QR codes have a myriad of uses. From managing digital marketing to enhancing business operations, you can create QR codes for pretty much everything, including job hunting.
By adding a QR code to the traditional resume, job seekers can spice up their CVs with interactive and engaging elements that can make a difference in the recruitment process.
In this post, we’ll review the advantages of adding a QR code to your resume file. Using this almost omnipresent resource, you can captivate any hiring manager by offering more comprehensive information about your background and skills. Moreover, you’ll do this cleverly and innovatively!
Table of Contents
- What Is a QR Code on a Resume?
- Benefits of Including a QR Code on Resumes
- How to Use a QR Code on a Resume
- Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes
- How to Create a Dynamic Resume QR Code
- Wrap-Up
What Is a QR Code on a Resume?
Resume QR codes link to additional information about a potential job candidate. Scanning the code directs the recruiter or hiring manager to digital resources such as online portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, digital resumes or candidate websites, or even video introductions for candidate pre-screening.
Through QR codes on resumes, candidates can innovatively present themselves and enhance their application to the eyes of employers who can easily access additional content. The convenient techy touch can get you off to a brilliant start in your next career adventure!
Benefits of Including a QR Code on Resumes
Impress recruiters with an interactive element
A QR code on your resume is a killer innovative touch. Often, CVs follow established formats and conventions, and do not offer more information beyond what’s contained therein. The code is an attractive, interactive element that, cleverly used, will surely make you stand out.
Streamline the application process for higher engagement
Adding a QR code that links to relevant content allows recruiters to save time; they only need to scan the code and access your LinkedIn profile, personal website, portfolio, and any other medium.
Additional content can yield higher engagement with your profile, a key element in driving you further into the selection process.
Maximize the limited space of a CV to add more information
Resumes have limited space and usually go straight to the point. There’s little chance to include other relevant information that might tip the balance in your favor and make you stand out.
The QR code fixes this issue, as their storage capacity is almost limitless for what you might need. Dynamic QR codes allow you to change the contents whenever you see fit, adding much-desired flexibility for a fixed format like a CV.
Showcase technical savvy
For positions in the tech or design fields, a QR code on your resume sends a strong message: you keep up with the latest technological trends and are not afraid of implementing innovation when projecting yourself.
Employers seeking candidates adept at navigating digital environments and possessing innovative thinking may find this particularly appealing.
It also indicates that you are meticulous, as the successful integration of a QR code requires mastery of user experience, functionality, and design.
How to Use a QR Code on a Resume
There are many options when using QR codes on your CV, each with a specific purpose.
Use a vCard QR code to connect recruiters to your contact details
Placing a vCard QR code on your resume allows HR staff to save your contact details on their phone. This is pretty convenient as they can contact you directly without the need to retrieve your CV.
Send HR specialists to your LinkedIn profile
Use a QR code for LinkedIn to direct recruiters to your profile on the platform. The LinkedIn QR code allows you to showcase other key elements that may not fit in your resume, such as received recommendations, clippings or samples of your work, and more details about your education.
Allow for pre-screening with a Video QR code
With a QR code for video, you can link recruiters to a brief video introduction for pre-screening purposes. Depending on the video platform of your preference, you can use a YouTube QR code or a Vimeo QR code.
Use the Multi-URL QR code to include various types of additional information
Showcase your online portfolio, include links to your other socials, or direct recruiters to your website with the QR code for Multiple Links. This is a great tool that allows you to embed a significant amount of links of any type, multiplying the additional information you can add.
Leverage the PDF QR code or the document QR code
The QR code for PDF files and the QR code for documents are great allies when it comes to adding more information. These QR codes can link directly to a PDF version of an extended resume or include certificates or case studies, allowing potential employers to explore more details about your skills and experience.
They can also help consolidate supplementary materials like cover letters, reference lists, or work samples into one accessible location, making it easier for recruiters to find everything they need in one place.
Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes
There are two possibilities when creating QR codes for a resume: the dynamic QR code and the static QR code. Let’s draw a comparison:
Why use a Dynamic QR code?
Including a dynamic QR code on your resume offers several unique advantages that can enhance your job application:
Editable content: Unlike static QR codes, dynamic codes allow you to update the linked content (e.g., portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or project showcase) without needing to reprint or resend your resume. This ensures your information remains current even after sharing the document.
Trackable engagement: Dynamic QR codes provide analytics on how many times and where your code has been scanned. You can see when potential employers are engaging with your content, helping you gauge interest.
Space efficiency: Dynamic QR codes store less data, allowing for a cleaner design with a smaller code, freeing up more space on your resume.
Customized experience: You can direct different employers to tailored versions of your content, personalizing the experience for each application.
Professional branding: QR.io’s dynamic QR code allows for branded QR codes, where you can incorporate your logo or design elements, adding a professional touch to your resume.
By using a dynamic QR code, you create a modern, flexible, and interactive resume that gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
How to Create a Dynamic Resume QR Code
With our resume QR code generator, you can create any code for your resume in 5 simple steps.
Step 1. Open a QR.io account
Step 2. Start the creation process
Step 3. Choose the QR code of your preference in the Dynamic section
Step 4. Enter the contents of the QR code
Step 5. Customize your code
Remember to always test the QR code under different lighting conditions and from various distances to ensure it works.
Wrap-Up
It’s very competitive out there and you need to get the most out of the resources at your disposal. QR codes are a fantastic addition to any recruitment process, allowing candidates and hiring managers to streamline the workflow and access additional information.
Candidates see the greatest benefits, as the interactive element of QR codes and their myriad of possibilities can put them at the front. Start creating dynamic QR codes for your resume today with QR.io!
