Is Your Resume Too Unconventional

Is Your Resume Too UnconventionalAs you work to write an amazing resume, you want to make it unique enough to have it stand out from the otzu sichs that will be sitting in the same stack. But how far is too far when trying to make yours different? Is it possible to be too unconventional in resume writing? Here are some signs that you may be pushing the envelope more than managers would like.Youve Created a Searchable ResumeSome job seekers are quite skilled at developing online resumes that work like impressive Web sites. Theyre configurable and searchable, allowing managers to type in keywords within the resume to locate the skills they hope the job seeker will possess.The candidate with a variety of skills and professional backgrounds may be tempted to take this route if he or she doesnt know how to target his or her resume to one specific profession. But a targeted resume is exactly what hiring managers are looking for.This is why its best to keep things simple by creating standar d Word or PDF resumes that each target one specific profession. You may think your unconventional approach is cool, but to many managers, its just plain annoying.Youve Enlarged Your Type Size to Make the Resume LongerWe all know that hiring managers prefer to see type in the 11- to 14-point sortiment for sections and headingsdepending on the font style. So if you try to get crazy and jump to a 14- to 18-point range because your resume seems too short, youve entered the not-so-great unconventional categorymainly because managers will know what youre up to.Instead, find other ways to broaden your resume such as playing with the design, changing paragraphs to bullet points, or adding testimonials. Being too unconventional in this instance could make you look less qualified than you actually are.Youve Added Scented FragrancesIn most instances, people send their resumes via the Internet however, there are times when you may be asked to submit one the old-fashioned way by printing on resu me paper and handing it in to a company. If you do take this route, dont mess up your chances by adding a scented fragrance to your resume. Why? Because it could smell good to some and horrible to othersand it would be just your luck that you land the hiring manager with a fragrance allergy.Managers seem to agree that being mildly unconventional or unique can be beneficial for a candidate, but there is a fine line that you can easily cross when taking this route, and it could land your resume in the trash. So if you do decide to take chances with your resume, get plenty of opinions to make sure its amazingnot amazingly horrible.For additional tips and advice on resumes and titel letters, follow us on Twitter GreatResume or visit our blog.