Want To Land The Job? Take It From The World’s Most Innovative CVs

Building a creative Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume pays off especially if it is artistically suited to the position you are applying for.

1. SUPER INTERACTIVE RESUME BY ROBBY LEONARDI

Inspired by the legendary “Super Mario Bros.” game, multidisciplinary designer named Robby Leonardi had created an interactive resume featuring his knowledge on illustration, animation, graphic design, and front-end development. Take a look at it here.

With its undeniable awesomeness, this CV had been viral in the social media platforms last 2013. Aside from the striking appearance of the interactive resume, I must point out that he added offbeat details such as being an NBA fan. This is a detail that you do not see often.

Furthermore, he worked in huge companies such as AOL, Incognito Digital, and Fox News. It truly pays to highlight an impressive background. The sum of his overall uniqueness made his CV stand out from the pile!

2. LIKABLE RESUME OF SABRINA SACCOCIO

The Psychological phenomenon called “mere-exposure” effect shows that we develop a tangible preference over things that we are familiar with. Truly, there is something attractive about familiarity. It is comforting and warm.

That is the route that Sabrina Saccocio has taken. Her resume had the format of a Facebook profile page (see it here). She even included the recommendations and references of her previous and present colleagues in her “wall comments”.

With the Facebook suit, she is showing that she knows how to communicate to the general audience. This strategy works because of her knowledge on the influence of relationships and social dynamics. Make it your weapon too.

3. NINA MUFLEH’S IN-DEPTH RESUME

Nina Mufleh’s story proves how handwork and technology can go hand-in-hand to achieve your dream job! She designed a resume (browse it here) that proactively tackles the growth of the company and her rightful place in it through an online resume following the Airbnb’s website template.

She provided data and examples as to how Airbnb as a company can branch out in the global tourism scene, particularly in the Middle East. She chose Middle East, as the company’s penetration there is far too low. She highlighted why her idea matters, how the company can start it, and which partnership opportunities they can explore. Now you see what I meant by handwork! She absolutely did an extensive research of the company’s operations while adding sufficient data.

Then, she tweeted this to the heads of Airbnb. To her surprise, Brian Chesky (CEO of Airbnb) tweeted back with a positive response to meet her. This go to show that if you are really passionate about something, you must work hard for it and show why you deserve it!

Bonus! If you are looking for free tools to help you make your own innovative CV, you may try checking out Prezi, Adobe Photoshop Express, and GIMP.

Image Credits: Flazingo Photos via Flickr

Image Credits: Flazingo Photos via Flickr

Sources: 1, 2,& 3

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Common Career Mishaps Young Employees Make

On your first full-time job after graduation, you are bound to make minor to costly mishaps. Keep in mind that it is okay to make these mistakes especially at the beginning of your career. It helps you to learn and as you bounce back, you will be tougher than you ever were before.

On that note, here are the Common Career Mishaps Young Employees (In Their 20s) Make

1. WAITING GAME

First on the list is the irrational belief that you will magically land your dream position without any ounce of effort. No matter how skilled you are, you need to search for the job yourself. Some people maybe lucky as companies personally look for them after they graduated, however what if you are not one of them? Worry not. By working hard, you can achieve your goals and so much more.

And, once you are accepted for the job, do not forget to dress for the part. There is no right or wrong way to dress except if the company provides the uniforms. Nevertheless, the best thing for you to do is to wear conservative or non-revealing clothes in the first few days then adjust from there.

2. NEGLECTING THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

Resources and connections play a huge part especially in the business, marketing, and advertising world. Being able to keep in touch with your fellow graduates will help a lot. As young professionals, it will benefit you to attend networking events to increase your knowledge about the working environment. Also, having access to job opportunities at a young age is indispensable.

3. FAILING TO NEGOTIATE

Being fresh to the “working scene”, you may be prone to underrate your worth. This is why it is important to evaluate your skills, education, and experiences. Find out the average salary per year through PayScale.com. It provides salary information for a particular position from its global online database. For example, the average pay for a Sales Representative at Pharmaceuticals is S$46,006/year.

And, if you already got the job yet you feel underpaid and overworked, ask for a pay raise. If you do not ask then you would not get it. Realize that your bargaining strength is all in your head. You can do it!

4. LEAVING A JOB TOO SOON

There is nothing inappropriate with leaving a job unless you have not taken everything into consideration. When faced with a difficult situation at work, young employees often think that quitting will solve it.

You may be away from your annoying colleague but you are faced with unemployment and debt. Is it really worth it to quit? In this situation, it is best to weigh-in the benefits and consequences of your future actions first.

5. LETTING YOUR INFLATED EGO AFFECT YOUR CAREER

Your huge ego can translate in your Resume/C.V., your interview, and your actions. Instead of only boasting your strengths, find the skills that can help the company to improve and put it in your Resume/C.V.

Lastly, do not overestimate your abilities because you are merely starting a journey. Ask politely if you do not know how to solve an issue. This simple gesture can save the company hundreds of dollars.

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Image Credits: Sara Ashley via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Land Your Dream Job Without Spending A Dollar

Landing your dream job or any job can be a challenging task. But, it is definitely worth the effort. Throughout the process, you will have to tap into your creative mind and stay motivated. Here are 6 tips that can help you…

1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Job portals or online classified ads such as Jobstreet and Monster have articles that can teach you how to make a professional Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) wherein your qualifications are presented efficiently. For example, it is recommended to have no more than a page for every 10 years of experience.

2. MAKE YOUR C.V. EYE-CATCHING

Your C.V. will stand out from a pile of other candidates if you add a sparkle of creativity. Use Adobe Photoshop for retouching your photos or Prezi.com for making an interactive presentation. As much as possible, make the content specific and concise.

3. MAXIMIZE YOUR ONLINE JOB SEARCH

If job portals have no listings that match your qualifications, then submit your C.V. to the employers’ websites directly. Most websites have “Careers or Jobs” tab on the home page. By doing so, you are actively pursuing new openings.

4. SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND

Aside from researching for job openings online, go outside and talk to your friends, family, church-mates or fellow spinning classmates…they might just have a position for you. But, you shall never ask a person you just met for a job; ask them for career advice and contacts. The more people you share your goals to, the greater your chance of scoring a lead.

5. RESEARCH

Research the companies that interest you. Find out about their job operation, products, and services. If you are acquainted with some of the employees in the firm then, ask them about the skills that are valued most when hiring and the job opportunities that are available at the moment.

6. WORK YOUR WAY IN 

You will never know if you’re suited for the company unless you try it yourself. Even though there are no current full-time positions available, consider internships, freelance, and volunteering opportunities.

Image Credits: Kevin Dooley

Image Credits: Kevin Dooley

This will benefit you because big companies tend to hire within and the experience will fill the gaps in your C.V.

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