How to Make a Resume With a Scannable QR Code

Expand your resume with a QR code leading to extra information or content. Stand out from the crowd and land that job!

Benefits of QR Codes on Resumes

A resume with a QR code can increase your chances of getting hired if you use it right. The scannable code opens a window of opportunities to make yourself stand out as a potential employee:

  • Quick link: Hiring managers can find your LinkedIn QR code on your resume and simply scan it with their phone.
  • Current technology: Using a QR shows that you’re tech-savvy, wich is useful if you’re looking for a job in fields like web design or digital marketing.
  • Interactive = engaging: Hold potential employers’ attention with an interactive QR code on a resume for a video introduction.
  • Manage space on your resume: Make your resume more visually appealing moving some of the information online, accessible via the QR code.
  • Tracking scans: Monitor how often your QR code is scanned and where those scans come from to measure interest in your resume.
  • Multiple content formats: A single QR code can also connect recruiters to your landing page or intro video (not just your resume).

How To Create a QR Code on a Resume

Creating a QR code for your resume using our online generator could not be more straightforward! Find out how to add a QR code to a resume in 4 simple steps:

  1. Choose your linked content and QR code type

    Choose the type of information you want to encode, such as a URL to your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or digital resume. Select the QR code type that best suits your link.

  2. Customize the QR code for your resume

    Take advantage of our customization tools to create a QR design that’ll stand out on your resume. Play with color, frames, and a call to action until you’re happy with your code.

  3. Save your new QR

    Click the button to generate the custom QR code for your resume. Then, download the finished product as an image file.

  4. Add the QR code to your resume

    Import your QR code image file into your resume. Make sure it is well-positioned within the layout so that it stands out and does not make the document feel cluttered.

How to create a resume QR code by uploading the resume file to Google Drive

If you store your resume on Google Drive, you can easily generate a QR code using the file’s shareable link. Here’s how to do it with OnlineQRCode:

  • Upload your resume: Go to Google Drive and upload your resume as a PDF. Give it a clear name (e.g., Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf).
  • Create a shareable link in Drive: Right-click the file and select “Get link.” Set the access so anyone with the link can view.
  • Generate the QR code: Go to OnlineQRCode. Choose the URL QR code type and paste your Drive link. Customize the design if you want it to match your resume style.
  • Add the QR code to your resume: Download the QR code in high resolution and place it on your resume. Test it on both mobile and desktop to make sure it loads quickly.

Optional: A dynamic QR code lets you update the destination without changing the code. If your resume is in Google Drive, you can keep the same link. Just replace the file using “Manage versions.”

Types of QR Codes To Use on Your Resume

Different QR code formats can help you highlight your skills and experience. Here are the best QR code options to use on your resume:

  • PDF QR codes for resume downloads

    Recruiters can instantly access your resume or extended resume using a PDF QR code. It also makes it easy for them to save or share it with other departments.

  • Static or dynamic URL QR codes for portfolios

    With a static or dynamic URL QR code, hiring managers can go directly to a specific webpage, such as your personal website. This allows recruiters to explore your best work samples.

  • Social media QR codes for LinkedIn

    Social media QR codes can bundle several professional profiles. Most job seekers use them to highlight LinkedIn, giving recruiters quick access to their work history and recommendations.

  • Video QR codes for intros or demos

    Link to an intro video or demo reel using a video QR code. This format is effective for job applications in sales or on-camera roles, where strong communication is important.

  • Landing page QR codes for multiple assets

    Use a landing page QR code to direct users to one page that includes multiple resources. You can add your resume, along with your portfolio and contact details.

  • vCard QR codes for instant contact saves

    A vCard QR code shares your contact details. It’s especially useful at networking events or conferences, where recruiters collect many resumes and need a quick way to reach you later.

Best Practices for QR Codes on Resumes

Do you want the QR code on your resume to have maximum impact? Follow these tips to make them more user-friendly and effective in showcasing your qualifications.

Size and positions are key

First, make sure the QR code is easy to notice and scan on your resume.

There are 2 key rules to follow.

  • Place it in a prominent location, such as near your contact information.
  • Make sure its size is at least 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 inches x 0.8 inches)

Go dynamic

Use a dynamic QR code. These types of QR codes allow you to update the content linked from your resume without changing the code itself.

When you use OnlineQRCode to create the code for your resume, it will automatically be dynamic. This means you can always ensure your information remains current.

Test that you can scan it from your resume

Always, always, always test QR codes before you use them. You want to make sure the person reading your resume can access your linked content.

Before you send it off to potential employers, try scanning the resume QR code with as many different devices as you can to make sure it works.

If you’re sending a physical copy of your resume, test the QR after printing.

If you’re sending it by email, try scanning the QR on a computer screen.

On the off chance that there is an issue, you can return to our site and fix it.

Make sure the link always remains active

Choose a destination link that will remain online long-term, such as your LinkedIn profile or personal website.

If you use a static QR code, make sure the linked webpage will not be moved or deleted in the future. Avoid links to temporary folders.

Test the QR code on your smartphone from time to time to confirm that the link loads correctly for recruiters.

Consistent personal branding

Keep your QR code consistent with your resume design. Match colors and fonts so the QR code complements your visual identity and the page it directs to.

For example, if your resume has a specific color palette or minimalist layout, include those design elements in the QR code. Use the resume’s colors or avoid a heavy border to prevent the code from overpowering your text.

Make it clear to employers what they will find

Provide a clear call-to-action or label near the QR code on your resume. This should inform recruiters about what they'll access when scanning it.

Go for something short and simple like "Scan for my portfolio" or "View my video introduction".**

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Professional QR Code Designs for Resumes

QR codes on resumes are used in various creative ways across different professions. They are a fantastic way to showcase unique skills and portfolios.

resume-qr-code-into-minimalist-logo-design

Creative designs to match industry

Some creative examples include incorporating the QR code into a minimalist logo design, using colors that match your resume's aesthetic.

You might also frame the code with a professional icon related to the industry you work in.

For instance, a software developer might embed their QR code within a stylized computer screen icon, while a graphic designer could integrate it into an artistic composition.

resume-qr-code-into-portfolio

Resume with a QR code to GitHub or your portfolio

Many job seekers use a QR code to show off their previous work.

  • Graphic designers often use an Image QR Code to link their QR codes to online galleries displaying their best work samples.
  • Software developers may direct recruiters to GitHub repositories showcasing their coding projects.
  • Marketing professionals might use QR codes to lead to case studies or successful campaign results.
  • Journalists could link to published articles or multimedia stories.
qr-code-multilingual-resumes

Multilingual resumes

If you’re searching for a position that involves speaking or writing in multiple languages, you’ll probably want to have copies of your resume in all the languages you speak. This is a great way to cover all bases and show off your fluency.

Instead of sending a copy of each document, many multilingual job seekers use QR codes to give quick access to resume versions in different languages.

This is a very useful technique when applying for a job with international employers.

resume-qr-code-video-content

Video content

Another common use of QR codes on resumes is to direct employers to videos.

This could be an introductory video or video resume, which is a great idea if the role involves public speaking or making presentations.

Video content is also a must for job applications in the film industry. With a Video QR code leading from your resume, you can show off your skills firsthand.

FAQs About Resume QR Codes