The short answer
Put a small dynamic QR code, about 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 in) wide, in the footer or corner of a printed resume and link it to your portfolio, a LinkedIn profile or a current PDF. Do not put your home address or phone number into a static code, since anyone who scans or photographs it can read it. Keep the printed text self-sufficient, as applicant tracking systems ignore graphics.
How to add a QR code to a resume
Pick the one destination that adds value
Choose your portfolio, project page or a current PDF of the resume. The QR code should offer more than the page already says, not repeat it.
Create a dynamic code
Save the link as a dynamic URL code so you can update the page, or swap to a new portfolio, after the resume is printed or sent.
Place it in the footer
Set the code at 1.5–2 cm in a corner or footer, away from the main text, with a short label such as “Portfolio”. Dark on white, with a clear border.
Print the address too
Add the short web address under the code. Some employers will read a paper copy without a phone to hand, and applicant tracking systems read text, not images.
Test with the final file
Export the final PDF and scan it from the screen and from a printout. Do this after any margin or font change.
Size, distance and placement
- Best code type
- Dynamic URL code to a portfolio, profile or current PDF
- What not to put in a static code
- Home address, personal phone or date of birth: anyone who scans or photographs the code can read it
- Typical scan distance
- Paper in the hand or on a desk: 20–40 cm
- Minimum printed width
- 1.5 cm (0.6 in); 2 cm is more comfortable
- Placement
- Footer or corner, with a border; not over the main text
- Digital copies
- Applicant tracking systems read text, not images: print the web address too
- PDF hosting
- Link to a hosted PDF so you can replace it with a newer one
Static or dynamic on a resume?
Dynamic, because you will update your portfolio, change your hosting or add a new project long after a resume is printed or emailed. A dynamic code points at a short link you can repoint at any time. A static code also holds its link in the pattern, which means it stays visible and cannot be revoked. Because resumes get shared widely, avoid putting private details such as a home address into any static code.
Common mistakes
Tip: if you apply to several kinds of job, make one dynamic code per audience, for example “design” and “engineering”, each pointing at a different portfolio page. You can see which one gets scanned.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a QR code on my resume?
It can help for printed resumes and networking events, as a way to reach a portfolio. Keep the resume complete without it, because digital screening ignores images.
How big should a resume QR code be?
About 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 in) wide, with a clear border, dark on white.
What should my resume QR code link to?
Your portfolio, a project page, a professional profile or a current PDF. Pick one that adds information beyond the page.
Can I update the link after sending my resume?
With a dynamic code, yes. You edit the destination and every copy of the resume follows.