Should You Include Charts and Graphics In Your Resume? (Update)

As a job seeker, there are few things more important than making sure your resume captures the right kind of attention. After all, hiring managers only spend a few seconds scanning each resume submission as they try to decide which ones deserve to be read. To capture their attention, you may be tempted to include charts and graphics in your resume – but is that really a good idea?

Generally, no; however, it takes a bit of exploration to discover when to use charts and graphics in your resumes. There’s also a right and wrong way to incorporate them into your resume structure. 

Related reading: 17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

What are charts and graphics?

Resume graphics are visual elements that you may want to use to customize your resume presentations. They can include everything from photographs to icons, color schemes, creative borders, tables, charts, and other graphic designs. These elements are most commonly used in resumes targeting roles in various creative industries.

When should you include graphics in your resume?

It’s important to know when it’s appropriate to use graphics in your resume so that you’re not doing anything that might take attention away from your qualifications. Here are a few factors you need to consider before you insert charts or graphics into your resume.

1. When you’re applying for a creative job

A resume with graphics or charts can sometimes be useful for graphic designers, artists, and other creative types. If you’re one of these professionals, creative elements in a resume can help demonstrate your skills. However, it’s still important to make sure the design elements enhance the resume without disrupting the reader’s ability to locate key information.

2. When the company culture encourages creativity

Some companies will encourage you to express your creativity, even within your resume. This is true for many non-traditional firms. Again, it’s essential to keep things simple so those creative elements don’t overwhelm your resume’s format and structure.

3. When the job posting requests creative elements in the resume

The best time to use graphics in your resume is when the company’s job posting explicitly calls for you to do so. In fact, you should always use the type of resume employers ask to see. If the posting calls for a headshot or a demonstration of your creative presentation skills, make sure your resume meets those expectations.

How to include graphics in your resume

If you decide to use charts or graphics in your resume, make sure you do it the right way. Here are some simple tips that can help you add creativity to your resume without disrupting your resume narrative:

• Start with a solid resume format and structure. You’ll likely want to use the reverse-chronological format and a simple structure that organizes information into easy-to-follow resume sections.

• Keep resume graphics as simple and visually appealing as possible. Don’t create complex designs that a hiring manager will have a hard time following.

• Include any personal photo at the top left of your resume. If the job posting calls for a headshot, always add it at the top of the resume, on the left side so that it’s on the same level as your contact information.

• Use complementary colors. Be careful about how you incorporate colors into your resume. Try to use only a few complementary colors in your graphics. You don’t want your resume to look like an impressionist painting!

When shouldn’t you include resume graphics?

There are many reasons not to include charts and graphics in your resume – which is why most job seekers still rely on text-only resumes. The reasons for having a text-based resume are myriad – here are just a few of the most important reasons why your resume should be graphic-free:

• Images, charts, and other graphic elements can be unwelcome distractions

• Images are not ATS-friendly – a vital consideration if you want your resume to get past the machines

• Graphic elements can make your resume harder for hiring managers to find relevant information

• Most employers don’t want to see complex, creative resumes

• Creating a resume that includes graphics can be time-consuming

Advice for including graphics in a resume

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine whether you should use graphics in your resume. Nevertheless, the typical recommendation is that you avoid charts and graphics in your resume and instead focus on crafting a powerful narrative that demonstrates your skills, qualifications, and potential value as a new hire. Anything that might get in the way of that message should be left out of your resume.

So, unless you’re seeking a job in an industry or company that expects to see graphics in your resume, your best bet is to stick to a simple format that uses black text on white resume paper. It’s a guaranteed way to make sure your resume presents you as a competent and well-qualified professional.

Always weigh the pros and cons 

There are many things to consider when you’re crafting a resume, but the most important thing is to make sure that you’re making the right kind of impression on prospective employers. Before you consider using charts or graphics in your resume, make sure their inclusion will improve your resume rather than distracting from your qualifications and fitness for the role.

Are you still wondering whether you should be using graphics in your resume? Get a free resume review from our team of experts and let them help you craft a professional resume that meets your individual career needs.

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine. It’s been updated by Ken Chase.

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• How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples)