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 the process of printing a polished and impressive resume that will 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.

It’s all in the details

It’s a small detail, but the paper you use to print your resume really does matter. If you hand over your resume on see-through, low-quality, sorta crinkled paper from the bottom of your desk drawer – it’s just not going to cut it. Sure, there are worse options like a printed resume with mistakes. However, that’s easy to fix. A lot of cheap paper writers can help you with it and ensure your resume shows your personality and keeps it consistent in font size, style, and format. Resume-quality paper is available and affordable on Amazon and at most office supply stores. It will be well worth the investment. 

Times are changing

Even though searching for a job has become digital, there are still times when a physical copy of your resume is expected.  These days we don’t think about the challenges of choosing the ideal resume paper and then dealing with the negative vibes at the local office supply store (bad because everyone in there, customers and employees, was always in a terrible mood) for resume printing.

Where You Can Print Your Resume

Although printing your resume at home is an option, it’s advisable to use a professional printing store like FedEx or Office Depot. While printing has become easier, it’s still as important as ever to ensure a professional-looking resume.

When you print your resume professionally, you can ensure a polished and visually appealing document that will make a great impression on potential employers.

Thankfully resume printing is easier now but it’s just as important as it always was.

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.

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.

What it comes down to is that a watermark means it’s a good quality paper.

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.

Here are our favorites 

Type of Resume PaperWeightColorDescription Review
Cotton Resume Paper24lbsIvoryThis stationery has a rich texture and distinctive crispness that set it apart from ordinary printer paper or copy paper. Endorsed by the National Résumé Writer’s Association"I used this paper for my resume at a college career fair, and I'd say that it impressed especially considering that most college kids were printing their resumes on normal printer paper."
Linen Resume paper32lbsIvoryThis stationery has a rich linen paper texture and distinctive crispness that set it apart from ordinary printer paper or copy paper. "This is an amazing textured resume! It's a very light cream color. Not too thick or too thin (not transparent). Ink adheres fine and it looks and feels great with the linen texture.
Cotton Business Paper32lbsIvoryUsing this 25% Cotton Linen Business Paper, in creamy linen ivory, means you’re on your way to making a lasting impression. To be honest I never imagined I would get this excited over paper. I was just looking for some good quality papers for formal matters, and these are some very beautiful sheets I’ve stumbled upon here on Amazon
Business Cotton24lbsWhiteThis premium 24 lb. paper is great for proposals, resumes and reports or for any document where quality matter."This paper really is great. It has a very nice weight to it and is extremely professional looking. I found that it was just enough to be nicer than normal paper, but not so fancy as to be off putting. I do recommend it."
Parchment Specialty Paper24lbsGreyThis quality textured paper is free of acid and lignin, so your documents can stand the test of time and stand out with the distinguished, distinctive look of parchment."I love this brand of parchment paper for creating certificates, it's great quality, prints well, the price is better than what you pay in a retail store and because I buy in bulk, they last a long time!"
Cream Linen Paper28lbsCreamThis letterhead paper is made from a 28b bond Cream linen textured paper stock. ream Linen Paper & Envelopes combo pack makes it easy & simple to create professional resumes."A very nice stationery set -- no frills (which is what I wanted). The color and texture of the paper are elegant. "

Paint it Black

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.

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.

Ready to land your dream job? Make sure your resume stands out with these professional printing tips! Learn how to print your resume like a pro now. #ResumePrinting #ProfessionalTips #JobSearchTipsClick To Tweet

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 neat and 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.

CareerAlley Resume Review Partners

Improve your chances in job interviews by optimizing your resume. Our partners specialize in resume writing, reviewing, and tailoring to specific job requirements, ensuring job seekers stand out to potential employers.

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