Resume Format for Creative and People-Oriented Positions

I just finished a resume review for a VP of Design and it made me realize how much little details can really make a difference especially if you're aiming for a Creative Director or VP level role in experiential design, trade shows, or immersive experiences. Here’s what I usually look for when reviewing resumes at that level: 1. Leadership experience: Hiring managers want to see that you can lead, inspire, and build strong teams. It’s not just about managing projects, it’s about mentoring people and driving creative success. Be specific about your leadership impact. Example: "Managed a cross-functional team of 15 designers to deliver 30+ immersive trade show exhibits for major clients, increasing client engagement by 40%." 2. Creative Ownership: It's important to show where you’ve led the creative process not just contributing ideas, but actually setting the direction and seeing it through. Example: "Directed the creative vision for all experiential marketing campaigns, aligning with business goals and boosting lead generation by 25%." 3. Technical skills: If you’ve worked with 3D design, CAD, Unreal Engine or 3DS Max, make sure that’s clear. Technical skills are a huge plus especially for immersive experiences. Example: "Proficient in 3DS Max and Unreal Engine, creating interactive trade show displays that increased attendee engagement by 50%." 4. Measurable results: I love seeing numbers tied to creative work. It helps hiring teams connect the dots between creativity and business outcomes. Example: "Developed experiential designs for 10+ trade shows, generating $2M in new business opportunities." 5. Agency experience: If you’ve worked in an experiential agency, definitely highlight that. Agency experience often means you've handled multiple fast paced projects and major brands. Example: "Led a team in executing large-scale exhibits for brands like [XXX], including 15 activations that brought in over 50K attendees." 6. Tailoring your resume: Every leadership role is a little different. Take the time to tailor your resume so that the most relevant skills and experiences stand out for each role you apply to. At the end of the day, your resume should show that you’re not just a creative, you’re a creative leader who can drive results, build strong teams, and bring big ideas to life. Hope this helps anyone out there updating their resume for that next big move.

Your resume is your first creative impression. Make it count. As a creative recruiter, I'm constantly seeking candidates who demonstrate their skills and passion throughout their application. When I receive a Word resume from a creative professional, it's a major red flag. You're in a field that values innovation and visual impact. Why settle for a generic resume? Even if you're not a designer, tools like Canva make it easy to create an appealing resume. If you're not comfortable with design software, ask a designer friend for help. Recruiters evaluate every touchpoint – your LinkedIn profile, website, email signature, and profile photo. A Word resume suggests a lack of effort and creativity. Invest time in creating a visually striking resume that showcases your talents. In a competitive job market, a well-designed resume can make the difference between getting noticed and getting deleted.

Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s a story.  Here’s the problem: Most resumes feel like boring laundry lists. But hiring managers? They want to know: -Who are you? -What’s your thing? -How do you solve problems better than anyone else? 💡 Here’s how to make your resume FEEL like YOU: 1️⃣ Start with your narrative. What’s the common thread in your career? Whether it’s creative storytelling or process optimization wizardry, let it shine. 2️⃣ Be a specialist. Don’t try to be everything to everyone—highlight the 1–2 skills you love and want to be known for. 3️⃣ Showcase case studies. Use the “Challenge → Action → Result” format to bring your impact to life. Example: “Reduced churn by 15% by redesigning onboarding materials.” 4️⃣ Quantify, but with personality. Numbers catch attention, but YOUR voice keeps it. Pair metrics with energy: “Generated $1M in new business by delivering a creative pitch that wowed the room.” ✨ The goal? To tell a story so compelling, they can’t not call you for an interview. If the thought of revamping your resume feels overwhelming, I’ve got you. Drop a comment below or DM me, and we’ll make your resume the best reflection of YOU. #ResumeTips #CreativeCareers #JobSearchHelp