Do Employers Care About Your Resume Or CV Designs?

How design can help with your resume’s readability and more.

By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM

Updated on 2025-01-21 at 2:54 AM

We all know first impressions matter, and in job applications, your resume is your first chance to make an impact. But does the way your resume looks really matter as much as what’s written on it?

The short answer: yes and no. While flashy designs might catch a recruiter’s eye, they won’t land you the job if your content doesn’t back it up. 

The best resumes strike a balance between looking professional and being easy to read. Here’s what you should focus on when creating your resume.

What Makes a Good Resume Design?

When it comes to resume design, simplicity wins. Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning each resume, so clear formatting is crucial. Use clean fonts, plenty of white space, and a logical structure that makes your experience easy to find.

  • Avoid Overcomplicated Designs: Graphics, colors, or charts can distract from your qualifications.
  • Focus on Readability: Stick to simple fonts like Arial or Calibri in sizes 10–12.
  • Highlight What Matters: Use bold text or bullet points to draw attention to key achievements.

What Recruiters Are Really Looking For

Recruiters aren’t hiring you for your design skills (unless it’s a design-related job). They’re looking for someone who can do the job well. The content of your resume should make that clear.

Here’s what they care about most:

  • Relevant Skills: Tailor your resume to highlight the skills that match the job description.
  • Work Experience: Focus on achievements rather than listing tasks. Show how you’ve made an impact.
  • Clarity and Honesty: A clear, straightforward resume builds trust and confidence.

Why Resume Design Matters

While content is king, your resume’s design can influence a recruiter’s perception of you. A clean, organized layout conveys professionalism, attention to detail, and effort. Avoid overloading your resume with graphics or unnecessary details—simplicity often leaves the best impression.

Remember, your resume isn’t an art project—it’s a professional document that represents you.

A resume design that works isn’t necessarily the flashiest or most artistic—it’s one that effectively communicates your skills, qualifications, and experiences in a way that’s easy to read. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so cluttered or overly elaborate designs can backfire.

In our latest video, we compare different resume designs to uncover what works and what doesn’t. From layouts to fonts and colors, we analyze the key elements that can make or break your resume.

Want to ensure your resume impresses recruiters? Take a look at these essential resources for actionable tips:

If your resume needs a refresh, you don’t have to start from scratch. There are several online tools designed to make resume creation simple and effective, whether you’re a design novice or an experienced professional.

Here are some of the best options:

  • Resume.com: A user-friendly tool for creating resumes quickly and easily.
  • CV Maker: Simple templates that help you create a polished CV.
  • Zety: Offers step-by-step guidance and customizable designs.
  • VisualCV: Perfect for building both traditional and creative resumes.
  • MyPerfectResume: Features tools for crafting resumes tailored to specific roles.
  • Visme: Great for visually appealing designs and portfolios.

Whether you’re creating a sleek, minimalist resume or one that’s a little more visually dynamic, these tools can help you achieve a professional look while keeping the focus on your content.

Your resume is just the start. The next step is finding the right opportunities and showing employers why you’re the perfect fit. Hiredly is here to make that easier for you.

Not sure where you fit? The Work Personality Test helps you discover careers that match your strengths and personality. Also, our Young Leaders Community get exclusive career advice, insider tips, and updates on job opportunities by joining our growing network of young professionals.

Hiredly is here to help you go the distance. Ready to find your next big opportunity? Sign up now at Hiredly.com and take your job search to the next level.

By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM