using specific colors with your cover letter and resume will help you

Colors on a Resume: What Do Employers Really Think in 2024?

Colors on a resume could be a major advantage if used correctly. Learn everything you need to know about color on your resume to win the interview.

Should I put color on my resume?

So you’re interested in making your resume stand out with colors.

But will color on a resume attract employers or turn them away?

Color on a resume used to be widely considered unacceptable. But the perspective of employers is different now in 2024. In fact, colors on a resume could be an advantage in making your candidacy stand out.

How do you know if colors on a resume is right for you? And how much color is too much?

The answer to these questions are unique to a candidate’s industry and how the resume is used. To understand what level of color is right for you, let’s first think through the lifecycle of a resume.

Resumes are reviewed and evaluated in the following ways:

• Resumes might be automatically scanned and filtered
• Resumes are looked at by the hiring manager on a desktop or mobile device or on a print out.
• Resumes are printed, often in black and white, to be physically passed around

Color on a resume can have either a good or bad impact at any of these steps. Let’s think through the employer’s perspective to understand this further.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

How do employers use Applicant Tracking Systems?

Some employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan and parse your resume to automatically organize candidate information. This is convenient especially for companies that receive and evaluate a large number of resumes, such as Fortune 500 companies.

But a common misconception is that if a resume doesn’t pass an ATS scan, they’re automatically rejected. In fact, the path to an interview usually doesn’t rely on a system’s ability to scan and parse a resume.

Many companies don’t want to let a bot filter out a good candidate’s resume. In the tech industry for example, talent such as software engineers and product designers are not easy to find. Recruiting teams in many of these companies manually review every resume that comes their way.

How Applicant Tracking Systems are used

Incorrect - Resumes are always filtered by an ATS

Correct - Organizes candidate information

The reality is that applying for a job in 2024 happens through LinkedIn, email, or referrals. Most large employers use the information submitted from these systems to filter candidates, Applicant tracking systems are only sometimes used to store and track your resume.

Resumes are now used in a very different way. And there’s little need to “beat” the ATS.

Tip: Apply to jobs through email or social platforms like LinkedIn . You have better chances when you apply for a position in a more personal way.

How does color on a resume impact an electronic scan?

But even if very few employers actually use resume organization tools to reject resumes, can color on a resume get past the ATS scan?

The answer is yes. As long as the contrast between the text and background is high, using color won’t prevent your resume from being scanned. Conservative use of colors on your resume is acceptable to Applicant Tracking Systems. As a lead software engineer, I’ve seen many colorful resumes that are successfully parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems such as Lever.

So don’t use too much color on resume if you want your resume to be parsed correctly. Keep in mind that other aspects of your resume are more important than how well your resume can be parsed by software.

What do hiring managers think about color on a resume?

Every resume is manually looked by a recruiter or hiring manager for under 7 seconds on average. The goal of your resume is to stand out enough to help you win the interview.

Using the right balance of color on your resume to highlight the important parts can help the viewer notice your experience and skills more.

So what is the right amount of color to use on a resume to make your resume stand out?

This depends on the size of the company you're applying to and the industry.

Small companies

Companies that are fewer than 25 employees usually manually review every resume. Color on a resume here can help your candidacy stand out.

Tip: Always use colors on your resume when you're applying to a small company. Smaller companies usually don't have recruiting teams or job portals since they're not receiving a lot of resumes.

Industries such as tech, marketing, and media

If you’re in industries such as tech, design, marketing, or media, strategic use of color on a resume can be an advantage.

During my career as an engineer at mid-sized tech companies, I’ve manually reviewed thousands of resumes. Most resumes I reviewed had some color, which usually didn't make it hard to read.

There were a few exceptions. I usually had a hard time reading resumes that were over-designed to the point where I noticed the resume design more than the candidate’s actual experience and skills.

Avoid drawing negative attention with colors on a resume

Don’t use quirky graphics and too much design.

Use a resume design that makes your resume easy to read.

Luckily, most small-mid sized companies especially in tech usually won’t let a resume get filtered out because of bad design. Some of those candidates still got the interview. Poor resume design sometimes doesn't prevent moving on to the next step. Irrelevant experience and lack of fit is more of a filter.

Even if your resume has colors, keep in mind that it may still be printed in black and white. When your resume is translated to black and white, it needs to be just as readable. A high level of contrast between colors and text on your resume is important.

Industries such as finance and law

But the opposite is true for candidates applying to other industries such as finance and law, especially large companies. Color on a resume in these industries is often considered unacceptable and may be rejected. If you’re applying to one of these industries, especially a large company, your best bet is to keep your resume black and white, like this financial analyst resume example .

What are the right colors to use on a resume?

So which resume colors can pass automated scans, draw employers eyes to the right parts, and maintain readability when printed in black and white?

The best resume color schemes have the following traits:

• Not more than four colors.
• High contrasting colors.
• Highlight important parts while keeping underlying text clear.
• Does not use light colors on a white background
• Black text for your core resume content

Closing thoughts

Hopefully by now you know whether to use color on your resume or not. And if you’re still unsure - don’t use color! As shown in the example above, color is not the only way to make your resume stand out even in finance!

When color is used correctly on a resume, it can make your candidacy stand out.

We’ve carefully designed our modern and professional resume templates to make sure that your resume is easy to read at every step. Easy Resume even lets you pick a premade color scheme.

If you don't have a resume yet, try our online resume builder for free and get your resume ready in minutes.

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Rohit is a software engineer, entrepreneur, and investor with a passion for helping others advance in their career. He interviews experts across different industries, researches job market trends, and provides career advice at every step of the job search process.

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by recruiters

• Aug 11, 2021
• 11 min read

How to Use Color on a Resume: Best and Worst Resume Colors

Updated: Jan 31

In a job search, first impressions are everything.

When applying for a job, if you want to make a lasting impression, it's important that your resume stands out and catches the eyes of potential employers before they even read through your qualifications.

In doing so, certain design tools can give your resume a little more personality and flair. One of these tools is color, which can make your resume pop and do the heavy lifting while conveying specific messages about you as an applicant.

However, when it comes to resume colors, some colors will help you create a good impression , while others w ill hinder your job application.

While working in recruitment, I've reviewed over 30,000 resumes.

And I've seen it all: the good, the bad, and... the one completely covered in company colors — red, blue, and yellow. :(

In this blog post, I'll answer the most important questions about using colors on a resume, including the best and the worst resume colors. I'll also share tips on using color on your resume to get noticed by recruiters. (As a recruiter, I know what my colleagues look for and like in resumes.)

So, in the next few minutes, I’ll answer the following questions:

Can you use colors on a resume?

Why is color on a resume important?

Is having a colorful resume good or bad?

What to consider when choosing a color for a resume?

What are the best colors for a resume?

What are colors to avoid on resumes?

How to use colors on a resume?

Where to apply color in a resume? (examples included)

Alright. Time to dive in!

Disclaimer: This article includes relevant affiliate links to services, resources, and tools I wholeheartedly recommend. If you buy something through these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps me share more helpful content. Thanks if you choose to support me this way!

When working on your resume, your aim is to create a resume that stands out.

Since employers first notice the visual aspect of your resume, it's important to create a polished resume design that draws attention at first glance. While you don't want your resume to look like everyone else's, you still want to give a positive and professional first impression.

This is where colors may help.

But remember —t he color scheme you choose can influence your resume design and make it stand out or blend in.

Using colors on a resume is a simple yet effective way to make your resume more attractive to draw a hiring manager’s attention. Color can also help accentuate a resume's structure and emphasize the most important parts of your resume, making it easier to read.

So, to answer the opening question - yes! You can absolutely use color on your resume.

But be careful when choosing the color. Selecting the right color and using it appropriately on a resume isn't as easy as it may seem.

Read on to learn how to choose the best resume color and determine which colors work well and which should be avoided.

Why is the color on a resume important?

Color is the first thing readers see when they open your resume.

Colors have a strong psychological meaning and can affect our thoughts and feelings on an unconscious level.

For example, red is typically associated with passion, danger, or anger and can make us feel uneasy, whereas pink brings thoughts of happiness and innocence; blue can be calming, and yellow can energize.

As such, colors on your resume send a message about you and your personal brand before the readers even read the first word on it.

While resume color schemes can make a resume visually interesting, color can make or break its success. It all depends on how you use colors to get the desired effect.

It's crucial to choose resume colors that convey the right tone of voice for your resume and reflect well on you as a job seeker.

So, you must be careful when choosing the color to ensure it sends the right message - that you are a professional, skilled, and qualified applicant. Otherwise, you might end up with a resume that is less effective in presenting your qualifications and hinders your job-hunting efforts.

Wondering if having a colorful resume is a good or a bad thing? Well, define colorful :)

Having too many strong colors competing for attention can make your resume hard to read. As such, it's definitely not a good thing.

But that doesn't mean you should apply with a bland black-and-white resume. Using professional colors to accentuate key information and add visual organization to your resume is more than desirable.

Is it unprofessional to have color in your resume?

Generally speaking, using colors on a resume is a good thing. But only if you use the right colors in the right way. If you use too many colors or the wrong colors, you're risking that your resume might come across as unprofessional. That choice depends mainly on the industry you're targeting.

Let's get into more details and see what you should consider when choosing colors for your resume.

What to consider when choosing colors for a resume?

When choosing colors for a resume, you need to consider the following:

What message do you want to send about yourself? Do you want to come across as conservative and professional or creative and bold?

What color preferences are appropriate for the job or industry you're aiming at?

Basically, both questions boil down to your field and expertise, or better yet, the industry you're applying for. It's the most important factor to consider when playing with a color palette.

To simplify the decision, industries can be divided into two categories: conservative and creative industries. Both come with a set of opposite best practices for the hiring process.

Conservative industries

Some sectors and industries prefer traditional resumes - classic black text with a white background. Such fields include conservative industries, such as law, finance, and banking.

Since they are more conservative in their hiring process, the creative use of color on these resumes doesn't meet common industry standards.

However, if you select a professional color such as navy blue or gray and use it modestly, it can help break up the resume, make it easier to read, and help you grab the employer's attention in a professional way.

Want a shortcut? Explore our collection of classic, professionally designed resume templates perfect for conservative industries.

Creative industries

On the other hand, some sectors and creative industries prefer resumes with a more innovative or modern resume design.

Such creative fields are media, marketing, advertising, public relations, and graphic design.

These firms often want candidates who can think outside the box and showcase it from the start through their job applications.

So, hiring managers in creative industries have a more open mind for colorful resumes and less prejudice against bolder colors. Strategic, even bold use of color can give you a competitive advantage.

However, don't forget that your resume is ultimately a formal document that must effectively communicate content and remain professional.

Get a resume you'll want to show off — pick your favorite resume from our collection of creative resume templates .

Best colors to use on a resume

Choosing the best resume colors to create an eye-catching resume design is challenging. The colors you choose can either benefit or harm your job search.

Simply put, choosing the wrong color for your resume can potentially ruin an otherwise perfect resume -- and slow down your job search process.

So, I've created a list of colors that are more likely to catch the reader's attention and the worst colors that should be avoided.

When it comes to resume colors, blue is a safe and elegant color used to communicate honesty, reliability, confidence, and stability. As such, it's a great choice for both conservative and creative resumes.

Depending on the shade, blue frequently adds a modern feel to resume design without being boring or bland.

Even though it's the most frequently used color on resumes, considering the range of shades of blue that can be used, opting for blue still allows you to create a unique and professional resume that comes across as polished and put together.

Gray is a neutral and balanced color typically associated with meanings of sophisticated, formal, and conservative. This timeless and practical color can add some dynamic to design, helping your resume stand out while remaining fully professional.

Green is a color often associated with harmony, nature, and growth. When used in resume design, it can help emphasize personal qualities of balance, creativity, and intelligence. To ensure you're using green on your resume correctly, choose shades on the darker end of the spectrum rather than going with light colors or too bright shades of green. Dark green works best.

Purple is a sophisticated yet playful color that adds elegance to resume designs without being too conservative or rigid. This vibrant tone helps highlight the most important parts while still fitting the professional environment. Same as with green, it's best to go with darker shades of purple to keep it professional.

Colors to avoid on a resume

Red is a bold color. It's often associated with power, passion, and confidence, so it can be a good color for job seekers who want their resume to stand out while conveying a strong personal brand. However, red also symbolizes action and aggression. Practically, all resumes I've seen with a red color scheme came across as too aggressive. So, I don't recommend using red in a resume.

Yellow indicates energy, positivity, and happiness. Even though this playful color has a positive meaning, it doesn't work well on resumes. It may come as unprofessional as it makes the text hard to read. Also, since it's a light color, it doesn't print well, so employers may lose some of your content if they review printed job applications.

Pink is associated with love and romance. It symbolizes femininity, sensitivity, innocence, and sweetness. Though a cheerful color, it's not appropriate for a resume as some employers may interpret pink resumes as unprofessional or immature.

Fluorescent or neon colors are extremely bright versions of primary and secondary colors that appear to glow in the dark due to their intensity. Using these bright colors in a resume is a bold (and extremely rare) choice, but it's also a huge risk, as they can be off-putting or overwhelming to some hiring managers who may discard your job application. Since they are distracting and difficult to read, resume colors like neon are a no-go.

There are many colors to choose from.

But it's not only the color selection that matters. It's their application too.

To make colors work on a resume, it's vital to use them in moderation.

Keep your resume colors simple and consistent so as not to distract the reader's eye or confuse them in any way. Also, make sure to choose appropriate resume colors for your industry.

For example, if you're applying for a job in finance, you want resume colors such as black and blue rather than pink and yellow.

In general, don't forget that color on a resume should be used wisely and sparingly. Using too much color will make your resume look unprofessional, regardless of what colors you choose to use.

Where to apply color in a resume?

To make the most of color application in a resume, it's important to use color smartly. Colors on job applications work best when they are used sparingly and applied to certain graphic elements that draw attention.

For example, you can add color to:

headers & footers

contact information

design elements

subheadings ( job titles, qualifications , etc.)

Looking for examples? Nothing helps more than seeing all these tips in action, right? I applied all the above to one of the professionally designed resume templates from ByRecruiters resume shop, so you can see which style you like the most.

Let's explore them all.

Headers and Footers

You can use color in a header to add a modern and professional twist to a resume's design.

Contact Information

Color can highlight contact information at the top of your resume.

Design Elements

Use color to highlight small design elements, like lines, icons, bullet points , and shapes, to add a modern feel to your resume.

Accentuate the structure of your resume by applying color to its headings, such as work experience , education , and skills.

Subheadings (Job Titles, Qualifications, etc.)

Make it easy for a hiring manager to find the most relevant information by coloring subheadings, such as job titles and qualifications.

7 Practical Tips for Using Colors Effectively

Let's get into 7 practical tips that will help you effectively use color on your resume and stand out in the best way possible:

1. Use black as a primary color.

In both conservative and creative industries, most resume content should be written in traditional black. Due to high contrast with a classic white background, black is the easiest color to read on resumes, whether on a computer or in print.

Therefore, black should be the primary color for most of the content, while another color of your choice can be an accent color used to emphasize some elements of the resume's design.

2. Avoid using too many colors.

You should also avoid using too many different colors, which may confuse readers instead of drawing their attention. Instead, stick with one color scheme that looks professional while still helping you stand out just enough.

Check out other common resume mistakes you can easily avoid.

3. Match your resume and cover letter.

For a professional job application that stands out, match your resume color scheme to your cover letter.

Cover letters are often mandatory documents needed in the job application process. As such, they can be as important as resumes. So, pay attention to its design and ensure they are both polished and professional.

4. Tailor resume color scheme to the industry.

If you're applying to a creative industry such as fashion, design, or social media where the application of color is more important, use colors appropriate for your specific field. Feel free to get creative and add color to your resume to make it stand out.

For conservative industries, it's always best to opt for a traditional resume - going with your application in black and white with a pinch of blue or gray is a safe bet.

5. Use color consistently.

Consistency is the key to job applications that stand out in a professional way.

Make sure to use the same color throughout the document. Also, apply it to the same elements of content or design. For example, if you used blue to highlight the heading of the work experience section, make sure you use it on all headings and subheadings.

6. Improve readability with effective use of white space.

White space is an important aspect of a resume and can play a key role in your job search success -- without you even knowing it. Using white space effectively improves the readability of a resume, accentuates the content, and significantly affects the overall impression and visual appeal of your resume.

Find out how to use white space on a resume effectively.

7. If in doubt, use a resume template.

Ready-made resume templates are designed by graphic or hiring professionals. Since they are designed in line with resume best practices, these rules about choosing the right color palette and using it in a resume are already applied . So, opting for professional resume templates is an easy way to upgrade your resume and present your experience in style.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. If you shop through these links, I might earn a commission, making this site fully reader-supported. Big thanks for your support!

A resume's color can make or break its success - it all depends on how you use colors to get the desired effect.

To ensure you're presenting yourself in the best light, choose wisely when selecting the colors for your professional documents. Many factors go into determining the appropriate colors for your resume, but by following these tips, you'll easily choose and apply the best ones.

To help with this process, here's a list of some of the best and worst resume color choices.

Best colors: Blue, Gray, Green, Purple

Worst colors: Red, Pink, Yellow, Neon

Take that one extra step to stand out:

Impress employers with a professionally designed resume

Download the template and fill it in with your experience

Save and submit your job-winning application today

Remember -- you only get one shot at impressing recruiters or hiring managers with your resume! If you want to speed up the process and land your dream job fast, u se this resume cheat sheet or jumpstart your job search with a professionally designed resume template and impress employers right from the start.

What's Next?

Explore the best resume writing services and let the experts transform your resume into a powerful, job-landing tool.

Actively looking for a job? Choose one of the best LinkedIn profile writing services and let professionals optimize your LinkedIn for career-changing opportunities.

Share this article with someone looking for new opportunities who may need help with their resume.

Want to upgrade your resume? Explore the collection of 50+ professional, HR-proof resume templates and create a job-winning resume today.

Ana Colak-Fustin

Hi there! I'm Ana — a former recruiter, HR consultant, and founder of ByRecruiters.com . My career advice and job search tools have been featured in Yahoo Finance, Jobscan, A Better HR Business, Starter Story, and other global media. Since 2018, over 8,000 professionals worldwide have used my resume templates to land new jobs. And I'm on a mission to help 80,000 more!

• Resume Design Tips

Should You Include Color on a Resume?

Color on a Resume | Tips & FAQs

Quick Navigation

Who should use color on their resume?

Why should you include color on your resume, what are the best colors to use in a resume, tips for using color on your resume.

If you are applying for a job in an artistic industry, you can consider using color on your resume. For individuals working in creative roles, adding color to your resume can give your job application the extra flair it needs to stand out. Learn about the importance of using color properly on a resume, the best colors to use, and how to create a polished resume that can help you impress employers.

Some examples of professions in which a resume using color would be beneficial include the following:

• Photographer
• Art director
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• Graphic artist
• Fashion designer
• Floral designer
• Tattoo artist
• Advertising director
• Makeup artist
• Creative director
• Brand ambassador

Using color on your resume will help you showcase your creativity to hiring managers. This is essential in most artistic roles. It can give employers an idea of your talent, skills, and expertise right from the start of the hiring process.

Here are some reasons why you should consider the use of color on your resume.

It can leave a good first impression

Recruiters tend to scan resumes rather quickly, so it’s important to leave a lasting first impression. When your resume arrives on their desk or inbox, it needs to stand out and display a sense of creativity relative to the role you’re applying for.

It can make your resume visually appealing

Not only do recruiters appreciate a well-organized resume and layout, but they also like to see a visually engaging one, as well. Using colors to draw attention to important resume sections such as your skills and experience is a good way to create this type of engagement.

It can demonstrate your ability to fit in with the company’s culture

If you’re using color on your resume, you may be able to implement a color scheme that correlates with the company’s brand or logo. Doing this can help you demonstrate your brand awareness and show recruiters that you took the time to research the company.

It highlights relevant keywords and sections

Color can also be used to draw attention to certain parts of your resume. This can include key skills that are specific to the role you’re applying for. Color is a great way to get recruiters to focus on the relevant expertise that aligns with the job requirements and qualifications.

It is usually scannable by Automated Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many hiring managers use an ATS to screen resumes before going through applications themselves. This is done to detect any keywords they’re looking for. While some stylistic font or graphic additions to a resume may make it more difficult to make it through an ATS, different colors should have no effect.

The best colors to use on your resume greatly depend on the profession you’re applying for. Whereas black and white are suitable colors for a financial, business administration, or similar position, consider using more bold and diverse colors if you work or want to work in a creative role. Ultimately, an artistic career allows you to use more colors than a standard resume would.

When you select colors for your resume, narrow it down to a primary, secondary, and accent color. This ensures that you’re creating a strong color scheme that is professional and clean. The accent color is great to highlight certain key points on your resume that you want recruiters to notice.

If you want to keep a conservative-looking resume while using color, consider using black, white, and an accent color such as blue or green. This color scheme is minimal while still providing a visual element for recruiters. A safe option is to use white as the background color, black for your text, and the accent color to highlight important areas of your resume that you want to stand out.

Here are some helpful tips for using color on your resume.

Match your resume to your cover letter

To create a cohesive look and style, use the same colors for the cover letter that you used on your resume. This helps create a consistent brand for yourself and your application materials. A uniform color scheme goes a long way toward impressing hiring managers in the creative industry.

Consider the paper you use

Be mindful of the paper type you’re using for your resume, as this can affect how the color on your resume will turn out. Take some time to print out different colors to determine what you want the final result to look like.

Stick to a maximum of three colors

When you choose colors for your resume, stick to a primary, secondary, and accent color. This will ensure your resume isn’t overly designed. Make sure to select colors purposefully.

Assign roles to the colors you choose

Assign colors to a specific function on your resume. For example, use one color for the main text, another for subsections, and another accent color to highlight certain areas of interest or special skills.

Create a hierarchy

When you use colors on your resume, use them to create a hierarchy. For example, use color for important details such as dates, subheadings, and headings. This helps highlight the most important elements of your resume. If you decide to use a single color, maintain this same type of hierarchy by differentiating the weight and sizes of your fonts.

Use color on design elements

Rather than using different colors for the text, consider using it for different design elements instead. This can include any shapes or icons.

Create balance

When you use colors on your resume, use them to create a harmoniously balanced layout. Spread color throughout your resume rather than having it in one area.

Consider the psychology of colors

When selecting colors for your resume, consider the meaning behind each color. For example, red typically represents power, blue displays intelligence, and green represents growth and calmness. Determine the impression you want to leave with hiring managers when making your selection.

Avoid bright colors

When selecting colors for your resume, avoid anything too bright. If you decide to use a neon color, use it sparingly to avoid possible eye strain. It’s also important to consider contrast. Use dark colors on a light background and light colors on a dark background.

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder .

The best colors for a resume are black, white, and blue. Blue is commonly used in workplaces and is associated with professionalism and trust. Many large websites, from Facebook to LinkedIn to Twitter, use blue as their main accent color. Blue also gives the reader a feeling of calmness and serenity. If you’re looking for the best color scheme for your resume and want a resume color that’s proven and safe to use, go with the same color that these big brands use — blue.

However, this doesn’t mean that blue is the only good resume color. You have a few additional options if you want to get more creative…

3 More Good Resume Accent Colors

If you want to use an accent color other than blue, you can opt for a different color scheme. Consider green, orange, or red. These are all professional resume colors that look great if used correctly.

Red is more aggressive, though. It’s associated with urgency. For example, think of stop signs and red traffic lights. They’re red because they need to grab your attention quickly. So a red color on a resume will be seen and noticed, but red may not give the tone and message you’re hoping for.

Whereas, a color like dark green is more neutral and calm.

Think about the following when choosing your resume’s accent color:

• Your industry (formal, non-formal, etc.)
• Your personality

Coming up, you’ll see examples of how to use all of these colors on a resume.

The bottom line is: You should only use colors as a subtle accent, to make the document look a bit more modern and interesting. The focus shouldn’t be on your colors. You aren’t going to gain a major advantage by having the most colorful, “loud” resume. In fact, overusing color or using it ineffectively could take the reader’s attention away from the words on the page.

Resume Examples with Good Color Schemes

Below, you’ll see examples demonstrating what some of the best color schemes for a resume look like.

Since we talked about blue being the best color for most resumes, let’s start with blue:

In the resume example above, you can see how a subtle blue makes a great secondary color to go along with the black text. As mentioned earlier, research into color psychology has shown that blue is associated with professionalism and trust. This resume above would perform well in formal industries, office environments, etc. And it looks slightly newer and more modern than a traditional black resume, which helps catch the reader’s eye and draw attention to key details.

Here’s one more example of mixing blue into your resume content to draw attention:

Next, let’s look at a different resume color choice. Here, the job seeker uses green to give their resume a modern feel and look. Green isn’t as commonly used in business documents as blue, but it’s still a relatively safe bet in terms of colors for your resume.

Color theory suggests that green has calming attributes and also is associated with abundance and growth .

Finally, we have an example of a resume using red as a secondary color. This resume stands out and catches attention immediately because of the bold color scheme.

A red accent color on your resume may perform well in some industries but could hurt the effectiveness of the document in other industries, so use your best judgement based on your target audience. The right color for your resume depends on your role and industry.

Avoid Using More than One Accent Color on Your Resume

No matter which color you opt for, choose only one color and use that same accent color throughout your resume (along with white and black). Don’t vary your resume colors in each section. This will simply distract the hiring manager and sabotage your job search. Your goal should be to make your resume easy to read and understand. Job seekers who use too much color are hurting their chances of getting the interview. And hiring managers/recruiters only spend a few seconds glancing at each resume at first, so you have to make it appealing to read. This is why you should use your accent color sparingly on your resume… perhaps for your resume header, borders, or key headings.

But the main text, such as your previous work experience and resume bullets , should be black text. One exception: You can substitute dark grey for black when choosing your resume colors. You’ll notice that some resume templates have grey text rather than true black, which is also fine when choosing the color on your resume. Just don’t use too light of a grey color if you’re using a white background, since you want a high contrast for better readability. But a dark grey is still very readable on a white background, and it’s a bit softer on the eyes, which makes dark grey one of the best colors for resume design, too.

You Can Also Mimic an Employer’s Brand Colors When You Apply

If you’re applying for a job at BestBuy, you could add a bit of yellow as a secondary color, with black as the primary color. If you’re applying for a role at Coca-Cola, red would be an interesting choice, to place emphasis on your alignment with the brand.

However, this is not necessary, and brands don’t expect resumes to mimic their color scheme. This is simply an idea to stand out if you’re applying to a company with a strong brand identity. It may not give you a major advantage but it would set you apart from other candidates.

Avoid Resume Templates that Use Too Many Bright, Creative Colors

Notice how the resumes examples above emphasize the text/content more than the colors. That’s how to approach your job hunt and resume design. An overly-colorful resume won’t make the document easy to read and will just distract from the main purpose, which is to show the hiring manager your skills and experience.

In fact, it’s also okay if you have no color on your resume. As I was finishing/editing this article, I saw a recruiter on LinkedIn who explained it quite clearly here:

There’s nothing wrong with a black and white resume. However, using a single accent color, such as blue, can help you stand out to hiring managers while making your resume look a bit more modern and interesting. The ideal resume color scheme finds a balance between enhancing the document without ever being distracting or “loud.”

One Exception: Resume Design in Creative Industries

One exception to the advice above: If you’re in a creative industry like graphic design or web design, you can consider using a few more bright colors on your resume. In this case, an interesting color combination can show that you understand how to create unique design elements and differentiate yourself from competitors. You can get more creative with a resume color scheme and consider using a bit of orange, red, or other eye-catching colors, which will make your resume stand out from other job seekers. But outside of the creative industries, more color on a resume will not impress a hiring manager and will just distract them. For this reason, colorful resumes should be avoided if you’re not a creative worker.

Best Colors for your Cover Letter

The best color scheme for your cover letter is black or dark grey on a white background. Cover letters are slightly different than resumes in terms of color scheme and strategy because employers expect and are most comfortable with a color-free cover letter. The only exception is if you’d like to add some color to the header section. Otherwise, the best option is a black/white color scheme.

Conclusion: Best Colors on a Resume

Blue is the best third color/accent color for a resume and should be used along with black and white. A black, white, and blue color scheme will appear modern, trustworthy, and grab the reader’s attention without being distracting. Beyond blue, other good choices include green, red, and orange. Whichever colors you choose, make sure there’s good contrast so that your resume is easy to read. So avoid light colors on a light background, for example.

And remember, there’s really no perfect color for a resume, since the goal of your resume is simply to draw the reader’s attention to the content and show them that you’d be a great fit for their job. So creating the perfect resume isn’t about finding the perfect color… It’s about having content that’s tailored to the job , showing the employer your accomplishments and results of your past work, and highlighting your skills and personal brand.

Colors on your resume should serve to enhance and modernize the general look and feel, but the content on your resume is ten times more important in winning the job interview. So don’t go overboard with color combinations. If in doubt, stick to dark blue, with black as your primary color for body text. This will ensure that you have a modern and professional resume that’s perfect for formal industries, office jobs, and more.

About the Author

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What Are the Best Colors for Your Resume?

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

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.

Here are some fun combos :

• Purple and gold : Think rich and fancy. Purple with gold touches feels luxurious. It’s great for artsy jobs or ones that need a touch of class.
• Yellow and charcoal gray : It’s a mix of bright and serious. The sunny yellow with the calm gray is perfect for jobs in design or advertising.

Remember, your resume is a peek into your style. Make it stand out!

It is a good idea to use the same colors in your cover letter and your resume. This helps to create a personal brand.

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.

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!

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Should You Use Color On Your Resume? (A 2024 Guide)

Should you use color in a resume to attract attention, add a creative design feel or highlight important information? If yes, how best to do it? What are the pros and cons?

9 months ago   •   4 min read

In an increasingly competitive job market, you want your resume to stand out in a good way. You’ve thought about using color for visual appeal. But should color be used on a resume?

Generally, color should be avoided, especially for more formal job applications. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using color on a resume, and the best ways to use color strategically (and sparingly).

Pros and cons of using color on a resume

Making the best first impression is what each of us wants when sending out our resume, right? Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes on their desks. So how are you going to grab a potential employer’s attention over the rest? If you’re considering using color, also consider the following:

Benefits of using color in a resume

Making an impression.

Using color could help your resume stand out and make a positive impression, particularly when applying for a creative role. The general advice is to avoid light colors for legibility – and keep the layout clean and within a traditional format.

Highlighting key information

Color on a resume can focus attention on important details. Try using color to highlight, but stick to those that are appropriate for the industry and avoid using bright or clashing colors.

Indicating personality and creativity

Your resume is an extension of your personal brand, so color could help elevate and convey a creative approach to life, a crucial skill in some industries, while also providing a useful tool for structure.

Risks of using color in a resume

Distraction.

Use of color may distract from content; it’s best to keep the layout clean and easy to read. Your application will be taken more seriously if it’s your relevant skills and experience that stand out, not your font color.

Unprofessional

Color on your resume could appear unprofessional in more “serious” industries, such as finance or law. Strike a balance between creativity and professionalism.

Accessibility issues

Color on your resume may decrease legibility. It all comes down to contrast and that’s usually found in black and white. For color blind readers, what you’ve highlighted in color might go unnoticed. If using, choose colors that are accessible to all readers and with strong contrast levels.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) readability

The priority is to get your resume through Applicant Tracking Software and on to an actual person’s desk. There are ways of adding color that don't affect ATS but go carefully. While online checkers can give you an idea about readability, it’s best to keep to a standard layout. There are some great templates out there which make the process less torturous!

If you choose to add color to your resume, I’d recommend uploading it to the tool below to check if it is readable by ATS.

How to use color effectively

Colors on a resume can provide the right effect if used strategically. You can use color to highlight key sections, like your headers, job titles, and achievements.

But keep in mind that it’s generally recommended to stick to one or two colors to avoid visual clutter. If you’re going to include colors in your resume, use colors that complement each other and use them consistently.

Also, try to avoid using color in the main body text, which should remain black against white to ensure readability. And always be sure to check how your resume reads when printed in black and white.

What are the best colors to use on a resume?

The best resume colors depend on the profession you’re interested in and the impression you want to convey. Different colors can communicate different moods and meanings. Using them strategically in your resume can help you make the right impression. Here are the best colors to use on your resume:

• Black : Formal and traditional, should be used for text to ensure high readability.
• Gray : An excellent neutral color, suggests sophistication and provides a modern, sleek look.
• Navy Blue: Conveys trust, confidence, and stability, making it a safe choice for any industry.
• Dark Green : Symbolizes nature, growth, and calm, ideal for healthcare or environmental sectors.
• Burgundy/Deep Red: Can signal power and passion but use sparingly – can overwhelm if used excessively.

When and when not to use color on your resume

Color on a resume was once considered unacceptable. But the perspective of employers is changing. So, how do you know if color on a resume is the right choice for you? It all depends on the industry, the company culture, and the role.

In creative industries, like graphic design and marketing, a well-designed resume with color might be seen as an extension of your creativity.But for more formal industries, like finance or law, it's generally best to stick with a black and white resume. Organizations in these industries value formality and straightforwardness over creativity.

Company culture

Informal, modern companies, like start-ups, design firms, or tech companies might appreciate strategic use of color on your resume, as these organizations value individuality.

But for more formal/conservative companies, a more conservative, black and white resume is better. These organizations often have a conventional culture and may see the use of color as too casual.

If the role involves design, color can signal that you have an eye for visual presentation. But if you're applying for a role where the focus is on analytical skills and decision-making, opt for a more conservative, color-free resume.

How to add visual interest without color

If your resume isn’t designed to be clear, professional, and easy to scan without color, you’ll find that adding color won’t make it any more reader friendly. Here are some key resume design principles:

Optimize layout and structure

Create a sense of structure based on columns or an invisible grid. Use bullets, section breaks, and headers to organize information, and draw attention to key points.

Use different font sizes and styles

Using different font sizes and styles can create a visually appealing document without relying on color. But never prioritize visual appeal over readability! You can use larger font sizes for section headers, bold for job titles or companies, and italics for necessary information like dates. For more, see our article on the Best Fonts for Resumes .

Incorporate white space

A balanced use of white space can make a resume look clean and organized. Adequate margins and space between sections will provide visual breaks. Too little white space or margins will make your resume feel cluttered.

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Using Color on Your Resume: 5 Design Tips to Get You Noticed

With these design tips and advice, you can use color to give hiring managers a great first impression of your professional work experience.

Recruiters and hiring managers receive dozens of resumes for any given position. Making your resume stand out in the haystack is essential, and color on a resume is a great way to do that. Color on a resume, when used correctly, can help you improve your resume , making it easier for you to land a face-to-face interview.

Browse our gallery of resume examples here.

• The Best Colors to Use on a Resume

The resume colors you select will depend, in part, on your profession. The design of your resume should be a delicate balance between professional and creative. Too much color or the wrong color, and your resume could come across as unprofessional and end up in the trash.

An important element to consider when selecting resume colors and combinations is what best represents you. Yes, your personality should come through in the colors you select. With that said, you still want to be mindful of the colors you choose and use them with deliberation. The colors you select for your resume should also be the colors you use on your cover letter, website, the backdrop of your professional photos, and so on.

Browse our gallery of resume templates here.

Resume Color Attributes and Theory

Colors are known to represent different attributes that impact how they are perceived.

Some common colors and their attributes include:

• Red: Symbolizes power, passion, and action. Bright red can also evoke aggressiveness, so use deeper red hues, like burgundy or maroon.
• Blue: Symbolizes integrity, calmness, reliability, and trust.
• Yellow: Symbolizes positivity, good energy, happiness, and optimism.
• Orange: Symbolizes strength, productivity, and tenacity.
• Green: Symbolizes calmness, the environment, and development or growth.
• Purple: Symbolizes inspiration, royalty, and dignity.

Select deep, bold colors for crisp, clean resumes or soft, neutral colors for resumes that require a bit more elegance. If you’re an accountant or attorney, for example, you might select a deep burgundy-black-white color scheme, whereas if you’re an image consultant or baker, you might use a neutral peach-dark grey-white color scheme. Any single color goes well with black and white.

Professional and Creative Resume Colors

If you’re in a creative profession, such as copywriting, theatre, or voice coaching, then you are at liberty to have more fun with the colors you select. In fact, you want your creative nature to shine through. Though the recommendation for the majority of professions is to utilize deeper and softer hues, as a creative professional, you have some freedom to use brighter colors.

For professions that fall outside of the creative realm, deep or soft color schemes tend to work well. Burgundy with the traditional black and white, deep green, and deep blue can add enough pop for your resume. The purpose of color on a resume is to highlight and draw attention to specific details, not distract or overwhelm, so be tasteful in your selection.

Resume Writing & Formatting Tips That Integrate Color

Now that you have acquired some knowledge in how to select colors for your resume, it’s time to integrate them into your resume design .

Color works best when you use it to draw attention to specific areas of your resume, such as on the sidebar or across the top, and to highlight key points throughout your resume, such as notable accomplishments or bullet points.

Use Bright Colors as Accents

Bright, complementary colors can draw attention to certain high-priority details you want hiring managers or recruiters to see fairly quickly. Did you save thousands of dollars for the company? Did you increase sales by a significant number? Use bright resume colors to highlight these types of accomplishments.

Consider White Space

Whether you use color or not on your resume, it’s wise to allow for plenty of white space on your resume. Too many sections or large blocks of text can be overwhelming for the reader.

Emphasize Your Contact Information

Color on a resume is great to highlight your contact information. Contact information should be readily available and accessible to hiring managers, preferably in a prominent header format and color that contrasts or complements the dominant color scheme of your resume. You want hiring managers and recruiters to know how to contact you without having to look too hard.

Coordinate Your Resume's Color Scheme With Your Cover Letter

Your personal brand matters. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever for hiring managers and recruiters to research candidates. Create a consistent palette of colors and resume design elements across both resumes and cover letters, as well as any other job-related marketing tool you use. In doing so, those researching you can become familiar with your personal brand.

• How VisualCV Supports Custom Color Schemes

VisualCV provides resume guides and templates that can be customized to suit your industry, your taste, and your personal brand.

The following VisualCV resume templates support color customization:

Each template is unique, so you are free to experiment with resume colors to determine what works best for you and your job goals. Utilize these designs to have fun and create a resume that catches the eye of hiring managers and recruiters alike.

• What is the best color to use on a resume?

A good rule of thumb to find the best color combination for your resume is to leverage colors that give out a good contrast between the font color of your resume and your resume background.

• What is the most eye-catching color for a resume?

Any color that has a high contrast between the font color and the resume’s background will appear to be eye-catching to the hiring manager.

• Is Green a good resume color?

Yes, green in general is a good color to use on your resume. However, you need to make sure that the green color has the right contrast with the font color to facilitate ease of reading.

• Resume Writing & Formatting Tips That Integrate Color
• Coordinate Your Resume's Color Scheme With Your Cover Letter

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

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How To Match Your Cover Letter With Your Resume [With Examples]

A well-crafted cover letter and resume are essential for a successful job application, and understanding how these two documents should complement each other can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Creating a cohesive application package not only demonstrates your professionalism but also helps you stand out in a competitive job market. In this article, we'll explore:

• The importance of a cohesive application package
• The role of the cover letter in the application process
• The role of the resume in the application process
• Common concerns and questions job seekers have about the relationship between cover letters and resumes
• An overview of the topics covered in the article

Design and Format Consistency

Ensuring your cover letter and resume have a consistent design and format is crucial for presenting a professional, visually appealing application package. A consistent design helps create a sense of control, familiarity, and reliability, as noted in this CareerFoundry article .

To achieve a cohesive design:

• Choose a clean, easy-to-read layout: A well-organized layout makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your documents and find relevant information.
• Use the same font and font size across both documents: Consistency in typography creates a visually harmonious package and demonstrates attention to detail.
• Align color schemes and design elements: Using a coordinated color palette and incorporating similar design elements, such as lines or icons, can make your application appear more polished.
• Consider the impact of consistent design on the reader's perception: A well-designed application package conveys professionalism and can leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring manager.

Showcasing Your Personality

Your cover letter should highlight your unique personality and qualities that are not evident in your resume, setting you apart from other applicants. A resume focuses on your skills and professional experience, which may not convey your character and personal attributes. On the other hand, your cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your communication style, voice, and relevant personal experiences.

For example:

After completing my degree in environmental science, I spent a year volunteering with a local conservation group to protect our community's natural habitats. This experience deepened my passion for protecting the environment and inspired me to pursue a career in sustainability.

By sharing your passion and enthusiasm for the role, you can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and create a memorable impression on the hiring manager.

Addressing Red Flags

Your cover letter can serve as a valuable tool for addressing potential concerns or red flags in your resume, providing additional context and explanation. Common resume red flags may include employment gaps, frequent job changes, or unconventional career paths. When addressing these concerns in your cover letter:

• Be honest and transparent about your situation.
• Explain any personal or professional growth that resulted from these experiences.
• Provide context for your career choices and demonstrate how they have contributed to your skill set.

For instance:

While my resume may show a gap in employment, I took that time to care for an ill family member. This experience taught me invaluable skills in time management, empathy, and resilience, which I believe will make me a stronger candidate for this position.

Customizing for the Specific Job Position

Customizing your cover letter for the specific job position and company you are applying for is essential for demonstrating your fit for the role and your genuine interest in the company. To tailor your cover letter:

• Research the company and job position: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, mission, and goals, as well as the skills and qualifications required for the role.
• Identify key skills and qualifications required for the role: As mentioned in this Indeed article , analyze your skill set and match it with the job requirements.
• Address these requirements in your cover letter: Explain how your experience and skills make you an ideal candidate for the position.
• Use company-specific language and terminology: This demonstrates your familiarity with the company and its industry.

Avoid using generic templates and create a customized cover letter for each application to show that you have taken the time to research and understand the specific job opportunity.

Connecting with the Company

Your cover letter should demonstrate your understanding of the company's values, mission, and goals, and how your skills and experience align with these factors. To establish a genuine connection with the company:

• Research the company's values, mission, and goals: Use resources like the company's website, press releases, and social media accounts to gather information.
• Identify your own values and goals that align with the company: Reflect on your personal and professional aspirations and how they relate to the company's mission.
• Demonstrate how your experience and skills will contribute to the company's success: Explain how your background will add value to the organization.
• Express enthusiasm for the company's products or services: Show your genuine interest in what the company does and how it aligns with your passions.

Examples Of How To Match Your Resume With Your Cover Letter

When crafting your job application materials, it's crucial to ensure your cover letter and resume complement each other. They should serve as two parts of a whole, providing a complete and compelling portrait of your skills, experiences, and professional history. Here are a few ways to match your resume with your cover letter effectively:

1. Tailored Skills Highlighting:

In your resume, you've listed down your technical and soft skills, such as team management, Python programming, or business analytics. When you write your cover letter, refer back to these skills and give concrete examples. If your resume states, "Proficient in Python," your cover letter might include a story of how you used Python to streamline a business process, boosting efficiency by 30%.

2. Reinforcing Achievements:

Your cover letter is a chance to flesh out the notable achievements listed in your resume. For instance, if your resume states, "Increased sales by 20% over a fiscal year," your cover letter could detail how you motivated the team, developed a sales strategy, and persevered through market challenges to achieve this.

3. Echoing the Professional Summary:

Your resume's professional summary is a snapshot of your career. In your cover letter, you can echo this summary in a narrative form. For example, if your summary describes you as a "Dedicated financial analyst with a passion for data-driven strategies," you might begin your cover letter with a story that shows this passion in action.

4. Expanding on Key Experiences:

A resume often contains bullet points about job duties and responsibilities. In your cover letter, select a few of these key experiences and describe them in more depth. If your resume says, "Managed a team of 10 sales associates," your cover letter might tell a story about a challenging time when your leadership skills really made a difference.

5. Mirroring Language and Tone:

Your resume and cover letter should not only share content but also style. If your resume is written in a formal, professional tone, maintain this in your cover letter. If your resume uses specific industry jargon or phrases from the job listing, mirror this language in your cover letter.

Remember, while your cover letter and resume should complement each other, they shouldn't be carbon copies. The cover letter allows you to show a bit more of your personality and to highlight your suitability for the role in a story-like format. In contrast, your resume offers a structured, concise overview of your skills, experiences, and achievements. By thoughtfully aligning these two documents, you can present a powerful and consistent professional brand.

Final Tips and Best Practices

By following some final tips and best practices, you can ensure your cover letter and resume are cohesive, professional, and compelling:

• Proofread and edit both documents for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
• Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or professional resume services.
• Utilize online resources and templates to guide your cover letter and resume creation, such as Harvard College's guide or HigherEdJobs' resources .
• Continuously update and improve your application materials as you gain experience and skills.
• Stay informed about industry trends and expectations for job applications.

By understanding how your cover letter and resume should complement each other and following the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a polished, professional application package that stands out to potential employers. Investing time and effort in crafting cohesive application materials can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and advancing your career. We encourage you to continue refining your cover letter and resume skills and wish you success in your job search. If you have any additional tips or experiences with matching cover letters and resumes, please share them with us!

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This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Tailor Your Cover...

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

7 min read · Updated on December 16, 2021

Create a customized cover letter that introduces you as the best candidate right off the bat.

Every year, businesses spend billions on brand identity and image. Corporate CEOs want the public to identify their business' brand with little to no effort. This means spending countless hours creating marketing materials to spread the company's vision, mission and reputation online and in print. Similarly, individuals must invest in their own brand identity to be successful in their professional lives.

Creating your best image and personal brand starts with the cover letter. The cover letter is the “door-opener,” “conversation-starter” and the first impression for hiring managers. When career counselors discuss the famous elevator pitch , they are referring to your cover letter. It's not the resume, interview, or job application recruiters scrutinize first; recruiters look to cover letters for a basic understanding and “feel” for potential candidates.

Though most job seekers understand the importance of personal cover letters and spend countless hours writing creative sentences and including their most valuable assets, they rarely consider tailoring their cover letter to fit the actual job. Inserting bland material aimed at all jobs will reduce your chances of landing the interview. On the other hand, crafting a customized, tailored cover letter and connecting the dots shows the recruiter how your experience and skills are best suited for their needs.

Here are a few strategies designed to help tailor a customized cover letter, without overwhelming your job hunting.

Start with relevant skills and abilities

Hiring managers look for candidates who fit their needs. Include skills on your resume that mirror the assets the company is seeking in an employee. Compare your resume to the company's job description . But steer clear of bland descriptions or copy-and-pasting. Focus on your notable contributions and major attributes.

“As a senior marketing manager with more than 15 years' experience creating campaigns and strategies to promote brand identity, I am able to ______. Some of my most recent accomplishments include:

Increased web traffic by 150% by analyzing current online trends, aligning company standards and strategies to match those trends and developing promotional products to draw traffic.

Won $15 million Fortune 500 contract by promoting company's brand and product, analyzing competition and aligning sales goals to match current market trends.

Awarded PRSA's “Top Company Newsletter” by redesigning publication, focusing on the information desired by the audience, utilizing graphics and images, including C-Level biographies and reducing overhead.

Names matter

Name dropping may be a dangerous pastime if you don't follow the rules carefully. But people do love reading their names in print. One area to include a name is the recipient's address and salutation. If the application or job description identifies a specific person to contact, be sure to address your cover letter and other application materials to that person. Even if the job post doesn't include an actual person, try to avoid using “To whom it may concern,” “Dear Sir or Ma'am” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” These are dry and very impersonal. Call the company and ask for the contact person, do some digging on LinkedIn, or ask them how they prefer to be addressed.

Mr. John Doe

Hiring Manager

[Company Name]

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA 12345

Dear Mr. Doe:

Sometimes companies have several team members working on applications. In those instances, you may not be able to address the letter to a specific person. These scenarios require a more professional technique. Address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager:” or the equivalent person for the company. Stay away from gender-specific language (i.e. Sir and Ma'am) as this is dangerous and can cause some hurt feelings. The recipient's address should forego specific names and titles in this case. Use the company's name in place of an actual person.

124 Main Street

Dear Hiring Manager:

Tell them you want the job and why

We all tend to focus on our accomplishments and qualities but forget the hiring process isn't about us. Recruiters are looking for people who will benefit the company. In the last paragraph – not the closing paragraph – a customized cover letter should tell the recruiter you want the job and why. Explain this is the company you want to work for and why. Go online and research the company's “About Us” web page. Gather information about the company's mission and vision statements. Learn more about their community engagement. Use this information to connect both the company's and your goals.

“I want to commit long-term to [Company Name] because both our goals align. [Company Name] seeks to promote self-awareness and compassion within the community through its [program name]. Along those same lines, I have…”

Speak their language

Some companies have forgone the “human eyes” approach to reading cover letters. They use advanced software called Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to weed out undesirable cover letters and resumes. In other words, you have to convince the computer before gaining access to the hiring manager. Go back to the job description and carefully look for keywords. These more likely are listed in the requirements section and include hard skills unique to the position. While resisting the urge to copy-paste the exact description into your cover letter, rewrite the description in your own words, aligning it with your resume and using the keywords.

“As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images. My colleagues have credited my ability to design appealing, trending websites and social media accounts. Additionally, I have advanced knowledge of video editing using FinalCut.”

Don't forget the introductory paragraph

All cover letters start with an introduction. A well-written, customized cover letter should include the company's name, position and other identifiers included in the job description. Forego any personal greetings (i.e. “I hope this letter finds you well,” “Hope all is well,” etc.). These personal messages are sloppy and unprofessional. Focus your intro paragraph on the topic and outline of the cover letter.

“I am responding to your job advertisement on Monster.com. As a professional project manager, I believe I am a good fit for [Company Name]'s IT Project Manager position. As you will see, my attached resume details more than five years' experience managing technology solutions for competitive companies. My history includes…”

Creating an easy-fill template for cover letters

Customizing your cover letter doesn't mean creating a new cover letter every time you apply for a job. Templates are easy to make and an important time saver. Follow these easy steps to create your template.

Create your overall design. Choose a basic design that is professional and reflects your personality. Don't use colors, off-the-wall fonts or images. Creating a cover letter design just entails designing a header (stationary head) for your cover letter. It should include your name, the job title, and contact information.

Write a specific letter to start. Copy your first cover letter and start with this template. Highlight all tailored information and replace it with brackets “[ ]” for easy identifications. For example, “As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images” can be changed to “As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails [tailored information].” Leave all bland, generic information and soft skills as is. This is transferable to all future personal cover letters.

Save as a Word template. To prevent overwriting past saved cover letters, save your document as a template. Once saved, every time you open the file, it creates a new cover letter, exactly as you formatted it. To save a Word file as a template click [File > Save As]. Choose Word Template from the drop-down box and name your file. Some versions of Word have different instructions which you can find in their Help Section .

Recommended Reading

What Is an ATS? How to Write a Resume to Beat the Bots

Don't Apply To a Job With Just Your LinkedIn Profile

Why Do Entry-Level Positions Require Experience? Plus How To Get Around It

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Tailor Your Cover...

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application

7 min read · Updated on December 16, 2021

Create a customized cover letter that introduces you as the best candidate right off the bat.

Every year, businesses spend billions on brand identity and image. Corporate CEOs want the public to identify their business' brand with little to no effort. This means spending countless hours creating marketing materials to spread the company's vision, mission and reputation online and in print. Similarly, individuals must invest in their own brand identity to be successful in their professional lives.

Creating your best image and personal brand starts with the cover letter. The cover letter is the “door-opener,” “conversation-starter” and the first impression for hiring managers. When career counselors discuss the famous elevator pitch , they are referring to your cover letter. It's not the resume, interview, or job application recruiters scrutinize first; recruiters look to cover letters for a basic understanding and “feel” for potential candidates.

Though most job seekers understand the importance of personal cover letters and spend countless hours writing creative sentences and including their most valuable assets, they rarely consider tailoring their cover letter to fit the actual job. Inserting bland material aimed at all jobs will reduce your chances of landing the interview. On the other hand, crafting a customized, tailored cover letter and connecting the dots shows the recruiter how your experience and skills are best suited for their needs.

Here are a few strategies designed to help tailor a customized cover letter, without overwhelming your job hunting.

Start with relevant skills and abilities

Hiring managers look for candidates who fit their needs. Include skills on your resume that mirror the assets the company is seeking in an employee. Compare your resume to the company's job description . But steer clear of bland descriptions or copy-and-pasting. Focus on your notable contributions and major attributes.

“As a senior marketing manager with more than 15 years' experience creating campaigns and strategies to promote brand identity, I am able to ______. Some of my most recent accomplishments include:

Increased web traffic by 150% by analyzing current online trends, aligning company standards and strategies to match those trends and developing promotional products to draw traffic.

Won $15 million Fortune 500 contract by promoting company's brand and product, analyzing competition and aligning sales goals to match current market trends.

Awarded PRSA's “Top Company Newsletter” by redesigning publication, focusing on the information desired by the audience, utilizing graphics and images, including C-Level biographies and reducing overhead.

Names matter

Name dropping may be a dangerous pastime if you don't follow the rules carefully. But people do love reading their names in print. One area to include a name is the recipient's address and salutation. If the application or job description identifies a specific person to contact, be sure to address your cover letter and other application materials to that person. Even if the job post doesn't include an actual person, try to avoid using “To whom it may concern,” “Dear Sir or Ma'am” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” These are dry and very impersonal. Call the company and ask for the contact person, do some digging on LinkedIn, or ask them how they prefer to be addressed.

Mr. John Doe

Hiring Manager

[Company Name]

123 Main Street

Anytown, USA 12345

Dear Mr. Doe:

Sometimes companies have several team members working on applications. In those instances, you may not be able to address the letter to a specific person. These scenarios require a more professional technique. Address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager:” or the equivalent person for the company. Stay away from gender-specific language (i.e. Sir and Ma'am) as this is dangerous and can cause some hurt feelings. The recipient's address should forego specific names and titles in this case. Use the company's name in place of an actual person.

124 Main Street

Dear Hiring Manager:

Tell them you want the job and why

We all tend to focus on our accomplishments and qualities but forget the hiring process isn't about us. Recruiters are looking for people who will benefit the company. In the last paragraph – not the closing paragraph – a customized cover letter should tell the recruiter you want the job and why. Explain this is the company you want to work for and why. Go online and research the company's “About Us” web page. Gather information about the company's mission and vision statements. Learn more about their community engagement. Use this information to connect both the company's and your goals.

“I want to commit long-term to [Company Name] because both our goals align. [Company Name] seeks to promote self-awareness and compassion within the community through its [program name]. Along those same lines, I have…”

Speak their language

Some companies have forgone the “human eyes” approach to reading cover letters. They use advanced software called Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to weed out undesirable cover letters and resumes. In other words, you have to convince the computer before gaining access to the hiring manager. Go back to the job description and carefully look for keywords. These more likely are listed in the requirements section and include hard skills unique to the position. While resisting the urge to copy-paste the exact description into your cover letter, rewrite the description in your own words, aligning it with your resume and using the keywords.

“As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images. My colleagues have credited my ability to design appealing, trending websites and social media accounts. Additionally, I have advanced knowledge of video editing using FinalCut.”

Don't forget the introductory paragraph

All cover letters start with an introduction. A well-written, customized cover letter should include the company's name, position and other identifiers included in the job description. Forego any personal greetings (i.e. “I hope this letter finds you well,” “Hope all is well,” etc.). These personal messages are sloppy and unprofessional. Focus your intro paragraph on the topic and outline of the cover letter.

“I am responding to your job advertisement on Monster.com. As a professional project manager, I believe I am a good fit for [Company Name]'s IT Project Manager position. As you will see, my attached resume details more than five years' experience managing technology solutions for competitive companies. My history includes…”

Creating an easy-fill template for cover letters

Customizing your cover letter doesn't mean creating a new cover letter every time you apply for a job. Templates are easy to make and an important time saver. Follow these easy steps to create your template.

Create your overall design. Choose a basic design that is professional and reflects your personality. Don't use colors, off-the-wall fonts or images. Creating a cover letter design just entails designing a header (stationary head) for your cover letter. It should include your name, the job title, and contact information.

Write a specific letter to start. Copy your first cover letter and start with this template. Highlight all tailored information and replace it with brackets “[ ]” for easy identifications. For example, “As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails using Adobe CS (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver) to create stunning digital and print images” can be changed to “As a senior-level graphic designer, my current role entails [tailored information].” Leave all bland, generic information and soft skills as is. This is transferable to all future personal cover letters.

Save as a Word template. To prevent overwriting past saved cover letters, save your document as a template. Once saved, every time you open the file, it creates a new cover letter, exactly as you formatted it. To save a Word file as a template click [File > Save As]. Choose Word Template from the drop-down box and name your file. Some versions of Word have different instructions which you can find in their Help Section .

Recommended Reading

What Is an ATS? How to Write a Resume to Beat the Bots

Don't Apply To a Job With Just Your LinkedIn Profile

Why Do Entry-Level Positions Require Experience? Plus How To Get Around It

Related Articles:

How to Maximize Your Resume Action Words to Wow the Employer

Resume Spelling and Accent Explained

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.