Best Colors for a Resume

Color can work on a resume, but it should never make the document harder to read. Use color as a small accent, not the main event.

Black text on a white or light background is still the safest base. Add color only when it improves structure.

Resume Readability Comes First

CareerOneStop's resume formatting guide recommends basic fonts, consistent spacing, and standard section headings. That same principle applies to color. Keep the resume easy to scan.

Contrast matters

Use dark text for body content. Avoid pale gray, neon, low-contrast colors, or colored paragraph text.

Input: Navy section headers and thin divider lines.
Output: Clear structure without hurting readability.
Input: Pale green body text or bright yellow bullets.
Output: Harder reading and weaker contrast.

Simple color framework

Keep the palette small.

Base color: White or a very light neutral background.
Text color: Black or dark charcoal.
Accent color: One restrained color for headers, lines, or your name.

Choose an Accent Color

Pick a color that fits the role and still reads well. The industry matters less than clarity.

Accent Color	Good Use	Best Fit
Navy	Section headers or thin lines.	Most professional resumes.
Dark green	Small accent for headers or dividers.	Education, nonprofit, or environmental roles.
Burgundy	Subtle accent when used sparingly.	Traditional or client-facing roles.
Dark gray	Low-risk accent for structure.	Any field where you want a quiet look.
Muted purple	Small creative accent.	Design, arts, or brand-focused roles.

Use Color Without Hurting the Resume

Keep the accent color controlled.

Keep body text dark: Do not use accent colors for paragraphs or bullet descriptions.
Use color for structure: Apply it to section headings, your name, or divider lines.
Match other materials: Use the same accent on your cover letter or portfolio when it fits.
Test the print version: Print in grayscale and make sure the sections still read clearly.

Creative fields allow more room for style, but readability still wins. The employer should notice your skills before they notice the color.

For a related Working Nomads article, read references on your remote resume and when to share them for managers before you decide your next step.

What to Read Next

Read what is a functional resume if you want a related next step on resume writing.
Use why a one-page remote resume usually works best for managers when you need more context before your next decision.