Should You Include a QR Code on Your Resume?

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Personally, I like Mary Grace's idea for the high-tech college student with the business cards being scanned in by potential employers. Imagine the trees that would be saved. Of course, this technology probably won't be available tomorrow, or the day after, either; however, I believe the QR codes are a possible step towards this scenario. Another advantage to this method of job-seeking would be, the ability of the student to sell his/her self with the beneficial aid of multimedia applications. I am a firm believer in the power of the internet and of personal web sites. This code, or link, could save an employer countless hours of searching through numerous web sites for the information that they require.

Roger of GA 12:51AM April 21, 2011

QR = Barcode = Big Brother
When people are reduced to a barcode it will be the epitome of a tracking technique similar to USDA grading on a side of beef.

valentino martinez of MO 2:35PM April 20, 2011

QR Codes have been around since 1994 in Japan. The rest of the world caught on a long time ago to this technology. Putting a QR Code on a resume allows the person who scanned to see additional information not found on a resume. The idea behind the QR Code is to give additional information.
Here is a student (intern) in France using a QR Code on his resume. You have to admit it is very creative. This person demonstrates thinking out of the box.
http://vimeo.com/21228618
Just because you may not be willing to accept it on a resume does not mean others feel the same.

Carmine of UT 11:25AM April 19, 2011

The place where I see opportunity is in remote hiring scenarios. For example, imagine college students with business cards scanning them at the table of tech savvy employers who are on campus recruiting. It serves as an easy way to get their data into the system and eliminate the paperwork / redundant data entry downstream. Of course this assumes the system can receive this as a means to start the process so there's some work for the employer as well as the candidate before it's possible...but I do think there is true benefit opportunity for both parties (employer and candidate) to eliminate friction in the process.

Mary Grace Hennessy of MA 10:36AM April 18, 2011

I don't understand why it would ever make sense to put a QR code on your resume. On the back of a business card to link to an online portfolio, absolutely, but not on a resume. Use the back of your business card to make your "techie genius" stand out. Not your resume. Resumes are old school... paper, ink, and nothing else. They are not the place to go cutting edge. Save it for your business cards or your online portfolio.

Jamie of SC 2:11PM April 07, 2011

Adding a QR code to your resume may seem trendy, but what is the real value added? There really isn't any! Stick to providing normal links showcasing your online profiles and portfolios!

Marco Puccia of MD 2:03PM April 07, 2011

*and a regular barcode rather. QR codes are 2D barcodes :).

Liz Carlson of CA 2:49AM April 07, 2011

When Starbucks first announced they'd be enabling users to use QR codes as digital gift certificates (the customer's mobile device displays the QR code, and SBux scanned it)... I immediately went and bought up every single QR code domain. Please contact me if you want them!! ecarlson08 at cmc dot edu. (Some girls buy shoes..)
The two best use cases for QR codes are for 1) Gift certificate redemption / Rewards at stores to build customer loyalty and 2) Entertainment/Product posters to increase customer conversion + attract new fans. My buddy Matthias has an AWESOME, profitable QR code start-up @ShareSquare, and their QR codes are displayed on magazines and thousands of posters by bands + brands. QR is here to stay for posters and in-store rewards, cheaper to implement than NFC scanning systems which are more apt for things like vending machines.
However, QR codes on resumes simply are RIDICULOUS. I would know because I tried it once, sending my resume to a company called "SlideShare" and I didn't even get a response. Perhaps my creativity came across as desperate. The best way to get a job is through an inside connection.
If any of your readers do not know what a QR code is I saw this simple diagram on a blog explain the difference between it and a 2D bar code: http://www.georgehernandez.com/h/aaBlog/2004/media/04-20_2DCode.gif

Liz Carlson of CA 2:47AM April 07, 2011

There is an additional technical hurdle to be cleared (so far as HR recruiters is concerned) - the resumes are scanned and the scanner needs to understand the QR codes, otherwise it may end up as gibberish on your resume scanned into the database.

Vikram Chari of NY 9:34AM April 06, 2011