by Novorésumé

Do you have a lot of experience as well as technical skills you want to show off without your resume becoming cramped?

This executive resume template might be more up your alley.

It has a contemporary approach with plenty of sections for your work chops, as well as an eye-catching design that will make sure your resume is spotted first.

Just because it’s for a higher-up position, doesn’t mean the design should be boring.

Professional & Modern Resume Template by Hired Design Studio

Where to Get It: Behance

This modern resume template is great for creatives of all levels.

If needed, you can also go onto the 2nd page , and it even comes with a sample cover letter .

The soft colors are a nice change from other traditional resume colors and it’s incredibly easy to follow along with too.

If needed, the resume ALSO comes with a free icon pack of 100+ extra icons and a detailed user guide.

Creatives can go wild with this as it has pretty much everything you’ll need.

All you have to do is fill in the outline .

Intern Resume by Design Studio Teti

Price: $5.50

Where to Get It: Etsy

You’ll save time with this intern resume template and make sure your resume is unique.

If you’re looking to land the internship of your dreams, this resume can help you showcase your skills and accomplishments in the best way possible.

It’s easy to edit in Google Docs and comes with a cover letter template , as well as some extra resume writing tips and tricks.

And since it’s 100% editable, you can switch up any section , color , or even the font of the resume to match your vision.

PS - need more help with constructing an internship resume? Read more on our internship resume examples + writing guide .

Creative Resume Template for Word by Resume Studio Group

Where to Get It: Etsy 

This creative resume template for Word is a modern take on the one-page resume format.

It’s super functional as well as presentable. 

If needed, the template also comes with an easy-to-edit 2-page template , a cover letter , and as a cherry on top - a free interview preparation workbook .

It has just about every section you’d need too. 

Modern Resume Template by MoreProfesh

Price: $18.00

This modern resume template makes sure your name stays on the recruiter’s mind and your resume on top of their stack.

The design legwork is already done for you - it’s fun, memorable, and has just the right amount of quirky.

Professional Minimalistic Resume Template by Ease Design Studio

Price: $2.40

Sometimes, good old minimalism is what it takes to stand out.

If people in your industry tend to use fancier resumes with a lot of colors, a minimalistic resume could be what you need to stand out.

And that’s the case with this professional minimalistic resume template.

The clear structure guarantees to stand out from other candidates and the resume also comes with a guide on how to write a strong resume and a catchy cover letter .

You can edit pretty much the whole template (from the text to the colors and the font), and if needed, it also comes with its own icon pack.

So, if the design catches your eye, the template has pretty much everything else you’ll need.

One Page Resume With Photo by GetLanded

Price: $15.21

Want to beat the competition?

Get ahead with this photo resume template!

If the price tag seems expensive, know that this template also comes with detailed instructions , a FAQ file, and a guide on more resume tips and tricks.

As for the actual resume layout , the primary focus is on work experience, and if needed, you can continue onto the second page.

If you have the experience, this resume has the design.

All you have to do is fill in the blanks.

PS - wondering if you should include a photo in your resume? It might depend a lot on your location. Check out our full guide on including a photo on a resume for more info.

Clean and Simple Resume Template by ZokiDesign

Where to Get It: ZokiDesign

Clean and simple resume template with a minimalistic aesthetic, easy to format, and a layout that covers a lot of sections.

You can show off your work experience , background , education , skills , and even your hobbies .

There’s plenty to do here.

You can change the color scheme too, and with its format and layout - it’s ideal for almost all creative roles.

Clean Resume/CV + Cover Letter Combo by Tamzid Hasan

This clean resume/CV cover letter template is both professional AND creative!

It follows a clean color scheme and a layout that mainly focuses on work experience.

Other then that, it also comes with:

• Microsoft Word (Docx) files.
• CV/Resume + Cover letter and references.
• 1 and 2 page version.
• Paragraph styles and free fonts.

Not too bad, right?

If you have plenty of work experience (5+ years), you can easily continue onto the 2nd page with this template and it’ll STILL look good.

Professional Personal Brand Resume by Mukhlasur Rahman 

Price: $8.86

Have a bright personality and want to express within your resume?

You can now do so with this professional personal brand resume template.

As long as you work within the creative industry, you can get away with having a resume that shines personality.

The Word template follows a consistent color scheme and a layout designed specifically for being loud.

It’s professional, beautiful, and most importantly - unique .

If needed, you can customize just about every detail of the resume.

But even when left as it is, it’s still going to stand out from a folder of resumes.

Free Resume/CV Template by Pune Design Studio 

With this creative resume template by Pune Design Studio, the default bright colors help you stand out, and you can always edit or customize them based on your vision.

The package comes with 4 PSD files so, the whole template is 100% customizable.

If you know your way around Photoshop, you can edit the layers as you wish. And if not, the resume also comes with a help file of instructions .

And once everything is to your liking, the resume is automatically print-ready.

Simple as that.

Resume Template 4 Pack by Refinery Resume Co

Where to Get It: CreativeMarket

Your life doesn’t fit into one page?

Then you might want this resume template 4 pack to get your resume refined and noticed.

As long as you have the experience for it, this resume has the space.

From the first hello in your cover letter down to the references, this pack is the full package.

What’s included:

• Photoshop, Illustrators, MS Word file.
• Optional 2nd page (and more), template.
• Optional references and cover letter template.
• All the fonts used.

Infographic Resume Template by Microsoft

Where to Get It: MS Office Templates

Show you know your way around design and you’re not afraid to get creative with this infographic resume template.

It follows a modern chronological order, starting with your most recent job experience, going down to your previous jobs.

With it, you can list your qualifications in an extremely unique way, while still being easy to follow.

This is a great example of custom tailoring your resume to your industry.

As far as creative resumes go, this one will definitely catch some eyes.

Free Resume Template by Fernando Báez 

This free resume template screams high quality.

After using it to get a few jobs with the very same template, Fernando is now sharing his resume secrets.

A free resume that’s already been tried-and-tested? 

What’s not to love.

In it, you’ll find all the fonts used, a free icon set , and an Adobe Illustrator file .

PS - Wondering what font to use in your resume? Check out our guide on what’s the best resume font, size, and format .

Creative Resume Designed by MOO

This creative template by MOO was made for jobseekers wanting to show off their creativity and eye for design.

It’s customizable to your needs, and with its neutral color scheme, you can show off your creative side with just a minute or two of editing.

It’s accessible for job-seekersof all levels. Even if you don’t have a lot of work experience, you’ll at least stay memorable with this resume.

And sometimes, being memorable is all that it takes to land the interview.

Slick and Elegant Resume Template by InkAndOcean

Price: $15.36

First impressions are everlasting.

Get noticed by employers with this slick and elegant resume now.

All you have to do is customize your text in the simple resume layout.

You can also easily edit text color , as it’s an MS Word format, and change the font type as well.

The cover letter also follows a similar black and jade design. So, if you want to stay memorable, half the work is already done for you.

All that’s left for you to do is fill in your background.

Bold Monogram Resume by Microsoft

Is your resume as bold as your personality?

If you’re using this bold monogram resume - you’re practically making a statement.

And that statement is that you’re not afraid to present your experience and talent in a stylish way.

The template also includes helpful tips for building an effective resume, with the focus being on your resume objective.

Meanwhile, the rest of the resume follows a smooth order in a way that makes sense.

Creative Watercolor Template for Word by TheArtofResume 

Price: $5.09

This watercolor template follows an interesting color scheme design that would only ever work in the creative industry.

If you’re a creative by craft, then you’re in luck.

The watercolor template is 100% customizable and there is no need to download anything else except just the resume pack.

The pack also comes with extra page templates, a cover letter, a reference page , 250+ extra icons, and even a resume writing guide.

A unique design with plenty of customizable options.

What else would you need?

Attention Resume by Spovv 

Where to Get It: Creative Market

Possibly the most unique resume template on this list so far, the attention resume template definitely lives up to its name.

And if it’s unique for this list, you know for a fact it’s going to stand out from other job applicants applying for the same job.

The template has been professionally designed, so editing it is a piece of cake for every beginner.

The clean and elegant look aside, the pack is also:

• A4 and US letter paper size.
• Print ready.
• Efficiently labeled with organized layers
• Easy to use.
• For any creative job.

Clean Resume Template by HalfCircle 

Where to Get it: Creative Market

A large part of having a clean resume that catches eyes is the design and the colors.

And that’s the case here.

This template comes with 3 different color schemes, with a clean layout and an easy-to-read font choice.

Though, probably the best thing about this template is the use of white space.

There’s plenty of space between each section, and nothing feels cramped.

No doubt the HR manager reading this resume will find it easy to do so.

It’s the exact blend of professional and creative that’ll be the main factor in landing you the job.

2 Column Resume Template for Word by OdonoDesign 

Price: $0.80

This 2 column resume is easy to use and professionally designed if you don’t have the time to format your own layout.

The template also comes with a 2nd page (if needed) and a cover letter file.

But unless you have a really long and extensive work history, you’ll have no problem fitting all of your work experience with 1 page.

And because of the column design, it’s all going to look great and be easy to follow.

For people in the creative industry, this is a really concise way to show off your qualifications.

Elegant Resume by Horea Nicodin 

Where to Get It: Dribble

Feeling fancy and want to leave a lasting first impression?

Why not do so with this elegant resume template.

Everything about it screams classy, while still being professional and modern.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys the finer things in life (yes, including your resume), this template might be more up your alley and be worth the price tag.

Though, remember the design can’t do all the work for you.

You won’t get hired just for the looks of your resume - the content inside has to be good too!

2 Page Resume/CV Combo by ResumeTemplates 

If you’re going to break the 1-page resume rule, then you’ll want to do so while looking good.

And that’s where this 2-page resume combo comes in. 

It’s compatible with Word, all image-editing software, and everything is well-layered and editable.

To top it all off, it’s also ready to print.

You can be up and running with your resume in your hands, after just 10 minutes of editing the template.

Professional Profile Resume Template by TheArtofResume

Where to get it: Etsy

Need a professional resume that presents your profile the best way?

This creative template has just the right amount of space for the About Me section. 

Start with a summary of your qualifications and skills, and then back them up with your work experience and skills sections .

All this, while having plenty of space within the sections and space to breathe.

If needed, the template also goes up to 3 pages, and even comes with a cover letter.

And on top of that - everything is customizable.

But even if you were to go with the default colors, you’d probably be fine as the color scheme and the design is on point here.

Key Takeaways

To recap, design isn’t everything.

But typically, it’s the first thing recruiters notice when looking at your resume.

Start there.

Pick a creative resume template that lets you stand out without costing you professionalism.

Once you’ve picked the right template, you need to work on the contents. Not sure how? Here are some of our best guides on perfecting your resume:

Suggested Reading:

• How to Make a Resume - Complete Guide
• How to Pick the Best Resume Format in 2024 [+Examples]
• 43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2024

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Resume templates

Put your best qualities on display with professional, customizable resume and cv templates. no matter your line of work or length of professional history, you'll find resume and cv templates that'll help you get the gig..

Download free resume templates

Land your dream job with free, customizable resume templates. Showcase your potential to recruiters and stand out from other candidates with a professional template. Whether you're applying to corporate positions or creative roles, go with a sleek design or show your creativity with bold colors .

Resumes don't need to look boring—add flair to your professional experience with a creative resume template. There are plenty of resume designs to choose from, like simple resume templates and modern resume templates. Each resume template is fully customizable in Microsoft Word , so you can personalize each design element and add your own text. Using a template also makes it easier to customize your resume for each position you apply to.

Print out as many copies as you'd like or download the template for free to share digitally when applying online. These professional resume templates are perfect for any stage of life or career. Whether you're a high school student, actor, or seeking a career in nursing, you can find any format for any job type.

There are also a variety of free CV (Curriculum Vitae) templates to choose from. A CV is often longer than a resume and contains an in-depth look at your education and professional accomplishments. Like our resume templates, these CV templates are also customizable in Word.

Remember, your next job is only a template away! Once you've customized your resume, explore free cover letter templates to help you land the job.

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
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• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder

Job-winning creative resume templates

Elevate your professional image with our unique creative resume templates, designed to highlight your creativity and set you apart in the job market.

Reviewed by the community. Trusted by professionals

Creative resume templates.

A bold, original feel perfect for artistic fields and contemporary companies

From photography to fashion, graphic design and even costomotology, the world of creative professions is vast and varied. When applying for creative positions, candidates need to communicate passion and talent. A creative resume template is the best way to do just that.

According to research funded by the UK government, creativity is one of the most in demand skills for professions across the board and the need for creative professionals is only expected to increase over the coming decade.

That’s why our creative resume templates are expertly crafted to show off your skills and eye for good design. If you want a resume that doesn’t hold back, look no further than the bold colors and eye-catching fonts that make up our collection of creative templates. These resume designs are best for highlighting your experience in a modern, attractive way with an emphasis on your unique qualifications.

When to pick a creative resume template

Chances are, if you work in a creative field, you’ve already been eyeing some creative resume templates. But should you really go for such a bold approach? One way to decide is to evaluate the brand and company you plan to work for. Do they favor loud colors and an informal, direct tone? In that case, a creative resume can be a great tool to prove why you’d fit right into their workplace.

Professionals who work in fashion, film, media, marketing, design, web development , floral, cosmetology, art or writing may all benefit from a creative resume template. Whereas in other industries you may have the choice whether or not to go bold, in certain creative fields, a strong resume is not only advised, it’s expected. After all, a prim and proper image sends the message you haven’t done your homework when it comes to being familiar with the company.

Lastly, even if you're not a creative professional, you may choose a creative resume template to stand out from other candidates and show that you’re not afraid to be yourself. This works best in situations where the company is a creative agency, even if your role is not. For example, a receptionist for a photography studio may use a creative resume to show that they appreciate aesthetic touches, even if they are not an artist themselves.

Top 5 why choose a creative layout

• You want to send the message that you are an innovative candidate
• You are applying to a forward-thinking and creative company
• You want a resume that matches your creative portfolio
• You appreciate bold design and think your potential employer will too
• You work in an industry where a subdued resume just won’t cut it

What makes a creative resume template

A creative resume template is defined by eye-catching colors and daring fonts. A strong block of color at the top of the resume draws attention to the candidate’s name and title with plenty of white space below for skills and experience. A creative resume template should also include space for social media handles or a website where potential employers can see a collection of the candidate’s work. In some industries and countries, a headshot is required, so a creative resume template should include space for that possibility.

Top 10 parts of a creative resume template

• A flashy color used throughout the template
• A strong font that draws attention to the candidate’s name
• Plenty of space for skills and experience
• Strong lines that guide the reader to all parts of the resume
• Room for a headshot or logo if needed
• Enough space for a creative profile summary
• Place for links to social media or portfolio
• White space to balance out the color
• A strong emphasis on the top of the resume
• Stylish and modern design that works for a variety of fields

Free to download and use in Microsoft Word, as a PDF, or in Google Docs

For creatives, your passion and individuality are your greatest assets. Let them shine by choosing a great template to craft your perfect resume. Then, test out our easy-to-use resume builder tool to add your experience, skills and achievements. Our builder tool has already been tested by thousands of satisfied customers who have found their dream jobs hassle-free.

Finish your application strong by choosing the right file format to keep your resume consistent no matter how you send it. Within our builder tool, you can download your resume as a MS Word or Google Doc version completely free. You can also download your resume as a PDF.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find your perfect template, add your personal touches and land your dream position in a few easy clicks! Don't forget to check out our collection of creative or perhaps modern resume templates

Try our professional Resume builder now!

Creative Resume Templates

When a creative resume is to your advantage, seize your opportunity and try to land the job interview with a stunning resume design!

Creative PDF Resume Templates

Thomas Earland

Charlotte Webb

Andrea Rowland

Harvey Ross

Georgia Fleck

Yellow Resume

Orange Resume

Golden Brown Resume

Venice Beach

Robert Grey

Sales and design resume

Creative resume & cover letter packs.

Mint Resume

Rose Resume

Three colors resume

Resume Blue

Purple Resume

Stolzl Resume

TT Firs Resume

Montserrat Resume

Red-Blue Resume

Muller Resume

Tomato-Purple

Bodoni Resume

TT Norms Resume

Grey Resume

Avenir Resume

Motive Resume

Creative templates.

A creative template is there for creatives in the creative sectors, were a positive impression of your work is necessary. What is a better way then to start off with showcasing a crafty resume? It serves the purpose of getting you  noticed  and not discarded before your resume is even being read.

Ideal for: 

• Creative positions in all area’s and industries
• Entertainment sectors
• Content creators

Black & White Resume

Classic to edgy or modern, we have a resume template for you. A great starting point towards your next dream job!

Our creative templates are easily downloaded and adjusted to your personal taste situation. Most of the PDF examples have been made with  Resume.io  (an easy tool to build your resume online in minutes that come with many designs), as the resume-make-tool uses creative elements, but keeps its designs neat and clean. Personal use only allowed. All designs are copyright protected and owned by Resumeviking.com.

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23 Creative Resume Examples for 2024

In This Guide:

Gisele henne creative resume shows results not responsibilities, pierre rogers’ creative resume showcases intense passion, jimmy moore’s resume shows out of the box thinking, emily bain shows how a creative resume can stand out.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Linda Nakanishi shows by doing

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

Anton Yermolov has a simple and creative 1-page resume

An extraordinary korean style resume, magnus henriksen is nothing but himself, harrison carter watkins shows off his design philosophy.

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

Pau Morgan gets the important information across

Jimmy raheriarisoa’s resume is bursting with personality.

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Victor Rodriguez creative resume thinks inside the box

Nick begley thinks way outside the box, should you use a creative resume, how do i make my resume creative (without going overboard).

Gone are the days when a resume was only about showing your work experience.

A great creative resume needs to stand out.

Whether it’s at a career fair or in an HR department, when recruiters have looked at 100s of resumes in a single day, they should remember yours.

But that’s easier said than done.

So we found 23 truly unique creative resume examples to show you just what’s possible.

While each has its strengths and weaknesses, they all have something to teach you about how to create a standout resume.

Here’s what you’ll learn today:

• Browse through unique resume examples and the tactics they use to highlight important info;
• When should you be creative on your resume (and when not);
• Practical tips on how to make your resume more visually appealing.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

We designed most of Enhancv’s features with the applicant’s individuality in mind.

Sure, we could have made a sleuth of simpler, black-on-white resume designs, but for that you’ve already got MS Office.

Some features that make Enhancv a staple creative resume builder include My Time, the 1000s of font, colour and background combos and the ability to rename just about any section of the builder to your liking.

This gives you a starting point to unleash your creativity and do some wondrous things without going overboard:

• Spruce up your headline or any other section;
• Make use of a single page resume ;
• Describe your passions and professional resume story just like we did with Marissa Mayer’s resume .

For the 23 designers below, sending a resume in a black-on-white A4 doc file is a sacrilege.

And, while being creative on your resume has its time and place (read more about that at the end of the article), you can use some of the design choices below to your advantage.

Let’s dive in!

Gisele’s resume does a great job balancing eye-catching design with a strong focus on results. Right away you can’t miss the key metrics here: 20 corporate projects delivered, 40 books managed, 15 years of freelance experience. All that is valuable information you have to pass to the reader right away.

It’s best to focus on results and not responsibilities. This has been a resume writing best practice for years , but it can’t be emphasized enough. Still, what makes this resume stand out is the “creative process” section. It’s designed to get the reader to really understand Gisele’s way of thinking, something a traditional resume wouldn’t be able to convey.

Last but not least, the “Etc.” section is a very smart way to grab employers’ attention and showcase side activities that shaped Gisele as the person. Things like playing the piano and guitar since childhood may be left out of most resumes, but they show qualities like dedication and consistency.

Gisele didn’t play for a few years and then got bored, she stuck with it. Those are qualities employers look for.

Pierre Rogers has incorporated his passion for computer games into his resume. His completed missions are his achievements, his special attributes are his experience and his weapons are his software as a character artist. It’s clear he didn’t get into his field because he couldn’t think of anything better to do.

Showing your passion for your work speaks volumes to employers, making you more memorable and hireable. That’s a lesson Pierre has learned well.

Filmmakers and producers always need to be ready to think outside of the box. From having to reshoot a certain scene when an actor has a new hairstyle to creating a chase sequence on a shoestring budget. Jimmy‘s resume shows he has the mindset to tackle those tough problems by showcasing his creativity. True, it has far fewer career details, but those can always be available on request. What Jimmy has done here is make a strong first impression.

With both of the resumes she uses, Emily starts off with her top professional strengths. Putting them right beneath her name ensures any read will get the main points right off the bat. One resume then focuses on telling her story and giving important context to the rest of the resume while the other gets straight into her work history.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Scott’s resume gives you an immediate impression of who he is and how he thinks. What it sacrifices in details it makes up for in personality (plus by including a link to more information, the typical biographical details we expect to see on a resume are all readily available).

The inclusion of subtle background elements encourages readers to take some time to explore the resume, giving it more time to make an impression.

You may have read that recruiters spend 6 seconds on a resume . Well, it’s unfortunately true. Often the choice whoever gets an interview call comes down to who made a quick impression. Linda starts off with two sentences explaining who she is and what she does before breaking down her work and life skills.

The result is a resume that explains the essentials in advance before inviting you to explore more. You can check Linda’s website here .

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

You have to see the full version of Deda’s remarkable resume ! In it she shares not only the obligatory things (skills, experience, etc.) but also her Design Theory, Life Essentials, Personal Lifestyle Preferences and the Statement of Purpose – things that reveal much more about her personality.

Personality is important enough that even Richard Branson admits that it’s the most important component when hiring. Why? Because tech skills can be learned with time, but being persistent, diligent, and communicative are rare gems in a sea of qualified applicants.

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Matteo Reggi’s resume shows he has the mind of a designer. His mind works a bit differently and you may have to tilt your head a bit to get it all. But that’s how interesting and engaging design often works.

The resume may be unconventional, but so is Matteo. Instead of pretending to be something he’s not, he brings his whole self to his resume. If you ask us, it really shows. You can view his work here .

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

We simply love this resume! Stuart Mayhew has combined information regarding his knowledge and experience and has shaped it brilliantly with this design. It paints a picture of a full person, from various life and work experiences to generally how he thinks.

Combined with a powerhouse list of clients, there’s plenty here to make a recruiter want to strike up a conversation and learn more about Stuart. That’s where he can have the chance to make yet another good impression.

He’s produced hundreds of copies of his simple and contemporary 1 page resume to hand out. Besides the design, Anton’s resume stands out by including information that’s hardly typical. Travels, interests, and characteristics bring his personality and experience to the forefront.

A great idea is to change the name of your “tech skills” section to a more job-specific one like Creative Fields or Management Skills, so that it’s more relevant to the position you are applying for. Go & see his work !

Undoubtedly a unique design incorporating Korean elements, this resume actually stands out in more ways than one. The whole resume has a fantastic “My Favorite Things” section which really shows off their design skills. One small issue is using language like “Please contact me…” which can signal a lack of confidence. Otherwise, this resume is memorable.

Magnus Henriksen created this original resume that shows him both as a person and as a professional. It’s simple and straight-forward in a refreshing way while not sacrificing any personality or style. Having such a resume confirms your skills as a designer and makes you stand out. Elements of it may be a bit immature, but Magnus isn’t interested in being anything other than himself.

It’s for the best, as companies should always know what they’re getting when they hire. With Magnus, they’re getting a talented jokester. You can check out some of his work here .

Next up is Harrison Carter Watkins’ Creative Resume . “How I think” is a powerful section to include, especially the way he did it – separate it into two parts – “Thoughts & Method” and “Productivity & Speed” which add a layer of personality alongside the technical one.

Another thing that makes a great impression is the quote featured prominently in the center: “The details don’t make the design, they are the design.”

You get a strong feeling for Harrison’s philosophy of design alongside his work experience and other details. For more of his works check out his Behance profile .

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

This resume is outstanding not only because of it’s visual appearance but because of the compelling manner Chris has described himself. Including sections like “Clearing the mind” or “The Intangibles” provide a lot of details about your true personality and are a much better way to express what kind of person you are.

Besides, dividing your skill set into 3 parts – Knowledge, Design and Management & Communication, enables the recruiter to immediately see what your main areas of expertise are and gives him an incentive to keep on reading. See all his amazing work here .

Here Pau has visualized his work experience in an easy-to-understand way so that a recruiter can process the information faster. He’s also included the section “Expositions” which, in his case, is pretty important and tells a lot about his abilities. Visit his personal website to enjoy more of his work.

3 things about Jimmy’s resume impressed us – it’s short and concise, extremely well-designed and it emphasizes on the most important information – his title, skills and awards. Plus, it’s bursting with personality. See all of his work here .

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Maybe one of the most stylish resumes we’ve came upon. From its homages to the original macintosh and classic telephones to the classy self portrait, Monica shows her skills and passions with style. Combining her motivation and professional goals into the footer also leaves the reader with an excellent final impression. See her amazing work here .

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Navdeep has done an amazing job visually breaking up the different sections in his creative resume . He begins with a simple, straight-forward line about who he is: “I love to design great looking, usable interfaces.”

The other thing we appreciated is that he highlights the fact that he has worked with top companies using a simple “Clients” section. We strongly encourage you to include that information, especially if you have worked for companies like Apple, Disney, MTV or SAP.

Last but not least the way Navdeep divided his skills so that they can be easier to process is very effective – “Practice Areas” and “Technologies”. You can check his work here .

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Pam is a professional storyteller whose resume does just what it should: tells her story. Hagan Blount has done a great job turning her resume into a real masterpiece.

Positioning her awards and professional achievements in the middle of her resume is a great idea, especially if you have some numbers and medals to show as she does. They tell the reader that you’re goal-oriented.

The other unique element here is the “Testimonials” section at the bottom.

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

This is a great example of a performance-based resume by the same person who created Pam Bailey’s resume: Hagan Blount.

Again the content is based on results, not responsibilities, and the design highlights them well. The best part is that the resume is personalized for the VP of Sales position Seth is applying for. For that reason, he’s split his experience into three different categories – Business Development & Strategic Planning, Sales, and Marketing.

That way he stresses the fact that he has what it takes to succeed in that role. Personalizing your resume is one of the best things you could do to raise your chances of getting an interview.

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Sometimes a resume just breaks the mold. Jonathan Wakuda Fischer’s is one such example. His resume takes the form of an identity booklet, old Russian style.

Everyone likes seeing absolutely unexpected things and if you read his resume carefully you will realise that Jonathan has gone far beyond the design of his resume and has created a real masterpiece.

Recruiters aren’t going to forget him. Check out his website here .

Victor Rodriguez is clearly being a bit cheeky with his “thinking inside the box” resume . You should never forget that the main goal of your resume is to make a great first impression to the person reading it, no matter whether it’s a word document, infographic, powerpoint presentation or a cereal box.

I can barely think of a better way to grab someone’s attention, especially if this pops up on your table! You can explore Viktor’s creative work here .

We have saved the dessert for last – Nick Begley is the bold man whose resume is a candy bar. When we said these were creative resume ideas, we weren’t kidding.

If you are in a creative industry you already know better as to whether or not sending a creative resume is the right way to go.

How about the rest of us, the non-designers who still want to stand out?

We have to take into consideration the public enemy #1 of creative resumes out there – the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, for short.

It’s a computer software that is designed to read simple text on resumes and match skills, experiences and keywords to the job description.

This is why it will have a hard time if you encode your key information into graphics and images.

With that being said, the above designers don’t have to pay attention to ATS at all.

They send resumes directly to employers. Which can be the case for many of us.

Small and medium-sized companies aren’t likely to use ATS, either.

Whereas even if you’re applying for a position in a big corporation, you can still incorporate a dash of creativity, as long as you maintain a professional tone.

Here’s a thought – you don’t have to make a cereal box resume to impress recruiters.

Frankly speaking, nobody is expecting you to be creative.

So, if you make a few adjustments here and there, it will come as an added bonus.

Use creative tactics, such as two-colour combinations, adjusted font size, easy-to-read font family, proper resume margin and skimmable layout. ( Enhancv’s resume builder takes care for the lot of it.)

Designers made their infographic resumes to highlight key information in a creative manner. You too can incorporate their tactics described above, albeit in a more down-to-earth way.

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39 Creative Resume Examples & Templates (Creative CV Ideas)

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A creative resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is one document you can’t skimp on. This is true for everyone, but especially for designers and other creative professionals.

When applying for a job, the first impression you create is strong and longest-lasting. The same is true when making contact with a new potential client. That first impression has to help you stand out from your competitors.

That first impression is usually made via an online application, your website, an email, or even through social media. Hopefully, you already have a strong portfolio website , either a personal portfolio or your freelance business site. And hopefully, your social media presence continues your personal or business brand look and feel. But what about your resume?

Most job applications ask applicants to attach a CV or a resume. And after initial, brief research on your website or social media accounts, a prospective client will often ask for a resume if they don’t find the information they need or if they need to present a list of freelancers to their boss.

As such, no matter if you’re searching for a job or trying to land new clients, your resume design could be what differentiates you from a competitor with similar skills and level of experience. The right kind of creative resume truly reflects your character and experience in an expressive way.

The following are some excellent creative resume and CV examples to help get ideas flowing for your own resume design. Notice that some tend to remain more straightforward and business-like with a hint of creativity thrown in. Some go over the top in the creative aspect. And others strike a nice balance between the two extremes.

Designers have discovered new methods to showcase their skills and attributes in a bold way with creative CVs and resumes. You can come up with a highly creative resume idea, design it and then showcase your skills and abilities to the whole world.

You’ll need to make a calculated decision on your own resume design. If your brand look and style of work is highly artistic, then, by all means, go all out. If, however, you’re applying for a job in a less creative field, you may want to tone down tons of graphics and colors and stick with a more corporate look that still creatively reflects your personal brand.

Best Creative Resume Examples

We’ve searched to find the most creative resumes available. These creative resume examples and creative CV examples are sure to provide plenty of inspiration. And best of all, if you see a template you like, you can purchase it to save hours of your time.

Creative Resume by Jahangir Alam Jisan

Jisan’s creative CV uses icons, color, and bold banners to add creativity to his resume design. Plus, the unusual layout helps the information to stand out nicely while still maintaining a professional and organized look.

My Resume by Soumitra Saxena

This is another creative resume design that shows off the designer’s humor as well as his wide range of skills. Even with the creative illustration and extra information, the graphic design is still clean and organized, which says a lot about his engineering side as well.

Curriculum Vitae by Anton Yermolov

Both clean and colorful, Yermolov’s CV design stands out with neat columns and colorful icons. His illustrated self-portrait is a nice alternative to a photo and ensures it will look nice even if a client uses their own poor-quality printer to print a copy.

CV – Take a Look Inside by Amber Van Mieghem

Both the format and the fold of this CV design is fantastically creative. Amber does an excellent job of creating intrigue and keeping attention by leading to the next page with the fold.

Shameless Self-Promotion by Kyle Robertson

A personal logo is always a safe way to add some originality to a professional resume that needs to remain more on the corporate side. Robertson doesn’t stop there, though. His beautiful choice of fonts also adds to the appeal of his creative resume design.

My Resume by darthkix

Fitting a lot of information onto a single page is one of the more difficult parts of a resume, but darthkix solves this problem quite beautifully. The silhouette graphic on the background is a brilliant way to break up his information neatly but uniquely.

Resume by Yojna Shetty

I love how this creative resume organizes so much content so neatly onto a single page. At first glance, it is almost overwhelming, but the lines and other graphics help to draw the eye from one section to the next quite easily. It should not take very long for the viewer to go through it so each section and detail should be connected to the next one and everything should be displayed in a rather expressive and creative manner.

Self-Promotion by Syril Bobadilla

The bright colors in this original resume by Bobadilla are stunningly balanced out by the excellent, clean layout of content. Plus, the custom fonts add a very nice, original touch to the entire design.

Curriculum_Vitae by Francisco Hidalgo

I highly urge you to visit Hidalgo’s Behance page to view his curriculum vitae in full effect, as the images above do not do his gorgeous illustration justice. You can build on this idea and design similar creative resumes that are more than just a professional resume. Not only does his design show off his illustration skills, it also keeps his information easy to read and digest in a memorable viewing experience. Beautiful!

Curriculum Vitae by Camila Soto

Handwritten fonts and illustrations are a stunning touch in this creative CV and infographic resume by Soto. I love how each section is divided into boxes. Different calligraphic fonts have been put to use, few items have been sketched and you get a colorful resume for your work.

Resume by Roberta Cicerone

I really love how this website resume could also double as a poster-like print resume design. Roberta does an excellent job of keeping a visitor scrolling with uniquely phrased section headers and dotted lines. Different geometrical figures and calligraphic fonts have been displayed in quite a skeptical and playful way. Her illustrations and custom fonts are stunning!

Matthew Jhon Creative Resume Template

This modern template is perfect for a graphic designer or creative professional who wants a resume that makes a strong first impression on a hiring manager. You’ll have a place for your work experience highlights, as well as your education, skills, and contact info. The header and footer feature a stylish design. It comes as a Microsoft Word file (DOCX) and as a PDF.

This is one of the most creative and unique resume or CV templates you’ll find. It’s colorful and also includes a small illustration, as well as some shapes and icons. It comes in Ai, EPS, and PSD formats.

Alex Buell Template

If you want a resume or CV that stands out, this template is an excellent choice. It features a little bit of color and some subtle but stylish design elements to impress viewers. You can use the template in Word, Illustrator, or Photoshop. It comes in PDF and EPS format.

Colorful Resume Template

Who says resumes have to be boring? This template uses a lot of color, especially in the header, to really stand out. It comes in vector format (Ai and EPS file formats) and includes a template for a cover letter.

Charles Midleton Template

Here is another bright, colorful curriculum vitae template 100% guaranteed to stand out. It can be edited in Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator to quickly and easily create a beautiful resume. Shapes and colors make this design unique, but it also includes all the details needed to be effective.

Anthony Arlo

This colorful template features a large header with a photo and shapes that make a nice background for your bio and contact info. It also displays your relevant experience and skills attractively. Edit the template in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Word.

Lester Chandler

This package includes a two-page creative CV template and a cover letter template. This design features bold black & white, large photos, and a clean design. It’s perfect for creative professionals who want a great-looking resume showcasing their abilities.

Modern CV Resume Template

This template features a stylish design and a big header with a place for your photo. The skills section uses a creative way to display your most essential skills and your level of expertise. It also includes a nice cover letter template.

Darryl Philbin

This creative resume template and CV template is also professional. It’s exceptionally well designed with a lot of style to ensure you stand out. There’s a spot for a photo in the header, and the download even comes with a photo filter, so your photo will match the style shown in the preview above.

Mono Resume

We’ve looked at some examples of colorful resumes, but this one takes a different approach with a monochromatic color scheme. It’s perfect for creative professionals because the header is innovative and interesting, allowing you to enter a photo. It’s also got plenty of room for all the important details about your experience and accomplishments.

Alan Querin

Here is another black & white design that definitely stands out from the typical resume template or CV template. It uses typography and some well-designed content blocks to create a truly professional resume.

If you want a resume or CV that will stand out without taking extreme measures regarding an unusual design, this one is a good option. It uses color and some nice design elements, but still has a clean look and feel. It comes in PSD, Ai, and EPS formats.

Steven Gerard

This unique design includes a full-page photo with a greeting and a second page with a full resume or CV with a photo header. The full-page photo could be skipped if you want the simple one-page option. It’s a well-designed and colorful template that you’ll love.

Mauro Haskey Template

This template uses a beautiful design and layout that features a small photo and a brief profile in the sidebar. It includes all the necessary details like contact info, work experience, and education. The skills section at the bottom uses star ratings to display strengths in different areas creatively.

Juandha Whitney

This clean and elegant template makes creating a curriculum vitae with a professional look easy. You’ll be able to show off your strongest skills, education, and work experience.

Claire Ridley

Here is another very clean and professional CV template with a nice design. The header includes room for a photo and a brief bio before getting into the details of your experience and background.

Henry Silly Template

Present your qualifications in a clean and professional way with the help of this creative resume template. It comes in Illustrator format with five different color variations that you can choose from, and of course, you can also edit the colors if you’d like.

Pink Resume Template

Now, here is one that’s sure to be unique! The design uses a pink background, probably unlike any resume you’ve ever seen. It also includes all of the usual details, so it’s functional too.

This template uses some splashes of color for a creative CV design. It includes space for a headshot, a skills section that utilizes star ratings, and an additional template for a cover letter. The download includes the designs in Ai and EPS formats.

Two-Page Modern Resume Template

This unique resume template is not only creative in terms of design and style, but it’s also one of the few two-page templates you’ll see in this showcase. The first page includes details about you and your skills, and the second page is focused on work experience and education. The templates come in Word and InDesign formats.

Indah Kusuma

This CV template uses a colorful header with a photo. The rest of the design is fairly clean and simple. You’ll also get matching cover letter templates. The files can be edited in Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

The Peachy CV Resume Template

The Peachy template makes use of icons and content blocks to display your experience and qualifications in an attractive way. The header includes a spot for a small photo along with your name and contact info. This template is ideal for highlighting a few past jobs or specific experiences that you’ve gained.

Taylor Sheeran Template

This stylish design stands out from the typical resume template without being too unconventional. The dark header and footer add contrast and visual interest. The header includes space for a small photo. It also comes with a template for a matching cover letter, which is sure to come in handy.

Carol Holmes

This modern resume template’s layout is pretty unique and will make you stand out from other job applicants. It also comes with a cover letter template and can be edited easily in Microsoft Word.

Jim Halpert

Although it’s a fairly simple design, this CV is definitely unique. It makes excellent use of typography and gives you a solid template that could be used in many different industries.

Anthony Silver

With the help of this template, you can get a very professional CV in no time. There’s a sport for your photo in the head, and the resume layout is beautifully designed to show off your experience and skills. It is provided in InDesign file format.

Web Designer Resume Template

This template is a fun way for web designers to present their professional resume or CV. It includes a spot for a QR code at the top, which is a cool touch. Of course, there’s also a section to show off your experience, and the skills section at the bottom presents a way to display your specific skills visually.

Walter Smith

With this template, you can pack plenty of detail into your resume or CV without a cluttered look. You’ll have a place for your work experience, education, skills, contact info, references, and a brief profile and photo. It comes in four different color variations.

You Only Have a Few Seconds… A Creative Resume Will Help

Your creative resume can make a strong first impression on a potential employer or recruiter. How creative is your resume or CV design? Are you confident yours will stand out from the rest of the pile? If not, then you may want to use one of the creative resume examples above (or use a resume builder) to model your own design, but don’t forget to consider your audience. And have fun with it so that your creative passion shines through loud and clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

A creative CV or resume will show off your skills or experience in a way that sounds out from most text-based resumes during a job search. It may include color or a more unique visual design. If you’re in a creative industries, like designers, taking this approach as a job seeker may help you to get an interview.

The easiest way is to use one of the many templates showcased on this page. In just a few minutes, you can have a beautiful resume or CV that you can be proud of. Check the creative CV ideas in this article to find one you like.

If you’re in a creative industry, taking a more original approach to your resume can be effective and may help you to land your dream job. However, in other industries you may be better off with a more traditional resume.

It really depends on the person who is receiving and reviewing the resumes. Look at it this way, many job openings receive at least 100 resumes. The creative approach is sure to makes your stand out and be noticed. Will it help every time? No. But getting noticed is an important step if you want to get an interview, especially in a creative profession.

Tara Hornor enjoys writing about advertising, marketing, branding, web and graphic design, and more. As Senior Editor for Creative Content Experts, she has over 2,000 published articles on the web. Connect with @TaraHornor for more design and freelancing advice.

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Best Creative Resume As they should be

Success in employment is largely determined by writing a good resume. Applicants do not always have free time or experience working with the text of a given genre. We suggest using a template that guarantees the creation of a document that meets modern requirements. With a modern resume template, you have a 65% greater chance of getting a job.

Land an interview

Stand out from the herd of job applicants with one of our professionally designed resume templates for all job levels and industries.

Job-winning content

We give you expert resume writing tips from start to finish, no more wasting time with the wrong resume content.

Our purpose is to make you look extraordinary on your resume!

If you wish to make yourself visible to recruiters, revamping a resume is a good idea.

Who may benefit from our eye catching resume templates

For almost all candidates for a vacant place, our templates will be useful. They are multifunctional, so it does not matter in which area the applicant intends to work. We offer a range of templates that differ in design. Representatives of creative professions will like bright options, and more discreet designs are suitable for conservative professions.

How to write a creative resume?

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195 Resume Power Words That Will Get You Hired (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Power words in resumes can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
• Tailor your power words to your specific industry and job role for maximum effectiveness.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder helps make every resume bullet point impactful with AI.

Power words are to resumes what headlines are to a newspaper—they highlight key details and orient the reader. Resume action words grab the attention of the hiring manager and applicant tracking systems—increasing your odds of standing out.

In this guide, you'll learn 195 resume power words, how to use them effectively, and the nuances of industry-specific power powers to help you craft a compelling resume that lands job interviews.

Struggling to land interviews? Write a more impactful resume with Teal's resume builder AI .

What are resume power words?

Resume power words are strong, descriptive words that highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications. These words help you make an impact because they: 

• Grab attention: They draw the reader's eye to your key accomplishments.
• Convey confidence: You appear self-assured and capable by using assertive language.
• Showcase specificity: Power words are precise and help hiring managers skim your resume without missing important details.
• Improve ATS performance: Power words often align with keywords that applicant tracking systems are programmed to identify. This increases your chances of passing initial screenings. 

195 resume power words to supercharge your application

To make your resume stand out, use words that showcase your achievements. Here's a list of resume power words designed to help your application leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Resume action verbs

Strong action verbs communicate your exact responsibility in a job role. They help hiring managers assess your accomplishments in context. Here are 100 powerful verbs that can make each bullet point on your resume more compelling.

• Spearheaded
• Orchestrated

Communication

• Articulated

Problem-solving

• Troubleshot
• Streamlined
• Conceptualized

Achievement

• Outperformed
• Accelerated
• Investigated
• Benchmarked

Improvement

• Coordinated
• Administered
• Consolidated

Customer service

• Implemented

Project management

• Facilitated

Collaboration

Accomplishment, descriptive adjectives.

The right adjectives can paint a vivid picture of the candidate's personal qualities and strengths. These 50 descriptive words will help you make an impact.

• Collaborative
• Resourceful
• Enterprising
• Conscientious
• Accomplished
• Results-oriented
• Detail-oriented

Industry-specific buzzwords

Each industry has its own language, and using the right buzzwords can demonstrate your expertise and familiarity with the field. These 45 industry-specific terms can help you speak directly to hiring managers in your chosen field.

• Machine learning
• Cryptocurrency
• Risk management
• Quantitative analysis
• Content marketing
• Brand equity
• Conversion rate
• Customer acquisition
• Telemedicine
• Electronic health records (EHR)
• Patient-centered care
• Clinical trials
• Population health
• Differentiated instruction
• Blended learning
• Formative assessment
• Inquiry-based learning

Human resources

• Talent acquisition
• Employee engagement
• Diversity and inclusion
• Performance management
• Succession planning
• Due diligence
• Intellectual property
• Arbitration

Manufacturing

• Lean manufacturing
• Supply chain management
• Quality assurance
• Just-in-Time (JIT)

Environmental

• Sustainability
• Renewable energy
• Carbon footprint
• Circular economy
• Green technology

How to use power words effectively in your resume

Now, you can’t just replace regular words with their “powerful synonyms” and call it a day. You have to place them strategically to gently compel the reader or impress hiring managers. Here’s how:

Identifying key responsibilities in job postings can help you tailor your resume effectively, ensuring alignment between your skills and the specific demands of the job.

Using power words effectively requires strategy and balance. Here’s how to make the most of them in your resume.

Tailor power words to job descriptions

To maximize your chances of getting noticed, align power words closely with the specific job description:

1. Analyze the job posting: Identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities emphasized in the listing.

2. Highlight relevant keywords: Note industry-specific terms and power verbs used in the description. Tip: Teal's Matching Mode does this for you.

3. Match your experiences: Select power words that accurately describe your achievements and align with the job requirements.

4. Incorporate naturally: Weave these words into your resume, ensuring they fit contextually and don't appear forced.

5. Prioritize placement: Use the most impactful power words in prominent sections like your professional summary and recent job descriptions. If you're writing a cover letter, sprinkle power words throughout but don't stuff them in any one section.

Balance action words with concrete examples

While power words add impact, they must be supported by specific, quantifiable achievements:

• Start with a power word: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb.
• Follow with a specific accomplishment: Provide context and details about what you achieved.
• Quantify results: Include numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes whenever possible.
• Show impact: Explain how your actions benefited the company or contributed to larger goals.

Power word example in a sentence

• Weak: Responsible for sales increase.
• Strong: Spearheaded sales initiative that boosted revenue by 35% in Q3, outperforming targets by 20%.

Avoid overuse and maintain authenticity

While power words are effective, overuse can diminish their impact and make your resume seem insincere:

• Use variety: Avoid repeating the same power words throughout your resume.
• Be truthful: Only use words that accurately reflect your experiences and abilities.
• Balance with simpler language: Mix power words with more straightforward language to maintain readability.
• Consider context: Ensure the power words you choose are appropriate for your industry and career level.
• Read aloud: Review your resume by reading it out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or overuse of power words.

Replacing weak words with power words

Not all words are created equal when it comes to your resume. By replacing weak, vague words with stronger alternatives, you can create a more impactful narrative. Here’s how to make those crucial swaps:

Common weak words to avoid

Frequently used weak words can dilute the impact of a resume by making your accomplishments seem vague or unimpressive. Here are some common weak words and why they are ineffective:

• Responsible for : Implies duty, not action
• Helped : Lacks specificity and doesn’t highlight your role
• Worked on : Vague and does not convey the impact of your initiative
• Assisted with : Implies a secondary role, not leadership
• Participated in : Does not show your direct contributions or the extent of your role
• Job duties included : Focuses on tasks rather than achievements
• Familiar with : Suggests a basic understanding and not proficiency
• Involved in : Does not clarify your specific role
• Handled : Too general; does not indicate outcomes
• Dealt with : Vague and non-specific

Power word alternatives

Replace weak words with powerful alternatives to make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Here’s a list of common weak words and their power word alternatives:

Examples of how to rewrite sentences using power words:

Weak: Responsible for managing team projects. Strong: Orchestrated cross-functional team projects, consistently delivering results 15% ahead of schedule. ‍ ‍ Weak: Helped with customer service issues. Strong: Resolved complex customer service issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing escalations by 30%. Weak: Worked on marketing campaigns. Strong: Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns, driving a 25% increase in customer engagement.

Industry-specific power word examples

Tailoring your resume with industry-specific power words can draw the reader's attention to relevant achievements. These examples show how to align your language with the expectations and standards of various fields.

Technology and IT

In the world of technology and IT, precision and clarity are key. Here’s a selection of power words that can help you articulate your technical expertise and accomplishments.Power words

• Architected

Sample resume statements

• Architected scalable cloud infrastructure, reducing downtime by 99% and cutting operational costs by 30%.
• Debugged complex legacy code, improving system performance by 40% and eliminating critical security vulnerabilities.

Finance and accounting

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in finance and accounting. These power words will help you highlight your analytical skills and financial acumen:

Power words

• Diversified
• Strategized
• Forecasted quarterly revenue projections with 98% accuracy to aid expansion initiatives.
• Streamlined accounts payable processes, to reduce  processing time by 35% and eliminate $50,000 in annual late fees.

Marketing and sales

Success in marketing and sales depends on driving engagement and converting opportunities into results. These power words will help you showcase your ability to innovate, persuade, and achieve impressive outcomes:

• Transformed
• Revolutionized
• Launched an innovative social media campaign that led to increased brand engagement by 150% and drove 10,000 new qualified leads.
• Negotiated strategic partnerships with key industry players, resulting in a 40% boost in annual revenue and expanded market share.

Healthcare and medical

In the healthcare and medical sectors, your resume usually needs to reflect both your technical skills and your dedication to patient care. These power words emphasize your expertise in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

• Rehabilitated
• Collaborated
• Implemented new patient care protocols, reducing average hospital stay duration by two days and improving patient satisfaction scores by 25%.
• Researched and introduced cutting-edge treatment methods, resulting in a 40% increase in positive outcomes for chronic condition management.

Education and teaching

Educators are not just teachers—they are mentors and leaders shaping the future. Use these power words to highlight your contributions to student learning, curriculum development, and educational excellence.

• Differentiated
• Developed and implemented inquiry-based science curriculum, increasing student engagement by 45% and improving standardized test scores by 30%.
• Mentored struggling students through targeted intervention programs, resulting in an 80% improvement in academic performance over one semester.

How to add power words to different resume sections using AI

Strategically incorporating power words throughout your resume can make it seem more personalized and human. Here's how Teal helps:

Professional summary

The professional summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. Use power words to concisely convey your value proposition:

Example: "Dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record of developing innovative campaigns that drive engagement and boost ROI. Skilled in leveraging data analytics to optimize performance and deliver measurable results across diverse industries."

You can add a professional summary by using Teal’s in-built summary generator. Follow these steps: 

• Import your existing resume into the Resume Builder

Import your LinkedIn profile or create a resume from scratch in minutes if you don't have one. Your summary will be more accurate if you provide more details about your career. 

• Update your work experiences and add achievements

Be sure to include multiple accomplishments related to your recent roles for the best results from the Resume Summary Generator.

• Generate your resume summary with AI

Save the AI-generated resume summaries to your Teal Resume Builder.

• Review and regenerate your summary

By clicking "Re-generate with AI", you can generate a new professional summary based on the existing settings. 

You can save multiple resume summaries so you can use different ones for different applications. 

Work experience

In your work experience section, use power words to highlight your achievements and responsibilities.

Teal's AI Assistant makes this easy, automatically adding power powers to the beginning of every bullet point.

• Before: Responsible for managing team and completing projects.
• After: Spearheaded a cross-functional team of 12, delivering complex projects 20% under budget and one week ahead of schedule.
• Before: Helped with customer service and solved problems.
• After: Resolved critical customer issues, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate and reducing churn by 15%.

Skills section

Enhance your skills section by using power words that align with industry-specific competencies:

• Proficient in data visualization and predictive modeling techniques
• Adept at agile project management methodologies
• Skilled in negotiating high-stakes contracts and partnerships

Achievements and accomplishments

Use power words to make your achievements and resume stand out:

• Pioneered company-wide sustainability initiative, reducing carbon footprint by 30% and generating $2M in cost savings.
• Orchestrated merger and acquisition strategy, resulting in 50% market share growth within 18 months.
• Revolutionized customer onboarding process, slashing time-to-value by 60% and boosting retention rates by 25%.

The impact of power words on applicant tracking systems (ATS)

In today’s job market, your resume must pass through ATS before reaching human eyes. Understanding how power words interact with these systems can give you a crucial edge in landing an interview.

How ATS process power words

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) play a crucial role in the initial screening of resumes. Here’s how they interact with power words:

• Keyword matching: ATS scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job description.
• Relevance scoring: Resumes are ranked based on the presence and frequency of relevant terms.
• Contextual analysis: Advanced ATS can understand the context in which words are used, not just their presence.
• Skill identification: Power words often signal specific skills or experiences that match job requirements.

Strategies for ATS-friendly power word usage

To ensure your resume is both ATS-friendly and impactful:

• Incorporate relevant keywords: Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume.
• Balance power words and keywords: Mix industry-standard terms with relevant power words.
• Avoid overstuffing: Don’t overuse keywords or power words to the point of reducing readability.
• Use standard formatting: Stick to simple, ATS-compatible formatting to ensure all keywords and power words are recognized.

Measuring the effectiveness of your power words

Crafting the perfect resume requires continuous refinement. A/B testing and gathering feedback are essential for measuring the impact of your power words and ensuring your resume resonates with employers.

A/B testing your resume

A/B testing your resume can help determine the effectiveness of different power word usage:

• Create variants: Develop two versions of your resume, each using different sets of power words.
• Submit both versions: Apply to similar jobs with both resume versions.
• Track responses: Monitor the response rate from employers for each version.
• Analyze results: Determine which version received more positive feedback or job interview invitations.

Gathering feedback

Professional feedback is crucial for refining your resume:

• Ask for reviews: Request input from career coaches, mentors, or peers.
• Use online services: Utilize professional resume review services for expert advice.
• Interpret feedback: Analyze the feedback received to understand how your power word usage can be improved.

Power up your career with resume power words

To create a distinct resume, use words that pack a punch and highlight your achievements with precision. Power words tailored to the job and industry can elevate your resume’s impact. But remember, balance is crucial—combine these words with metrics and case studies to avoid sounding superficial.

Start by refining your resume and adding or improving power words where needed. Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder can streamline this process, helping you craft a resume that grabs attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many power words should you include in your resume.

Balance is crucial when incorporating power words into your resume. Aim for one to two power words per bullet point to maintain a strong yet natural tone. This ensures your resume is impactful without appearing exaggerated.

Can using too many power words hurt your chances of getting hired?

Yes, overusing power words can hurt your chances by making your resume seem insincere or cliché. It’s important to use power words genuinely to reflect your true experiences and achievements. Mixing power words with straightforward language helps maintain a natural flow.

Are there any power words you should avoid in your resume?

Avoid overused or cliché power words like "committed dynamic," "synergy," "hardworking," and "go-getter." These terms can make your resume seem generic and unimpressive. Instead, choose more industry-specific and impactful alternatives that accurately describe your skills and achievements.

How can you use power words if you're just starting your career?

If you're starting your career, focus on highlighting transferable skills gained from internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. Use power words to emphasize your enthusiasm and potential for growth. For example, instead of "participated in a marketing project," say "spearheaded a marketing project that increased social media engagement by 20%."

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