Alternative CV is very much a niche and bespoke CV that enables a candidate to demonstrate their creative skills. This is achieved by either using clever wording or an eye catching formats.
In essence this should aim to "wow" or ensure that the prospective employer remembers the CV in a potential pile of 500. This should work right?
There are of course pros and cons to any CV and the "Alternative CV" certainly has both.
In my professional opinion it should be used for niche skills sets such as Graphic Design or Advertising/Marketing professions.
For example:
- Perhaps your CV is in a format of an advertisement
- Decorative paper if applying for a job in creative design
- CV in a story format- helps to engage the reader and get them to know you
Pros
- Niche skills- Creative/Design etc
- Need to prove creative skills or show originality
- Your an ICT Wizard
- Information can be more clearer and easy on the eye
Cons
- Unusual format- Employers may not be comfortable
- Some employer might not be able to open file type
- Not suitable for management positions
- CV might go to HR and not creative team
Hopefully this has given an insight to different CV types available and not just traditional CV's we are so accustomed to.
In the coming weeks I will aim to cover interview techniques around competency based questions.
