Are you tired of submitting countless job applications without hearing back from employers? Are you looking for a way to make an impression in a crowded job market? Consider creating a newspaper resume.
The History of the Newspaper Resume
The newspaper resume has been around for decades. In the past, job seekers could place an advertisement in a local or national newspaper, highlighting their skills and experience. Today, the approach has evolved to include creating a classic newspaper-style resume layout, complete with headlines and columns.
Some credit John Sumser, a well-known writer and commentator on human resources and technology, with popularizing the newspaper resume, as he referenced it in a 1994 article in The Wall Street Journal. Since then, the strategy has gained popularity among job seekers in various industries.
Benefits of the Newspaper Resume
Creating a newspaper resume can provide a number of benefits to job seekers, including:
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Standing Out: A newspaper resume is an unconventional approach that can make your application stand out in a crowded job market. Unlike other applicants who simply send a standard resume and cover letter, a newspaper resume can immediately grab an employer’s attention.
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Highlighting Your Skills: As you create your resume “articles,” you can highlight your skills and accomplishments in an engaging and unique way.
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Flexibility and Creativity: A newspaper resume allows job seekers to be creative and flexible with their information. You can use different headline styles, column widths, and color schemes to showcase your brand and further highlight your qualifications.
Drawbacks of the Newspaper Resume
While a newspaper resume can be a creative and effective way to stand out, it’s important to also recognize its potential drawbacks, such as:
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Unprofessional Appearance: It’s important to keep in mind that not all employers may appreciate a newspaper resume’s aesthetic. Depending on the industry and company culture, some recruiters and hiring managers may find it too gimmicky or unprofessional.
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Not ATS-friendly: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which often have difficulty reading resumes that don’t follow standard formatting. If you pursue a newspaper resume, make sure to also have a standard resume on hand to use for ATS systems.
How to Create Your Own Newspaper Resume
If you’re interested in creating a newspaper resume, here are some tips to help get you started:
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Choose a headline that summarizes your qualifications, such as “Award-Winning Graphic Designer,” or “Passionate Sales Professional.”
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Use columns to organize your information under different headings, such as “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
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Include eye-catching graphics or images to further personalize your resume and make it stand out.
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Choose fonts that are easy to read, but also complement the newspaper style.
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Avoid making your resume too cluttered or busy, and keep the content concise and relevant.
Conclusion
While the newspaper resume may not be for everyone, it can be an effective way to showcase your skills and experience and stand out in a crowded job market. By taking a creative approach to your resume, you may attract the attention of employers who are looking for unique and unconventional candidates.
FAQ
Q: Is a newspaper resume a substitute for a traditional resume?
A: No. It’s important to have a traditional resume on hand, especially for companies that use ATS systems. A newspaper resume can supplement and add creativity to your job application.
Q: What industries are best suited for a newspaper resume?
A: While a newspaper resume can be effective in many industries, it may be particularly well-suited for creative fields, such as journalism, marketing, design, and advertising.
Q: Can I submit my newspaper resume digitally?
A: Yes. While newspaper resumes have traditionally been printed and mailed, you can also submit them digitally in PDF or image format. Be sure to check the company’s submission guidelines before sending it.