The Watercooler

Does the Color of Your Resume Matter?

As you write or update your resume, you may think of adding an accent color for some extra pizzazz or a “wow” factor. And it may be okay. But tread cautiously and wisely.

The perfect resume is not about finding the perfect color. It’s about tailoring content to the job, showing an employer your best skills, qualifications and accomplishments, and highlighting your personal brand. An accent color should serve only to enhance and modernize its general look and feel.

What’s an accent color?

An accent color is a color used strategically on your resume to compliment your primary text color. The latter should be black or a dark shade of grey, to provide optimal readability and contrast with your background, which should be white, ivory or a light shade of cream.

  • Stick to only one accent color. Use it sparingly; for instance, on resume headers, borders, job titles or key sub-headings. If you overdo it or use multiple colors, you may distract hiring managers or risk sabotaging your job search. Because the focus shouldn’t be on your colors, but rather on your content.

Which accent colors are acceptable, and when?

Your resume should say, “Color me successful” and “color me professional,” not “Ouch! This hurts my eyes.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be 100 percent black and white. Done well, accent colors can catch reader’s eyes in a good way and draw their attention to key details.

  • Blue has been proven safe as a resume accent color. It can add a feeling of calmness or serenity.
  • Dark or hunter green is another good option. It also has calming attributes and can portray abundance or growth.

Here are a few more considerations:

  • If you opt for an accent color, be sure it’s appropriate to the industry and the role for which you’re applying.
  • Avoid templates that use too many – or too bright – colors. You want the look of your resume to emphasize the text. That’s how you should approach its design.
  • You don’t have to use an accent color at all. You can’t go wrong with a simple, well-written black and white resume.
  • An exception to the general rule may be resume design for creative industries. If you’re applying to be a web or graphic designer, for example, you may want to incorporate a few more bright colors. If so, shoot for an interesting combination that shows you understand unique design elements and will help differentiate you from other candidates.

At PrideStaff, our best-in-class approach has helped thousands of job seekers find their next great opportunity. We look forward to doing the same for you – from perfecting your resume to networking, interviewing, following up to seal the deal, and much more. Reach out to us today to get started.

Resume Color FAQ

Should you use color on a resume?
Yes, a resume can have color, but it should be used sparingly and professionally. A subtle accent color can organize sections and highlight important details, but your experience, accomplishments, and qualifications should remain the focus. Before changing the design, make sure the rest of your resume is current by reviewing these tips for updating your resume.
Should a resume be black and white or color?
A black-and-white resume is always a professional and safe choice. A resume with one restrained accent color can also work well, provided the text remains readable and the design fits the position and industry.
Is it unprofessional to have color on your resume?
No, having color on a resume is not automatically unprofessional. Bright backgrounds, multiple competing colors, or decorative elements can appear distracting, but a muted accent used consistently in headings or borders can create a polished look.
What is the best color for a resume?
The best resume colors are typically dark, understated shades such as navy blue, dark green, charcoal, or burgundy. These professional resume colors create contrast without distracting the hiring manager from your qualifications.
What is a resume accent color?
A resume accent color is a secondary color used to emphasize selected design elements while the primary text remains black or dark gray. Accent colors may be applied to section headings, dividing lines, job titles, or small design details.
Where should the accent color go on a resume?
Use a resume accent color on section headers, your name, subtle borders, or key subheadings. Do not use color for large blocks of body text or as the only way to identify important information, because the resume should still be easy to understand when printed in black and white.
How do you add color to a resume without making it distracting?
Choose one accent color, apply it consistently, and leave plenty of white space around each section. A clean layout combined with strong, relevant content is more effective than an elaborate design; PrideStaff’s job seeker resources offer additional guidance for strengthening your application.
How many colors should a professional resume have?
Most professional resumes should use no more than one accent color in addition to black or dark-gray text and a white background. Using several colors can make a resume harder to scan and may take attention away from your skills and accomplishments.
Does resume color affect applicant tracking systems?
Color by itself is not usually the main issue for an applicant tracking system, but complicated templates, graphics, text boxes, icons, and unusual formatting may make a resume harder to process. Keep the structure simple, use standard headings, and make sure important qualifications appear as readable text rather than only inside visual elements.
What color background should a resume have?
A resume background should generally be white, ivory, or another very light neutral shade that provides strong contrast with the text. Dark or brightly colored backgrounds can reduce readability and may not print clearly.
Are colorful resumes appropriate for creative jobs?
A more colorful resume may be appropriate for certain design, marketing, or creative positions, especially when visual judgment is relevant to the role. Even then, the resume should remain readable, professional, and tailored to the job rather than relying on design alone. For more ways to strengthen your application, review these tips to improve your candidacy for the job you want.
Where can job seekers get help improving their resumes?
PrideStaff recruiters can help job seekers prepare for their search and connect with opportunities that fit their experience. Review the Job Seeker FAQs, find a nearby PrideStaff location, or get started through Quick Apply.