Resume Color: When to Use It (And When Not To)

In a sea of black and white resumes, a touch of color can certainly make your document stand out. But is it always a good idea? The use of color on a resume is a nuanced decision that depends heavily on your industry, the specific role you’re targeting, and your understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). While color can enhance visual appeal and personal branding, it can also hinder readability and ATS compatibility. This guide will help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of using color on your resume, ensuring your design choices work for you, not against you.

Why Traditional Resume Methods Fall Short for Color

Traditional resume advice often advocates for a strictly black and white format, and for good reason: it’s safe, professional, and universally readable. However, in creative or design-focused industries, a lack of visual flair can make your resume seem uninspired. The challenge arises when trying to balance visual appeal with the practicalities of ATS and recruiter preferences. Many traditional resume templates don’t offer guidance on effective color use, leading job seekers to either avoid it entirely or use it inappropriately, potentially causing their resume to be misread by machines or dismissed by human eyes.

Step-by-Step Solution: Strategic Use of Color on Your Resume

1. Understand Your Industry and Role

The first and most crucial step is to assess your industry and the specific role you’re applying for:

• Creative Industries (e.g., Graphic Design, Marketing, Fashion, Media): A tasteful use of color can be an asset, showcasing your design sensibility and personal brand.
• Conservative Industries (e.g., Finance, Law, Healthcare, Government): Stick to traditional black and white. Color can be perceived as unprofessional or distracting.
• Tech/Startup Industries: Often more open to modern designs, but still prioritize readability and clarity.

If in doubt, err on the side of caution and stick to a minimalist approach.

2. Choose Your Colors Wisely

If you decide to use color, select it strategically:

• Brand Colors: If you have a personal brand or portfolio, use one or two colors from your brand palette.
• Professional Hues: Opt for muted, professional colors like deep blues, grays, or forest greens. Avoid bright, neon, or overly distracting colors.
• Limited Palette: Stick to one or two accent colors. Overuse of color can make your resume look cluttered and unprofessional.
• Meaning of Colors: Consider the psychological impact of colors (e.g., blue for trust, green for growth).

3. Use Color Sparingly for Emphasis

Color should be used as an accent, not as the dominant feature. Consider using it for:

• Headings: Your name, section titles (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education").
• Subtle Accents: Thin lines, small icons, or a very light background shade for a specific section.
• Company Logos: If you include company logos, their original colors are acceptable.

Avoid using color for large blocks of text, as it can reduce readability and drain printer ink.

4. Ensure Readability and Contrast

Regardless of the color, ensure high contrast between the text and the background. Light text on a dark background or vice-versa can be difficult to read, especially when printed. Always test your resume by printing it in both color and black and white to ensure legibility.

5. Prioritize ATS Compatibility

This is critical. Many ATS are designed to read black text on a white background. While modern ATS are improving, some may struggle to parse colored text or elements, potentially misinterpreting or omitting information. To be safe:

• Avoid Colored Text for Critical Information: Never use color for your name, contact information, job titles, or key achievements.
• Use Standard Fonts: Stick to common, readable fonts.
• Simple Layouts: Avoid complex designs that rely heavily on color for structure.

If you’re unsure about ATS compatibility, it’s always safer to submit a black and white version or a version with minimal, safe color accents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overuse of Color

Too many colors or too much saturation can make your resume look unprofessional, childish, or distracting. Less is often more when it comes to color on a resume.

2. Low Contrast

Using colors that don’t provide enough contrast with the background makes your resume difficult to read, frustrating recruiters.

3. Using Color for Essential Text

If an ATS cannot read colored text, your critical information might be lost. Always ensure your core content is in black or a very dark, readable color.

4. Inconsistent Color Scheme

If you use color, ensure it’s applied consistently throughout the document. Random color choices can make your resume look messy.

Pro Tips for Resume Color

• Test Print: Always print your resume in both color and black and white to check readability and visual impact.
• Get Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or career professional for their opinion on your color choices.
• Consider a PDF: Saving your resume as a PDF can help preserve your design choices, but remember ATS limitations.
• Utilize Espresso Resume: Our platform focuses on creating ATS-friendly resumes with clean, professional designs. While it emphasizes content, it ensures your resume’s structure is optimized, allowing you to add subtle color accents if appropriate for your industry.

Conclusion

Using color on your resume can be a powerful way to express your personal brand and make your document memorable, but it must be done thoughtfully and strategically. By understanding your industry, choosing professional hues, using color sparingly for emphasis, and prioritizing ATS compatibility, you can ensure your resume stands out for all the right reasons. Let your skills and achievements shine, with color as a supportive accent, not a distraction.

Ready to design a resume that truly reflects your professional brand? Espresso Resume helps you create ATS-friendly, impactful resumes in minutes, so you can focus on what matters most: landing your dream job.