Why Color Matters in Your Resume and Cover Letter

I’ve seen tons of posts from recruiters about how you should keep your resume simple, stick with a standard format, and just keep it black and white. Well, that might be true for someone who looks at resumes and cover letters all day long—they probably just want to cut through the noise. So sure, if you want to get through the recruiter at a large company, then maybe stick to the basics. But I tend to disagree when it gets past the recruiter.

As a hiring manager and someone who has spent the last 5 years reviewing resumes and sitting on panels to interview candidates, I can tell you: when I see a resume with some Pepperdine blue (Go Waves) or some Colorado State green and gold (Go Rams), I get a little extra excited before I even get on a call with that candidate.

Here are some of the reasons why I believe color matters — and how you can use it in your resume and cover letter:

1. Color Guides the Reader’s Eye

I usually spend no more than 30–60 seconds on each resume. The right use of color helps me focus quickly on what matters:

• Primary Colors:
  • Name – The one thing you want people to remember.
  • Section Headers – Helps me scan for key info quickly.
  • Skills – Highlight the abilities that match the job.
• Secondary Colors: Job Titles – I want to see alignment with the position you're applying for.
• Black:
  • Job Duties – Only if the higher-priority items check out.
  • Dates – Helps show job stability, but less critical.
  • Prior Companies – Valuable context, not always decisive.

2. Color Signals Personality, without Saying a Word

Your resume is a branding document. The colors you use send a subtle but strong message:

• Company Colors: Matching their palette shows you’ve done your homework and are already thinking like an employee.
• School Pride: Use your alma mater’s colors to connect — especially if the company actively recruits from there.
• Personal Preference: Sometimes I go with colors I simply love. Blue makes sense for me — it signals trust and is tied to data work.

3. Color Can Build Trust — or Break It

Design choices affect credibility. Done right, color feels modern and professional. Done wrong, it looks messy and unpolished.

• Use 1–2 colors max. Keep it simple and intentional.
• Make sure everything is readable, even if printed in grayscale.
• Avoid neon or flashy gradients — unless you're applying to a startup with glitter in its branding.

4. Color Consistency = Professional Polish

If your resume uses navy and your cover letter uses teal, it feels disjointed. Matching colors across both documents says:

• You care about details.
• You know how to communicate visually.
• You’re presenting a cohesive, memorable brand.

5. It’s an Easy Way to Stand Out

I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes. The ones with just a touch of tasteful color stand out instantly. It shows thoughtfulness and creativity — and most people never even try it.

Final Thoughts

Adding color to your resume isn't about decoration — it's about strategy. If you tailor your choices based on research, you’ll stand out in a sea of grayscale. And most candidates won’t even bother.