How To Add A QR Code On Your Resume (With Benefits And Tips)

Updated 30 September 2022

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You can use a QR code on your resume to redirect hiring managers to your website or online portfolio. Through this, you can share your past work samples and career achievements to help employers gain a better insight into your career path, professional objectives, relevant skills and personality. Place this code in an easily accessible location so that hiring managers can scan it to obtain more information about you. In this article, we discuss how to add a QR code on your resume, highlight why it is important and share some additional tips to help you get started.

How to add a QR code on your resume

Before learning how to add a QR code on your resume, it is essential to know what a QR code is and how adding one can benefit you. A QR code is an advanced barcode anyone can scan to obtain the encoded information. Using a QR code, you can add additional information such as links, audio files, video files and project work. When someone scans the code, it redirects them to a site that contains all the relevant information.

QR codes can store a significant amount of information, occupy very little space on a resume and are editable. Here are some ways you can add one to your resume:

1. Create your QR code with a QR generator

Online tools allow you to create QR codes that direct viewers to additional content on a separate website, video or document. With these generators, you can encode textual information or links in the code. Input the link or the document in the designated space. Upon scanning, it redirects viewers to the link provided.

2. Describe the code and destination

QR code generators allow you to add a description that tells viewers where they are being directed to. You can use the "Insert Caption" or a similar option available on the generator to add textual content. For example, you can add the text "Please scan to visit my portfolio" or "Check out my website!" which redirects the hiring manager to your online portfolio.

You can choose either a static or dynamic QR code based on your requirements. Dynamic QR codes are editable, unlike static QR codes, which are not editable. While static codes are free, you may require paying to use dynamic ones. Dynamic QR codes also offer features, such as scan analytics, password protection, device-based redirection and access management. This produces a less dense QR code image that is easier to scan.

3. Design your own frame

It is possible to customise the look of the QR code before adding it to your resume using the QR generator. There may be multiple options for frames, colours or shapes that you can use to enhance the visual appeal of the code. Some QR code generators let you upload your logo and adjust it to make the QR code personalised and visually appealing.

If you run a small business, then you can benefit from using your logo to raise brand awareness and showcase your creative skills. You can also add stickers and pre-designed logos, make decorations, customise the QR shapes and change colours to suit your theme.

4. Add the QR code to your resume

You can download the QR code and add it to your resume. Choose the option that allows you to add the file to your resume. Include a QR code at the top of your resume next to your contact information to make it easier for employers to find. Use frames that feature your resume's colours and adjust their shapes to best match the layout and fit the resume. A well-designed and visually appealing QR code is more likely to be scanned by employers. It also demonstrates your professionalism and creativity.

5. Test the code

You can print your resume once you have placed your QR code in the appropriate location. You can then test whether you can view and scan that code with your smartphone or tablet. Sometimes printing an image may distort it due to formatting issues, so it is always a good practice to double-check if the code is accessible and re-directs to the specified link, document or video. You can use any of the free scanner apps to verify. You can follow the steps below:

Ensure that the URL included in the code appears on the screen.
Verify that clicking that link leads you to the information you need.
Make sure the recruiter has a QR reader to use your code.

Benefits of adding QR code

The following are some benefits of using a QR code on your resume:

Enhances your visibility

Using a QR code on your resume gives you a competitive advantage over other candidates applying for the job. The idea of including it is also likely to impress hiring managers, since it is creative and unique. If you are applying for a position in the creative industry or at a marketing agency, you can demonstrate your creative skills by designing a QR that is visually appealing and includes a link for hiring managers to view your work. It is also possible to use the code to present your positioning statement to the hiring manager.

Allows you to add additional information

QR codes on resumes provide employers with a quick and convenient way to view your portfolio projects and other professional details. You can include video presentations highlighting your skills, experiences and prior employment history to increase your chances of getting hired.

For example, when applying for a content writer position, you could include a link to your personal blog with samples of your past work and your own writing. Make sure that the blog does not contain sensitive, inappropriate or controversial topics.

Simplifies the job process

Using a QR code also saves a lot of time for a recruiter during the interview process. A typical interview process might include multiple rounds of meetings and email exchanges, in addition to lengthy interviews to assess your skills and learn about your work history. They may also want to share your portfolio with other colleagues or managers for their opinion.

When you link your portfolio using a QR code, they can directly access the link to verify your credentials, evaluate your skills and learn about your accomplishments to assess whether you are a good fit for the job.

Lets you track the number of scans

QR codes offer professional scan tracking software and administrative tools that notify you when someone scans your code. You may receive an email or text stating that an employer has viewed your resume and is interested in reviewing the linked material. Using a dynamic QR code also allows you to track the number of prospective employers who scan your resume. It also allows you to make edits and customise the QR code based on your requirements.

Highlights your technical skills

Using QR codes in your resume demonstrate that you are up-to-date with the latest technologies and software. Hiring managers looking for technology-savvy candidates may find this impressive. If you are from a non-technical background, you can include this to show your willingness to learn and adapt to change.

Additional tips on using QR code

Here are some additional tips to review while adding your QR code to your resume:

Double-check the link. Make sure the QR code directing viewers to the content page does not contain any inappropriate material.
Make sure the code is easy to scan. Certain codes are difficult to read if they contain too much information, are too small, have a small margin around them or appear distorted.
Ensure the link is mobile-friendly. Recruiters may scan the QR code using their smartphones to visit the content page in the code. Ensure that the page is compatible across various devices, which otherwise may cause a poor user experience.