Evaluating Creative Resumes and Portfolios

A creative resume and portfolio can be the keys to discovering exciting candidates.

However, reviewing these unconventional applications requires a careful eye and a change in talent acquisition perspective.

At Elysian, a big part of making sure we’re fulfilling our responsibility to provide you—our clients and candidates—with an excellent staffing service is having a solid application evaluation practice.

So, for the first time, we’d like to take you behind the scenes of how we look at creative applications with our Recruiting Manager Ashley Johnson!

If you’re hiring someone without the support of a recruiter, Ashley’s guide will help you assess creative resumes and portfolios.

If you’re looking for a recruiter to help you find a new job or candidate, we want you to have confidence and feel secure in knowing what we consider when reviewing these materials.

EMBRACE THE UNCONVENTIONAL

Creative resumes and portfolios deviate from traditional formats.

Rather than disregarding uncommon elements - colors, layouts, typography - embrace them as a reflection of the applicant's creativity and ability to think outside the box.

FOCUS ON VISUAL APPEAL

Creative resumes and portfolios often prioritize visuals.

Pay attention to the overall aesthetics, layout, and design elements. Does the portfolio communicate an understanding of composition and color theory?

Evaluate if the visual presentation aligns with the applicant's targeted industry or position, ensuring it strikes a balance between creativity and professionalism.

ANALYZE CONTENT COHESION

While creativity is important, the resume and portfolio should still convey a clear message. Determine if the content is cohesive, highlighting relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments.

Look for evidence of the applicant's ability to tailor their work to suit specific objectives or client needs.

EVALUATE ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION

Creative resumes and portfolios should demonstrate originality and innovation. Look for unique approaches, fresh perspectives, and inventive ideas that set the applicant apart.

Readymag has a few examples of portfolios to get you in the right mindset.

Check if the candidates have successfully implemented alternative techniques to showcase their skills and achievements.

MEASURE RELEVANCE AND ADAPTABILITY

Consider the relevance of the applicant's creative projects to the industry or position they are applying for. Evaluate if the portfolio displays versatility and adaptability, demonstrating the capacity to work on different projects or cater to various client needs.

REVIEW THE EXECUTION

Consider the overall execution of the creative resume and portfolio. Look for attention to detail and consistency. Evaluate if the applicant has effectively utilized available tools to enhance their presentation.

CONSIDER THE USER EXPERIENCE

Put yourself in the position of a potential employer, client, or customer. Evaluate the user experience of navigating the portfolio or resume. Assess its accessibility, ease of use, and clarity of information.

A well-designed user experience can indicate the applicant's potential to create engaging and user-friendly content.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF TALENT ACQUISITION

So, there it is—reviewing creative resumes and portfolios requires a change in perspective from traditional methods.

Focus on visual appeal, content cohesion, originality, relevance, and consider the user experience.

By doing so, you can effectively assess the potential of creative applicants. This will help you identify talent who can bring fresh points of view into your workplace!

Warmly,
Elysian