Creative Resume FAQ
Which Stetson majors can consider a more creative resume?
1. Art
2. Digital Art
3. Journalism
4. Marketing
5. Computer Science
6. Creative Writing
Which careers, industries, or positions might look for more creative resumes?
1. Web and graphic design
2. Marketing, advertising, communications, public relations, writing, social media and blogging
3. Programming
4. Journalist
5. Animators
6. Video editing
7. Sales (for creative products)
What are top tips for creative resumes?
1. Start by building a traditional resume that will be used as your “working document”.
2. Adapt your traditional resume by using a modern, professional format where you add creative
touches that build your brand (i.e. creative header, touch of color, creative fonts).
3. Remember that employers are initially scanning your document, so the content of the resume
should still be the MAIN focus. Therefore, a good creative resume supports the content and
does not distract from it.
4. Don’t overuse fancy fonts or colors. Pick 1-2 fonts and 1 (maybe 2) accent colors that you use
with neutral colors (we will talk more about colors in the next section).
5. Your resume should still look professional when printed in black and white (many employers will
not print it in color).
6. Keep your brand consistent. Your resume design should match your cover letter, social media
pages and website portfolio if you have one.
7. Make sure your resume formatting does not change or shift slightly when you change it to a PDF
(many times the alignment will slightly change so pay attention to the small details before
sending your PDF version to an employer).
What colors are acceptable for a creative resume?
When we mention using color we want you to use it with caution. You don’t want to over use color or
misrepresent yourself by picking the wrong color. We want you to use it in a subtle way and we want
you to use a color that represents you as a brand. If you are feeling unsure about the professionalism of
a color (or font), it is safer to lean on the side of caution and use a neutral color or the traditional use of
black and white. You can create an amazing creative resume that stands out with or without a pop of
color.
Hiring managers like to scan a resume, and if you use a subtle color in the headings to draw their eye to
the start of each section they scan it more easily. Always use soft colors and tones—never bright ones,
as they make it difficult to read the headings.
Below is a color guide that explains which emotion each color gives the viewer. This should help you
decide what color represents you as a professional.
Red: Use red to express action, passion, power or courage
Orange: Use orange to express determination, encouragement, strength or productivity
Yellow: Use yellow to express optimism, positivity, energy or vision
Green: Use green to express the environment, calmness, growth or rebirth
Blue: Use blue to express trust, reliability, integrity or truth
Purple: Use purple to express luxury, spirituality, inspiration or dignity
What are other effective creative resume ideas to consider?
1. Online portfolios or websites
2. Video resumes
3. Interactive resumes
These types involve making your resume into a Facebook page, its own website, or in some other
medium that is entirely digital or online. If you’re looking for work as a web designer or as a social media
expert, employers from these sectors are looking online for evidence of your skills. In these fields you
need to have an online presence and creative resumes can be useful. Otherwise, it would be wiser to
stick to something more traditional and include a link to your digital resume within your resume header.
When it comes to making good online and digital resumes, stick to the same principles: make sure the
content is still easy to read and digest, and don’t go overboard on the design.
What are the pros and cons of creative resumes?
Ultimately, the style of your resume is your decision. We encourage you to research your potential
employer and adapt your documents based upon their requirements and perceived norms. A creative
resume is a great way to stand-out and can be very effective in showing your design skills. However,
remember that your content is what truly makes you appealing to an employer. Spend time creating
resume statements that highlight your experiences and the transferable skills that you will bring to the
job.
Finally, it is important to be aware that a number of larger employers are utilizing an applicant tracking
system (ATS) which automatically screens resumes by searching for keywords that indicate whether or
not a candidate has the required skills and/or experience for the position. Because ATS requires text-
based resumes, some companies using ATS will simply toss aside nontraditional resumes. Research your
employer and let their standards be your guide as you decide on your resume style.
I am an Energetic and passionate college student working towards a BS in
Digital Arts at Stetson University. Aiming to use my knowledge of graphic
design, computer science, marketing, and planning events skills to make a
valuable contribution to your team.
BACHELOR OF ARTS, MAJOR IN
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
STUDIES
Stetson University
ExpectedNovember2021
GPA 3.9
SOCIAL MEDIAASSISTANT
Red Media Company | Orlando, FL Feb 2016 - Dec 2017
Managed the company Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts
Created social media graphics for daily postings
Increased social media following and clicks by 200% in three months
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Rich Media Interactive | Lake Mary, FL Apr 2015 - Jan 2016
Developed a social media strategy using current market research and
increased traffic to the company website by 15%
Spearheaded a viral campaign for one of the company's new
products
P:(111) 876 - 1234
E: ndawson@stetson.edu
W: www.nataliedawson.com
Facebook: fb.me/nataliedawson
Instagram: @nataliedawson
Twitter: @natalietweets
SEO and Google Analytics
Social media strategy
Marketing
Web content development
Copywriting
Corporate blogging
Project management
Layout design
Photo editing
Market research
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
MARKETING INTERN
Stetson University Athletics Dept. | DeLand, FL Jan 2018 - present
Manage the university’s athletic marketing hospitality tent during
football games which includes distributing promotional materials and
facilitating both Hatter Village (pregame operations) and back of the
house operations
Distribute basketball promotional materials and direct/coordinate half-
time activities
RECRUITMENT CHAIR
Alpha Alpha Alpha Sorority Inc. | Stetson University Nov 2017 - present
Responsible for successful member recruitment and retention within
the organization
Directed a group of 30 to 40 women to pro-actively recruit unaffiliated
women, represent positive campus exposure year round and
accountable for all marketing of the sorority to prospective members
E D U C A T I O N
samuel clark
E X P E R I E N C E
L A N G U A G E T E C H N I C A L S K I L L S
A W A R D S & P R O F E S S I O N A L M E M B E R S H I P S
R E L E V A N T C O U R S E W O R K
J O H A N N A J O H N S O N
J
C A M P U S I N V O L V E M E N T
W O R K E X P E R I E N C E
DELAND PUBLISHING | DELAND, FL
Student Online Writer January 2018 - present
Responsible for drafting three original articles weekly for the weekly
eblast with a two-thousand people audience
Interviewed new local business owners for the company's small
business blog
STETSON UNIVERSITY | DELAND, FL
Editor August 2017 - present
Lead editor for all student stories and provide editor notes for up to
15 pages before final submission
Assist reporters in writing headlines, cutlines, and designing page
layouts
YMCA SUMMER CAMP | DELAND, FL
Camp Counselor Summer 2016 - 2018
Designed and planned camp activities for 45 children each summer
and during winter breaks
Utilized problem-solving skills to maintain a safe and dynamic camp
atmosphere which generated positive outcomes and promoted
creative thinking for children
S K I L L S
COPYWRITING
EDITING
CREATIVE WRITING
TECHNICAL WRITING
A B O U T M E
Blogging
Creative writing
Yoga
Hiking
C O N T A C T
(111) 111 - 1111
420 Woodland Blvd.,
DeLand, FL 32723
www.jojohnson.com
E D U C A T I O N
DELAND HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING CENTER | DELAND, FL
Volunteer September 2015 - December 2015
Dedicated 10 hours per week with the student counseling center
Managed the center’s front-desk administrative duties and checked
students in for appointments
Maintained student confidentiality and organized student records
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB | DELAND, FL
Volunteer Summer 2014
Led two 30 minute reading sessions per week for young children in
the Summer Brain Game program
Assisted children in summer book selection based on their specific
interests and learning style
STETSON UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Major: English
Minor: Creative Writing
Expected Spring 2019
Relevant Coursework:
Multi-Genre Creative Writing,
Digital Arts Fundamentals ,Non-
Fiction Workshop
MARKETING INTERN
Stetson University Athletic Department | DeLand, FL August 2017 - present
Manage the university’s athletic marketing hospitality tent during football games
which includes distributing promotional materials and facilitating both Hatter
Village (pre-game operations) and back of the house operations
Distribute basketball promotional materials and direct/coordinate half-time
activities
MARKETING LEADER-SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
De La Vega | DeLand, FL January 2016 - August 2017
Envisioned and executed several marketing campaigns using resources such as
Facebook, public social events, self-designed postcards, and word-of-mouth
advertising
BACHELOR OF ARTS, MAJOR IN COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES
Stetson University | DeLand, FL expected August 2019
GPA 3.9
P: (111) 111-1111
E: cmorrison@stetson.edu
W: www.camillam.com
SEO and Google Analytics
Social media strategy
Marketing
Web content development
Copywriting
Corporate blogging
Project management
Layout design
Photo editing
Market research
fb.me/camillamorrison
@camillamorrison
@camillamorrison
SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
Red Media Company | Orlando, FL November 2015 - January 2016
Developed a social media strategy to increase the following of the company
website
Spearheaded a viral campaign for one of the company's new products
PRESIDENT, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Student Government Association | Stetson University April 2017 - present
Ensure inclusion and assist in making the voices of minorities heard on campus
Host the annual student multicultural fair on campus which attracts over 500
students each year
Supervise the treasurer with budgeting requests and ensure detailed records are
maintained
RECRUITMENT CHAIR
Alpha Alpha Alpha Sorority Inc. | Stetson University August 2016 - May 2017
Responsible for successful member recruitment and retention within the
organization
Directed a group of 30-40 women to pro-actively recruit prospective women,
represent positive campus exposure year round and was accountable for all
marketing of the sorority to prospective members
Effectively created and delegated team building workshops preparing members for a
three-day formal recruitment process including programs and activities utilizing
professional project management skills
421 N. Woodland Blvd.,DeLand, FL 32723 | 386-822-7315 | Kjohnson@stetson.edu
Digital Marketing Consultant August 2018 - present
ABCBusiness.com , Orange City, FL
Developsocial media campaigns via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Redesigned website to enhance user experience and branded messaging; and
created SEO strategy
Partneredwith development team in rolling out user-friendly mobile app that
increased qualified leads by 150% and prospect-to-customer conversion rate by
32% within 5 weeks of launch
Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Master of Business Administration ExpectedAugust2020
Marketing Concentration
GPA 4.0
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Bachelorof Artsin Psychology May 2018
GPA 3.2
Graduate Intern, Marketing June 2017-August 2018
Stetson University, DeLand FL
Identified trends negatively impacting conversion funnel and provided
recommendations to fast-track solutions
Improved tracking capabilities of PPC (pay-per-click) offers to enable fine-
tuning of messages
• American Marketing Association October 2017-present
• President,Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Omicron Chapter August 2017-present
• American Psychological Association June 2017- June 2018
•Advanced in Microsoft Word
• Advanced in Microsoft Excel
• Advanced in Microsoft PowerPoint
