Is putting a QR code on your resume actually a smart move? Let's outline the pros and cons.

As you go through your day, chances are, you've encountered a quick response (QR) code in the wild – whether it was at a grocery store, a restaurant, or a doctor's office. These little squares of random patterns allow the people who create them to cram a ton of information into a tiny space. 

That's got a lot of job seekers wondering whether to add QR codes to their resumes. On the surface, it seems like a great way to show that you're up with the times. But does adding a QR code on your resume cause more harm than good?

Let's find out!

What is a QR code?

Love them or hate them, QR codes are everywhere. They're basically just barcodes that you scan with your smartphone's camera. If you have an older generation smartphone, you may have to install a QR reader app, but they're usually free. 

All you do is hold your smartphone up to scan the square matrix, and it'll automatically generate a website, coupon, social media profile, YouTube video – you name it.

In the realm of resumes, QR codes might seem like a smart, eye-catching way to save space. Instead of squeezing as much information as possible into those one or two pages, you could simply paste a QR code at the top and lead the reader to your personal website, online portfolio, or even a YouTube introductory video where they can learn more about you.

But do QR codes really have a place in the resume world? And, if they do, how do you go about generating one? Here are the answers to your burning QR code questions.

Should resumes have a QR code? 

Like anything, there are pros and cons when it comes to putting a QR code on your resume. Let's outline both.

Pros of using QR codes on resumes

  • It's an eye-catcher: It's not every day a hiring manager comes across a QR code on a resume, so it could potentially help you stand out from the crowd. It's also a smart way to show off your skills – if applicable to your industry.

  • It's a space-saver: Resumes are tricky because you only get one to two pages to show off who you are and all your accomplishments. With a QR code, you have the opportunity to build out a more robust profile online, so you feel less strapped to include every single detail on your resume.

  • It's insightful: Depending on what tool you're using to generate your QR code, you can sign up to receive alerts when someone scans it, giving you insights into whether or not people are engaging with it and where they're located.

  • It's targeted: If you have a common name, it might be difficult for employers to do a quick Google search and find your website, LinkedIn profile, or online portfolio. With a QR code, you know you're sending them directly to the real you.

Cons of using QR codes on resumes

  • It's still a relatively new technology: No, it's not like QR codes are the latest and greatest tech trend. But not everyone is familiar with them and how they work.

  • It's too time-consuming: It might sound strange because QR codes really don't take more than a few seconds to scan, but it's still just one more step a hiring manager needs to take to get to know you. Studies have shown recruiters look at resumes for approximately six to 10 seconds before moving to the next.

  • It doesn't always work: If a hiring manager or recruiter pulls up your resume from their phone (which is totally plausible these days), they have no way to scan that QR code, rendering it useless at that moment. Or, if they print your resume on paper, the QR code may not print well – it could come out blurry or distorted – making it equally unusable.

  • It really doesn't add that much value: Depending on what you decide to link your QR code to, ask yourself if it's adding value to your resume and overall job application. If you're linking out to your LinkedIn profile, you could simply add a hyperlinked URL to your resume. 

  • The ATS doesn't like them: As you know, a lot of companies use applicant tracking systems to weed out applicants. Since the QR code shows up as an image on your resume, the ATS may determine that your resume file has an error since it can't read images. This could cause your resume to be rejected. 

If you take the leap to add a QR code on your resume, for the love of all things grand, be sure that whatever you're linking to is in tip-top shape – not a rudimentary site riddled with typos and outdated information.

How to add a QR code on your resume

If you decide adding a QR code on your resume could add value and is worth your time, the good news is, these are simple to create. There are various ways to go about it, but here's one option:

  1. Visit the QR-Code-Generator website.

  2. Enter your website URL, attach a PDF, or, if you click “Vcard,” you can add your personal contact information, which will be automatically saved to the user's phone. Click around and explore all your options.

  3. Choose a frame so that instead of simply plopping the code on your resume, you can add a little “SCAN ME” icon frame to guide the reader. It's fairly crucial to put a caption that tells the hiring manager why they should take time out of their busy day to scan your QR code. 

  4. Download the JPG, then add it to your resume. QR-Code-Generator says the square needs to be at least 2 cm by 2 cm for it to be scannable, so make sure you don't resize it too much.

QR code placement is critical

The best place to add the QR code is near your name in the contact section of your resume. Alternatively, you can bury it in the footer – this is a good idea if you're worried about getting your resume past the ATS because applicant tracking systems can't read header and footer text. 

If you're linking the QR code to a specific project or a video that shows you presenting some critical information in a major forum, you could put the QR code near the place on your resume where you talk about that specific project. 

Just make sure the placement is logical and doesn't distract from what the hiring manager or recruiter really wants to see – which are your work experiences, job qualifications, and skills.

Alternative ideas to putting a QR code on your resume

Networking is one of the most important things you do to further your career. Attending career fairs and events to connect with people in your industry is a great way to learn about secret jobs – those roles that companies don't post publicly. Rather than carrying your resume to these events, create a personal business card. You can add a QR code to that personal business card that can link to your online resume, LinkedIn profile, or web-based portfolio. 

Of course, during whatever conversation you're having with the person that you hand your personal business card to, you'll want to talk about the QR code and what they'll find on the other end of it. Hype it up, give them a reason to want to scan it. 

To QR or not to QR

While adding a QR code may not be viable for everyone, if you decide to use one, be sure it makes sense and test the thing before you send out your resume. The name of the game is to stand out among fellow job seekers, but you have to get past the ATS and impress a hiring manager to do that – adding something gimmicky like a QR code may cause more frustration than awe. 

Want your resume to stand out, but not so sure a QR code is a good idea? A professional resume writer can make your resume really shine!

This article was originally written by Carson Kohler. It's been updated by Marsha Hebert.

Recommended Reading:

Related Articles: