How to Choose Resume Paper
Great care is given to the contents of the resume. Presenting the resume in a professional manner includes more than just the words on the paper. The paper on which the resume is printed is important. The applicant's creativity, professionalism and attention to detail are all shown in the type of paper that the resume is printed on. Resume paper comes in a wide variety of types, colors, thicknesses and textures. Knowing how to choose quality resume paper can get your resume moved to the top of the pile when you are applying for a job.
Instructions
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Resume papers come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Choose the correct color and size of resume paper. Resume paper comes in a variety of colors. The correct color to chose depends on the type of job for which you are applying. A graphics design job or a photography job would naturally require a paper color that makes a statement about the type of graphic design artistic or photographer you are. A managerial job would need a professional paper color such as an ivory, beige, off-white or white. The standard size paper for a resume is 8½ inches by 11 inches.
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Select a quality paper weight. Paper comes in different weights ranging from very flimsy to very stiff. It is best to select from paper within the range of 16 lbs. to 24 lbs. Twenty-four pounds is the heavier, better-quality paper, but it is more expensive.
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Decide which texture to use by selecting the texture that you feel would compliment the job for which you are applying. There is a wide variety of textures in resume paper from which to choose. Textures range from cotton to linen to parchment. A fuzzy paper would not be ideal for a managerial, secretarial or professional job. It might catch the prospective employer's eye but in the wrong way and might cause your resume to get a negative reaction.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a quality paper that is easy to scan.
A paper with a lot of graphics is distracting to a prospective employer.
A heavy watermarked paper can distract the prospective employer's attention from the content of the resume.
References
- Photo Credit Stack of Die Cut Papers image by Allen Stoner from Fotolia.com color paper sample #41 image by stassad from Fotolia.com