Printed Resume: Definition, Uses And Types Of Paper To Use

Updated 30 September 2022

Many employers only accept resumes in printed form instead of online versions. Candidates who are planning to apply for a role in such organisations can benefit from learning about printed forms of resumes. Understanding where to use such resumes can allow you to qualify the interview round. In this article, we define a printed resume, discuss its area of use and explore types of paper used to print a resume.

What Is A Printed Resume?

A printed resume is a physical version of your well-formatted resume which you can use to apply for jobs. Candidates can bring a physical resume to the recruiters or the interviewers when they go to in-person interviews. A physical resume may contain all your job-specific details, such as educational background, skills, achievements and experience. The information in a physical resume may vary depending on the experience level of candidates.

Use Of Printed Resumes

Many companies clearly mention their emails in their job description where they want candidates to send copies of their online resumes. There may also be times when recruiters want to see a printed version of your resume. It can be helpful to understand the situations when a physical resume is more appropriate. Here are some uses of a physical resume:

As a reference document

A resume can act as a helpful reminder of your most relevant and impressive professional experience. You can use your physical resume as a reference during an interview to answer the hiring manager's questions in an effective way. Keeping a printed copy of your resume with you during an interview can help you remember important points about your skills and qualifications. You can also use a physical resume during an online interview. You can refer to the printed copy if you are unable to have access to your online resume during a virtual interview.

To represent you as a responsible candidate

Keeping a physical resume can help interviewers if the online version is lost or deleted. Recruiters often get hundreds of resumes for a single job posting. It can be possible to misplace, forget to print or delete a resume. A printed copy of your resume can save time and it also represents you as a responsible candidate. There are also some interviewers who ask candidates to bring a printed copy of their resumes to review again during the meeting.

Helpful in a panel interview

There can be situations when interviewers want you to interact or do a small meeting with other officials. These officials may ask for your physical resume to know more about you. It can be helpful to keep a copy of your resume with you in case someone asks for it. In addition, there may be a chance that some interviewers know you but are unable to remember all your credentials. A printed copy of your resume can help them recall who you are by refreshing their memory.

Places To Print Resumes

There are many places where you can easily print your resume. It can be helpful to focus on a few things before choosing a place to print your resume. The easiest way to print your resume can be by sending a copy to the email address of printing shops and asking them to give you its physically printed version. Here are some common and reliable places to print your resume:

Copy and print shops
Public libraries
Universities and colleges
Online printing options

Characteristics Of Paper Suitable To Print A Resume

There are specific qualities of papers used for printing resumes and cover letters. Consider using a good quality paper when printing a resume for job interviews and career fairs. A resume printed professionally on a great quality paper can create a positive impression in front of recruiters. Here are some important features that you can consider while selecting a paper for printing resumes:

Weight

The right paper used for printing a resume is usually heavier. Compared to regular paper, it can be more sturdy and solid. There are other terms used for the weight of the paper, such as paper density or basis weight, which tells you about the amount of light that can pass through the paper. Thick paper is more durable and avoids the wearing, folding and tearing of the resume.

Cost and texture

A cotton-based resume paper can be costlier than the regular one. 25% cotton-based papers available in the market can be the best choice for printing your resumes in bulk. When it comes to printing a single resume, 100% linen-based paper can be a suitable option. Consider purchasing papers made from high-quality textured material.

Size of the paper

Select a paper of appropriate size to contain all the resume content in one or two pages. You can also consider the size of the envelope to fit the resume of a particular size. A single-page resume allows the hiring manager to review your most relevant and important experience more quickly. If you have several years of experience and too much information to include on one page, you can consider extending it to two pages, but remaining concise is essential. Make sure to leave one-inch margins on the paper while creating your resume.

Colour

The colour of the paper used in printing resumes can play a significant role in improving the overall appearance of your resume. The Colour of your resume paper may represent your professionalism to recruiters. You can also explore colour combinations available for the papers to print your resume. Make sure the colour of your resume is relevant to the job role and remains subtle and professional. Consider dark colours that make your resume text easy to read.

Types Of Papers Used In Printing Resumes

Here are some common types of papers that you can use in printing a resume:

Granite paper

Granite papers are common for printing resumes, business cards, invitations or awards. This type of paper may contain various fibres which give it a granite colour and mottled design. Granite papers are usually grey and are thicker than other types of papers. Many candidates use granite paper to give a unique appearance to their resumes.

Cotton paper

A cotton paper can be more solid and long-lasting than a regular paper which is made of wood. The transparency in cotton papers is low, which may improve the readability of the resume. Low transparency can allow texts to appear more clearly. Smoothness and the opacity of these papers may depend on the cotton percentage of the paper. You can use cotton paper with 75-100% cotton for your resume. In addition, cotton papers are an environmentally-friendly option for printing your resume.

Linen paper

A good quality linen paper can be helpful in printing a resume in an economical way. These linen papers may look like linen fabrics and give an elegant look to your resume. Individuals can print on linen paper by laser printing, stamping or writing. Linen from flax plants can be stronger than cotton paper. Using linen paper may also reduce the risk of the resumes getting worn or torn easily. Some other uses of linen paper include certificates and published books.

Parchment paper

A parchment paper is a highly textured printing paper that may give your resume a professional and unique appearance. Candidates who are planning to visit a print shop can use parchment paper for their resumes. Parchment papers can be more slippery than regular paper which may cause the ink to smear. Usually, some professional print shops use advanced printers to print on such glossier sheets. This can be a good option for creative roles.