Create a Killer Resume and Cover Letter

How To Print Your Resume Professionally

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Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it’s important to ensure it looks professional. In this article, we’ll guide you through printing a polished and impressive resume to make you stand out from the competition.

Even though most resumes are submitted digitally, having printed copies is still crucial. In this article, we’ll show you how to print your resume professionally, increasing your chances of securing your dream job.

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It’s All in the Details

The quality of paper you use to print your resume is a small but significant detail. Handing over a resume printed on thin, low-quality, or wrinkled paper from the bottom of your desk drawer will likely make a poor impression. While there are more egregious mistakes, such as submitting a resume with typographical errors, these are generally easier to rectify. Many affordable services are available to help ensure your resume accurately reflects your personality and maintains consistency in font size, style, and format.

High-quality resume paper is both accessible and economical. It can be purchased on platforms like Amazon or most office supply stores. Investing in good quality paper is well worth the effort as it enhances the professional appearance of your resume.

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Times Are Changing

Although job searching has largely transitioned to digital platforms, there are still times when a physical copy of your resume is necessary. In this digital age, we tend to forget the complexities of choosing the right resume paper. Selecting the ideal type, weight, and texture of paper can significantly enhance the presentation of your resume. High-quality paper can make a strong first impression, reflecting your professionalism. While this may require a trip to the office supply store, being prepared and knowing what you need can streamline the process and ensure you present a polished, professional document at interviews or career fairs.

Where You Can Print Your Resume

Although printing your resume at home is an option, using a professional print shop like FedEx or Office Depot is recommended. Despite the ease of modern printing, maintaining a professional-looking resume is crucial.

Professional printing ensures your resume is polished and visually appealing, creating an excellent first impression on potential employers. Today, while printing resumes has become more straightforward, its importance remains undiminished. By choosing professional services, you can guarantee that your resume not only looks sharp but also stands out in a competitive job market.

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Why Bother?

You may think that printing your resume is unnecessary since it’s been submitted online, but having a physical copy shows your attention to detail and professionalism. Even though the interviewer may have already printed a copy, having a physical copy during the interview will demonstrate your preparedness and dedication to the job. It’s also an opportunity to showcase your design skills by choosing high-quality paper and formatting. Overall, printing a resume can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and give you an edge over other candidates.

Bringing a printed resume to your interview is a way to demonstrate your professionalism and something every job seeker should do. It shows that you plan and are prepared. Bring a few copies of your resume even if you are only scheduled to meet with one interviewer. If that person likes you, they may want you to speak with someone else, and you want a resume for that person as well.

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Best Resume Paper

Avoid using standard printer paper for printing your resume. Although higher-quality paper may cost more, you don’t need to purchase reams of it. Investing in better paper can make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Resume paper weight

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.

We recommend off-white, cotton, 32lb paper for printing your resume.

Are watermarks OK?

You may have noticed that fancy resume paper often includes a watermark, typically a logo visible only when held up to light. While not essential, using watermarked paper can demonstrate to potential employers that you invested in high-quality materials and paid attention to detail in crafting your resume.

Ultimately, a watermark signifies high-quality paper. This feature is often a hallmark of premium stationery and indicates superior craftsmanship and material.

Resume Paper Color

Resume paper is commonly available in white, ivory, cream, and occasionally grey. Opting for a non-white color can help your resume stand out in a sea of papers and catch the recruiter’s attention. Choosing a different hue can make a subtle yet impactful difference.

Paint it Black

It’s recommended to use black ink when printing your resume instead of 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.

Keep it Simple

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.

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Formatting

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.

Resume Printing

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.

Keep It Crisp

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.

Every Little Bit Helps

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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Additional Resources

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