Want to make an impression? That can be hard when you’re applying for work on the other side of the world. Greig Anderson compiled these extremely effective brochures containing his CV, personal information and examples of work and acclaim to send in the hope of getting noticed and bestowed with work when he moved over to Sydney for a year.
As far as I can gather, it worked!
Next time you knock up your CV in Word, really consider whether it will make any difference. The paper bin is only a short distance away. Give potential employers a reason to sit down and indulge you, astound them, show them what you’re really capable of.
I never cease to be appalled by the standard of the CV. From designers who send in Word documents but no examples to those who just fire out a few low res jpgs, I can honestly say that I’ve seen two good CVs in my years of asking for them.
Oddly enough though, I didn’t hire either of them
I trust yours is also brilliant?
@James – I don’t have one. So far my online portfolio has acted as my CV. But I were to ever be in the position to do something like this I’d jump at the opportunity to create something remarkable.
Are such resumes in professions other than yours also acceptable? I have not seen any.. but I do think its a very good way of getting noticed.
Interesting. After just coming back from a year in Canada, they have very strict rules for CVs.
You cannot put anything that can be thought of as favouritsm. You cannot put your age, or sex. And it has to be plain text on white page.
@Nicole – I think something like this lends itself to designers more than any other industry, but the point is the lengths to which Greig has gone to make an impression.
@Ollie Wells – really? That’s insane! No fun at all…
What a great idea. This is certainly an approach I’ve been contemplating for contacting agencies for freelance work.
It never ceases to amaze me how little effort and thought some people put into job applications (CVs/covering letters/online portfolios/etc) – you have to think of these communications as marketing for your own personal brand and the classier they appear the classier you appear.
Also, in my experience, creative agencies want their applicants to do something exciting and out of the ordinarily after all, that’s what they’ll be paying you to do for their clients if they employ you.
I don’t think this format of CVs will be fine for all kinds of jobs!
I think our styles change from job to job and employer to employer. Such CV styles can be best for some graphic designers but they may be worse for some clerical jobs. Anyways, those are some best designs I have ever seen(In fact I never saw designs in CV).
CVs CAN BE a waY OF SHOWING YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY AS l…ong as they are honest and not full of bull-blurb-ship-shape.
Thanks for the post and the comments. The mailer was received very well by those that I sent it to in Sydney and I had around 10 potential interviews when I first arrived although I chose to work at an agency called THERE.
Hey Greig! That’s great to hear, definitely inspirational. Obviously a very effective approach. 10 potential interviews is impressive in an area where you have a reputation and know people but to have that in the pipeline on the other side of the world before you even get there is very impressive!