CREATIVE NICHE INC - Resume Writing Workshop
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Adele Wootton, Director, Client Services
- 20+ years of advertising industry experience
- print production manager, studio manager, project manager, account manager
- recruiter for 10 years
Stephen Hodges, President
- 20+ years of design industry experience
- graphic designer, production manager, studio manager
- recruitment industry for 13 years
NOTE
- list 5 points for each under experience.
- be specific and concise
- .. which led to … (accomplishment)
- do not need to put your address on your resume (may lead to you not getting hired)
- let it somehow reflect your personality
- may want to have different resumes for different jobs
- don't put references (or references available on request on the resume)
- don't include a cover letter unless requested. you can write a few sentences to introduce yourself in the email you send out with your resume
- youtube video of yourself.. being interviewed or asked question
- might want to come prepared with an opinion about their website (in case they ask!)
- good questions: tell me a little bit about your culture?
Why clients work with Creative Niche
- We are a well-respected talent and creative business services agency. We match outstanding advertising, communications, design, marketing and interactive professionals with our clients’ job opportunities.
- Unique team made up of former account service, project management, design and production professionals.
Current market trends
- digital / interactive / web
- mobile
- rich internet applications
- social networking
Employment opportunities
Obvious: Production Artist, Graphic Designer (Print/Web), Art Director
Less obvious: Studio Manager, Production Manager, Content Manager, Project Manager
Not-so-obvious: U/X Designer, SEO / SEM Specialist, Online Community Manager
Work environments
- advertising agencies
- design firms / studios
- in-house / client-side
- independent contractor / freelancer
- freelancing through recruitment agencies
Finding work
- general job search websites / publications
- industry-related websites / publications
- social networking
- professional member associations
- potential employer website
- recruitment agencies
Research
- identify a list of potential employers
- research market trends
- consider your needs and goals
- carefully read job descriptions of your desired position
Skills assessment
- do an inventory of your skills, abilities
- accomplishments and achievements
- create sample case studies of your contributions
to clients and employers
- create PARs
What is PAR?
PAR stands for Problem - Action - Result. It is a great exercise for thinking about your accomplishments.
- P - What challenge did you face?
- A - What action did you take to overcome the challenge?
- R - What was the result of your effort?
How to identify your soft skills
Soft skills relate to personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, etc.
They tend to universal; meaning no matter the job, you’ll use your soft skills to complete your tasks.
How to identify your soft skills
Simply write out your day-to-day activities from each job in detail.
Example: Working at reception, I answered an average of 50 calls a day. I had to direct calls to the right people. I always stayed calm and pleasant on the phone.
patient, sociable, resourceful, strong communication
Writing your objective
- quick statement including your title or how your skills can impact the company
- relate your objective to your audience
- it should be work-centered, not self-centered
- do not exclude employers
Example: To obtain an intermediate level Graphic Design role.
Writing your experience
- be concise and specific about accomplishments
- they should provide proof of your potential value
- create an image that matches you and the company
- to which you are applying
What is an accomplishment
- It’s how you contributed to a project or an achievement that reflects your work style.
What is an accomplishment
- brainstorm and list all your accomplishments.
Example: Assisted the design team in securing $200,000 in new design business in my first three months by building mock-ups and storyboards and laying out editorial communications. Clients commented on the high quality of my work and attention to detail.
What is an accomplishment
-turn them into high-impact statements. Lead with the result or benefit to the employer. If quantifiable, include it.
Example: Secured $200,000 account by creating high- quality mock ups, storyboards, and editorial communications.
Writing your education
- showcase academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and related courses
- with 2+ yrs related work experience, education should not be on first page or top of resume
Writing your education
Example:
- Sheridan College - Toronto, ON Diploma in Graphic Design
- Projects: Logo and identity redesign for Bell
- Related Coursework: Advertising, Branding, Direct, Marketing, Web Design
Does your resume answer these 5 questions?
- Who are you? - Name, contact information, title, etc.
- What job are your applying for? - Your objective
- What can you do? - Highlight your skills and abilities
- Whathaveyouaccomplished? - Detail your accomplishments and achievements
- Withwhomhaveyouworked? - Mention brands or industry, clients, companies, agencies and projects
Format and design
- determine layout, format, structure and content
- should be visibly pleasing and easy to read
- consider a skills-based vs. chronological resume
- length (# of pages) depends on your experience
- avoid large blocks of colour › keep it vertical and 81⁄2 x 11 in size
- have two versions: Word (.doc) and PDF
Edit and proofread
- review, proofread and spell-check your final document
- ensure grammatical phrasing is consistent
- check that the design and layout is appropriate for the
role and the company
- save various copies and track where you have applied
Our advice
- keep you resume up-to-date and ready
- stay informed and anticipate industry changes
- update your technical skills and knowledge
- continue to participate in portfolio reviews
- grow a personal network
- build a great personal brand
