Your resume is the first impression in the current competitive employment environment. A good resume can boost your chances of success in an interview. In a CareerBuilder study, 65% of managers confessed that resume design matters in hiring decisions. In addition, resumes that appear neat and professional are 40% more likely to get noticed closely. This shows that, along with the content of your resume, its appearance also matters.
It is an extremely popular question: should a resume have color or not? While classic resumes have been black and white, including color might help your resume stand out. However, one needs to use color on resume wisely to maintain professionalism. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of using color in your resume, share tips on how to include color, and design industry-specific requirements so that you can make an informed decision.
Is It Unprofessional to Have Color in Your Resume?
First of all, the most popular question. Many are in doubt as to whether resumes should be colored, which is a popular option. While old school resumes have been black and white, having color can make your resume stand out. But it is important to use color on a CV wisely in order to maintain professionalism. Still, if you feel confused about adding color or not, you can opt for professional assistance, like resume services Canada. These experts can help you in writing a resume that is appropriate for your industry.
Why add color to Your Resume?
This is a thousand-dollar question: Should resumes have color? Adding color to your resume can be a well-thought-out move that increases its visual attractiveness. While classic black-and-white resumes have dominated the scene, adding color wisely can get your resume noticed and show professionalism. Here’s why you should add color:
Attract Attention
Hiring managers might have already spent only a few seconds glancing over each resume. A dash of color can capture their attention quickly in important areas. For example, your name, professional titles, or division headings. This first visual impression can catch them up in wanting to go deeper into your credentials.
Emphasising Important Details
If you strategically use color, then you can lead the eye of the reader to your resume’s most important sections. For example, by using a standout color for your achievements or job titles, you can make these stand out and grab the attention of the hiring manager.
Show Personality
Your resume does reflect your brand. Adding color to a resume can reflect your personality and creativity. This show is particularly in design- and innovation-friendly industries. For example, a pale blue can give the impression of trust, whereas a bright orange can show energy and enthusiasm.
Industry Alignment
In design fields like graphic design, marketing, or advertising, color on a CV can show your design abilities. This also shows your awareness of industry trends. In more traditional sectors like finance or law, it is best to use color minimally to ensure professionalism.
Building Visual Hierarchy
Color can be used to create a clear visual hierarchy on your resume. By using different colors for headings, subheadings, and body text, you capture the reader’s eye to read your document. This not only makes it easier to read but also highlights your organisational ability.
Making It More Accessible
Using high-contrast colors, like dark text over a light background, enhances readability and makes your resume readable for individuals with color blindness. Accessibility is an important element that shows inclusivity, a desirable element in the modern workplace.
The above chart shows how each factor plays an important role in your resume.
Test Your Resume in Different Formats
Here we have mentioned some ways that will help in testing your resume in different formats and will answer your curiosity over whether resumes should have color or not:
Check Digital and Print Versions
Before you submit your resume, you must review it on different devices and print it out. This makes sure the colors and fonts look professional and consistent. This step helps in identifying any problems that may arise because of different screen settings or printing conditions.
Convert to Grayscale
Many companies still print resumes in grayscale. To make sure your document stays legible in such cases, you must convert it into grayscale to see if the design is still simple to follow.
Use Color Wisely To Maintain Readability
Using colors in your resume can make it stand out and show your personality. By following these best practices, you can make sure your resume stays readable, professional, and effective in portraying your qualifications.
What Color Should a Resume Be?
Black and white is the norm, but adding color is helpful if done properly. For instance, using dark blue as section titles can be professional without being distracting. The colors selected should be easy on the eyes and suitable for your industry. Also, you should know about the best font size for a resume. Here, we have mentioned a quick table that will guide you in understanding the best font size for a resume.
| Standard Font Size | Size Recommendation |
| Resume Section | Recommended Font Size |
| Body Text | 10–12 pt |
| Headings (e.g., Job Titles) | 12–14 pt |
| Name (at the top) | 16–20 pt |
| Subheadings (e.g., Education, Skills) | 11–13 pt |
Is having color in Your Resume Unprofessional?
Not always. In artistic professions such as graphic design, marketing, or advertising, using color on a CV can prove your creative ability and design skills. But in more conventional professions such as finance or law, it is better to use a black and white version to be professional.
Is adding color to a resume a good idea?
Resumes are not supposed to be too colorful. A highly colored resume might look unprofessional and could overshadow the content. Color should be used mildly to make the resume look good without overloading the reader.
Black and White Resume vs. Colored Resume
Let’s understand with the help of a quick table.
| Feature | Terminal Black and White Resume | Colored Resume |
| Professionalism | High | High (used appropriately) |
| Readability | Excellent | Excellent (with contrast) |
| Creativity Shown | Low | High (in creative profession) |
| Industry Appropriateness | All industries | Creative industries |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should resumes have color?
Yes, but mildly and tastefully to ensure professionalism.
Is it unprofessional to have color in your resume?
Not if done tastefully. In the arts, color can improve your resume.
What color should a resume be?
Black and white is a traditional resume color. However, a touch of color can highlight some important elements.
Should resumes be colorful?
Only if the role and industry permit. Too much use of color can be distracting.
Black and white resume or colored resume?
Black and white is acceptable anywhere, but colored resumes are acceptable in the creative field.
The Ending Notes
So, lastly, whether or not to include color on a resume depends on the industry and job you are applying for. In creative industries, the right color can highlight your resume and show your design capabilities. In some conservative industries, it is advisable to keep your resume black and white to show professionalism. Make sure that your resume is readable and your qualifications are highlighted in the best way possible. We hope that you are now clear on the question of whether resumes should have color or not.