Infographic resumes have become a staple for job seekers in design, illustration, and marketing positions. They are easy to read and provide a quick overview of your career history.

Recruiters spend just 8-10 seconds reading your resume before deciding whether to call you in for an interview. Using white space and striking visuals will grab their attention.

1. Use bold graphics

Adding graphics can give your resume an eye-catching, unique look. However, make sure that your graphic is not overpowering or distracting. The recruiter needs to be able to read your resume easily and quickly. If they have to struggle to find information, they will likely move on to another candidate. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, resume example sites can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Icons are a great way to add visual flair to your resume without overwhelming it with too much color. They are compact, easy to understand, and can highlight important sections of your resume. For example, using a bright red icon to draw the recruiter’s attention to your contact details can be a smart and effective strategy.

Nevertheless, just because your infographic resume is more visually appealing, it shouldn’t be an excuse for poor grammar or spelling mistakes. Spelling errors will get you sucked into the “no” pile, regardless of how striking your infographic resume is. Be sure to carefully proofread your resume before sending it out.

2. Organize your information

It can be tempting to cram your resume with images and charts, but it’s important to keep your design clean and professional. Avoid using too many fonts or colors, and stick with a theme that is consistent throughout your infographic.

Also, be sure to include your contact information in a clear and prominent location on the page. It’s easy for recruiters to overlook this information.

Data-heavy infographics are a great way to show your qualifications in a unique and eye-catching way. In this example, Caroline used a variety of graphics to highlight her experience, including maps to show location, bubble charts to describe language skills and hobbies, and bar and circle percentage graphs to convey key skills.

If you’re unsure of how to organize your content, try using a two-column layout. This format is a safe option that will still make your information stand out. It’s important to note, however, that this type of layout may not be readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS). So be sure to test your layout before sending out your resume.

3. Add color

Infographic templates allow you to use visual elements to showcase your qualifications and work experience. This may include ranked graphs that rank your skills, an infographic timeline of your job history or circle charts that display your skill sets.

Using contrast is also an important aspect of your resume design, so consider choosing a light background and contrasting shapes and icons. You can also create consistency by using the same font for your headers, subheaders and body text.

When using color, try to keep it simple and limited. Too much color can distract the viewer from the key information you want them to take away from your resume.

Lastly, remember to double-check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Even a single mistake can send your resume to the trash can, despite any eye-catching graphics or creative formatting.

4. Add a photo

If you’re using a resume template that allows for this, a photo can help grab the attention of recruiters. This is especially true if the photo is of you, as it can show that you are personable and approachable.

If your infographic resume is primarily text-based, try adding different fonts and colors for the headers and block sections. This creates the proper contrast and helps the reader find information more easily.

Be sure to have someone else read through your infographic resume before it’s submitted to a job search. This will catch any errors that spellcheck or your own eyes may miss. It’s also a good idea to have someone look at it for formatting consistency, such as making sure all your bullet points line up evenly.