Your resume look matters. Should it be just words? Or should it have colors and designs? Some resumes look like art. These are “visual resumes.” Are they good for you? When should you use a visual resume? When is plain better? Let’s find out how to pick the right resume look.

---

Two Resume Looks: Fancy or Plain?

When you make a resume, you have two main styles to pick from: fancy or plain.

Fancy resumes use designs. They use colors. They use pictures and shapes. They can look really cool. They try to grab your eye fast.

Plain resumes are simple. They use black text. They use white paper. They use lines to split parts up. They are clean and easy to read.

Which is right for you? It depends!

---

When Fancy Works: Make It Visual!

Fancy, visual resumes can be great. But only at the right time. When should you go bold and use designs?

• For Art Jobs: Applying to art school? Want a job in design? Then a visual resume can be awesome. It shows you get design. It shows you’re creative. It fits right in.
• Show Off Cool Skills: Can you make things look great? Are you good at design programs? A visual resume shows these skills right away. It’s like saying “Look, I can design!”
• Online is Best Place: If your resume is mostly online, visual can work well. On a screen, colors and layouts pop more. It can make your online page stand out from the rest.

---

When Plain Wins: Keep It Classic!

Simple, classic resumes are still strong. For many jobs, plain is the better way. When should you keep it classic?

• For Serious Jobs: Want a job in a bank? In a lab? In a law office? Keep it classic. These fields want to see you are serious. They want to see you are pro. Fancy can look too wild.
• When Words Matter Most: Is your work history super strong? Do you have great skills to list? Then keep it plain. Let your words shine. Don’t let design take over. Focus on what you HAVE done.
• If Design is Not Your Thing: Not everyone is a designer. And that’s okay! A bad design resume can hurt you. A plain, clean resume is always safe. It’s always clear. It always works.

---

Making Fancy Work: Tips for Design

Want to try a visual resume? Go for it! But do it right. A bad design is worse than plain. Make sure your visual resume is still:

• Easy to Read: Yes, it looks cool. But people still need to read it fast. Use clear words. Use easy fonts. Don’t make it too hard to read because it’s too “artsy.”
• Clean and Simple Design: Less is more. Don’t use too many colors. Don’t use too many shapes. Keep it clean. Keep it simple. Clean design looks pro.
• Pro Tone: It’s still a resume. It needs to look pro, even with designs. Keep your words pro. Keep your info clear. Don’t let design make it look silly or not serious.

---

Think About the Job: What’s Right for Your Field?

The best way to pick? Think about the job or school. What’s normal for that field?

• Art Fields = Visual is Okay: Art, design, video jobs – visual resumes can fit in. They can show you get the field.
• Other Fields = Classic is Safer: Business, science, health jobs – classic is often best. It’s seen as more pro. It’s seen as more serious.
• Not Sure? Ask Someone Who Knows: If you don’t know what’s right, ask! Ask a teacher. Ask someone who works in that field. Get advice for YOUR path.

---

Action Steps: Choose Your Best Resume Look

Ready to pick your resume style? Do these things now:

• Know the Job Field: What kind of job or school is it for? Art or business? Design or science?
• Look at Examples Online: Search online for “visual resumes” and “classic resumes.” See what styles fit each job type.
• Be Real About Your Skills: Are you a designer? Great! Are you not? That’s okay too. Pick a style that works for YOU.
• When Not Sure, Go Clean: Still not sure which way to go? Keep it clean. Keep it classic. Simple and clear is always a good choice.

---

Final Thought: Resume Looks: Fancy or Plain? How to Pick

Fancy or plain? Both can win. Pick the right look for YOU. Pick the right look for the job. Make your resume look right to get YES! Your resume look matters. Should it be just words? Or should it have colors and designs? Some resumes look like art. These are “visual resumes.” Are they good for you? When should you use a visual resume? When is plain better? Let’s find out how to pick the right resume look.

📢 Want more college admissions tips? Check out Cirkled In Library for expert advice and tools to help you build a winning college application and land a spot at your dream school! 🚀