What are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

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Updated on November 8, 2023

What are the Best Colors for Your Resume? | ResumeCoach (2)

You may feel that it’s a trivial part of creating your resume but picking its colors matters. They can make your resume pop and catch a recruiter’s eye. But, you’ve got to pick the right ones.

You want your resume to look professional, but also unique.

Think about it. Employers see tons of resumes. Yours should be special, not just because of what you’ve done, but how it looks. Colors can help with that!

What colors should you pick?

Well, it depends on the job. If you’re going for a banker job, maybe stick to black and white. But if you’re a hair stylist or a graphic designer, for example, play with different colors.

If you’re not sure where to start there’s good news!

There are resume templates made just for certain jobs. So, you can pick one that’s perfect for your application.

Should You Use Color on Your Resume?

Did you know a study by Emerald Insight says that most people decide if they like a person or product within the first 90 seconds of their first interaction with it?

And guess what? The study states that 62-90% of that decision is just because of colors!

Based on this study, we can assume that adding color to your resume can:

Make it look stylish and easy on the eye
Help point out the really important details
Show a bit of your personality

But, it’s important to pick the correct colors to make sure your resume benefits from its design!

Choosing colors that clash or don’t make much sense will ultimately hurt your chances.
However, with our handy resume builder, you can make that decision much easier.

What Are the Best Colors for a Resume?

Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. The right color depends on the job you want and how you want to come across. But, colors do cause some feelings in the reader.

Let’s see what colors project which emotions:

Green: Think calm and kind. It’s great for jobs like farming, helping the planet, or working in a place like a park or a museum.
Orange: Fun and friendliness! Think of jobs where you talk to people a lot, like party planning, designing stuff, or cooking.
Blue: It’s serious and trustworthy. Perfect for jobs where you’re in charge or give advice, like teaching, building, or managing money.
Yellow: It’s bright and creative. If you write, design websites, or teach, this color’s for you.
Red: Bold and brave. It’s for jobs where you’re out front, like selling things, playing sports, or fixing computers.
Pink: It’s sweet and gentle. Great for jobs where you make things pretty or help with special events.
Purple: It’s fancy and caring. Think of jobs where you help or lead people, like being a doctor, counselor, or boss.

So, pick a color that feels right for the job you are applying to. That way you can connect with the hiring manager with only your resume’s design!

Best Colors for a Creative Resume

Going for a creative job? Make a creative resume.

Your resume should shout, “I’m original!” So, think about using bold colors or even mixing two together.

How To Choose The Right Color For Your Resume

Remember you don’t only want cool colors, you want your resume’s design to send a message. It should also match who you are professionally.

Here are some tips to help you pick the right color:

Stay professional: Colors are fun, but your resume is serious business. Pick colors that fit the job you want. And skip the super bright or wild ones.

Mix and match: Remember the color feelings we talked about? Use colors that go well together. If they clash, your resume might look messy.

Stick to three: Stick to three colors max. It keeps things neat and helps the important stuff pop. Too many colors? It’s confusing.

Make your brand: Think of your resume as “You: The Brand.” Not sure what colors match the job? Add colors you think match your personality.

Test it out: Before you send your resume, print it. Try it in color and black and white. Make sure it still looks good and is easy to read.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a resume that makes your skills and experience look as good visually as professionally.

Key Points

After reading our guide you can tell that adding color isn’t just a skill, it’s an art! To help you remember what you need to do, here’s a quick recap:

Be clear: Colors are fun, but your words should shine. Make sure everything’s easy to read.
Make It pop: Use colors to highlight the big stuff. It’ll grab attention.
Match your job: Pick colors that feel right for your job. It helps you fit in and stand out at the same time.
Keep it simple: Stick to three colors max. It will help your resume look neat and keep things focused.
Avoid common mistakes: Too much stuff, odd fonts, or a messy look can be a turn-off. Keep it tidy.
Helpful tools: Resume tools can do the color work for you. They make things look just right without the fuss.

You can also check out colorful resume examples to give you some inspiration.

In short, a dash of color can make your resume special. Use it wisely, and you’re resume will stand out from the rest in the best way possible!

What are the Best Colors for Your Resume? | ResumeCoach (3)

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