Universal Resume Graphic Design Tips for Any Career

The job search is tough and exhausting. You can spend hours perfecting your resume, cover letter, and other materials for applications, to never hear back from an employer.

Getting ghosted may leave you wondering, “Were my qualifications not enough? Do I not have the experience required for the job?” But this may not be the case. Though you may be a standout candidate, you might not have done enough to stand out immediately to employers.

Tips for Using Graphic Design to Get Your Resume Noticed

The first things employers look at during the hiring process is your resume and adding a little pop to yours can go a long way. Here are some tips for utilizing graphic design on your resume to help you stand out in the crowd.

Make templates your own:  While it may be tempting to take a template found online and simply copy and paste text from your old resume, take the time to tailor your resume and make it your own.

Avoid overloaded online templates and choose a simple design and customize it to make your own instead. It will make a lasting impression and show you’ve put extra work into creating a one-of-a-kind resume. Review these professionally written samples and downloadable templates to get started. If you want to start from scratch, consider using a free online resume builder to create your resume.

Don’t get crazy with the background: Use a simple illustration, pattern or color for a background or thicker border along the outside of the resume. Turn down the transparency to add a grainy touch that will look subtle, yet eye-catching when printed. Also, cover your bases by printing your resume before sending it off to employers to make sure it looks on paper as it does on a computer!

Know your fonts: Fonts should be neat and easy to read. Avoid using scripts or anything that looks childish (like Comic Sans). Use fonts that are easily distinguishable when bolded or made larger, so as to differentiate sections and titles. Some of the best fonts to use on your resume are the classics: Georgia, Arial, Cambria, Garamond, and Helvetica.

Make use of icons: Spice up different sections with an icon next to titles. Use a graduation cap next to education, a tie for previous work experience, social media logos for online profiles and speech bubbles for languages spoken or skills. Icons create a visual element that breaks up text on resumes, making them easier to read.

Keep it cohesive: In the end, the resume needs to be cohesive with fonts, icons, colors, borders and bullets. If you are using color, stick to one or two shades that complement each other. Keep things evenly spaced, fonts and sizes for titles and descriptions consistent and make sure styles used to format the resume are consistent throughout.

Review an Example

Here’s an example of a resume with shading to highlight each section:

Catching The Employer’s Eye

While job searching can be stressful, spanning weeks or even months, spending a little more time on your resume could really pay off in the long run. Adding a pop of color, throwing in a few icons or using more aesthetically pleasing fonts is sure to catch an employer’s eye. The next time you find the perfect job, utilize these graphic design tips on your CV and increase the odds that you get hired.

Carmen Pietraru is a QA and Customer Relations veteran with Dreamstime. With eleven years of hands-on experience in the company, she is a valuable member of the recruiting team. Carmen has a reputable background in spotting talent, hiring process management, screening interviews, and employee relations. Previously a teacher, Carmen is a promoter of positive thinking and attitude in the workplace. She strives to help newly-hired staff find their way and thrive in the company, from shy interview candidates to confident, accomplished team members.