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Should you put a QR code on your resume?

When a resume QR code is worth the space it takes — a portfolio, project demo, or video introduction — and when it's better left off.

·5 min read

A QR code on a resume is worth it exactly once: when it links to something a recruiter genuinely can't get from the text alone — a portfolio, a project demo, a short video introduction. Otherwise it's a gimmick taking up space that could hold real content.

When it's actually worth adding

When to skip it

How to add one well

  1. Keep it small — near your contact info or in the footer, not the centerpiece of the page.
  2. Label it briefly — "Scan for portfolio" removes any guesswork about what it leads to.
  3. Test it on a printed copy before sending anything out — a code that fails to scan reads worse than no code at all.

Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com

Make it dynamic if your portfolio might change

A static code locks in one specific link forever, which is a problem if your portfolio URL ever changes or you want to update which project it points to. A dynamic QR code lets you redirect it without needing to reprint or resend the resume.

A resume-ready code

Here's a Capy QR styled small and clean, suited for a resume header:

A Mono-preset Capy QR — clean and professional, sized for a resume header or footer.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put a QR code on my resume?
Only if it links to something a recruiter can't get from the text alone — a portfolio, a video introduction, or a project demo. A QR code linking to your LinkedIn profile, which is usually already a text link on the page, adds little.
Where should a QR code go on a resume?
A small, unobtrusive spot — the header near your contact info, or the footer — sized so it doesn't dominate the page. It should feel like an addition, not the focal point of the document.
What should a resume QR code link to?
A portfolio site, a specific project case study, a video introduction, or a personal site with work samples — anything with more depth than fits on a one-page resume. Avoid linking to something generic like your homepage with no context.
Will a QR code on a resume work if it's printed or scanned as a PDF?
Yes, as long as it's exported as a clean image or vector (not compressed into unreadable pixels) and printed with enough size and contrast to scan — test it yourself before sending the resume out.
Does a QR code on a resume look unprofessional?
Not if it's small, purposeful, and links somewhere genuinely useful. It reads as unprofessional when it's oversized, generic, or clearly added just to seem tech-savvy without a real destination behind it.

Bottom line: add a QR code to your resume only if it opens something a recruiter can't already get from the text. Ready to make one? Open the URL QR code generator or browse more QR guides.