Hyperlinks on CVs: Blue, Black, or Text-Only?

The "1990s Blue" Problem

We often see executive CVs that look pristine—until you hit the contact section. There, a bright blue, underlined URL screams "Microsoft Word Default Settings."

It looks dated. It breaks the visual flow. And it signals that design wasn't a priority.

The Aesthetic Standard for 2025

Your CV is a document for screen reading, but it shouldn't look like a raw webpage. Here's how to handle hyperlinks properly:

1. Remove the https://www

It is visual clutter. Everyone knows what LinkedIn is.

Bad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypine

Good: linkedin.com/in/garypine

2. Kill the Blue

Change the font colour to match your body text (Black or Dark Grey). The link should blend with your contact details, not interrupt them.

3. Keep the Function

In Word or Google Docs, right-click the text and select "Edit Link." Ensure it still clicks through to your profile, even if it looks like plain text.

The Result: A header that looks designed, not just typed.

The Executive Standard

At senior level, every visual element on your CV communicates something. A default blue hyperlink says "I didn't review this document carefully."

A styled, functional link says "I sweat the details."

Same function. Different impression.

Link Health Check

• Remove https://www. from the display text.
• Change font color from Blue to Black/Grey.
• Remove the underline (if it looks cluttered).
• Right-click and "Test Link" to ensure it opens your profile.

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For more on CV visual design, explore our Format & Layout insights.