Weird Ways Real People Have Made Their Resume Stand Out

I actually like some of these. The following are all ways real life people have made their resume stand out. Some of them are clever, some are weird and some I personally think are creative genius.

So why would someone make their resume weird on purpose?

People use weird, creative resume formats to stand out in competitive job markets, aiming to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. Unique designs or unconventional approaches can showcase creativity, innovation, and personality, helping applicants demonstrate skills beyond qualifications. It’s a way to break the mold and ensure their resume isn’t easily forgotten among a sea of traditional applications.

Here's the list:

Including emojis in the resume (not a fan of this, unless the job is literally related to working with emojis).

Resumes shaped like infographics ( I am a fan of this for specific professions ie: Graphic Designers).

Resumes written as poems (Hmmm, it would have to be a VERY well done poem and I would save this for the cover letter).

Video game-themed resumes (Brilliant is that is your industry).

Interactive, clickable resumes (Maybe in the future but I'd leave this one alone for now).

Using QR codes to link to work samples (Great idea and starting to become a trend).

Resumes printed on food packaging (Someone did this for a candy bar and I thought that was next level genius).

Resumes using memes to illustrate skills (ehh, not a fan).

Attaching a selfie to your resume (meh, also not a fan).

Resumes on business cards (A QR code to your resume online is a good idea, but not the whole thing on an itty bitty card).

Resumes designed like comic strips (cool, if that's the industry you work in).

Resumes designed as puzzles to solve (no recruiter I know has time for this).

Printing resumes on clothing (e.g., t-shirts) (A QR code to your resume would be better).

Sending resumes with a custom scent or perfume (Ummm, no. Save this for your love letters, yeah?)

Attaching "fun facts" about yourself in resumes (Cute, I like).

Adding humor sections, like “Most Awkward Work Moments” (This can work but it's a fine line and has to be done well).

Note, my resume Co-Pilot 'Donna' doesn't like any of these and is a fan of the tried and tested approach and in most cases I agree but occasionally - this works.