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Resume and Cover Letter
Modern Resume Formatting: A...

Modern Resume Formatting: A Visual Guide

10 min read · Updated on May 15, 2024

Here are tips on formatting a modern and visually appealing resume.

Are you putting together your resume? To begin, you'll want to gather the following information:

Employer names

Educational history

Volunteerism

Professional engagement

Transferable skills

Unsure of how to proceed with formatting from there? No worries. We've got you covered.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of how to format a resume with tips to support you as you take the first steps towards creating your resume with a modern and visually appealing look.

How to format a resume: the 3 common resume formats

With the many online resume templates available today, there are several resume formats to choose from. However, just because you see them and they're available online doesn't mean you should use them. Aside from very rare circumstances, there are really only three resume formats you should be considering:

Reverse-chronological

Functional/Skills-based

Hybrid/Combination

Chronological resume format

A chronological resume, also referred to as a reverse-chronological resume, places your most recent work history first and works backward from there. Employers are most interested in your career's current achievements, so this format allows them to easily locate the information they're seeking.

The reverse-chronological format is the most widely used format, making it the preferred choice among recruiters and hiring managers. It's also the format that an employer's applicant tracking system , or ATS, can properly parse information from. Due to these factors, it's often recommended that you use a chronological format whenever possible during your job search.

Functional resume format

Also referred to as a skills-based resume, a functional resume focuses more on the qualifications or skills a person has rather than their work history. This format is commonly used by career changers who might not have a lot of experience in their new field of choice or by individuals who have extended gaps in their employment history.

Many employers view the functional resume with suspicion since it gives a sense that the candidate might be trying to cover up or hide something. However, it's still a viable option for some job seekers, but in very limited settings.

Hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume, also referred to as a combination resume, incorporates elements from both the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal is to equally highlight work history and skills.

This resume format can be a good option for career changers who want to emphasize their transferable skills before diving into their work history. It can also work well for those who have an unusual career path that might be difficult to outline or explain in a chronological format. With equal emphasis on both skills and work history, it can be easier to focus on and highlight what is relevant to the job you're applying to.

Pro tip: When considering how to format a resume, you should avoid using any type of creative resume format, as those tend to be confusing to both human readers and applicant tracking system software. Unless the prospective employer specifically asks for certain elements in your resume, go with one of the three format options listed above. A simple resume format is best!

How to format a resume: style guide

Once you've chosen the format you plan to use for your resume, it's time to start creating it. Let's dive into how to format a resume in terms of style related to items like white space, font, resume length, and section headings.

Create white-space

Too much text is overwhelming to the reader and may even stop a potential employer from reviewing your information. Each page of the resume should have sufficient white space around all four sides of the document. So, be sure not to push the margins to the edge. If and when a person prints the document, you want to make sure there are no technical challenges.

Margins should be set at one inch all around as the maximum, with a half-inch as the minimum.

You also want to have enough white space throughout your resume between lines of text and resume sections.

Choose line spacing that is between 1.15 and 1.5-point between text. After headings, use double-line spacing.

Use common fonts and font sizing

While a script font may be a beautiful choice for handwriting, and Comic Sans may be appropriate for your child's birthday invitation, they aren't appropriate for a resume.

In fact, the ATS can have difficulty reading these fonts. In addition, a human being may not find these fonts as easy to read.

Stick with common fonts such as Cambria, Calibri, Arial, Lato, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.

In terms of sizing, use 10.5 to 12-point font for text within each section of your resume. Use 14 to 16-point font for titles and headers.

Use clear section headings

Most resumes have similar components:

A title or headline

A professional summary

Areas of expertise

Professional work experience

You might also include optional sections, like volunteerism, special projects, and technical skills.

When deciding how to format a resume, remember these headings must be definitive and have to stand out amidst the other text in the document. Avoid using alternative names for these sections, and don't be afraid to use a shaded box, bold text, and white space around each heading, as long as it falls within the text formatting options that an ATS can read.

Stick with one to two pages

Your resume should be no more than one to two pages in length unless you fall under a few unique categories.

A one-page resume is ideal for entry-level candidates with little to no relevant experience or career changers where a one-page resume is sufficient to cover transferable skills and experience.

A two-page resume is ideal for experienced professionals or entry-level candidates and college students with relevant work histories through experiences like internships, assistantships, work-study, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities.

In rare instances, you might be able to use a three-page resume if you're applying for a senior-level or executive position and you have a bunch of career extras like publications, patents, public speaking engagements, or research to highlight.

Those applying for jobs in academia and the U.S. federal government tend to have longer resumes due to application requirements, so a three-page or much longer resume is expected in these fields.

Use bullet points

Bullet points are an excellent way to break up content, making it easier for the reader to scan and comprehend the information quickly. Bullets also help your resume look neat and clean.

Use bullet points for your job accomplishments and any lists you might include, like certifications, skills, or core competencies.

Be consistent with the format of your resume

As you craft your resume, use consistent formatting throughout. In other words, whatever type of bullet you choose, stick with it and use it consistently. The same goes for font type and size for section headings and the same font type and size for the text between section headings.

You should also format dates consistently. For example, whatever date format you used in your Work Experience section, be sure to use the same format in your Education section.

How to format a resume: text content

One of the most critical elements of your resume is the text content. The text you choose to include within each resume section is what tells the story of your work history and needs to speak to employers. Below, we dive into some tips to help you craft the text for your resume in a way that stands out.

Add a professional summary

When creating a resume, this three to five-line section should be placed immediately following the header and contact information. This short professional summary is how you introduce yourself as an ideal candidate while focusing on the benefit you'll bring the employer. A professional summary paragraph allows you to immediately showcase what talents and abilities you bring to the table.

Include a core competencies list

A core competencies list sits just below your resume summary and above your work experience. It should include 9-12 skills or competencies (15 max) that you possess, and they should align with the job.

This type of list allows employers to quickly hone in on whether you have the minimum skills needed for the job and is a way to incorporate keywords to get past the employer's ATS.

Believe it or not, adults have short attention spans. In fact, if they see large, bulky, and never-ending paragraphs, they are less likely to read the information — and that information is important!

When deciding how to format the information on your resume, put each phrase into bullet points, as mentioned above, and use very brief and concise statements. Only include what's necessary to tell the story.

Highlight the important information

When considering how to format a resume, you want to ensure the information included stands out. Even if your information is in bullet format, it may still be difficult to quickly identify the pertinent skills and accomplishments that are important to the potential employer.

If a bullet contains an impressive award or measurable accomplishment that illustrates your qualifications, then draw attention to this detail by bolding the text.

This type of strategic highlighting is illustrated below. While both phrases contain the same information, someone quickly scanning your resume will go to the bold information and note that you were exceptional at sales in this position.

Big block of text:

Boosted sales by 83% within six months through effective target marketing, in-person sales meetings, consistent follow-up strategies, and team collaborations.

Big block of text with bolding that helps achievement stand out:

Utilize quantitative information whenever possible.

Our minds automatically respond to numbers, percentages, and dollar signs. Rather than using words to describe these achievements, use numbers and symbols to highlight your results.

Whatever you can do as an applicant to keep your reader's eyes on your document means you have a better chance of being noticed and landing an interview.

Include additional sections of value

It's common for individuals to include optional sections in their resumes. Some of the reasons for this include helping to fill in employment gaps, address skill gaps, and add value from significant achievements and associations.

Outside of the standard Resume Summary, Core Competencies, Work Experience, and Education sections, you might also include any of the following sections based on your unique circumstances:

Volunteer Experience

Hobbies & Interests

Technical Skills

Special Projects

Affiliations

Certifications

Related reading: Words and Phrases to Remove From Your Resume Right Away

Formatting your resume the right way ensures career success

Now that you know how to format a resume for success. Remember, creating an eye-catching resume in today's marketplace is vital to your job search success. After you create your document, send it to a trusted colleague or business partner for advice or work with a professional resume writer .

Ensuring that your resume is visually appealing and emphasizes the right elements will bring you one step closer to your future career success!

Not sure if your resume is grabbing the right attention? Utilize our free resume review to see if your resume is visually appealing enough!

This article was originally written by Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

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How to Enhance Your Resume’s Visual Appeal Without Sacrificing Professionalism

Early Career

how to make a resume more visually appealing

Crafting a standout resume that maintains professionalism is an art form. Drawing insights from hiring leaders to CEOs, we’ve compiled sixteen design tips that strike the perfect balance. From strategically incorporating subtle color to carefully selecting legible typography, discover how to elevate the visual appeal of your resume.

Strategically Add Subtle Color

Use color to develop brand, embrace white space and simplicity, incorporate simple infographics, limit words and maintain white space, apply kiss principle to design, focus on clarity and achievements, select industry-appropriate templates, keep resumes simple for ats, choose modern, readable fonts, quantify accomplishments clearly, use formatting styles discreetly, effectively utilize negative space, opt for a single font family, highlight skills with clean formatting, choose legible typography carefully.

Adding small pops of color strategically can enhance the visual appeal of your resume. For instance, consider using a different color for your name at the top of the resume to make it stand out subtly. Additionally, sparingly incorporate color for section headings or dividers to establish a visual hierarchy and organization. Ensure that the chosen color palette complements the overall design and maintains a professional yet eye-catching aesthetic. By integrating subtle pops of color in these key areas, you can elevate the visual appeal of your resume while preserving its polished and professional appearance.

Suzanne Ricci , Chief Success Officer, Computer Coach Training Center

A well-designed resume is key to getting the interviews you want and ultimately the jobs you desire. Keeping things professional while standing out from the crowd can be easier said than done. One way to do this while remaining professional is through the use of color. Adding a touch of color to your headers and bullet points makes your resume pop. This also gives you the opportunity to develop a personal brand wherein all communication from you is cohesive, and you look put-together and professional. The color scheme you select should be reflective of the job for which you are applying. Depending on the industry you’re applying to, you may want to think about muted tones or pastels as opposed to neon. Though, of course, if you are a snazzy designer looking to promote your skills, get those neons in there!

Emily Webster , Digital Marketing Executive, Growthlabs

Simplicity is key, and less is more.

I’ve worked with senior executives who have their resumes in as small as a 9-point font and want to share everything about themselves.

I remind my clients that if someone has to squint to read their resume, that’s not a very good user experience.

Lots of white space on a resume also shows confidence.

Not only is it easier to read, but candidates are demonstrating they know how to tailor their resume to highlight their most relevant experience for the role.

Sometimes it’s not just what we add to a resume; it’s also the irrelevant information we leave off.

Less is more.

James Tomasi Kennedy , Executive Career Coach-Recruiter

Instead of purely text-based skill lists, consider incorporating simple infographics. Small bar charts or icons can visually represent a candidate’s proficiency levels in various skills. This:

Breaks up text: Enhances readability and keeps the resume design engaging.

Demonstrates quantifiable abilities: Provides a quick snapshot for hiring managers seeking specific competencies.

Shows attention to detail: Demonstrates effort and creative thinking on the candidate’s part.

Jyoti Tewari , Director HR, Webuters Technologies Pvt Ltd

I recommend limiting words when possible (bullets versus sentences), maintaining some white space on the page (so it’s not cluttered), using one page per 10 years of experience (less than one page if possible), and remembering—resumes are glanced at and typically not read. And while I know not everyone loves a photo on the resume, I still recommend them.

Kerri Roberts , Founder & CEO, Salt & Light Advisors

Follow the age-old rule of thumb: keep it simple, stupid (KISS). Less is more when it comes to the visuals on your resume. If you’re doubting anything, simplify. Use 1-2 fonts, 1-2 colors, and keep it as short as you can while providing the relevant details.

Ciera Holzenthal , Owner, Ciera Design Studio

In today’s competitive job market, standing out is essential, but so is maintaining professionalism. One design element that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a resume without compromising its professional integrity is simplicity.

Focus on Clarity and Simplicity: The key to a visually appealing resume is clarity. Instead of cluttering your resume with boxes, multiple fonts, or images—which can interfere with applicant tracking systems (ATS)—opt for a clean, straightforward layout. The goal is to ensure that your qualifications and achievements are the focal points of your resume.

Highlight Achievements with Precision: Use simple design elements to draw attention to your most significant achievements. Employ bullet points to break down your accomplishments into easy-to-read, quantifiable statements. This not only helps in maintaining a tidy appearance but also makes your results and impacts immediately clear to recruiters.

Choose Readable Fonts and Layouts: Select fonts that are professional and easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the font size within 10-12 points. A well-organized layout with ample white space aids readability and allows each section of your resume to stand out more distinctly.

Conclusion: By keeping your resume simple and focused on what matters most—your achievements and qualifications—you can enhance its visual appeal without detracting from the professional image you want to project. This balance of aesthetics and functionality can make your resume more effective and look engaging for potential employers.

TK Morgan , Founder and Visionary, Tuesday At 1030

Using a resume template is a quick and easy way to make your resume (and cover letter) look professional and appealing. Most resume builders offer templates in an array of styles—from colorful templates with lots of design elements to simple black-and-white templates—to suit a variety of tastes.

However, it is critical to keep the specific role in mind when choosing a resume design. Some resume designs work better in one industry than another.

For example, hiring managers in conservative fields, like finance or law, usually prefer a traditional resume style. On the other hand, if you are applying for a creative role, like graphic design, a colorful resume template with more flair would be appropriate.

Heather O’Neill , Career Expert & Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), Resume Now

Being a designer myself, I would ask everyone to keep their resume as simple as possible. Being easy to read and understand is what matters the most. With all these new resume designs offered by Novoresume and other popular resume-building tools, it’s hard to keep it simple, but it’s still worth it.

HR Managers from top companies always have an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) enabled. The ATS makes sure that irrelevant resumes (ones that don’t have the right keywords) are filtered out even before manual shortlisting begins.

Most job seekers don’t understand that resumes with complex designs and hard-coded formats make it very hard for the ATS software to scrape data and compare it with the job description and requirements.

Always create your resume using Microsoft Word or Google Docs and download it in PDF format. With simple formatting, even a black-and-white resume will do the job for you, but if you want some visual appeal, then the most you should do is use two or three (max) colors for headings, text, and separators.

Anything more than that, and you may risk professionalism!

Daniel Bunn , Managing Director, Innovate

It’s a font decision!

The font choice can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a resume while maintaining professionalism.

Opting for a clean, modern font can make your resume look polished and easy to read. Avoid overly decorative or hard-to-read fonts, as they can distract from the content and appear unprofessional.

Additionally, consider using bold or italic styles sparingly to highlight key information and create a visual hierarchy within your resume.

Diana Royanto , Writer, Milkwhale

One way to make your resume stand out is by providing quantified results while adding your accomplishments. When crafting accomplishment statements for resumes, focus on quantifiable results and tangible impact.

Share specific examples of how your actions led to positive outcomes, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or streamlining processes to improve efficiency. Highlighting unique achievements that set you apart from other candidates is key. For instance, I once revamped a customer service procedure that reduced response times by 50%, resulting in a significant boost in customer satisfaction scores.

Remember, accomplishments don’t always have to be monumental; even small wins can demonstrate your capabilities and potential to prospective employers. By showcasing your contributions in a clear and compelling manner, you not only stand out but also convey your value effectively to recruiters and hiring managers.

Amit Raj , Founder, The Links Guy

Formatting styles can help highlight certain sections and draw the recruiter’s attention to specific areas, which is why I highly recommend them. That said, they need to be used with discretion. When you go overboard with these formatting styles, your resume can start to look cluttered and distracting. If everything is screaming for attention, it’s going to take longer to sift through and find what matters most.

Reserve bold, underline, and italics for the most critical information, like section headings and key achievements. For example, you might use bold for your job titles and company names, underline for section headers like “Work Experience” or “Education,” and italics for emphasizing specific skills or accomplishments within your bullet points.

By using these formatting styles sparingly, you create a visual hierarchy and make it easier for hiring managers to digest the content of your resume quickly.

Riley Beam , Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Utilize the negative space on your resume effectively to enhance overall readability and visual appeal for a hiring manager. Avoid overcrowding sections, and ensure you intentionally place ample space between different elements, like headings, bullet points, or paragraphs, to help create a clean, organized layout that is easy for recruiters to navigate and absorb the information presented, while maintaining a polished and professional appearance.

Logan Shooster , VP of Strategic Growth, Answering Service Care

I have a keen interest in what makes a resume stand out in terms of both form and function. A well-designed resume can significantly enhance a candidate’s visibility while maintaining professionalism. Here is one unique design element and tip that can elevate the visual appeal of a resume without compromising its professional quality:

Using a well-structured, modern font can significantly affect the readability and appearance of your resume. Opt for sans-serif fonts like Helvetica or Arial, which are easy on the eyes and convey a sense of modernity and professionalism. You can use different weights (bold, regular, light) of the same font family to create hierarchy and emphasis without resorting to multiple fonts, which can make the document look disjointed. Additionally, consistent use of a single font family throughout the document not only enhances aesthetic coherence but also ensures that the reader’s focus remains on the content rather than on stylistic inconsistencies. This strategic simplicity allows your accomplishments and experiences to stand out more effectively to hiring managers.

Alari Aho , CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc

Picking a clean, yet easily readable format and font is the best way to combine design and professionalism on a resume. Since they carry a lot of information, making your relevant skills and accomplishments the focal point will strengthen the overall presentation of yourself. Unless you’re applying for a creative position, your resume should focus on your accomplishments, not your design capabilities. Having an organized resume is key to catching the attention of the hiring manager and boosting your chances of getting that interview.

Benjamin Farber , President, Bristol Associates, Inc.

One essential design element that can elevate a resume’s professionalism is the careful choice of typography. Utilizing a clean, legible font for your resume not only improves readability but also conveys a sense of sophistication and seriousness. Fonts like Calibri, Helvetica, or Garamond are excellent choices, offering a sleek appearance without being overly decorative.

It’s advisable to maintain a font size between 10 and 12 for the body text, ensuring that the information is easily accessible to hiring managers without straining their eyes. Through thoughtful typography, a resume can communicate a candidate’s attention to detail and appreciation for clarity and aesthetics.

Amit Doshi , Founder & CEO, MyTurn

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Creating a Visually Appealing Resume: Dos and Don'ts

ResumeOptimizerPro Editorial Team

Updated April 23, 2024

Crafting a resume that captures attention is vital in a competitive job market. However, while aiming for visual appeal, it's crucial to maintain a balance with functionality. This guide explores essential tips for creating a resume that is not only eye-catching but also optimally formatted for recruiters, readability, and applicant tracking systems (ATS). We'll dive into the dos and don'ts of resume design, ensuring that your resume not only stands out for its looks but also for its professional and accessible layout.

Why Visual Appeal Matters

First impressions count, and for many job seekers, a resume is the first point of contact with a potential employer. A well-designed resume can make a strong visual statement about your professionalism and attention to detail. It’s about using design to make information easier to find and read, not just about aesthetics.

However, over-designed resumes can backfire. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, and a layout that's too unconventional can hinder readability. Moreover, heavily designed resumes may not fare well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to pre-filter resumes. It’s essential to strike the right balance to ensure your resume stands out for the right reasons.

Dos: Enhancing Your Resume Visually

1. Simple and Clean Layout Opt for a clean layout with ample white space. White space not only makes your resume look more professional but also helps guide the reader's eyes through the document. Use clear section headings and a consistent font hierarchy (such as bold for headings and regular for text) to define sections clearly and make your resume skimmable.

2. Appropriate Use of Color Color can be a powerful tool if used sparingly. Choose a professional color scheme that consists of one or two colors besides black. This can be used subtly in headings or for horizontal lines to separate sections. Ensure the color does not overpower the text or distract from the main content.

Don'ts: Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Overusing Graphics and Images While graphics and images can make your resume stand out, they often don't translate well through ATS systems. Icons for phone numbers, email addresses, or social media profiles can confuse ATS scanners. If you're applying in creative fields like graphic design, consider including a link to your online portfolio instead of embedding images directly into your resume.

2. Complex Fonts and Text Features Choosing the right font is crucial for both aesthetics and readability. Stick with sans-serif fonts which are generally easier to read on screens, such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid using multiple font types and steer clear of fancy fonts like scripts that are hard to read and likely to get garbled by ATS software.

Optimizing for ATS

A visually appealing resume must also be optimized for ATS. Many modern companies use these systems to manage the high volume of resumes they receive. Unfortunately, very fancy resumes with columns, tables, and other complex formatting can get jumbled in the ATS, resulting in crucial information being lost or misread.

Ensure your resume content is organized in a logical flow without tables or columns. Use standard resume headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to ensure ATS can easily categorize the information.

Crafting an eye-catching resume that effectively balances visual appeal with functionality is not just about standing out aesthetically; it’s about making a strategic impact. Your resume is a critical tool in your job search, serving as the bridge between your professional experiences and your next career opportunity. By adhering to the principles of clean design and clear formatting, you ensure that your resume is not only pleasing to the eye but also highly functional and accessible. Remember, the goal is to enhance your resume’s readability and compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems, making sure that your qualifications and achievements are highlighted in a way that gets you noticed for the right reasons.

At ResumeOptimizerPro , we understand the delicate balance required to create resumes that are both beautifully designed and optimized for ATS. Our expertly crafted templates adhere to the best practices in resume writing, ensuring that your document maintains professional aesthetics while being perfectly formatted for readability and ATS compatibility.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact us any time!

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Resume and Cover Letter
Modern Resume Formatting: A...

Modern Resume Formatting: A Visual Guide

10 min read · Updated on May 15, 2024

Here are tips on formatting a modern and visually appealing resume.

Are you putting together your resume? To begin, you'll want to gather the following information:

Employer names

Educational history

Volunteerism

Professional engagement

Transferable skills

Unsure of how to proceed with formatting from there? No worries. We've got you covered.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of how to format a resume with tips to support you as you take the first steps towards creating your resume with a modern and visually appealing look.

How to format a resume: the 3 common resume formats

Reverse-chronological

Functional/Skills-based

Hybrid/Combination

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format

Hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume, also referred to as a combination resume, incorporates elements from both the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal is to equally highlight work history and skills.

How to format a resume: style guide

Create white-space

Margins should be set at one inch all around as the maximum, with a half-inch as the minimum.

You also want to have enough white space throughout your resume between lines of text and resume sections.

Choose line spacing that is between 1.15 and 1.5-point between text. After headings, use double-line spacing.

Use common fonts and font sizing

While a script font may be a beautiful choice for handwriting, and Comic Sans may be appropriate for your child's birthday invitation, they aren't appropriate for a resume.

In fact, the ATS can have difficulty reading these fonts. In addition, a human being may not find these fonts as easy to read.

Stick with common fonts such as Cambria, Calibri, Arial, Lato, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.

In terms of sizing, use 10.5 to 12-point font for text within each section of your resume. Use 14 to 16-point font for titles and headers.

Use clear section headings

Most resumes have similar components:

A title or headline

A professional summary

Areas of expertise

Professional work experience

You might also include optional sections, like volunteerism, special projects, and technical skills.

Stick with one to two pages

Your resume should be no more than one to two pages in length unless you fall under a few unique categories.

A one-page resume is ideal for entry-level candidates with little to no relevant experience or career changers where a one-page resume is sufficient to cover transferable skills and experience.

Those applying for jobs in academia and the U.S. federal government tend to have longer resumes due to application requirements, so a three-page or much longer resume is expected in these fields.

Use bullet points

Bullet points are an excellent way to break up content, making it easier for the reader to scan and comprehend the information quickly. Bullets also help your resume look neat and clean.

Use bullet points for your job accomplishments and any lists you might include, like certifications, skills, or core competencies.

Be consistent with the format of your resume

You should also format dates consistently. For example, whatever date format you used in your Work Experience section, be sure to use the same format in your Education section.

How to format a resume: text content

Add a professional summary

Include a core competencies list

This type of list allows employers to quickly hone in on whether you have the minimum skills needed for the job and is a way to incorporate keywords to get past the employer's ATS.

Highlight the important information

If a bullet contains an impressive award or measurable accomplishment that illustrates your qualifications, then draw attention to this detail by bolding the text.

Big block of text:

Boosted sales by 83% within six months through effective target marketing, in-person sales meetings, consistent follow-up strategies, and team collaborations.

Big block of text with bolding that helps achievement stand out:

Utilize quantitative information whenever possible.

Our minds automatically respond to numbers, percentages, and dollar signs. Rather than using words to describe these achievements, use numbers and symbols to highlight your results.

Whatever you can do as an applicant to keep your reader's eyes on your document means you have a better chance of being noticed and landing an interview.

Include additional sections of value

Outside of the standard Resume Summary, Core Competencies, Work Experience, and Education sections, you might also include any of the following sections based on your unique circumstances:

Volunteer Experience

Hobbies & Interests

Technical Skills

Special Projects

Affiliations

Certifications

Related reading: Words and Phrases to Remove From Your Resume Right Away

Formatting your resume the right way ensures career success

Ensuring that your resume is visually appealing and emphasizes the right elements will bring you one step closer to your future career success!

Not sure if your resume is grabbing the right attention? Utilize our free resume review to see if your resume is visually appealing enough!

This article was originally written by Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

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.

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Why a visual resume is essential in 2024

Professional visual resume template

Simple visual resume template, modern visual resume template, creative visual resume template.

First impressions count when attracting the interest of a hiring manager or recruiter, and an impactful visual resume can make thoughts of your application linger for that little bit longer.

A visual resume is essential in 2024.

The first thought of any job seeker is: "How do I make my resume impressive?"

Their career story will naturally play a leading role, and resume content is critical in a job search , but what if we told you there is something just as important for creating that job application wow factor?

Hiring managers will notice the nature of a visual resume 60,000 times faster than your words. The “look” of your resume format will make a vastly more immediate impact on a recruiter than you expect, but are visual resumes a good idea? What kind of resumes do employers prefer? What really stands out on a resume?

The visual impact of your resume matters just as much as the words. In this blog, we explore:

What a visual resume is and why is it an increasingly important topic in 2024
How to write a visual resume - tips and tricks

The visual impact and data-driven design of a Resume.io resume

Three extreme visual resume examples to avoid, who might benefit from an infographic resume.

Should you use a text resume ever again?

Let's consider how to make a reader's eyes light up before their brain does.

What is a visual resume?

Put simply, a visual resume is a resume where its "look" contributes to the impact alongside the content.

This might involve the design of the resume sections , a splash of color to the document, icons to improve the visual impact or maybe some graphics to bring out skills or experience. The visual nature of the resume also takes into account the careful use of white space and the readability of the text. The most successful visual resumes lead the hiring manager to the most important aspects of a candidate's application.

As we spend more time on our devices and on social media, our brains are being conditioned to process visuals and pictures more readily than blocks of text. A movement to more visual resume styles has been gathering momentum, so it is worth exploring some of the issues. But first, a couple of basic questions:

Do employers like colorful resumes?

Everyone likes a splash of color in their day, and when you are sifting through a pile of 60 resumes, a visually colorful resume (if tastefully done) can cause your eye to linger that little bit longer. It won't seem childish and you definitely won't be the only one seeking to stand out.

Do employers like creative resumes?

The design of a resume mirrors the mind of the resume writer. There are few professions where creativity is not useful, so as long as you don't get "too" creative, a visual resume will only conjure up good thoughts in a prospective employer's mind.

In the competitive job market of 2024, a suitably-designed visual resume is a great way to stand out.

Are visual resumes a good idea?

Surely your career history should speak for itself — won't a visually appealing resume detract from some of the amazing stories that you have to tell? As mentioned above, you are doing your brain a disservice. We are perfectly capable of processing multiple streams of information simultaneously. While the hiring manager is immersing themselves in your career story, their eyes will still be stimulated by the visuals. Ninety percent of information transmitted to our brain is visual, after all.

Is your resume bad? Probably not. Could it be better? Well, maybe. Have a look at our bad resume examples and see if you recognize anything that you could improve.

How do you write a visual resume?

For the most part, job seekers don't "write" a visual resume themselves. Millions do, however, decide to choose a resume from an online resume builder . As you have chosen to visit Resume.io , here is our visual resume philosophy:

When we started, we leaned heavily into a couple of visual resume elements that have been explored by several leading UX companies like Cakeresume.com for example. Chunking content means breaking it up into small and distinct units of information. This allows our brain to process each part and pause before the next one.

The “negative” white space in a well-designed visual resume, therefore, takes on a new meaning. While the page should not be half-empty, think twice about filling up each line with extra words. That white space will be spent taking in what precious words have already been written. As most resumes are used as memory aids in a job interview situation, you don’t want them to be too “busy.” The best visual resumes help job seekers to pack their information into meaningful chunks.

Secondly, when a hiring manager has minimal time to ascertain whether a resume is of interest , you can be sure that the mechanics of how they scan the document are important. Eye tracking studies have been a staple of the marketing industry and social media for decades, and we have designed our visual resumes to take advantage of these tendencies. Researching gaze patterns has shown us the folly of the solid text block in any sort of persuasive text. Our resumes incorporate scientifically optimized design elements to suit how hiring managers read.

Most of all, we have learned and iterated as we have gone along. A resume with a wall of text is a thing of the past.

How can I make my resume stand out visually?

One idea is to choose a visual resume that fits the essence of your career. If you particularly want to highlight a list of skills, pick graphics that will make it stand out. If your career accomplishments are particularly varied, think about using bullet points to accentuate them in a list. If you are in a creative profession, think carefully about use of margins , color, font and text size.

When you have millions of people downloading your visual resumes, it is not difficult to see which ones are popular, but we drill down to reveal far more specific insights. At Resume.io , we take a rigorous data-driven approach to our work, in this case using industry and web data to inform the ongoing design of our free visual resumes. By looking at global profession and recruitment preferences, we are able to understand which professions prefer which resume “look.”

It is indisputable that visual preferences vary by profession and industry. Our visual resumes have been extensively tested and sampled by the wider HR community. Understanding the visual impact of resumes on the people who really matter can make all the difference for our candidates.We have created four separate resume categories:

Do you have a formal dress code at work? Are you considered a white-collar worker? Those are signs that your application might require a professional resume . If the role requires an advanced degree, you will probably find this resume example suitable. In a corporate world that errs on the side of professionalism, this template should be your default choice.

The versatility of simple resume templates makes them a solid pick for a variety of fields and job titles. These cleaner versions may well be preferred by those hiring managers who just want to get into the information rather than be impressed by the design. If you work in an industry where your work can speak for itself, the simple examples are a great option.

In the fast-moving modern economy, resume design can sometimes seem rather old-fashioned. If you want to stand out as a sleek candidate who isn’t afraid to present themselves as fresh and innovative, a modern resume would be a great fit. Make sure that the visuals of your application are as cutting-edge as your career content.

Creative resumes are ideal for artistic fields and contemporary companies. In creative professions, where everyone wants to showcase their originality, making a bold choice about the design of your resume is to be expected. You can't photoshop yourself the perfect resume, but you can create a visual resume format that wouldn't look out of place in your creative portfolio.

The visual resume that you choose is a reflection of who you are.

While Resume.io uses a text layer over our graphics and guarantees that any ATS system will be able to scan the content, most visual resumes will not offer this benefit. Much as the following three visual resume examples look awesome, unless you are certain that you are emailing your resume straight to the hiring manager, you should think long and hard before using them. As you do not know the hiring manager, are you sure that your tastes will align?

Vincenzo Castro’s “ Curriculum Vitae ” visual resume example could not look much different from its namesake. While designers and creatives might love the look, this might not turn out so attractive when printed out. Every interviewer will print out your resume at the interview. Even creative ones.

This visually arresting visual resume example is high on impact but sadly low on text. When creating a visual resume, you have to remember that every resume should contain some impressive conversation starters for an interview. Job titles and lists of skills just won’t be enough.

While a classic visual resume has a balance of text and graphics, a visual resume example can get so busy that you are unsure what to look at first. Aron Ramesan’s “ Curriculm Vitae ” project is a fantastic work of art resume, but you can't help but wonder which bit you should be looking at first.

An effective resume in 2024 needs to be long enough to cover all the necessary information, yet not so long that it will dilute your story. Find that perfect balance.

In a visually-driven world, there is still a place for the extremes of an infographic resume that is heavy on visuals and low on text. If you are sure that the ATS system of the employer will be able to pick up on enough text to register you in the system, then for creatives, freelancers and tech professionals the visuals of an infographic can tell a story.

There will have to be a number of compromises as you will not be able to tell every aspect of your career story via graphics and icons, but as long as the color palette is harmonious and the data easy to understand, this format will continue to play a valid part in the modern recruitment world.

Infographics look great as visual elements in an online portfolio, but when you want the hiring manager to read your core messages, they will only genuinely work for a select few.

Why do many job seekers still use a text CV?

Job seekers still end up creating a text CV because it is difficult to make a visual resume in Word, and this is still entirely acceptable. However, if a text CV is created in one version of Word and viewed in another formatting errors can sometimes take place. That will get your CV noticed, but for the wrong reasons.

The idea of creating a visual CV in PDF format is that you know what you see will be what a hiring manager sees. If you agree that a hiring manager is impressed by visuals as well as content, why wouldn't you want to ensure that your visual CV comes out exactly as planned?

Yes, resume paper is still ‘a thing’ … sometimes. For those occasions when it’s necessary to print copies of your resume, the number of resume paper options and deciding factors may surprise you. Resume.io is here to guide you with information and tips for choosing the best resume paper.

An impressive LinkedIn profile is a must for anyone looking for a job, Here are 20 expert tips on how to impress potential employers with your LinkedIn profile.

You’ve invested too much in your career not to invest in a great visual resume

Your entire job search risks being compromised if you are not careful in your choice of visual resume.

Ask yourself if you are willing to use a second-rate visual resume that may not display as intended on every operating system. It might not even open at all. You have invested so much in your career – surely it is sensible to invest in producing a cutting-edge resume?

Alongside the multitude of unreliable online options, even commonly used programs such as Microsoft Word can surface issues with formatting that looks different in other programs and header/footer information that could be missed by applicant tracking system software. A resume that doesn’t do its job hints at a person who doesn’t take care of the details.

Alternatively, you might choose to be a little too "unique" and come up with an infographic to include in your own resume or even an infographic resume. While this isn't so hard to do on Canva, and software like Adobe makes it easy to manipulate, it is likely that your design skills will be lacking and it comes off as an amateurish attempt.

Don't take the risk.
Effective job searches start with visually striking, technically functional and content-optimized visual resumes and cover letters from Resume.io.
Hiring managers certainly find them a pleasure to read.
We are grateful that 5 million job seekers would agree.

Europass CV: pros and cons for creating a European resume

23 Creative Resume Examples for 2024

In This Guide:

Gisele henne creative resume shows results not responsibilities, pierre rogers’ creative resume showcases intense passion, jimmy moore’s resume shows out of the box thinking, emily bain shows how a creative resume can stand out.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Linda Nakanishi shows by doing

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

Anton Yermolov has a simple and creative 1-page resume

An extraordinary korean style resume, magnus henriksen is nothing but himself, harrison carter watkins shows off his design philosophy.

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

Pau Morgan gets the important information across

Jimmy raheriarisoa’s resume is bursting with personality.

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Victor Rodriguez creative resume thinks inside the box

Nick begley thinks way outside the box, should you use a creative resume, how do i make my resume creative (without going overboard).

Gone are the days when a resume was only about showing your work experience.

A great creative resume needs to stand out.

Whether it’s at a career fair or in an HR department, when recruiters have looked at 100s of resumes in a single day, they should remember yours.

But that’s easier said than done.

So we found 23 truly unique creative resume examples to show you just what’s possible.

While each has its strengths and weaknesses, they all have something to teach you about how to create a standout resume.

Here’s what you’ll learn today:

Browse through unique resume examples and the tactics they use to highlight important info;
When should you be creative on your resume (and when not);
Practical tips on how to make your resume more visually appealing.

Is your resume good enough?

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

We designed most of Enhancv’s features with the applicant’s individuality in mind.

Sure, we could have made a sleuth of simpler, black-on-white resume designs, but for that you’ve already got MS Office.

Some features that make Enhancv a staple creative resume builder include My Time, the 1000s of font, colour and background combos and the ability to rename just about any section of the builder to your liking.

This gives you a starting point to unleash your creativity and do some wondrous things without going overboard:

Spruce up your headline or any other section;
Make use of a single page resume ;
Describe your passions and professional resume story just like we did with Marissa Mayer’s resume .

For the 23 designers below, sending a resume in a black-on-white A4 doc file is a sacrilege.

And, while being creative on your resume has its time and place (read more about that at the end of the article), you can use some of the design choices below to your advantage.

Let’s dive in!

creative resume examples by gisele henne

Gisele’s resume does a great job balancing eye-catching design with a strong focus on results. Right away you can’t miss the key metrics here: 20 corporate projects delivered, 40 books managed, 15 years of freelance experience. All that is valuable information you have to pass to the reader right away.

It’s best to focus on results and not responsibilities. This has been a resume writing best practice for years , but it can’t be emphasized enough. Still, what makes this resume stand out is the “creative process” section. It’s designed to get the reader to really understand Gisele’s way of thinking, something a traditional resume wouldn’t be able to convey.

Last but not least, the “Etc.” section is a very smart way to grab employers’ attention and showcase side activities that shaped Gisele as the person. Things like playing the piano and guitar since childhood may be left out of most resumes, but they show qualities like dedication and consistency.

Gisele didn’t play for a few years and then got bored, she stuck with it. Those are qualities employers look for.

Pierre Rogers has incorporated his passion for computer games into his resume. His completed missions are his achievements, his special attributes are his experience and his weapons are his software as a character artist. It’s clear he didn’t get into his field because he couldn’t think of anything better to do.

Showing your passion for your work speaks volumes to employers, making you more memorable and hireable. That’s a lesson Pierre has learned well.

Filmmakers and producers always need to be ready to think outside of the box. From having to reshoot a certain scene when an actor has a new hairstyle to creating a chase sequence on a shoestring budget. Jimmy‘s resume shows he has the mindset to tackle those tough problems by showcasing his creativity. True, it has far fewer career details, but those can always be available on request. What Jimmy has done here is make a strong first impression.

With both of the resumes she uses, Emily starts off with her top professional strengths. Putting them right beneath her name ensures any read will get the main points right off the bat. One resume then focuses on telling her story and giving important context to the rest of the resume while the other gets straight into her work history.

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Scott’s resume gives you an immediate impression of who he is and how he thinks. What it sacrifices in details it makes up for in personality (plus by including a link to more information, the typical biographical details we expect to see on a resume are all readily available).

The inclusion of subtle background elements encourages readers to take some time to explore the resume, giving it more time to make an impression.

You may have read that recruiters spend 6 seconds on a resume . Well, it’s unfortunately true. Often the choice whoever gets an interview call comes down to who made a quick impression. Linda starts off with two sentences explaining who she is and what she does before breaking down her work and life skills.

The result is a resume that explains the essentials in advance before inviting you to explore more. You can check Linda’s website here .

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

You have to see the full version of Deda’s remarkable resume ! In it she shares not only the obligatory things (skills, experience, etc.) but also her Design Theory, Life Essentials, Personal Lifestyle Preferences and the Statement of Purpose – things that reveal much more about her personality.

Personality is important enough that even Richard Branson admits that it’s the most important component when hiring. Why? Because tech skills can be learned with time, but being persistent, diligent, and communicative are rare gems in a sea of qualified applicants.

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Matteo Reggi’s resume shows he has the mind of a designer. His mind works a bit differently and you may have to tilt your head a bit to get it all. But that’s how interesting and engaging design often works.

The resume may be unconventional, but so is Matteo. Instead of pretending to be something he’s not, he brings his whole self to his resume. If you ask us, it really shows. You can view his work here .

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

We simply love this resume! Stuart Mayhew has combined information regarding his knowledge and experience and has shaped it brilliantly with this design. It paints a picture of a full person, from various life and work experiences to generally how he thinks.

Combined with a powerhouse list of clients, there’s plenty here to make a recruiter want to strike up a conversation and learn more about Stuart. That’s where he can have the chance to make yet another good impression.

He’s produced hundreds of copies of his simple and contemporary 1 page resume to hand out. Besides the design, Anton’s resume stands out by including information that’s hardly typical. Travels, interests, and characteristics bring his personality and experience to the forefront.

A great idea is to change the name of your “tech skills” section to a more job-specific one like Creative Fields or Management Skills, so that it’s more relevant to the position you are applying for. Go & see his work !

Undoubtedly a unique design incorporating Korean elements, this resume actually stands out in more ways than one. The whole resume has a fantastic “My Favorite Things” section which really shows off their design skills. One small issue is using language like “Please contact me…” which can signal a lack of confidence. Otherwise, this resume is memorable.

Magnus Henriksen created this original resume that shows him both as a person and as a professional. It’s simple and straight-forward in a refreshing way while not sacrificing any personality or style. Having such a resume confirms your skills as a designer and makes you stand out. Elements of it may be a bit immature, but Magnus isn’t interested in being anything other than himself.

It’s for the best, as companies should always know what they’re getting when they hire. With Magnus, they’re getting a talented jokester. You can check out some of his work here .

Next up is Harrison Carter Watkins’ Creative Resume . “How I think” is a powerful section to include, especially the way he did it – separate it into two parts – “Thoughts & Method” and “Productivity & Speed” which add a layer of personality alongside the technical one.

Another thing that makes a great impression is the quote featured prominently in the center: “The details don’t make the design, they are the design.”

You get a strong feeling for Harrison’s philosophy of design alongside his work experience and other details. For more of his works check out his Behance profile .

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

This resume is outstanding not only because of it’s visual appearance but because of the compelling manner Chris has described himself. Including sections like “Clearing the mind” or “The Intangibles” provide a lot of details about your true personality and are a much better way to express what kind of person you are.

Besides, dividing your skill set into 3 parts – Knowledge, Design and Management & Communication, enables the recruiter to immediately see what your main areas of expertise are and gives him an incentive to keep on reading. See all his amazing work here .

Here Pau has visualized his work experience in an easy-to-understand way so that a recruiter can process the information faster. He’s also included the section “Expositions” which, in his case, is pretty important and tells a lot about his abilities. Visit his personal website to enjoy more of his work.

3 things about Jimmy’s resume impressed us – it’s short and concise, extremely well-designed and it emphasizes on the most important information – his title, skills and awards. Plus, it’s bursting with personality. See all of his work here .

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Maybe one of the most stylish resumes we’ve came upon. From its homages to the original macintosh and classic telephones to the classy self portrait, Monica shows her skills and passions with style. Combining her motivation and professional goals into the footer also leaves the reader with an excellent final impression. See her amazing work here .

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Navdeep has done an amazing job visually breaking up the different sections in his creative resume . He begins with a simple, straight-forward line about who he is: “I love to design great looking, usable interfaces.”

The other thing we appreciated is that he highlights the fact that he has worked with top companies using a simple “Clients” section. We strongly encourage you to include that information, especially if you have worked for companies like Apple, Disney, MTV or SAP.

Last but not least the way Navdeep divided his skills so that they can be easier to process is very effective – “Practice Areas” and “Technologies”. You can check his work here .

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

Pam is a professional storyteller whose resume does just what it should: tells her story. Hagan Blount has done a great job turning her resume into a real masterpiece.

Positioning her awards and professional achievements in the middle of her resume is a great idea, especially if you have some numbers and medals to show as she does. They tell the reader that you’re goal-oriented.

The other unique element here is the “Testimonials” section at the bottom.

Seth Adler's resume is tailor made for the job he wants

This is a great example of a performance-based resume by the same person who created Pam Bailey’s resume: Hagan Blount.

Again the content is based on results, not responsibilities, and the design highlights them well. The best part is that the resume is personalized for the VP of Sales position Seth is applying for. For that reason, he’s split his experience into three different categories – Business Development & Strategic Planning, Sales, and Marketing.

That way he stresses the fact that he has what it takes to succeed in that role. Personalizing your resume is one of the best things you could do to raise your chances of getting an interview.

Jonathan Fischer's resume is like nothing you've ever seen

Sometimes a resume just breaks the mold. Jonathan Wakuda Fischer’s is one such example. His resume takes the form of an identity booklet, old Russian style.

Everyone likes seeing absolutely unexpected things and if you read his resume carefully you will realise that Jonathan has gone far beyond the design of his resume and has created a real masterpiece.

Recruiters aren’t going to forget him. Check out his website here .

Victor Rodriguez is clearly being a bit cheeky with his “thinking inside the box” resume . You should never forget that the main goal of your resume is to make a great first impression to the person reading it, no matter whether it’s a word document, infographic, powerpoint presentation or a cereal box.

I can barely think of a better way to grab someone’s attention, especially if this pops up on your table! You can explore Viktor’s creative work here .

We have saved the dessert for last – Nick Begley is the bold man whose resume is a candy bar. When we said these were creative resume ideas, we weren’t kidding.

If you are in a creative industry you already know better as to whether or not sending a creative resume is the right way to go.

How about the rest of us, the non-designers who still want to stand out?

We have to take into consideration the public enemy #1 of creative resumes out there – the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, for short.

It’s a computer software that is designed to read simple text on resumes and match skills, experiences and keywords to the job description.

This is why it will have a hard time if you encode your key information into graphics and images.

With that being said, the above designers don’t have to pay attention to ATS at all.

They send resumes directly to employers. Which can be the case for many of us.

Small and medium-sized companies aren’t likely to use ATS, either.

Whereas even if you’re applying for a position in a big corporation, you can still incorporate a dash of creativity, as long as you maintain a professional tone.

Here’s a thought – you don’t have to make a cereal box resume to impress recruiters.

Frankly speaking, nobody is expecting you to be creative.

So, if you make a few adjustments here and there, it will come as an added bonus.

Use creative tactics, such as two-colour combinations, adjusted font size, easy-to-read font family, proper resume margin and skimmable layout. ( Enhancv’s resume builder takes care for the lot of it.)

Designers made their infographic resumes to highlight key information in a creative manner. You too can incorporate their tactics described above, albeit in a more down-to-earth way.

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5 Ways To Make Your Resume Visually Appealing

Looks do count for a resume. Your resume has to have a compelling message and be easy to read. If it doesn’t come off as visually appealing, it’s unlikely anyone will want to read it. Related: 6 Creative Tips To Make Your Resume Stand Out At the same time, be careful about using fancy charts, graphics, or logos on the resume as it could cause the Applicant Tracking Systems (the software that reads and ranks resumes) to not be able to read it. So, you’re probably wondering what exactly can be done to freshen up the look of your resume so that it’s more visually appealing. Here are five things you can do:

1. Utilize color and shading.

2. add testimonials., 3. consistently use bold type face for companies and accomplishments..

Delivered 157% of quota ranking in top 5% out of 86 peers

4. Use digits for number, including when under 10.

5. include a section on career highlights., related posts, about the author, 11 ways to enjoy summer when you’re working a full-time job.

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals , as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car

Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities . Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time . Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

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10 inspiring resume designs to get you hired

One of the most overlooked elements of a standout resume is design. How you design your resume is almost as important as how you highlight your achievements and resume skills .

If you are actively seeking your dream job, then it is important to not let your resume drown in a sea of mediocrity. You will have merely seconds to grab a recruiter or hiring manager’s attention, so it is critical that your resume stands out.

25+ Attractive Resume Templates With Stylish Aesthetics

Find plenty of attractive CV examples to choose from, plus some design tips on how to make a resume attractive.

You need a great resume that has all the important info and an attractive design. Highlight your skills with eye-catching resumes to land the job you’re looking for.

Looking for premium stylish resume/CV template options at a low price? You can find a wide variety of stylish resume templates on Envato Elements. There are so many eye-catching options to check out, download, or use as inspiration.

25+ Eye-Catching Resume/CV Template Designs From Envato Elements

Take a look at some of our eye-catching resume templates available on Envato Elements. You’ll find resume and CV templates for any industry that requires modern designs:

1. CV Attractive Resume Template

Take a close look at this attractive resume set . We kick things off with an attractive CV with bold designs. It’s also a full stationery bundle, coming with a cover letter and portfolio template. Customize the fonts and colors, and upload your photos using the image placeholders. It’s a top option for fans of attractive resume templates that are versatile.

2. Modern CV: Eye-Catching Resume Template

Modern CV and Resume - Eye-Catching Resume Template

The Modern CV template features an attractive black and white design. You’ll get a two-page resume template that’s perfect if you’ve got lots of experience or need to add more details about your work history. Customize this stylish CV template in Photoshop or Illustrator.

3. Resume Vol 52: Attractive CV Templates

If you’re looking for a creative resume that’s sure to make you stand out, check out the Resume Vol 52 template. This includes a colored sidebar. This way, your contact and personal details stand out from the rest of the resume. Easily customize the template with InDesign.

4. Resume/CV: Attractive and Eye-Catching CV Template

Resume - CV Attractive and Eye-Catching CV Templates

This attractive and beautiful resume template features a clean and elegant design. Edit it using InDesign or Word. The stylish resume template includes a one-page resume with predefined paragraph styles. Visually appealing resume templates can prove to be a versatile choice.

5. Resume: Awesome Attractive Resume Templates

This elegant resume template comes with a cover page, a one-page resume, and a cover letter. The template has easily identifiable sections. Customize the colors, fonts, and other elements of the attractive resume format using Photoshop.

6. Single-Page Simple Resume

This attractive resume format has a minimalist layout and lots of white space. Each section is clearly defined, making your qualities easy to find. Edit this attractive CV in Adobe Illustrator. It’s very well labeled and organized in layers. Moreover, the font used is free!

7. Attractive Resume Designer

Here’s a simple yet attractive resume format for your job hunt. It also includes matching files for a cover letter and a portfolio. This eye-catching resume is layered and includes a help file. Quickly replace the placeholders with your info to make one of the best-looking resumes. You can make all the changes in Adobe InDesign.

8. Circle Line: Attractive Resume

Here we’ve got one of our top resume templates. This good-looking resume is colorful and very easy to read. Show off your skills and job experience with its neat design.

The font used is free, and it’s so easy to customize in Photoshop or Illustrator. Make sure you use the matching cover letter in this attractive CV set.

9. CV Resume Vol.4: Simple Resume Outline

If you need a visually attractive resume that isn’t distracting, you’re in luck. This eye-catching resume comes with a matching cover letter. Each file can be edited in Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator. This visually appealing resume template is perfect if you’re after a single-page resume.

10. Print-Ready Resume Template & Cover Letter

You may find free stylish resume templates, but none like this. Try this resume template if you want a contemporary and fun look. The template includes an easy-to-edit Photoshop file, which includes a one-page resume. Customize this visually appealing resume with your own picture, experience, education, and skills.

11. CV Resume Vol.1: Attractive Resume

This simple and attractive resume template can be edited using Photoshop and Illustrator. It includes a one-page resume as well as a matching cover letter.

The template includes a plain background in an attractive resume format. You can easily customize it to match your preferred color scheme. It’s a simple way to make an eye-catching resume that fits your personal style.

12. CV Resume Template Vol. 05

You don’t need neon colors to have an attractive aesthetic for a resume. Resume templates like this one often take a different approach. This stylish resume template uses two muted colors to draw attention to your career.

You’ll get:

files easy to edit in Photoshop and Illustrator
print-ready format
A4 paper size

Try this simple resume outline for a professional look.

13. Illustrated Attractive Resume

This attractive resume is a great choice if you want to download CV templates. This is the best template to use if you’re looking for versatility. Easily customize this attractive resume template in Photoshop.

This set includes:

resume template
cover letter
portfolio resume

You can edit these in Word, Photoshop, and Illustrator. This beautiful resume is ideal for any professional job application.

14. Sketch Art Style: Resume Template & Cover Letter

This eye-catching resume is fun, modern, and impressive. The two-page template comes with files for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Easily edit the simple resume outline and choose between three color schemes.

15. Single-Page Attractive Resume & Cover Letter

This template has a minimalist yet attractive design that’s perfect for any type of job application. It comes with well labeled and organized layers. It also features a matching cover letter, both print-ready. Edit this eye-catching CV using Sketch.

16. Designer Eye-Catching Resume & Cover Letter Templates

Check out this good-looking resume for designers. This template plays around with some fresh-looking icons. When you download the CV templates, you’ll get:

files to edit in Word and Photoshop
three different color schemes
fully editable elements

It’s perfect for someone who wants to create an eye-catching resume that’s not too wordy.

17. CV Resume Template Vol. 04

This is the best template for a resume that’s print-ready. It includes a resume template that uses a free font. The CMYK mode means it’s easy to change the color palette. You can edit the eye-catching resume in Illustrator. Give it a try today.

18. Atract: CV/Resume Template

This attractive resume format comes with two unique pages. These include:

clean and modern layout
paragraph styles
image placeholder
layered file
built-in free fonts

Present relevant information in an orderly and clear fashion. When it comes to beautiful resume templates, this one has a lot to offer.

19. Red Center: CV Resume

The aesthetic of this resume template is contemporary and minimalist. It’s a great choice for any job application and includes a matching cover letter.

Customize the colors and other elements of this eye-catching resume using Photoshop or Illustrator. Use the simple resume outline to showcase your skills.

20. Futuristic CV Resume

The Futuristic template was designed to help you create an eye-catching resume. As such, it includes a stylish resume file and a cover letter. There’s even a help guide to show you how to make the most of this download.

It’s a great choice if you’re applying for a job position. Easily customize this attractive resume format using Photoshop or Illustrator.

21. Attractive Resume With Cover Letter

Resume CV - Attractive Resume With Cover Letter

Here’s a great option if you don’t want to use eye-catching resume templates that are free. This is a visually appealing resume that’s sure to make you stand out. It features a two-column layout and comes with a cover letter page. Use Sketch to customize it to your liking.

22. Bold Pink Resume Template

Consider this eye-catching template if you’re looking for the best-looking resumes. This features a nicely layered layout. There’s even an image placeholder where you can include your profile photo. Edit the stylish resume template in Photoshop or Illustrator. You’ll also get a matching cover letter design!

23. Attractive Resume With Portfolio & Cover Letter

This option is perfect for anyone who prefers to go minimalist. You can change the colors, text, styles, and images easily. With this set, you’ll download CV templates like:

The templates can be edited in InDesign. All the files come in two sizes: A4 and Letter. If you’re looking for an eye-catching resume, check this one out.

24. Attractive Resume Template

Creativity and organization need to be married on your visually appealing resume. They’re a solid recipe for an attractive resume format. This print-ready, good-looking resume comes with two pages, and you can edit it in InDesign. Its sections include:

contact information
soft skills
work experience

25. Baby Blue: Visually Appealing Resume

This eye-catching resume adds touches of color to tie together your CV. This attractive resume is both professional and appealing. The use of white space and sections makes it very easy to read.

You’ll be able to cover your education and experience with this attractive template. With one of the best-looking resumes, you’ll land at the top of the candidate pile.

26. Corporate Aesthetic Resume Templates

Have fun with your work experience with this attractive resume template. It’s fully editable and comes in three different color schemes. You’ll be able to create a visually appealing resume in Photoshop or Word. It’ll surely grab the attention of your future employer.

27. Leaven: Good-Looking Resume

Here’s the last template for a resume featured in this article. This is a super eye-catching resume with a beautiful layout. The colors and illustration make your info pop.

This template comes with a cover letter. You’ll get image placeholders and built-in free fonts. It’s versatile enough for any job application. If you’ve got Illustrator or Photoshop, try this visually appealing resume.

Find Attractive Resume/CV Templates on Envato Elements

Envato Elements is a top choice when it comes to finding attractive resume templates . You’ll find plenty of different resume designs with stylish aesthetics. Use them for any type of job.

What’s even better, download as many stylish resume templates as you need. Use a different resume for each job you’re applying for. You’ll also find other design elements such as fonts.

Download them and use them to create attractive and eye-catching resumes.

You'll find a ton of attractive resumes to choose from on Envato Elements.

How to Customize a Photoshop Resume Template

So you searched through attractive resume templates and found the perfect match. What’s next?

Let’s walk through some quick tips for Adobe Photoshop. These will help you get your eye-catching CV template done in a snap.

We’ll use this attractive resume template in this demonstration. Feel free to download it and work along or use a different Photoshop resume template of your choice.

Download this premium stylish resume template on Envato Elements today.

Let’s get started:

1. Photoshop Layers Are Essential

Layers are one of the most powerful parts of working in Photoshop. To open up your Layers panel, go to Window > Layers .

Here, we can see the layers within this Photoshop document. In this case, many of them have been arranged into folders. We can expand a folder by clicking on the arrow beside it in the Layers panel.

To delete a layer, click on the layer to select it. Then, click on the Trash icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

To temporarily hide a layer, click on the Eye icon to the left of the layer. This will toggle visibility on and off.

2. Edit Text in Adobe Photoshop

Let’s edit some of the text in our resume template. First, select the Type Tool from your Tools panel. Then, click on the text that you’d like to edit. This will allow you to edit it.

Or select the appropriate text layer from your Layers panel. Double click on the “T” icon, and it’ll select the text for you. Then, proceed with the Type tool to make your edits.

Want to change the font? Open the Character panel in Window > Character . You can also change the font color from this panel.

3. Move and Resize Design Elements

Freely move and resize parts of your stylish CV template too. First, turn to your Layers panel. Then, click on the layer holding the content you’d like to move or resize.

If you have trouble finding it, toggle visibility on and off. This will help you see what’s on the layer before making adjustments to it.

Then, use your Move tool, located in your Tools panel. With the Move tool selected, click, hold, and drag to move content around your work area.

To resize content, go to Edit > Free Transform . This will reveal resize handles that you can click and drag to scale and resize your content.

4. Change Color and Opacity

We can also change colors within our resume template. There are many ways to do this. Let’s try a simple one.

Navigate to the layer with the content you’d like to change. In this example, I’m going to change the color of the purple abstract shape in the composition. Select the layer that holds this content.

Then, go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation .

We can use this slider to adjust the hue, saturation, and lightness of this color. Toggle Preview On to see your new color choice before you commit to one. Click OK when you’re happy with your color choice.

5. Add Images to Your Photoshop Document

In our example resume template, there’s a place for a profile photo. Let’s walk through adding that photo to our stylish CV template. For this example, we’ll use this stock image from Envato Elements.

First, open your photo in Adobe Photoshop. Then, go to Select > All . Next, go to Edit > Copy .

Then, return to your resume design template. Go to Edit > Paste .

Now, your photo will be pasted into your document. Move and resize it with the Move tool. We can also use Edit > Free Transform to resize our photo, as we did earlier.

In this resume design, there’s a shape where our photo is supposed to display. How do we do that? Well, make sure your image layer is above the profile picture placeholder shape.

Then right-click on the layer and select Create Clipping Mask . Now, the photo will only display within that shape.

Stock photograph by nunezimage on Envato Elements

How to Customize an InDesign Resume Template

Photoshop isn’t our only option for visually appealing resume templates. A lot of eye-catching CV templates out there are for Adobe InDesign. Check out these quick tips to help you customize your resume.

In this demonstration, we’ll use the following stylish resume template for InDesign. Download this template and work along or use an InDesign template of your choice.

Download this and many other beautiful resume templates on Envato Elements.

Let’s start customizing your CV template aesthetic:

1. Check Out Your InDesign Pages

Many resume templates, like this one, might have more than one page. Make sure to check out your Pages panel. Go to Window > Pages to open it up.

The first page in this InDesign document is the matching cover letter. Then, page two has the first page of the resume, and page three is a second attractive resume template page.

Click on the Trash icon at the bottom of the Pages panel to delete any pages you don’t want to keep.

Right-click on any page and select Duplicate Spread to create a duplicate page. You can also click and drag pages to sort and reposition them in the Pages panel.

2. Edit Text in Adobe InDesign

Editing text is an essential task when it comes to editing your resume template. To get started, select the Type Tool in your Tools panel. It’s highlighted below, on the left.

Then, click on the text that you’d like to edit in your attractive CV template. Proceed to edit as you would in most word-processing software. You’ll notice that the text is held in a rectangular frame or a text box.

Note that this box can be resized by clicking and dragging on any of the resize handles. This won’t resize the text. Instead, it’ll enlarge the area that can hold text.

To change things like the font size in your visually appealing resume, go to the Character panel. Open it up by going to Window > Type and Tables > Character .

3. How to Change Colors in InDesign

To change the color of the shapes in your visually appealing resume, use the Selection tool. Then select the shape or rectangular frame that you’d like to recolor.

Turn to your Tools panel and click on the Fill Color , towards the bottom of the panel. The other color there, that looks like an outline, is the Stroke Color . The Fill will apply color inside the frame, while the Stroke will apply a colored outline around it.

Clicking on the Fill Color will open the Color Picker . Choose a new color and then click OK to apply your new color choice.

4. Moving Design Elements in InDesign

You can also reposition and move contents in your InDesign resume template. To do so, let’s turn to the Selection tool, again, in our Tools panel. It’s highlighted in the screenshot below.

With the Selection tool selected, click on the content that you’d like to move. Then, click and drag to move the content wherever you’d like in your composition. You can also move content with the arrow keys on your keyboard.

This can be handy to make small adjustments to your attractive resume template.

5. Import Images in Adobe InDesign

We can also import or place images into our InDesign document. This stylish CV template already has a space in mind for a profile picture.

So let’s add one to your eye-catching resume template. I’ll use this stock photo from Envato Elements to do so.

First, select the Selection Tool . Then, select the Rectangular Frame or shape where you’d like to import your imagery.

Next, go to File > Place , and select your image from your computer. Click OK once you’ve done so.

Then, InDesign will place your image within the shape. Double-click on the image to reveal the needed handles to resize the image within this space.

Stock photo by fxquadro on Envato Elements

How to Customize Your Eye-Catching Resume Template in Word

Once you’ve downloaded a CV template for an attractive resume, you’ll want to customize it. For this section, we’ll use this stylish resume template:

This eye-catching resume template is from Envato Elements.

We’ll use page four of this attractive CV template. Here’s what it looks like without edits:

Here is what this aesthetic resume looks like with no edits made to it.

Here are some tips on how to customize your eye-catching resume template:

1. How to Change an Object’s Color

To begin, select the object whose color you want to change. You’ll know that it’s selected when a box with handles appears around it. When the object is selected, the Shape Format tab will appear. Click on that tab. Then, click on the Format Pane button and a sidebar will pop up.

Select the Fill section. Then select the Fill Color button and choose the color that you want to change the object to.

2. How to Change Font Color

Select the text whose color you want to change by highlighting it. On the Home tab , select the Font Color button on the toolbar.

When you select this button, a color menu will drop down. Select the color that you want to make the new font color.

3. How to Insert an Image

To Insert an image, click on the Insert tab. In the toolbar, click on the Insert Picture button. Then, select the correct option for you in the drop-down menu based on where your image is located.

Then double-click on your image in its location and resize your image as needed.

4. How to Add New Text

To add new text, you’ll need a new text box. To insert a new text, go to the Insert tab and in the toolbar select the Text Box button. When the Text Box button is selected, a menu will drop down.

Select the option that’s right for you. Then, with the cursor where you want to add the new text, draw a diagonal line to add a text box. Begin typing your information.

5. How to Align Your Text

Begin by highlighting the text that you want to align. Next, click on the Layout tab in the toolbar.

Then, click on the arrow next to the Align Objects button. A menu will drop down. From the drop-down menu, select the option that fits how you want your text to be aligned.

Your text is now aligned.

5 Quick Design Tips to Make Your Resume More Attractive

You’ve just seen all the different resume templates available on Envato Elements. Now let’s look at a few tips that’ll help make your resume more attractive :

1. Make Your Resume Visual With Infographic Elements

Infographic elements, such as icons and skill bars, are useful for identifying key info. They can make your resume stand out, so don’t be afraid of using those elements in your resume design.

Corporate Resume & Cover Letter Template

2. Use Contemporary Fonts

Your resume will appear more modern and visually attractive if you use modern fonts, such as sans-serif fonts that can be downloaded from Google Fonts for free.

Or use premium sans-serif fonts from Envato Elements for a visually appealing resume. They’ll also make it more legible and modern.

3. Pay Attention to the Layout

Using a two-column layout is a great way to make sure the information is nicely organized and easy to follow. Get creative and experiment with the width of each column.

For example, make the main column that lists your education and history wider. Make the other column narrower and include your contact information.

4. Spice Up Your Design With Creative Use of Color

Using color for accents can make certain sections of your resume stand out. Use it in the header section to make your contact and personal details stand out more. Or use it in colored lines between different resume sections.

Professional CV And Resume Template Rennie

5. Use Bullet Points and Short Paragraphs

Make use of bullet points and short sentences and paragraphs. Statistics show that recruiters spend only six seconds on a resume. So it’s imperative your resume is easy to read.

If you’re using bullet points and concise copy, your resume is more likely to be considered. This will be easier if you use the best template for a resume.

5 Attractive Design Trends for More Stylish Resumes

The world of design moves fast but offers a lot of inspiration. Your resume will stand out even more when you apply these attractive design trends:

1. Patterns and Textures

One popular trend this year is the use of different patterns and textures in design. Page borders and headings are an easy way to integrate this trend into your resume. Consider using them to push or build an attractive resume format.

This is one example of a stylish resume template that uses a pattern.

2. Fun Typography

A great font jumps off the page. This trend has many related trends this year. Use humanizing serifs, lowercase letters, and bold fonts on your resume.

3. Storytelling in Design

Designers are looking to take consumers and users on a journey this year. This may seem tricky for your aesthetic resume, but it’s surprisingly easy. Some layout decisions can make your resume a creative journey through your accomplishments.

4. Vibrant Monochrome

Bright, vibrant colors are a trend on their own, but they can be paired with the monochrome trend. Avoid choosing different colors from across the color wheel. Choose one lively color and its different tones and shades for your attractive CV format.

A vibrant color can transform a visually appealing resume like the one above.

5. Gradients

Sticking with the color theme, gradients are also popular in the design world this year. Gradients blend two or more colors. Use gradients as a design storytelling tool to describe the evolution of your career.

Why Use a Premium Resume Template for Your Next Job Search?

A resume is the most important document when it comes to your job search. Designing attractive resumes is easier than ever thanks to visually appealing resume templates. The best-looking resumes have all the necessary elements in place.

Eye-catching resumes will make you stand out among hundreds of other applicants. This increases your chances of getting called for an interview.

It may be tempting to hunt for free, but this usually comes at a different cost. You need to invest time into searching. You’ll likely need to invest more time editing (which depends on your software fluency, too).

Keep in mind that free templates may not be entirely free, especially for commercial use.

Choose from a selection of premium eye-catching resume templates.

Premium options can save time, come with more options, and include commercial licensing. It’s easier to find what you need and get your project done. Attractive resume templates that are free mean time investment and limited licensing.

Common Creative Resume Design Questions Answered (FAQ)

We’ve got your back if you’ve got questions about designing your creative resume. These are some of the most common questions people have. Read on and get started with confidence:

1. Should I Have a Field-Specific Resume?

Designing a resume for the field you’re looking to work in can help you stand out even more on the job hunt. Before making an attractive resume, think about the demands of the field and who would be reading it.

For example, a resume in the legal field looks different than a resume in the film industry.

2. What File Format Should I Export My Resume To?

The most common file formats for sharing would be PDF or the DOC and DOCX file types. Both will preserve the formatting and aesthetic of your resume. Learn more about the best resume format .

3. Should I Use Icons?

Icons and infographics are a great way to communicate and save valuable space. They also help readability for skimming. Use them sparingly for certain sections of your resume.

4. What Programs Can I Use to Design My Resume?

The Adobe design software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign can be useful. You can also use presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Different programs allow you to express your creativity in different ways. With free resume templates, your software options may be more limited.

5. Can I Be Too Creative?

There’s no such thing as too much creativity. But you do need to be able to filter your creative ideas. One way to filter is by checking your ideas against common mistakes people make on resumes .

Design a Standout Resume Using an Eye-Catching Resume Template

Designing a standout resume doesn’t need to be hard! It’s easy when you’ve got thousands of eye-catching resume templates at your disposal. Find the perfect eye-catching resume on Envato Elements and grab a few extra design goodies.

Career Blog

The Advantages of a Visual Resume in 2024: Why You Need One

In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. A traditional resume may sometimes fall short in effectively conveying one’s skills, abilities, and unique qualities. That’s where a visual resume can make all the difference, presenting your credentials in a colorful and engaging format that captures the attention of hiring managers and recruiters.

A visual resume is a non-traditional representation of your work experience, education, and skills using graphics, charts, images, and even videos. It is designed to showcase your achievements, potential, and creativity, and to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Importance of Visual Resumes in the Current Job Market

As the job market evolves, recruiters are looking for innovative ways to assess candidates quickly and effectively. Visual resumes are gaining popularity as they allow hiring managers to quickly identify unique aspects of the candidate, such as their personality, creativity, and attention to detail.

Furthermore, visual resumes have become a crucial part of many industries such as graphic design, marketing, and media. In such fields, creative resumes are an expressive way to showcase creativity and skillset.

Brief Overview of the Advantages of Visual Resumes

In a nutshell, visual resumes offer several advantages over traditional resumes, including:

Presenting a creative and unique profile
Highlighting distinct skillsets and achievements
Grabbing attention quickly in a crowded job market
Enhancing the candidate’s brand image
Exhibiting creative and artistic talents

In the next sections, we will delve deeper into each of these benefits and explore how they can make a significant impact on your job search strategies.

Visual Resumes vs Traditional Resumes

A. differences between visual resumes and traditional resumes.

Visual resumes and traditional resumes differ in several aspects. Traditional resumes are typically a one-page document that highlights the candidate’s education, employment history, skills, and experience. In contrast, visual resumes use graphics, animations, videos, and other multimedia elements to showcase the candidate’s achievements and skills differently.

Whereas traditional resumes primarily use texts to articulate the candidate’s qualifications, visual resumes allow the candidate to use creativity and design to convey information.

Another significant difference between the two is how they are presented. Traditional resumes are often in a simple PDF or Word document format, which follows a standard layout. Visual resumes, on the other hand, use a variety of formats to showcase the candidate’s profile.

B. Advantages of visual resumes over traditional resumes

Visual resumes are gaining popularity because of their numerous benefits over traditional resumes. Here are five reasons why you need a visual resume:

1. Greater Impression

Visual resumes tend to make a greater impression than traditional resumes. Graphics, photos, and multimedia elements make the resume more appealing, which can create a lasting impression on recruiters, who may receive hundreds of resumes daily.

2. Improved Storytelling

Visual resumes allow candidates to tell their stories in a more engaging and effective way. Unlike the traditional resumes that focus solely on text, visual resumes let you introduce yourself using visuals that highlight your skills, experience, and achievements.

3. Better Showcase of Creativity

Visual resumes let the applicants showcase their creativity and skills better. It’s not just about telling, but also visually showing the story of who you are, what you offer, and how you can benefit the company.

4. Higher Recall Rates

Visual resumes improve the chances of being remembered. With multimedia components like videos, animations, and infographics, the recruiters can better remember the candidate, evoking sensory and emotional connections that are not possible with traditional resumes.

5. Enhanced Compatibility with Online Technologies

Visual resumes are ideal for online applications because they are compatible with resumes submitted through LinkedIn, portfolio websites, and other online job search engines. Also, in today’s remote-working environment, a visual resume can convey a sense of the candidate’s personality and skills that may be difficult to do in person.

A visual resume offers several advantages over traditional resumes. It’s important to incorporate visual elements that will make a lasting impression on recruiters, aid in storytelling, showcase creativity, evoke sensory and emotional connections, and be compatible with remote-working environments. By creating a visual resume, you can stand out from the competition and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Eye-catching Design Elements for Visual Resumes

As we mentioned earlier, visual resumes are meant to be eye-catching and help you stand out from the crowd. To achieve this effect, you can use several design elements that will make your resume pop.

A. Use of color

One of the most effective ways to make your visual resume attractive is to use color. Colors can evoke different emotions and moods, so choosing the right color palette is essential. For example, blue is associated with trust, while red can convey passion or urgency.

When using color in your visual resume, it’s important to remember to keep it consistent and use it sparingly. You don’t want to overwhelm the reader with too many colors that clash or distract from the content.

B. Graphic elements

Incorporating graphic elements in your visual resume can be a great way to showcase your creativity or highlight your accomplishments. For example, you could use icons, charts, or infographics to illustrate your skills or experience.

Again, consistency is key when using graphic elements. Stick to a unified style throughout your visual resume to keep it professional and aesthetically pleasing.

C. Typography

Typography is another important design element to consider in your visual resume. Different fonts can convey different tones, moods, and even personalities.

When choosing typography, opt for simplicity and legibility. Avoid using too many font styles or sizes that can be hard to read or make your resume look cluttered.

Finally, the layout of your visual resume can play a significant role in how it’s perceived. A well-designed layout can make information more accessible and memorable.

Keep in mind that the layout should be easy to navigate and not confuse the reader. White space can be a powerful design tool to help balance and break up large blocks of text.

Using these design elements in your visual resume can make it more attractive and memorable to potential employers. Just remember to keep it professional, legible, and consistent.

The Benefits of Creating a Visual Resume

Creating a visual resume can be advantageous to job seekers in several ways. Here are a few major benefits:

A. Increased attention and engagement from recruiters/hiring managers

Visual resumes are eye-catching and can help job seekers stand out from the crowd. Including visuals like charts, graphs, and infographics can grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, who may be sifting through countless applications.

B. Showcasing your unique skillset and personality

Visual resumes can give job seekers a unique opportunity to let their personality and skills shine. Adding design elements that reflect personal style or highlight unique abilities can make a resume stand out from a stack of traditional text-based resumes.

C. Highlighting your creativity and design abilities

In addition to showcasing the job seeker’s unique abilities, visual resumes can also demonstrate creativity and design skills. The use of color, typography, layout, and other design elements can convey a strong brand identity and create a memorable impression.

D. Improved comprehension and retention of information

Visuals are known to increase comprehension and retention of information. Including graphics, diagrams, and other visual elements can help recruiters and hiring managers quickly grasp the job seeker’s qualifications, experience, and skillset.

A visual resume can help job seekers capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers, demonstrate their unique abilities and personality, showcase their design and creativity skills, and improve the comprehension and retention of information.

How to Create a Visual Resume

When it comes to creating a visual resume, there are several tools and software options available that can help you bring your creativity to life. Here are some popular options to consider:

A. Tools and Software for Creating Visual Resumes

Canva is a popular online design platform that offers a variety of templates and design options for creating visual resumes. With its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, even those without design skills can create stunning visual resumes.

2. Adobe Creative Suite

For those with more advanced design skills, Adobe Creative Suite offers a range of options for designing visual resumes. From Photoshop to InDesign, there are various tools available for creating unique and professional-looking visual resumes.

3. VisualCV

VisualCV is a platform specifically designed for creating visual resumes. It offers a wide range of templates and customization options to help you create a visually appealing and effective resume.

B. Tips for Designing a Visually Appealing and Effective Visual Resume

When designing a visual resume, it’s important to keep these tips in mind:

1. Keep it simple and concise.

Avoid cluttering your visual resume with too much information. Instead, focus on highlighting your key skills and accomplishments in a visually appealing way.

2. Use visual elements to enhance your message.

Visual elements like color, icons, and infographics can help make your resume more engaging and memorable.

3. Ensure readability.

Make sure your resume is easy to read by choosing a legible font and organizing your content in a clear and logical manner.

4. Tailor your visual resume to the job.

Consider the job you’re applying for and tailor your visual resume to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to that particular role.

C. Examples of Successful Visual Resumes

Here are some inspiring examples of successful visual resumes:

1. Rachel Mallary’s Visual Resume

Rachel Mallary’s visual resume uses icons and infographics to showcase her skills and experience in a fun and engaging way.

2. Sean Halpin’s Visual Resume

Sean Halpin’s visual resume uses bold typography and vibrant colors to make a memorable impression.

3. Marisol Cisneros’ Visual Resume

Marisol Cisneros’ visual resume uses a mix of typography and illustrations to showcase her creativity and design skills.

By utilizing these tools and tips, you can create a visually appealing and effective visual resume that sets you apart from the competition.

How to Incorporate a Visual Resume in your Career Strategy

Are you looking to stand out in a competitive job market? Incorporating a visual resume into your job search strategy can make a big impact. Here are some tips to help you get started:

A. Targeting specific industries and companies

One advantage of a visual resume is the ability to tailor it to specific industries or companies you are targeting. When creating your visual resume, consider what visuals and design elements would align with the industry or company’s culture and values.

B. Supplementing your traditional resume with a visual resume

While a traditional resume is a must-have for any job search, a visual resume can supplement and enhance your job application. Use your visual resume to showcase your skills and achievements in a more creative and memorable way.

C. Sharing your visual resume on social media and professional networking sites

Social media and professional networking sites like LinkedIn are great places to share your visual resume. Make sure to use relevant keywords and hashtags to increase your visibility and get noticed by potential employers.

D. Using your visual resume as a portfolio to showcase your work

A visual resume can also serve as a portfolio to showcase your work. Include images or videos of your projects or accomplishments to highlight your skills and creativity. This can be especially useful for careers in creative industries like graphic design, fashion, or advertising.

By incorporating a visual resume into your job search strategy, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Consider these tips to get started on creating a visual resume that highlights your unique strengths and talents.

Best Practices for Using Visual Resumes During the Job Application Process

When it comes to job applications, it’s important to tailor your resume based on the job you’re applying for. Sometimes, a traditional resume may be the best option, while other times a visual resume can be more effective. Here are some best practices for using visual resumes during the job application process:

A. Knowing when to use a visual resume versus a traditional resume

Visual resumes can be great for positions where creativity and design skills are important, such as graphic design, marketing, or social media. However, for more traditional or technical positions, a traditional resume may be more appropriate. It’s important to research the company and the job requirements to determine which type of resume to use.

B. Addressing potential concerns of employers

Some employers may have concerns about visual resumes, such as formatting issues or their ability to be processed through applicant tracking systems. To address these concerns, it’s important to make sure your visual resume is easily readable, uses standard fonts, and can be converted to a PDF. You can also include a traditional text-based resume as a backup.

C. Highlighting your qualifications and skills effectively

With a visual resume, you have the opportunity to showcase your qualifications and skills in a more creative and visually appealing way. However, it’s important to make sure the design doesn’t overshadow the content. Use graphics and design elements to enhance your qualifications and skills, but make sure they are easy to understand and relevant to the job.

D. Laying key information first to grab attention

When creating a visual resume, it’s important to structure it in a way that grabs the employer’s attention right away. Start by laying out your key information, such as your name, contact information, and skills, in a clear and visually appealing way. This will ensure that the employer sees your essential information first and is more likely to continue reading.

Visual resumes can be a powerful tool in the job application process. By following these best practices, you can create a visual resume that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications and helps you stand out from other applicants.

How Employers and Recruiters View a Visual Resume

A. Advantages for Employers/Recruiters

Visual resumes offer several advantages for employers and recruiters, including:

A more engaging way to quickly assess a candidate’s qualifications
A way to showcase a candidate’s creativity and design skills
A means to stand out in a pool of applicants who are using traditional, text-based resumes
A better way to assess a candidate’s fit with the company culture and personality

In today’s competitive job market, with candidates having similar qualifications and experience, visual resumes can help set candidates apart from the competition.

B. Common Mistakes Job Seekers Make With Visual Resumes

Despite the potential benefits, job seekers can make several common mistakes when creating visual resumes. These include:

Overwhelming the visual resume with too much information
Focusing too much on design elements rather than content
Using low-quality images or graphics
Being too informal in language or tone
Forgetting to include traditional resume elements, such as work experience and education

To avoid these mistakes, job seekers should focus on creating a visually engaging but professional resume that highlights their skills and experience without overwhelming the reader.

C. Tips for Optimizing Your Visual Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software applications that help employers and recruiters manage the hiring process. These systems scan resumes for keywords and other relevant information to help identify the most qualified candidates.

To optimize your visual resume for ATS, consider the following tips:

Use keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description into your visual resume to ensure it gets picked up by the ATS.
Use readable fonts: Stick to easy-to-read fonts to ensure that the ATS can properly scan and parse the text on your visual resume.
Use alt text: Add alt text to any images or graphics you use to provide a description of the content for the ATS to parse.
Keep it simple: Avoid using complex design elements that the ATS may not be able to read or interpret.
Submit a traditional resume as well: While a visual resume can be a great addition to your job application materials, it’s important to also submit a traditional resume to ensure that your information is properly captured by the ATS.

By following these tips, job seekers can ensure that their visual resume is optimized for both human and machine readers, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market.

The Future of Visual Resumes

As technology continues to advance, it is undeniable that it will have a significant impact on the way visual resumes are created and used. Here are some potential ways in which technology may shape the future of visual resumes:

A. The impact of technology on visual resumes

Augmented reality : With the increasing popularity of augmented reality (AR), it’s possible that visual resumes will incorporate AR technology to offer an even more immersive and interactive experience. For example, a job seeker’s visual resume could include an AR element that allows the employer to see a 3D version of the applicant’s work or portfolio.

Virtual reality : Similar to AR, virtual reality (VR) could be used to create engaging and memorable visual resumes. The job seeker could create a VR experience that showcases their skills and personality in a way that goes beyond what a traditional resume can offer.

Artificial intelligence : AI could be used to help job seekers create more effective visual resumes by analyzing data on successful resumes and offering suggestions on design and content. AI could also be used to customize visual resumes based on the specific job and industry.

B. Predictions for the growth and evolution of visual resumes

Increased adoption : As more job seekers begin to recognize the benefits of visual resumes, it’s likely that they will become more widely adopted. Visual resumes may even become the norm for certain industries, such as design or marketing.

Integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS) : Currently, many ATS systems are not equipped to handle visual resumes. However, as more employers begin to recognize the value of visual resumes, it’s possible that ATS systems will evolve to accommodate them.

Emphasis on creativity and design : As visual resumes become more common, the emphasis will shift from simply having a visual resume to having a visually appealing and creative one. Job seekers will need to focus on design and aesthetics to stand out from the competition.

Globalization : Visual resumes offer the potential for job seekers to showcase their skills and experience to an international audience. As the world becomes increasingly connected, it’s possible that visual resumes will become more common across different countries and cultures.

The future of visual resumes looks bright. As technology continues to evolve and job seekers look for new ways to stand out, visual resumes will likely become an even more important tool in the job search process.

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Blog Beginner Guides 16 Resume Design Ideas From a Hiring Manager

16 Resume Design Ideas From a Hiring Manager

Written by: Victoria Clarke May 25, 2023

A resume serves as a concise summary of an individual’s skills, qualifications, and professional background, presenting them in a way that resonates with potential employers.

From the perspective of hiring managers, good resume design streamlines the recruitment process. A well-organized and visually pleasing resume allows hiring managers to quickly assess a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for a role.

Creating a resume that stands out requires careful attention to detail and a focus on effectively communicating your qualifications and experiences with the help of a winning layout, an effective resume font and everything in between.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite resume templates , design ideas and tips from hiring managers across industries to get you started on the journey of crafting a winning resume.

Click to jump ahead:

16 winning resume ideas

10 resume design tips from hiring managers that will get you hired

What should a resume include, do’s and don’ts of infographic resume design.

Short on time? Here’s the condensed video version:

16 winning resume design ideas

Struggling to make your resume stand out? It’s a common challenge. But the good news is, a well-designed resume can make a big difference.

In this section, I’ll walk you through 16 practical resume design ideas that can help you create a strong and visually appealing document.

Create a beautiful resume design with an eye-catching border
Use data visualizations to show off your soft skills
Make sure your resume design fits your industry
Stick to a consistent color palette throughout your resume design
Keep it simple
Highlight your contact information with a different background color
Use multiple fonts for your resume design
Always include some power words in your resume
Design a data-driven infographic resume
Use bold colors to highlight important power words
Include direct links to your social media platforms
Feature icons to illustrate your interests outside of work
Write a resume introduction that fits your experience
Include a simple timeline to visualize education or experience
Use icon headers to draw the eye to important information
Use a visually appealing resume to showcase the value of your skills

1. Create a beautiful resume design with an eye-catching border

I think it’s safe to say that most resumes are going to be printed on a crisp piece of white paper. And the most color that they will use is probably a light gray or a dark blue. Just like the fifty other resumes that a manager has on their desk.

Adding an interesting border, like in the resume design example above, can really help your resume to stand out. You can also inject a little bit of your personality into the resume without pulling the reader’s attention away from the important information as well.

I would recommend using a flat color, a simple texture or muted pattern for your border. Anything else, like a photo or gradient, will be more distracting than helpful.

I think it goes without saying it is best to consider the nature of the company you’re applying to when selecting an appropriate border for your resume. Your approach should be more conservative if you’re applying for a bank or other more formal company.

But a creatively driven company, like Venngage, will likely appreciate something more adventurous, like the beautiful resume above.

Just so you know : Some of our templates are free, some are paid. Click any template, sign up for free and use our free online resume maker to easily customize the template (no design experience required!).

2. Use data visualizations to show off your soft skills

Talking about what soft skills you possess is a little difficult on your resume. If you’re going to advertise them, back up your claims with evidence during your interviews.

I believe a data visualization, like in this resume design, is a fantastic way to highlight your soft, and hard skills. A unique data visualization will not only catch the eye of the reader, but it will also present your information in a unique way, making for a more successful CV .

Simple Creative Infographic Resume Design Template

In this resume template, they use a pie chart at the top and a bar graph in the body of the resume. Both of these visualizations will help the hiring manager get to know the applicant a little better and provide them with the information they need to make an informed decision.

Additionally, I really like that in this resume design example they included some keywords that describe the candidate from the beginning.

3. Make sure your resume design fits your industry

Not every design tip that I will talk about in this part of the article is praised in every industry. And I think the resume design above is a great illustration of this point.

A resume like this is perfect for creative industries but may not be appreciated in corporate industries like a bank.

A creative resume like the one below is perfect for a professional photographer because it allows them to show off their work.

Basic Creative Photography Resume Template

However, if you’re an amateur photographer applying for a Customer Support role it might not add value to your application.

So if you plan to create a resume like this, make it appropriate for the job or industry you’re applying to!

4. Stick to a consistent color palette throughout your resume design

If you want your resume to succeed, I would strive to make consistent design choices throughout. Make it your mission to use the same fonts, types of icons and colors in each section of your resume.

In this resume design template, the designers stuck to a beautifully consistent color palette . With light pinks interacting perfectly with the darker purples. Additionally, because they used a white background the colors really jump off the page.

The consistent color palette not only looks great but makes this beautiful resume very easy to read as well.

Now if they didn’t use the same colors for the headers, subheaders and data visualization, this resume would look chaotic and unprofessional.

5. Keep it simple

It can be hard to summarize everything you’ve practiced, learned and accomplished during your time at a company. However, it is important to not say too much on your resume and risk overwhelming the hiring manager with the amount of information you are presenting.

To combat information overload when creating your resume, use a basic resume template with a simple, clean design. This will challenge you to condense your points to focus on what really needs to be said in order to position yourself as an ideal candidate for the role.

For example, this basic resume template only highlights two past jobs:

Sometimes less is more. The simple layout makes this basic resume template easy to read and the core skills easy to detect.

Just make sure to adjust your resume when you’re applying to different jobs–swap out the skills listed for others that more closely match the job description.

6. Highlight your contact information with a different background color

As I said above, your contact information should be very easy to find. Preferably it will be placed in its own section of the resume for easy access.

I mean, you don’t want to miss out on the job of your dreams because the manager or software can’t find your phone number!

One of the simplest ways to draw attention to your contact information is to use a different background color.

For example, the simple resume example below uses almost 1/4th of the page for their contact information:

They made it stand out from the rest of the resume just by changing the background color to a nice shade of beige. This might not seem like an earth-shattering addition, but it will help a reader quickly consume and use your resume!

7. Use multiple fonts for your resume design

Using a single font throughout your resume is one of the worst things design decisions you can make.

There are literally thousands of fonts out in the world you can use. Honestly, with that many choices, there’s no excuse for using a single font on any design project, but especially a resume.

If you’re not comfortable picking fonts yet, check out our font guide first!

In this resume template, they use a combination of three different fonts and italics to make things interesting:

One for the headers(1), another for the sub-headers(2) and a final one for the body text(3). A combination that features serif and sans serif fonts like this makes the resume easy to skim and jump from one piece of information to the next.

This professional resume template uses a different font for the header and subheaders, but the differences are subtle to keep the overall look conservative and clean.

8. Always include some power words in your resume

As a baseline, you should always strive to include words used directly in the job description for the role you’re applying for. As the hiring manager has these words in mind when screening resumes, it is a surefire way to make your resume pop.

To help your resume really stand out, I would recommend using power words throughout the descriptions. According to TheBalanceCareers , these power words should include:

Action verbs
Company values
Skill words
Specific keywords
Industry buzzwords

In the resume introduction above they used a nice mix of all of those types of power words.

Simple White Customer Service Resume Design Template

Using these powerful words will not only help your resume stand out to hiring managers but also make it through the software they use to filter candidates.

Just remember to not go overboard and include too many of these power words. It may cause your resume to look inauthentic, and end up in the trash can.

9. Design a data-driven infographic resume

If you were not away, Venngage started as an infographic resume company! Back in the day, we would create an infographic resume from the information on your LinkedIn page.

Obviously, we have come a long way since then, but we still know how powerful an infographic resume can be.

A combination of data visualizations, icons, and more can make your resume design wholly unique and easily digestible. In the resume template below they used not one, but four data visualization to tell their professional story:

Blue Infographic Timeline Resume Design Template

This approach is a great way for someone with not a ton of experience to fill out a full resume. As you can see above, they used a timeline to outline their education, travels, and internships. And then a bar chart to explain some of the skills they learned while in college.

Overall, I think it’s a resume that will definitely get you a job interview ! You’ll appear creative and innovative, two skills that are highly celebrated in the modern workforce.

Related Reading: How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions Like a Pro !

10. Use bold colors to highlight important power words

In a previous tip, we briefly talked about how important power words are. These are words that could make or break your resume. So if you skipped that part, go back and read it now!

If you want your power words to stand out even more on your resume, use a different font color like below:

Minimalist Creative Personal Resume Design Template

This designer made sure that the reader will see those power words by highlighting them with a nice lilac. This beautiful resume really stands out from the pack.

Not sure what colors to use in your resume? Check out this in depth color guide !

I really like this approach because those keywords will stick with a manager throughout the hiring process. Plus, if they are just skimming the resumes those power words will immediately jump out and grab their attention.

If you are creating a resume for a more conservative workplace, you could adapt this approach and simply bold the text you want to stand out.

11. Include direct links to your social media platforms

In the contact section of your resume, use links that a manager can easily copy and paste into their browser. Remember that you want to make your resume easy to use and interact with.

I would also recommend adding any links to your work on other sites like LinkedIn, Medium, Behance, Dribbble or even your own WordPress or Wix website. The resume design example above actually includes a direct link to their Behance profile.

A curious hiring manager might want to check out your past work before looking at the rest of your resume. Again, make it almost too easy to learn more about you with a simple link.

If your work is good enough, it might just get you the job. Or at least make your name stand above all the other applicants.

Remember, the links you should provide will vary based on industry and job role. Be sure to only include links to your social media profiles that support your candidacy for the role you are seeking. Yes, the photos of your puppy on your Instagram are cute, but sharing a profile of this nature is likely appropriate for a Community Manager but not a Software Developer.

12. Feature icons to illustrate your interests outside of work

Most companies these days don’t just care about your experience, they also want to see if you’re a good culture fit.

At Venngage we truly value finding candidates that will enrich our culture by aligning with our core values. This is because we can always teach you a skill or process, but not how to be a team player. Or a fun person to work with!

I know that including a concept as large and abstract as your personality on your resume can be a little tricky. That’s why I recommend using a few simple icons to illustrate your hobbies and interests. Like so:

As you can see in this resume design example, the designer included a bunch of icons to show what she likes to do during her free time.

Hiring managers can learn a lot about a candidate with this information, so don’t forget to include it. And with a few well-placed icons you can make a visually appealing resume.

13. Write a resume introduction that fits your experience

According to the fine people at ResumeCoach , there are 3 main types of resume introductions that you can use.

The first one called an Objective Introduction , should be used if you don’t have a lot of experience in the field or industry. This kind of introduction can be thought of as an abbreviated cover letter as well. The resume example below lists some very interesting information about the applicant:

Next, we have the Qualifications Introduction , which is exactly what it sounds like. With this kind of intro, you should only list your relevant soft skills and abilities. The resume design example below uses their management experience as a focal point as they applied for a more senior role:

And finally, we have the Summary Introduction , which is basically a brief synopsis of your relevant jobs and experience. This introduction is built for people with a ton of direct experience and accomplishments in the industry.

The resume design example below includes a nice mix of accomplishments, qualifications, and experience:

Just remember to include only things that are very relevant to the job that you’re applying for. Also, don’t write a novel on your resume, keep any introduction short and sweet.

14. Include a simple timeline to visualize education or experience

One of the best ways to visualize your past experience or education is with a simple timeline .

Most people are very familiar with timelines and will be able to consume the information efficiently.

I should be noted that any timeline you add to your resume should be relatively minimalist.

The timeline in this resume example strikes the perfect balance between informative and interesting. If the timeline design gets too complicated, it will distract from your written information.

Black Simple Professional Business Resume Template1

You can even use a timeline infographic to organize your education if you have multiple degrees like they did above.

WATCH: How to customize this resume template [Venngage tutorial]

15. Use icon headers to draw the eye to important information

Icons can be used in a bunch of different ways on your resume. We have already outlined a few interesting ways you can incorporate them in previous sections.

But I think the best way to use icons is as headers for important information in your resume.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Take a look at how this designer used icons across his resume:

Innovative Designer Resume Design Template. copy

For every ability, skill, educational milestone and more they attached a related icon. This won’t only help the reader gain some quick insight but also draw their eye to each piece of information.

Plus it makes the resume look extremely unique!

16. Use a visually appealing resume to showcase the value of your skills

A well-designed, visually appealing resume can help to highlight your skills. Good design helps your resume look cleaner and draw the hiring manager’s eye to the bits you want to showcase. A poorly designed resume can be distracting.

Above are all the different elements of design one can include to make the optimal resume, it is crucial to consider the elements, or principles, of visual design. The principles of design work together to create a visual piece that is aesthetically pleasing and optimizes the user experience. If you haven’t picked up on it yet, the experience of the hiring manager viewing your resume is highly important for your success.

Some principles of design you should consider when making a visually appealing resume include:

White space

Not sure where to get started? Here are 35+ resume examples to boost your job search.

10 resume design tips from hiring managers that will get you hired

Let’s dive into the essential parts of a resume that every hiring manager is looking for.

1. Contact information

The first part of your resume should always include your name and contact information. You want to make it as easy as possible for a hiring manager to find you on professional websites (such as LinkedIn) or contact you with any questions or comments.

So don’t hide this pertinent info at the bottom of your resume or in some other odd space. Be sure this information is both clear and obvious to the reader, like in this template where it’s clearly presented in the top right:

The resume contact information section should include your:

Phone Number
Home Address
Email Address
Social Media Usernames (if applicable)

Only include your website or social media handles if it relates to your job function i.e. a social media marketer would want to add their social usernames and a writer would want to link to a portfolio.

That said, you should always mention your LinkedIn profile.

15+ Resume Design Tips, Templates & Examples

2. Resume introduction

Once a hiring manager has skimmed through the contact information, your resume introduction is probably going to be the first substantial thing they read. This is your first opportunity to pitch yourself as an ideal fit for the role–imagine this as the “hard copy” of your elevator pitch.

You should only include things that really set you apart from the rest of the applicants, such as:

Direct Experience
Responsibilities
Soft & Hard Skills
Accomplishments

For example, this tidy infographic resume neatly sums up the applicant’s experience in the intro:

The resume introduction sets the tone for the story you are trying to sell through your resume. When approached correctly, you can entice the hiring manager to continue reading your resume. So make it count.

3. Relevant Skills

This section is meant to be short and to the point, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Especially if you work in an industry that has an emphasis on technical skills to succeed. These are known as hard skills because they are easily defined and measured.

For example, if you want to be a professional designer you must have a ton of experience with the Adobe suite. But a writer may need WordPress experience. This resume design idea uses a cool graph to illustrate skill level:

You also can highlight soft skills on your resume if they are related to your current or future position. As you probably guessed, soft skills are the opposite of hard skills and are not easily defined or measured.

Highlighting your skills and abilities is important because it is a snapshot of what positions you as an ideal candidate for the role. This section plays a supporting role to the claims you made in your resume Introduction. As hiring managers are often reviewing dozens of resumes at a time, it is crucial to have a precise Introduction and Skills Overview to catch their attention at first glance.

4. Education

The first entry in your education section should always be the most recent you completed. So if you got an advanced degree, that should come first, followed by your undergraduate degree.

Like the contact section, there are a few things that you should always include in the education part of a resume.

These four pieces of pertinent info include:

School Name
School Location
Degree/Major/Minor
Years Attended

You really don’t need to include more than that. The hiring manager will ask questions if they want to learn more about your education and such.

5. Job experience

Another essential part of a resume is job experience. Like in the previous section, you should start with your most recent job and work backward.

It’s good to include descriptions of what each recruiting opportunity entails, and be sure to use these descriptions to prove how they qualify you for this position . Avoid omitting experiences you do not perceive as relevant to the role, as the benefits of transferable skills may surprise you. However, you may skip the full description of roles from many years ago and just list the basics (who, what and where).

For each job you want to highlight on your resume, include these four things:

Company name
Dates of employment
List of responsibilities & achievements

Each of these responsibilities or achievements should be presented as a bullet point like above. Otherwise, your resume will be very hard to read!

To save time, you could always turn to one of these 12 resume makers to ensure a professional-looking resume that highlights your qualifications and increases your chances of landing job interviews.

A well designed infographic resume can be a big differentiator and move you to the top of the pile in seconds for that dream job. Unfortunately, a badly designed one can also disqualify you just as fast. How can you create a successful infographic resume ? Here are a few do’s and don’ts for creating your own infographic resume:

Use bar or column charts to display your skills, expertise and years of experience
Stick to simple and easy to understand charts
Limit the length of your infographic to about one page
Pick a color scheme that works for you and the reader
Tell your own personal story to help hiring managers learn more about you
Include a call to action

Don’ts

Avoid using a line or area chart for displaying skills
Avoid using overly complex charts or ornamental design elements that aren’t used to convey information
Avoid creating a never ending scrolling infographic
Avoid using more than 3 colors in your design

The takeaway: top resume design ideas

Keep these resume design ideas in mind when overhauling your CV:

Use a basic resume template if you need help condensing information

That’s all the resume design tips I have for you today! Hopefully, some of these templates and tips will help you find the perfect job in the future.

And if you’re a hiring manager, don’t forget to check out top recruiting tips from 10 HR experts.

Sources for Infographic:

Ryan Moore, Director of Client Management at PeakSales Recruiting

Jennifer Rogerson, Head of HR at Best Company

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Modern Resume Formatting: A...

Modern Resume Formatting: A Visual Guide

10 min read · Updated on May 15, 2024

Here are tips on formatting a modern and visually appealing resume.

Are you putting together your resume? To begin, you'll want to gather the following information:

Employer names

Educational history

Volunteerism

Professional engagement

Transferable skills

Unsure of how to proceed with formatting from there? No worries. We've got you covered.

Read on to learn the ins and outs of how to format a resume with tips to support you as you take the first steps towards creating your resume with a modern and visually appealing look.

How to format a resume: the 3 common resume formats

Reverse-chronological

Functional/Skills-based

Hybrid/Combination

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format

Hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume, also referred to as a combination resume, incorporates elements from both the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal is to equally highlight work history and skills.

How to format a resume: style guide

Create white-space

Margins should be set at one inch all around as the maximum, with a half-inch as the minimum.

You also want to have enough white space throughout your resume between lines of text and resume sections.

Choose line spacing that is between 1.15 and 1.5-point between text. After headings, use double-line spacing.

Use common fonts and font sizing

While a script font may be a beautiful choice for handwriting, and Comic Sans may be appropriate for your child's birthday invitation, they aren't appropriate for a resume.

In fact, the ATS can have difficulty reading these fonts. In addition, a human being may not find these fonts as easy to read.

Stick with common fonts such as Cambria, Calibri, Arial, Lato, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.

In terms of sizing, use 10.5 to 12-point font for text within each section of your resume. Use 14 to 16-point font for titles and headers.

Use clear section headings

Most resumes have similar components:

A title or headline

A professional summary

Areas of expertise

Professional work experience

You might also include optional sections, like volunteerism, special projects, and technical skills.

Stick with one to two pages

Your resume should be no more than one to two pages in length unless you fall under a few unique categories.

A one-page resume is ideal for entry-level candidates with little to no relevant experience or career changers where a one-page resume is sufficient to cover transferable skills and experience.

Those applying for jobs in academia and the U.S. federal government tend to have longer resumes due to application requirements, so a three-page or much longer resume is expected in these fields.

Use bullet points

Bullet points are an excellent way to break up content, making it easier for the reader to scan and comprehend the information quickly. Bullets also help your resume look neat and clean.

Use bullet points for your job accomplishments and any lists you might include, like certifications, skills, or core competencies.

Be consistent with the format of your resume

You should also format dates consistently. For example, whatever date format you used in your Work Experience section, be sure to use the same format in your Education section.

How to format a resume: text content

Add a professional summary

Include a core competencies list

This type of list allows employers to quickly hone in on whether you have the minimum skills needed for the job and is a way to incorporate keywords to get past the employer's ATS.

Highlight the important information

If a bullet contains an impressive award or measurable accomplishment that illustrates your qualifications, then draw attention to this detail by bolding the text.

Big block of text:

Boosted sales by 83% within six months through effective target marketing, in-person sales meetings, consistent follow-up strategies, and team collaborations.

Big block of text with bolding that helps achievement stand out:

Utilize quantitative information whenever possible.

Our minds automatically respond to numbers, percentages, and dollar signs. Rather than using words to describe these achievements, use numbers and symbols to highlight your results.

Whatever you can do as an applicant to keep your reader's eyes on your document means you have a better chance of being noticed and landing an interview.

Include additional sections of value

Outside of the standard Resume Summary, Core Competencies, Work Experience, and Education sections, you might also include any of the following sections based on your unique circumstances:

Volunteer Experience

Hobbies & Interests

Technical Skills

Special Projects

Affiliations

Certifications

Related reading: Words and Phrases to Remove From Your Resume Right Away

Formatting your resume the right way ensures career success

Ensuring that your resume is visually appealing and emphasizes the right elements will bring you one step closer to your future career success!

Not sure if your resume is grabbing the right attention? Utilize our free resume review to see if your resume is visually appealing enough!

This article was originally written by Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and has been updated by Ronda Suder.

Modern Resume Formatting: A Visual Guide

How to format a resume: the 3 common resume formats

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format

Hybrid resume format

How to format a resume: style guide

Create white-space

Use common fonts and font sizing

Use clear section headings

Stick with one to two pages

Use bullet points

Be consistent with the format of your resume

How to format a resume: text content

Add a professional summary

Include a core competencies list

Highlight the important information

Big block of text:

Big block of text with bolding that helps achievement stand out:

Include additional sections of value

Formatting your resume the right way ensures career success

Recommended Reading:

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Optimizing for ATS

Quick Links

Modern Resume Formatting: A Visual Guide

How to format a resume: the 3 common resume formats

Chronological resume format

Functional resume format

Hybrid resume format

How to format a resume: style guide

Create white-space

Use common fonts and font sizing

Use clear section headings

Stick with one to two pages

Use bullet points

Be consistent with the format of your resume

How to format a resume: text content

Add a professional summary

Include a core competencies list

Highlight the important information

Big block of text:

Big block of text with bolding that helps achievement stand out:

Include additional sections of value

Formatting your resume the right way ensures career success

Recommended Reading:

Related Articles:

Career Advice Newsletter

Why a visual resume is essential in 2024

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The visual impact and data-driven design of a Resume.io resume

What is a visual resume?

How do you write a visual resume?

You’ve invested too much in your career not to invest in a great visual resume

23 Creative Resume Examples for 2024

In This Guide:

Linda Nakanishi shows by doing

Anton Yermolov has a simple and creative 1-page resume

Pau Morgan gets the important information across

Victor Rodriguez creative resume thinks inside the box

Is your resume good enough?

Scott McDowell's creative resume is playful and inventive

Deda's resume shows who she is as a person

Matteo Reggi's creative resume showcases style

Stuart Mayhew's resume is a conversation starter

Chris Rowe's personality doesn't get lost in the details

Monica Gomes' resume pays tribute to classics

Navdeep Raj's resume divides and conquers

Pam Bailey's resume tells a story

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