How to Use a QR Code on Your Resume: A Modern Guide

What is a QR Code resume?

A Quick Response (QR) code is a barcode that links to various websites. The simple black and white squares act as a URL when scanned with a smart device’s camera.

Resumes with QR codes lead hiring managers to additional information about the job seeker. They usually connect to online profiles, personal websites, portfolios, or a more detailed, longer resume.

These resumes are rapidly gaining popularity, providing employers with new and complex information about you and subtly displaying your aptitude for new technology.

Should you put a QR code on your resume?

Many job seekers are seeing the benefits of QR codes on resumes. It’s an easy way to quickly add more details and showcase yourself as a forward-thinking, savvy candidate. Here are a few of the advantages:

• Easy access to supplemental details: QR codes are a straightforward, eye-catching way to direct recruiters toward online profiles and portfolios, which is quickly becoming expected.
• Avoid overwhelming the recruiter: Whether you’re using a company portal or emailing your resume, it’s best to avoid sending too many documents and links. Using QR codes enables you to limit yourself to sending a resume and cover letter.
• Showcase creativity and technical aptitude: QR code resumes are becoming more popular, and showing you know how to use them shows you’re modern and tech-savvy.
• Stand out from the crowd: Placing a bold QR code on your resume prevents it from blending into hundreds of similar resumes. Further, the additional information also helps you stand out.

QR code resumes are most common in tech and creative industries, including marketing, design, and IT. However, they’re getting increasingly common in every industry, so we recommend you give it a try no matter which role you’re applying for.

How to create a resume QR code: 6 steps

Now, let’s generate a QR code for your resume. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a QR code generator: Pick your preferred QR code generator. There are many free, easy-to-use options, including Canva and QR Code Generator.
2. Determine your link: Decide which content you’ll link to. Consider which information is most important – you may add additional links to your contact details, but this will be the most prominent.
3. Add a description: Most generators allow you to add a short description. This text appears when you point a device at the code, describing where you’re about to go. Add a quick description of the destination as an informative courtesy to the recruiter.
4. Generate your code: Follow the instructions on the website and generate your code. Customize the shape and color of the QR code if you like.
5. Test it first: Use your own device and test your code to make sure it leads to your intended destination. You don’t want an interested hiring manager to encounter a broken link.
6. Build your resume: Download and incorporate the QR code into your resume. Make sure you place it somewhere prominent yet subtle.

Unsure where to put your QR code? We’ll cover that next.

Best practices for adding a QR code to your resume

Don’t just drop it on there—the right placement and design help showcase your professionalism and make your application look great. Let’s take a look at a few tips and tactics for adding a QR code to resumes. 

Where to place a QR code

We recommend placing the QR code in the top corner of your resume, near your contact details. This will be alongside your resume photo, if you’re using one. This puts your code in a clear, noticeable spot so the hiring manager can’t miss it.

Our second choice is the bottom corner of your resume. This is still eye-catching, and you can align it with relevant sections, such as Portfolio or Additional Information.

Choose the right design

Use a subtle design that aligns with your resume template. It should be professional and use neutral colors like navy blue, black, and dark green.

However, if you’re applying for a creative role, like a graphic or fashion designer, feel free to experiment with different colors and shapes to showcase your talents and align with your industry. For more tips, read our complete guide on building a creative resume.

Don’t take up too much space

If you aren't careful, a QR code can take up essential resume space. While generating it, ensure you size it so it isn’t too big but not so small that it’s hard to scan. We recommend about 1 X 1 inch.

You can also practice writing concise, powerful statements. This helps you describe your qualifications while leaving room for your QR code. Check out our resume samples for realistic examples of how to keep a resume succinct.

“These resumes are rapidly gaining popularity, providing employers with new and complex information about you and subtly displaying your aptitude for new technology.”

What should your QR code link to?

A QR code can link to anything that gives the hiring manager more information about your career history and qualifications. This is quite a broad category, so here are some examples to get you started:

• Portfolios and websites: It’s a great idea to link to a personal website or portfolio. This helps show your previous work and skills, as well as your online presence.
• Social media profile: Recruiters love browsing social media profiles to gain more insights. They love connecting over LinkedIn, but depending on your industry and target country, Facebook and Instagram are also great options.
• Video resumes: Some job seekers build video resumes to show their on-screen charisma or editing skills. Attaching a video to your email may be cumbersome, but a QR code leading to it is quick and convenient.
• Specialized portfolio: Some candidates have industry-specific portfolios. For example, tech professionals may want to link to GitHub on resumes, and creative workers may link to Behance.

Risks and pitfalls to avoid

Now, we’ll polish your resume and make it perfect. Here are the most common challenges of a QR code resume and how to avoid them:

• Check for broken links: You don’t want an interested recruiter to encounter broken links. Test your QR code before you send in your resume to make sure the link works as intended.
• Ensure it’s scannable: If the code is too small or unevenly printed, it can affect its ability to be scanned. Make sure your code is sized and placed correctly.
• Limit the number of codes: Don’t clutter your resume. Include only one QR code per resume, and if you have any other information, simply include the URL in your contact details.
• Update your links: Check in on your links every few months and make sure they still lead to the right destinations. Updating your LinkedIn or website could change the URL, and your QR code will break.
• Link to quality information: Don’t link to incomplete or lackluster information. Ensure you fill out online profiles, optimize your website, and update profile pictures.

Looking for more advice? Check out our top 10 resume tips and secure your dream job.

Expand on your background with a QR code resume

You have a complex professional background, and it all won’t fit on a resume – a QR code resume helps you show employers everything you bring to the table. Whether you link to a personal website or a LinkedIn profile, these codes provide an attractive, eye-catching way to provide relevant qualifications.

Remember to include just one code, keep it small, and place it at the top of the page. This ensures your QR code grabs the hiring manager’s attention but isn’t intrusive.

Put our tips to use today with CVwizard’s resume maker. Easily insert your QR code as an image at the top of the page and fill in the rest of your details underneath. Want to tailor your code for different applications? Quickly edit your resume or build a new one in minutes.