Recently I was a third party to a conversation between an IT candidate and a recruiter about how best to design a résumé that would be impressive and effective. As the conversation came to a close, the client matter-of-factly asked if it would  be impressive to show the logos of the 3 major well-known companies he’d worked for on his résumé. I sort of winced at the suggestion.  But the recruiter exploded. She jumped up and almost barked, in no uncertain terms, that it would be out of the question. “It’s illegal. I would never send a resume to any client with logo images.”

Well, I was surprised to see a contested discussion break out between them over his right to use “those” logos. He felt strongly that because she had toiled at each of those companies for 3 years he had every right to use them. The recruiter firmly stated that she didn’t want to submit a résumé like that.  It would reflect negatively upon her, responsibly and legally.

So, what’s the answer?

First of all, I’m not going to get in the middle of the legal issue here, since I’m not a lawyer and don’t pretend to know whether it’s legal or not to put a company logo on a resume.  As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and someone who get’s paid to create impressive documents for clients that get noticed, I don’t think logos are profession. They are more like a trick way to get noticed. As for the legality issue, I advise the safe approach, do not include them.  But I’ve heard arguments on both sides of the legal issue and simply say to anyone writing their own résumés: seek legal counsel before adding a logo to your résumé. And then check with your recruiter.  Good luck.

Since the logo conversation between the client and the recruiter, I’ve had a chance bounce the question off of my peers and there are different points of views. Take a look and you decide.

Pro – The addition of a well known, impressive company logo can show pride in the company. Being employed by such a company for any length of time adds value and credibility.  Highlighting the company with their logo shows respect for time spent there.

Con- It’s tasteless, ostentatious.

Pro – If the résumé depicts experience in a creative field: design, art, music, etc. there might be an argument that it would be accepted and even shows creativity to show logos on the résumé. There’s a counter to this, however. Normally when applying for a position in the creative sector, it’s proper and even advisable to enclose or attach a portfolio.  This might be the better place to show logos, rather than on the résumé.

Con –It might appear to be name-dropping by showing logos. I, myself, guard against using excessive superlatives on a client’s résumé.  This might fall into that category.

Pro – I’ve seen logos on résumé a few times.  And in some (rare) cases it’s looked good, when done professionally and the logos are from impressive well known companies. And I must reiterate, if done professionally. Most of the times they look cheap, and certainly have detracted from the message.

Con- Logos on an electronically submitted résumé (95% are) can be rejected by the ATS scanner.  That’s the Applicant Tracking Software, sometimes known as HR drones. And you might be the best qualified.  Want to take the chance?

Pro – If you’re preparing an on-line résumé it’s okay. Fits the frame better than black and white text on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white paper.

Con- Most recruiters, internal or third party, don’t like them. Good résumés are well crafted, stylish, documents that profile a person who is a clear thinker, has quality credentials, and possesses a professional demeanor. Logos don’t represent these qualities. The recruiter has to look at hundreds of résumés and get tired of amateurish tactics.

Con- Graphics (logo images) can add bulk to a résumé file and be rejected because of the size or be rejected by a firewall as spam because of the embedded image. Why take the chance?

Con-  Focus. Spend time choosing the right keywords, adding your correct skills and abilities, determining exactly from the job description what the company is looking for, and crafting those qualities carefully.  Don’t spend the time going for something that the company isn’t necessarily interested in.

Con- Don’t put your school logo on the résumé. For obvious reasons.

These are a few of the pros and cons of adding a company logo to your résumé. I hope you make the right choice. In summary, why take a chance? If you have the credentials, you won’t have to worry. You’re chances are good.

And if you don’t have the goods, then you have nothing to lose. Give it a try.

You choose. Happy Hunting.

Chet

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