Which color is best for a CV?

Choosing the Best Color for Your CV

When you are putting together a resume or CV, presentation matters just as much as your experience. While a stark white page with plain text is standard, adding a touch of color can help your application stand out without looking unprofessional. Sticking to the right palette ensures your document remains clean, legible, and easy for hiring managers to scan.

For most industries, navy, charcoal, and black are the safest and most reliable choices. These classic shades strike the ideal balance between personality and corporate polish. They work wonderfully whether you are applying for a formal legal position, a creative marketing role, or anything in between.

Beyond looking sharp, these neutral and deep tones offer practical benefits. They provide high contrast against a white background, ensuring your text is effortlessly readable. More importantly, they help create a strong, polished first impression before the recruiter even reads your first bullet point. Use these colors sparingly—such as for section headers or your name—to keep your CV looking modern and structured.