A resume gives an employer their first visual impression of you. If you want to make it both memorable and professional, consider adding color to your resume. When done thoughtfully, using color on your resume can help you stand out in a sea of black-and-white documents.
In this article, we’ll explain when and why to use color on your resume. We’ll discuss:
You can use color on your resume, but that doesn’t mean you should. When deciding whether to incorporate color, consider some factors, including where you’re applying and what job you want to get.
Just as you should tailor the content of your resume to the role, you should also customize the design to the company and position. Crafting a great resume means taking the time to understand what a hiring manager wants from candidates.
As you decide whether to use color on your resume, think about the following:
Keep the ATS in mind
Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to complete an initial scan of candidates’ resumes. Having color on your resume won’t cause the ATS to reject it. However, make sure there’s a clear contrast between your text and background colors so the ATS can scan and retrieve information.
After deciding to add color, your next question will probably be: what is the best color to use on a resume? One idea is to match the colors the company uses in its logo and other branded content. This strategy shows that you took the time to personalize your resume to the job.
You can also consider the message you want to convey on your resume. Different colors have different connotations. Here’s a list of some good colors for resumes and the feelings they can evoke:
Blue is a good color for a resume if you’re applying for a job with many responsibilities, such as a civil engineer. This color signals trustworthiness and professionalism. It can also make the hiring manager feel a sense of calm as they review your qualifications.
The color blue is also associated with reliability. You can use this color on your resume if you’re applying for jobs that require you to work with others or lead team members.
Black and grey tones can bring sophistication and elegance to your resume. They also convey your expertise in a field or industry. These colors strike a more formal tone, so use them if you’re applying for a high-level position, such as a physician or a C-suite executive.
You may also choose black or grey colors if you want to highlight your competency. For example, this production worker resume uses a black background to accentuate the applicant’s safety knowledge and compliance skills.
The color green often symbolizes growth and stability. Use this color if you want to communicate a commitment to your professional development. Green also has connotations of wealth and prosperity, so it can be a good color to incorporate if you’re applying for jobs in sales or finance.
Additionally, green has become synonymous with environmental awareness. Consider using green on your resume if you’re applying to work at an environmental nonprofit or a company with a significant focus on sustainability.
Red is a fiery color that projects passion and enthusiasm. It can also convey drive and a desire to succeed. However, overusing this color can make your resume look aggressive or intense. Use red sparingly on your resume to show confidence without going overboard.
For example, this bank teller resume uses a splash of red in the header. It signals the candidate’s passion for excellence without detracting from their skills and qualifications.
Like a ray of sunshine, yellow and orange tones can indicate warmth, friendliness, and optimism. These colors also show enthusiasm, which can be good if you’re applying for your first job or changing careers.
Keep in mind that yellow and orange are bright colors, and they can make your resume harder to read. For this reason, use yellow and orange colors in small doses. For example, this electrical engineer resume only uses yellow in the header while keeping the rest of the document black and white.
You can choose to add two or more colors to your resume. For example, you might use one color in the header and another color to highlight section titles. When selecting your resume color palette, choose complementary colors. Red and green, for instance, are opposite on the color wheel and pair well together. You can also use different shades of the same color to make a big impact.
Check out these examples that use multiple resume color schemes to stand out.
Besides the message you want to convey, you should also consider your industry as you decide what colors to use on your resume. Some fields have different expectations for professionalism and creativity. Choose colors that match your industry for the best chance of moving forward in the hiring process.
In corporate and traditional industries, your resume should convey professionalism, expertise, and trustworthiness. These industries value authority and precision. Some examples of corporate industries include finance, law, and accounting.
When applying for jobs in these areas, it’s best to use classic colors instead of vibrant hues, which can appear unprofessional. In corporate and traditional fields, some professional colors for a resume include:
Other industries place a higher value on design and creativity. In these industries, you should use bright, bold colors to showcase your vision and originality. Creative fields include industries like design, marketing, and media.
For these jobs, using bright or contrasting colors can set your resume apart, especially in a crowded field. The best resume colors for creative industries include:
Once you’ve chosen a resume color, it’s important to test the design before you send the document to employers. Follow these steps before applying:
The decision of whether to use color on your resume is entirely up to you. Consider different factors as you make your decision, including your industry and desired role. Remember, the main goal of your resume is to convey your qualifications, so don’t let color overwhelm your message.
Want to get a jump on your colorful resume layout? Try one of our expertly designed and customizable resume templates!