It’s recommended to use black ink when printing your resume , as opposed to colored ink. While colored ink may seem eye-catching, it can give an unprofessional impression and even make the resume harder to read, especially for those with poor vision. Prioritizing readability and professionalism by sticking to black ink ensures that your resume is accessible to all potential employers.
It’s advisable to use standard business fonts such as Helvetica, Arial, Times New Roman, or Courier when crafting your resume . Avoid using multiple fonts, which can give an unprofessional impression and even cause eye strain for the reader. Refrain from using fancy fonts and, most importantly, never use Comic Sans, as it’s widely considered an unprofessional font choice. By using standard business fonts, you can ensure your resume looks professional and is easily readable.
There are various ways to format your resume , such as using a chronological, functional, or combination format. Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to select a format that best showcases your skills and experience while aligning with the job requirements. Whichever format you choose, ensure it’s easy to read, uses consistent font sizes and styles, and incorporates bullet points and white space to improve readability. A well-formatted resume can help grab the recruiter’s attention and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.
No matter how high-quality your resume paper and content are, they won’t matter if you print your resume on a low-quality printer. For the best results, it’s recommended to use a laser printer. While inkjet printers are also an option, their ink can smudge or run when wet, which can compromise the quality of your resume .
A laserjet printed resume is less vulnerable to running if your interviewer spills their coffee on it! Never print a resume double-sided. We know it can be tempting to get the most out of your expensive resume paper but it makes it more difficult for a reader to scan through your resume and it looks unprofessional.
Avoid cramming your resume into your bag or briefcase, as it can cause creases and make it appear sloppy. Instead, transport your resumes in a sturdy folder. You can purchase a specially designed resume folder for this purpose, but a regular manilla folder will suffice. Using a resume folder can help keep your resume tidy, making a great impression on potential employers.
It’s a tight job market out there, and you are up against a lot of competition. That means you have to use every advantage available to you to make yourself stand out (see The Best Companies to Work for ).
How your resume looks should be as much a concern as the content. If you need a little resume inspiration, check the Gallery of Best Resumes .
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Resume paper is a special type of paper to print a physical copy of your resume on.
Do resume papers still matter in our digitalised world? Short answer, yes. They are not completely retired yet, and you are better off using one. Sure, it is very niche — but why not increase your chances of standing out and being hired?
Why can't I simply print my resume and go about my day, you ask? Because everything that you do or don't do during a job interview, says something about you. Yes, even the resume paper you are turning in. In other words, first impressions matter — a good resume paper is only going to help you.
Wait, so there are multiple types of resume paper? Well, yes. But don't panic. You will find everything you need to know, useful tips, recommendations and quick links here. We know time is money so let's get to it.
Express your personality with a standout resume.
Today, most job applications only require a PDF version of your resume, which means that a hard copy isn’t always necessary. Still, there are scenarios when a physical copy (or copies) of your resume can come handy.
It is especially in those situations when you come into personal contact with recruiters or hiring managers:
They may also ask you to mail a physical copy of your resume before you’re invited for your interview .
If you want to make a great first impression in all the situations above, using professional resume paper is a way to go.
Click on a section to skip
Color, weight, material, size, texture — often depends on the job, where to buy resume paper, where to print your resume.
As you can learn in the following paragraphs, there are many types of resume paper — some of them will suit a certain type of job better than other. This is why it is ultimately up to you to choose from.
In any case, we did the research so that you don't have to. This is our winner:
And why do we think it's the best?
Color: Ivory — immediately stands out in a pile of white resumes
Weight : 32 lb — firm, durable, will not crease, not see-through
Size: 8.5 by 11 inches in the US, Canada, South America (A4 everywhere else)
Material: 100% cotton — does not reflect light, great color pay-off
Texture: Plain — professional, safe and classy
You can buy it on Amazon .
There are a few parameters which you should consider before choosing your resume paper: color, weight, material, size, texture.
Even though choosing the best resume paper is subjective to your own personal preference, some jobs requires a specific type of resume paper.
Generally, you should stick to neutrals . Especially different shades of white. White is logically the most used paper color — text is easily readable, colorful infographics stick out and it's easy to get a hold of.
But since it's the standard color, it may seem a bit boring — everyone naturally goes with white paper.
Remember, the whole resume paper "science" is about you making an impression and standing out. This is why going for a slightly different shade can help.
We recommend off-white and ivory as go-to colors. Using these instead of white will make your resume immediately stand out in a pile of basic white paper sheets.
If you used colored elements in your resume, bear in mind that colors show best on white. Because of that, try to go with the most subtle shade — this will keep it elegant and ensure good color pay-off.
Other colors such as grey, pastel blue or pink may seem even better at catching the eye. Nevertheless, there is a thin line between standing out and seeming unprofessional.
Colored resume paper can, however, work for people who need to show their creativity (such as designers or people in the arts).
We mean thickness but it's called weight because it refers to how much 500 sheets of paper weigh.
With weight it is pretty straight forward. A very thin resume paper is going to seem flimsy. Try going for 32 lb paper, which is slightly thicker than your usual paper.
It will not crease in the pile of resumes, it is durable and it is not see-through. In the hands of your potential employer it will feel professional and firm.
A slightly thinner option is 24 lb. This is still heavier and firmer than your regular printing paper. This is a pretty decent, more affordable option.
Cotton with the content of 75% or higher . The advantages of high cotton paper include: overall durability, extreme smoothness while having a subtle texture, it does not reflect light. Most importantly colors look great on these!
Some rather unconventional choices are linen and parchment. One word — overkill. I mean c'mon... Imagine someone walking in with a parchment resume.
An interesting choice for someone working in Sustainable Development or Environmental and Conservation Sector is recycled resume paper. This eco-friendly choice is never a mistake.
If you're applying for a job in the North and South America, use a US Letter-sized paper (8.5 by 11 inches) .
However, if you're applying for a job anywhere else — A4 is the standard and we recommend using it. Yes, yes standing out from the crowd and all... But having a different size than A4 will probably just make everybody's lives more difficult.
Do not experiment with paper sizes, unless your potential employer explicitly requires a different size resume paper.
Here we have several acceptable choices. However, in our opinion only one of them is safe (yet classy). Go with plain cotton resume paper texture.
Here's why: it's a conventional safe choice and it won't feel weird to any potential employer, plus there's zero risk of faulty printing.
Other options are somewhat unconventional, but that does not mean that they can't work for some people.
Linen paper bears resemblance to woven fabric. The quality of linen paper ranges from a very subtle finish to a more pronounced one. This type of texture could work for someone who wants to be really extra and is looking for an extra job. Other than that it's just unnecessary.
Laid paper can look quite elegant thanks to the symmetrical horizontal chain line pattern. However, it's prone to ink smudging and bleeding. We do not recommend taking the risk of ruining your resume.
Granite paper is usually made of recycled material and is, therefore, an attractive and environmentally sound choice. Again, if you work in Sustainable Development this is going to make a very good first impression.
Usually you should be able to find resume paper at any office supply or stationary retailers such as Office Depot, Costco and Target, or Staples and Ryman (if you shop in the UK).
However, shopping online saves a lot of time and often you have a wider choice of products:
Southworth is a very high quality resume paper brand recognised by the National Resume Writers Association . But keep in mind that most of their papers are watermarked. On the other hand, some people may take that as an opportunity to show off a little.
Southworth offers a variety of different resume papers — cotton, linen, granite, laid and even ... parchment. All in either white or ivory, and either 24lb or 32lb version (go with 32).
Shop for Southworth resume papers on Amazon or Walmart
The most convenient and affordable option for printing on your own resume paper is probably your own printer.
However, be mindful about printing on different textures! Laid and linen textures can make your printer ink bleed — and you don't want your resume ruined.
If you don't own a printer — try one in your university campus or your local library . Bear in mind that it can be tricky to print on your own paper on public printers.
Other options include:
If you want to support local businesses — try finding a Copy and Print shop near you by typing: "copy print shop [zip code]"
There are times when a printed resume is needed or at least strongly recommended. It’s a good idea to take a copy with you to an interview, in case you need to refer to a specific point, or the recruiter doesn’t have a copy. Or if a company asks you to drop off your resume in person or by post. In these cases, clean white A4 paper will always come across as professional. On the other hand, if you’re in a creative field where visual design skills are important, feel free to channel your inner Warhol and go with something that matches your professional personality (at a company I used to work at, a graphic designer presented theirs in an A6 pack-of-cards format. Brilliant, original, and still memorable many years later!).
Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert
It may seem like a waste of time and money to speculate about resume paper nowadays.
But the truth is, we live in a very competitive environment. Even if you're extremely competent, there's probably someone just as competent as you.
This is why you should increase your chances of being hired in any way possible. A high quality resume paper can help you stand out and make a good impression — it shows that you put in the little extra work.
Anyway, just to summarize, our recommendation is stick to neutral colors (ivory, off-white) or go for a more unconventional color if you work in a creative field. Try a heavier 32 lb paper for a firm grip, or go for slightly thinner and more affordable 24 lb version.
When it comes to textures and material — moderation is key. The 100% cotton material and plain texture ensures high quality printing. You can also try recycled paper if it's relevant to the job you're applying for.
Concluding thought — all things covered in this article are irrelevant if the actual content of your CV isn't as exciting as the resume paper.
We have got you covered. Check out these related articles to help you amp up your resume game:
No matter which you choose, your resume will always stand out.
Gear up to make a digital impact! Convert your LinkedIn profile into a standout resume using our user-friendly tool and be ready for any application process, paper or digital.
Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.
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Writing a resume is not easy.
You have to take care of every detail, such as using a professional font, current font size, line-spacing, keywords, and many other things.
But have you ever thought about which resume paper to use in printing your resume?
Since the inception of the internet, many people assume that you no longer need a physical copy of a resume.
However, the truth is that most interviews nowadays happen face-to-face, and the recruiters expect you to bring a hard copy of your resume during the interviews.
While providing a hard copy of your resume to the recruiter, you must remember that it should look presentable.
The paper should be of high quality, without bends or wrinkles. It would surprise you to see how a high-quality resume paper makes you more presentable and likable in the eyes of a recruiter.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about resume papers in 2022.
Resume paper is designed to print resumes and cover letters. It's more durable than regular copy paper but not as heavy as card stock.
If you're looking to print your resume or cover letter, resume paper is a good choice because it is sturdy enough to stand up multiple copies without tearing or smudging.
It's also important because it makes your first impression extremely good in front of the recruiter or an employer.
Poor quality resume paper can get wrinkled or bent, and it may make you look slouchy and schlumpy.
**Also Read: ** What are the 14 Best Fonts For Resumes in 2022?
A resume paper is thicker, more durable, and more high-quality than a regular paper. Depending on your requirements, it also comes in different sizes, features, and colors.
Many people think resumes and regular papers are the same, which is incorrect.
The resume paper is unnecessary if you are applying virtually and giving the interviews virtually.
However, there are some situations where a resume paper is necessary. Such as:
In these particular cases, you need a resume paper if you want to look professional.
A high-quality resume paper makes your resume stand out and leaves a great first impression on the hiring manager,
**Also Read: ** What are The 10+ Best Resume Formats in 2022?
There are multiple types of resume papers in the market. Different resumes can have different colors, textures, materials, weights, and sizes for different jobs, industries, and companies.
Resume papers can come in various colors. It's your responsibility to choose the right shade of color when picking a resume paper. A wrong choice of color can make you look unprofessional.
Here are some standard colors to use in a resume:
This is the standard color of a resume paper. And the safest option. If you have no idea what color to choose for a resume paper, go with a white resume paper with your eyes closed.
Ivory is also a popular color choice for resume papers. It has a slightly toned off-white look. It can work well if you follow the material or minimal design for your resume. Ivory color can give your resume a classic professional look.
It's not recommended to use other colors in your resume paper. However, you can use colorful resume papers to showcase your talent and skill for some creative jobs such as graphic designer, UI-UX designer, etc.
However, the choice of color, variety of colors, and the template you use should be complementary to one another and should not look out of place.
Always print the colored resume on paper, and see if the hard copy looks better or not before sending it to recruiters.
Also, when selecting a resume color, you need to consider the industry you're applying for.
Some companies may require a formal application. For these types of industries and companies, it's best to use white color resume paper.
Deep colors such as blue, brown, green, and yellow do not look good on hard copies .
There are three main types of resume papers:
Cotton is the most popular choice and expensive for resume paper material, as it's made with cotton fibers woven together to create a smooth surface for printing on.
Recycled paper has become popular because of the current focus on the environment. These have similar properties to Cotton since it's made with recycled cotton papers.
Parchment papers look and feel vintage and classic. So, if you want a classic vibe in your resume, you can choose a parchment resume paper.
A textured paper gives the paper a classic feel. Depending on your choice, it can be rough, semi-rough, or smooth. Here are some of the popular textured papers for your consideration:
Linen is a premium-quality textured paper. You can choose a variety of linen finishes to get the perfect feel you want.
Laid is also a premium texture, which gives the paper a sophisticated look. However, you need to test and review the final print of your resume to ensure the pattern in the resume paper doesn't affect the print quality.
Granite textured papers are made with recycled paper. And the color of these papers is on the darker side than regular paper. This dark speckled look gives the paper a unique look, and if you can use it in the right context, it can draw the recruiter's attention extremely well.
The weight of the paper also plays an essential role in the look and feel of a resume paper.
The weight of the paper comes from the paper's thickness. The thicker the resume paper, the more difficult it is to bend or wrinkle the resume. So, most professionals will tell you to use a 24-pound or 32-pound resume paper.
The size of the resume paper also matters. The size shouldn't be too small that, you can’t fit all your content on one page. It shouldn't be too big either. The ideal size for the resume paper is 8.5 * 11 inches.
**Also Read: ** What is The Best Resume Layout in 2022?
Here are five tips to choose the best resume paper:
You may decide on different resume papers based on the different resume formats. For example, the functional resume format and chronological resume format look good on ivory papers.
Combination resumes and creative resumes stand out more on white paper.
If you're unsure which type of resume paper will work best for you, consider purchasing multiple types and testing them on your printer before printing hundreds of copies.
If you're applying for management or executive positions, consider using high-quality resume paper such as linen or cotton that feels nice in the hands when reading through applications at high-end companies like Google or Apple Inc. It also shows that you are a detail-oriented person.
When it comes to choosing the perfect resume paper for your industry, there are many factors at play.
For example, if you're applying for an executive position in finance or insurance, you might want to use a heavier weight of paper with more texture — because these industries tend to use heavier stock than other industries.
On the other hand, if you're applying for an accounting position in an investment bank, it's probably best to stick with regular-weight paper because those companies usually prefer something lighter that can easily be filed away in a folder or file cabinet without weighing down the folder too much.
To get your resume noticed by the recruiter, you need to create a unique experience for them. So, send the resume in a nicely chosen 24 or 32-pound resume paper. Recruiters will notice the weight difference among other resumes and surely will pick your resume.
**Also Read: ** What are the top 5 Essential Resume Sections in 2022?
We bet you didn't know that a resume paper has so much influence on the recruitment process.
Here are some of the key information we can revisit from the blog:
Visit Hiration's 360 Degree Career Platform to create your professional resume and cover letter. Download it in PDF and Word format to print and send to recruiters.
If you have any questions, reach out to us at [email protected] . We provide 24/7 online chat assistance for our AI-powered tool.
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December 8th, 2009 · 2 comments.
Posted by Brian McCullough
What is the best paper to use when mailing a resume as part of a job application?
I guess this goes along with my post concerning the best font to use for your resume .
I actually have a very specific answer to this question.
For more than a decade now, we’ve been printing hard copies of people’s resumes as an add-on feature to our resume writing service.
And in all that time, we’ve used the same paper.
I’ll tell you all about it, but first, let me make clear: I’m not getting paid or receiving any other consideration for the endorsement I’m about to make.
Having said that, in the r esume writing industry, Southworth is the only paper brand most of us use. You can find a wide range of Southworth paper products at most of the “big box” office supply retailers like Staples or Office Depot .
The specific type of paper I recommend using is Southworth Business Paper, 32lb, 100% Cotton, 8 1/2″x11″ and WHITE.
Here’s why:
Related posts:
Tags: resume help · Resumes
It’s the little touches that count the most. So many job seekers think that sending a resume via email somehow precludes the need for a nice hard copy. Presentation is EVERYTHING. Handing a nicely printed resume on good resume paper to the person interviewing you is absolutely essential! Jerome Imhoff The Resume Shop, “INK” San Francisco
Might want to make sure to proofread what you put on that great paper — change to “too showy” and “too formal”.
— I don’t like the linen paper. It’s too grainy and a bit to “showy” for me. The cotton paper has the heft and the texture without the visible grain. — I always and only recommend going with white paper. The ivory is too much like a college diploma, and to me that reads as a bit to formal.
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COMMENTS
Linen paper is the best choice to give your resume a sophisticated look and make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. When printing your resume, remember that most textured paper usually only applies the features to one side. 2. White 100% Cotton (32lb) ★★★★☆.
Instead of using the standard weight, opt for 24 or 32-pound paper. 24-pound paper is more formal than 20-pound paper. It's also cost-effective and budget-friendly, and can usually go through a home printer easily. 32-pound resume paper is heavier and opaque, and it's less likely to tear. It's usually more expensive than 24-pound paper, and ...
Here are some of the best types of paper to print your resume on: Resume paper Many paper manufacturing companies sell a product called resume paper. The specific material, weight and other factors of resume paper vary depending on the brand. However, reams sold as resume paper typically weigh 32 pounds. Resume paper is most commonly made from ...
Parchment, cotton, granite, or linen are all excellent paper choices for a resume. Each choice is durable and has a professional appearance and quality. Cotton is often most popular choice for printing resumes, as it appears formal and elegant. Try printing a resume on each type of paper to determine which suits your preferences.
Resume paper weight. The weight of resume paper is measured in pounds (lbs) per square meter and is heavier than regular printing paper. The weight typically ranges from 24 lbs to 32 lbs and helps your printed resume to have a sense of substance. It also makes your resume more durable. Choose 24 lbs if you're trying to make a cost-effective ...
Use nice resume paper to print your resume on, and you'll make a great first impression on prospective employers. Our suggestion is to use ivory, 32 lbs, granite, 75-100% cotton resume paper or white, 32 lbs, plain, 75-100% cotton resume paper. But— Feel free to pick a paper type that you like best!
3. Use high-quality paper for management and executive positions. If you are applying for a management position, using the highest quality paper for your resume shows your attention to detail and makes your resume appear more sophisticated. A 32-pound ivory paper with linen texture can be an excellent choice. 4.
3. Decide on the paper you want to use. It's also important to ensure you choose the right paper weight and style for your resume when you print it. Once you decide this, consider checking whether your printing location has the paper you want or whether you can use their options.
Have your resume printed out when going to a career fair. Print out your resume on A4-sized paper. Choose white or off-white paper, depending on your preferences and the template you're using. Pick a nice-looking texture to help your resume stand out. Go for a resume paper that consists of at least 75% cotton.
The heavier it is, the thicker it is. Typical printer paper is 20lb. For a resume it is better to use a heavier paper stock, such as 24lb or 32lb. The heft and thickness of these weights gives the paper a feeling of importance and professionalism. Where regular 20lb paper is flimsy and tears easily, 32lb paper feels sturdy and important.
Resume Paper Size. This is probably the easiest resume paper aspect to get right. As a rule of thumb, the right resume paper size is the standard paper size in your region. In the US, that's the letter size (8.5 x 11 inches). In Europe and much of the rest of the world, that's the A4 size (8.27 x 11.69 inches).
The Right Paper. Standard white copy paper is fine, but you will set your resume apart in a stack of resumes by choosing a heavier, higher-quality resume paper. A package of 50 or 100 sheets is available at any store that carries stationery products. Most human resources professionals agree that white or off-white is the best color choice.
6. Choose an appropriate weight. Resume paper is typically around 24 to 32 pounds, and it's a good idea to avoid plain printer paper, which is only 20 pounds. The paper weight also depends on what you are printing. For instance, if your resume includes graphics, dark areas of ink or has bolded text, a heavier paper weight helps avoid ink ...
Resume paper is usually better quality than regular copy paper. You can purchase high-quality paper which is thicker and has more texture than regular printer paper. resume-specific paper is also non-transparent. The thickness avoids the tearing of the paper. 24 lbs weight at a minimum is what should be used.
Weight: 32 lb — firm, durable, will not crease, not see-through. Size: 8.5 by 11 inches in the US, Canada, South America (A4 everywhere else) Material: 100% cotton — does not reflect light, great color pay-off. Texture: Plain — professional, safe and classy. You can buy it on Amazon.
Factors that determine the quality of resume paper are weight, size, color, and texture. Cotton paper is one of the toughest and most durable. It's also premium, soft to the touch, and crisp. Higher percentage of cotton means higher quality. Recruiters prefer white, standard size, 24 lb (or more) resume paper.
Here are the two most important qualities you may want to consider for your resume paper: Weight: The standard for traditional printing paper is 20 pounds per ream. Resume paper is slightly heavier than that, usually either 24, 28 or 32 pounds per ream. The weight you choose depends on your specific needs and preference, but.
From 0% to 100% in relation to standard wood pulp composition, the higher the cotton content in your resume paper the better the quality and durability. With less light reflection, cotton enhances the richness and depth of ink color. It contributes both softness and crispness to the paper feel.
Paper Color. The color used for a resume matters, almost more so than the weight. Traditional resumes are typically white, off-white, cream or light gray. Many argue that having a color that is slightly different than white helps a resume to stand out in a large stack of papers. However, if you are applying for a creative job, such as a graphic ...
Here are some standard colors to use in a resume: 1. White: This is the standard color of a resume paper. And the safest option. If you have no idea what color to choose for a resume paper, go with a white resume paper with your eyes closed. 2. Ivory: Ivory is also a popular color choice for resume papers.
Print on standard letter-sized resume paper. Choose good-quality paper to make sure your document stays presentable (32 lbs, 75-100% cotton is best, as it's durable and not transparent). Make sure you've picked a suitable resume layout (a resume should be one page, unless you have over 10-15 years of relevant experience and need more space).
24lb paper is "ok" in my opinion, but a little on the light side. It feels too much like high quality laser printer paper. I prefer something that feels higher class. And 32lb does that. Southworth sells paper that they specifically brand as "resume paper" but I prefer the business paper just because of the look and feel.