Hiring managers receive thousands of resumes for every position. So, even if you spent hours editing your CV, there is still a chance that your resume might get drowned among competitors in the manager’s inbox or email.
Thus, you must add a distinctive element to your resume to outshine your competitors and engage the manager to land the job successfully. One creative way to add such an element is by adding a QR Code to your resume. A QR Code can direct the recruiter to your website, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or contact details and can help you make your resume more distinctive and interactive. Furthermore, it also saves space on your CV, so you can use it to highlight your valuable projects and skills that will help you win the job.
In short, integrating QR codes into your resume is a unique and smart move. Here, we will discuss the 5 best tips for using a QR code on a resume to stand out from competitors.
Let’s get started!
QR Codes – Running Down Through The Basics!
QR Codes, abbreviated for Quick Response, are a special category of two-dimensional barcodes that have the capability to store data in the form of a black-and-white square grid design. Unlike traditional barcodes that require a LASER scanning machine, users can scan QR codes with their smartphone’s camera or by using online scanning tools to access the information.
QR codes have an extensive storage capacity of up to 3KB of data maximum. It can store alphabets, numerics, special symbols, and Kanji characters in the encoded form.
Scanning the QR code via a camera or an online scanning tool decodes the code and provides easy and quick access to the provided data.
These versatile codes were initially developed in 1994 to track the progress of auto parts in their manufacturing process by Denso Wave, a Japanese subsidiary automobile manufacturing company of Toyota Indus. However, today, these special codes can be used to access a wide variety of links:
- Websites
- Portfolios
- Landing Pages
- Service or Product Pages
- Multimedia Links
- Social Media Profiles
- Linkedin Profiles
- Project Details
- Certifications
- Recommendations
- Contact Information
Utilizing a QR Code is an effective and result-driving method for boosting your resume visibility among hundreds of other candidates. It enables quick accessibility and allows you to design a clear layout for your CV. Furthermore, it also gives a distinctive look to your application.
By integrating this special two-dimensional code, you can showcase your enthusiasm for technology and give it an adaptable yet exciting look. Thus, whether you link your contact details or work samples, a QR can be your best solution to have a clear, concise, and innovative resume that quickly grabs the recruiters’ attention.
How to Use QR Codes On Resume?
Adding a QR Code to your resume can help you create a lasting first impression for your job. You can easily make them through the QR Code Generator tool and integrate them into your CV within a few minutes. However, the question is, “What links can you provide via the QR Code on your resume?”
So, below, we have discussed the 5 best tips for using a QR Code on a resume. Let’s have a thorough look at them one by one.
- Video Introduction
A professional video introduction can be a great start to your resume as it will hook your recruiter and create an engaging, exciting, and lasting first impression. It will bring the epitome of advancement to your CV, help you positively show your personality, and visually showcase your dedication to the job opportunity.
You can add prominent details about your professional journey in your video, including your educational background, experience, skills, hobbies, and future goals.
Thus, you can shoot a high-quality short video introduction in formal attire with a professional background and upload it on your Google Drive with public access. Furthermore, use online QR Code generator tools to create and paste a code into your CV. - Website or Portfolio
QR codes are a great way to direct your employment manager to visit the website directly. As websites have a great tendency to be innovative and creative and can extensively showcase your skills, testimonials, and previous projects, you can land your recruiters on a professional and well-designed website.
Similarly, whether you are applying for a content writing, graphic designing, or website development job, you can use a QR code to link your portfolio instead of adding long and complex URLs in the CV. Moreover, it also saves time, effort, and space on your resume, creating an effective impression for the hiring team. - V-Card
Unlike traditional hardcopy business cards, V-cards have become the new normal for professionals. You can design a strategically organized and visually appealing virtual card with basic information and contact details, including name, phone number, email address, work address, and current residing city. Furthermore, you can add a compelling short description of your professional career and expertise.
Thus, potential hiring managers can scan the QR code on your resume and access your contact details with a few clicks. You can mention your social media handles and portfolio links on the v-cards so recruiters can easily and quickly access them. - Multilingual Versions
Suppose you are applying for a foreign company with its local language. In such a situation, a QR code can be an excellent tool to display your creativity and innovation and win the trust of your talent acquisition managers. You can provide versions of your resume in different languages and exhibit your adaptability, cultural awareness, and professionalism to the potential hiring team.
Hence, you can translate your resume into the preferred language with AI tools and design them in a PDF format. Then, you can use an online QR code generator tool to develop one and add it to your resume or cover letter.
You can increase your chances of establishing a strong first impression by enabling your recruiters to view your CV quickly and effortlessly without the language barrier. - Custom Landing Pages
A custom landing page can significantly help you stand out from all other applicants. You can use the landing page to provide comprehensive details about your past working experiences related to the job position.
Additionally, you can also highlight your testimonials, certifications, samples, projects, and achievements to build credibility and show your relevant skills and expertise.
Thus, it adds a unique yet modern look to your CV. By scanning the QR code, your recruiter can comprehensively evaluate your skills and proficiency regarding the job position. Integrating these special two-dimensional codes provides quick accessibility to your hiring team and adds an interactive and appealing feature to your professional profile.
Final Thoughts
Adding QR Codes to your resume can uplift the interactivity and quality of your first professional impression. Moreover, it also saves space on your CV that you can use to provide additional information and perks of your career journey. Thus, using online QR Code generator tools, you can create custom and functional QR Codes to link your data, whether portfolio website or work portfolio and integrate them into your resume to distinguish yourself from your competition.