Infographic Resume Vs Traditional Resume: When to Use: A Comparison

An infographic resume uses visual elements like charts, icons, and graphics to present professional information, while a traditional resume relies solely on text to showcase work experience, skills, and education, making the infographic resume more visually appealing and designed to grab attention, particularly in creative fields, while a traditional resume prioritizes a structured and professional presentation of information. 

Key differences:

• Presentation:

  Infographic resumes use design elements like colors, icons, graphs, and timelines to convey information, while traditional resumes use a standard text-based format with bullet points and headings. 
• Focus on visuals:

  Infographic resumes heavily rely on visual elements to highlight key skills and achievements, whereas traditional resumes primarily use text to convey information. 
• Suitability for creative fields:

  Infographic resumes are often preferred by individuals in creative industries like design, marketing, or art where visual presentation is highly valued. 
• Readability:

  While infographic resumes can be visually engaging, they may be harder to scan by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which primarily rely on text keywords, whereas traditional resumes are designed to be easily parsed by ATS. 

When to use an infographic resume:

• When applying to roles where creativity is a key requirement 
• To stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market 
• When you have strong design skills and want to showcase your visual communication abilities 

When to use a traditional resume:

• For jobs in more conservative industries where a professional and straightforward presentation is preferred 
• When applying through an online application system that heavily relies on keyword scanning 
• When you want to prioritize the clarity and structure of your professional information