Be Careful!
There's a fine line between being colorful and memorable and going over the edge.
Where's the line? I don't know. That line is different for every chief out there. But the key, I guess, is to be comfortable with anything you send out and to be confident that the materials you pop in the mail are clear, concise and well-done.
A mistake free application is better, I think, than a tennis shoe in a box with the caption "I'm looking to get my foot in the door at your station!" (true story).
Going to be different? OK, but be prepared to accept that others may not like it.
My advice is to use baby steps to stand out and to stop BEFORE you feel like you might be pushing the boundries too far. For example:
- Photoshop in a picture of a camera in the corner of your resume.
- Use color ink (muted, soft colors. For instance, your name in blue, stations in black and descriptions in gray.
- Include a color copy of your EMMY certificate (or other paper award)
- Make a personal business card and include it with the paper resume.
Many other methods exist of being memorable without being weird. Think creatively, yet conservatively.
These are just ideas. Use these or make your own.
