Eye-catching Resume Paper to Get Hired

For those who are unsure what a professional resume paper is, let’s clear the confusion away. Essentially, it’s a paper designed and used for printing cover letters and resumes. They’re very useful to have at hand in job fairs and to increase interview chances. They’re usually thicker and of higher quality than the standard paper.

On that note, it’s best to have some at your disposal. For example, it helps to have it when a recruiter asks you to send a physical version of your resume. It’s best to have high-quality real-life copies of your resume, instead of fully relying on the digital copy.

Using a high-quality resume paper can leave a better impression on recruiters. Moreover, it also reflects the effort, seriousness, and professionalism of an applicant. It’s not just smart but wise to have it ready during a job search.

It’s important to note that during a job search, 1 out of 250 applicants actually gets the position. The one candidate who did get the job probably had a strong resume, and even a small detail like paper choice can affect your resume. So if you were thinking, “Should I use resume paper?” then the answer is yes, since it doesn’t only increase interview chances, but success as well. 

What Is A Resume Paper? 

As stated before, resume papers are simply papers that are designed to be used specifically for resumes. A paper resume can bolster your portfolio. It’s readily printed out and handed out to employers at job fairs, interviews, and so on. 

We suggest that our readers follow through with this whole article to not miss any crucial points about it. 

Importance Of Using A Resume Paper 

It’s no surprise that the job market is highly competitive for most industries and fields, so the main goal for applicants is to present employers with a portfolio that stands out from the rest. Resume papers can make your resume stand out when you send in an application, increasing your chances of landing a job. 

The goal is to leave a lasting impression so that other competitors don’t get the chance of outshining you. Putting effort into small details such as this also reflects your effort and professionalism, and that’s something that you want employers to notice. 

Resume Paper Types

The best paper for a resume is relative. There are plenty of options to choose from. Applicants don’t necessarily need educational experience to start comprehending which choices fit. Remember that above all, the paper gives personality to a document. There’s no need to overthink it.

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Material:

• Cotton
• Recycled
• Parchment
• Granite
• Laid
• Linen

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Color:

• Colored
• White
• Ivory

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Weight:

• 24-pound paper
• 34-pound paper

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Material

When considering resume paper options and getting material with higher standards, these are the three most common options.

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• Cotton: Resume cotton paper is a very well-received choice, and quite popular. The degree of cotton used in the paper can vary from fully cotton to semi-cotton.
• Recycled: For job seekers who are environmentally conscious, recycled paper might be the best choice. If you want to send a company your application but also be eco-friendly, then there’s your solution.
• Parchment: For those who really want to stand out when applying to a company, parchment paper can help you do that. It’s a fine paper that has been processed so that it can aesthetically look more traditional/classical or older in general.

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Best Resume Paper Color  

White or ivory resume paper is preferred by most recruiters; however, those who are applying to a more creative position (in a creative field) can choose to use colored paper.

• Colored: The colored paper will need trial and error before being printed or used. Applicants need to make sure that the colors they’ve used are harmonious and not tacky. 
• White: Text can stand out easily with a white-colored document, and you can’t go wrong with the graphics even if you’re not using black ink color.
• Ivory: Ivory tends to look very well-put and even refined, and it can stand out if most competitors chose white. 

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Weight

The heavier paper stands out from the standard lightweight/lower-weighted paper, and it will also feel thicker. In turn, the weighted paper gives the resume a more professional feel and appearance overall regardless of the hiring manager’s experience. Think of certificates and award documents. Resume paper weight 24 or 32 are the main options when it comes to the question of ‘What weight paper for resume to choose?’. 

• 24-lb paper: This will slightly feel thicker and heavier than standard paper.
• 32-lb paper: This is optimal for those who really want their resume to not just look but feel like a cut above the rest.

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Linen Resume Paper

What paper to use for a resume depends on personal preferences, such as texture. Luckily, most applicants can choose from three. Linen is a refined texture, the surface reminiscent of a standard blank canvas. It has a cross-hatch design that adds weight. 

For job seekers who want to jump-start their career life by polishing their resume paper, Linen can help make your resume look more impactful. It also leaves a memorable sensation because of its unique texture.

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Laid

Resume paper examples include laid paper. It’s a high-quality paper design with embossed lines and a classical look. If you’ve ever seen a classical notebook, one from a vintage store for example, then that’s what laid looks like. It’s how paper used to be printed before modern notebooks came in with the grid and lines.

Because of its texture, there’s a chance that the final print of your document might have errors because of the raised texture. Applicants need to double-check their printing process.

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Granite

Granite has a darker color compared to linen and laid since it has speckles. It’s elegant but not over the top. Regardless, it has a distinct look and can probably help applicants’ resumes be less forgettable. As far as cv textures go, granite is solid. 

Typically, granite paper is created by using recycled content, so it’s quite eco-friendly. There will be less guilt if an applicant decides to print a big amount of resumes in granite. 

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Resume Paper Texture

• Semi-rough: Semi-rough paper such as semi-cotton or paper with a slight texture, is a good choice for those who want to stand out but aren’t too comfortable with using fully textured paper.
• Smooth: Smooth paper is paper with zero texture and is completely flat. It’s okay to use, but be aware that most people would probably use it. Your resume might be more easily overlooked. 
• Textured resume paper: For those who want to leave an impression, textured resume paper such as granite, laid or linen, are perfect choices. Printing textured paper requires extra caution, more so than when dealing with smooth paper.

Resume Paper Size

While picking textures, surfaces, colors, and materials for paper resumes are a bit more flexible, resume paper size standards are a bit more rigid. While we’re not ruling out the possibility that some recruiters might like a different set of dimensions, the size that your resume should be in is:

• 8x10 resume paper

Non-standard resume paper can be bigger or smaller than these measurements, and it’s best not to use them. The goal is to stand out but not in all aspects since an ill-sized resume can be overlooked as much as a boring and generic one. 

Tips on How To Do A Resume Paper 

For those who are still confused about where to get started and what to do next, we understand. There are many options and that can be overwhelming. Luckily for our readers, that’s exactly what we’re here for — to help. Here are some pointers:

• Narrow down your options. Research your industry then choose the elements that you think will have the best impact. Review the example of resume paper, resume paper background, and types of textured paper.
• Go out and buy the resume paper that you chose. Clearly, you won’t be able to produce it unless you have the equipment to do so. If it’s not present in local shops, purchase it online. 
• Many recruiters prefer a white or ivory resume paper that is 32-lb with a semi-rough surface. However, don’t hesitate to check out what’s more preferred in your industry to be accurate with what you choose.
• Be extra cautious in the printing process of textured papers, or let a professional do it.
• Use a resume builder online or hire seasoned writers, like on Skillhub. Grab the attention of potential employers and land jobs with an expert-crafted resume.

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Let’s Compare Resume Papers 

Let’s draw comparisons. Most of the options that have been mentioned are good resume paper options. Cotton and ivory resume papers are the best resume paper choices for most positions and industries. 

Getting them with some type of texture also helps. Granite and linen are safer options since laid can be problematic for printing. The richness of textured papers is undeniable.

There is no ‘best resume paper’ since job seekers need to consider the industry and position they want to apply for.

Where To Get Resume Paper 

For those asking themselves, “Where can I get resume paper?” A little bit of researching will reveal that anyone can buy it online. Simply type in ‘buy resume paper online’ and many results pop up. Office supply stores should have them as well, so those who can’t buy them online don’t have to fret. It’s a valuable commodity for a job seeker to impress a hiring company. Here are some examples for clarity:

• Walmart 
• Staples
• Amazon (online)

Resume Paper Brands 

• HP: HP provides professionals with many templates for resume papers, and they’re friendly to those who are on a budget. If you can’t afford to splurge too much, this brand’s paper might have a place on your table.
• Opus: The company plants a tree every time an Opus product is sold, so for our eco-friendly readers, this is their ideal brand. 
• Southworth: Southworth makes very beautiful resume papers and is arguably one of the best ones out of the three. Applicants won’t need to worry about how to print on resume paper.

Key Points

Let’s review the main takeaways of this article: 

• The type and what kind of paper for resume should always be decided by factoring in the industry, the position, and the company. Don’t choose at random. Job seekers who remember this will increase their chances of getting hired or landing an interview. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. 
• The size choice should not deviate from 8.5 x 11 inches. 
• Colored paper is a risky option, ivory or white paper with some texture is much more suited and more professional. Stick to a business mindset and don’t go too crazy.

For our readers who are stuck, don’t hesitate to try out our resume writing services. Experts can help with choosing resume quality paper. We hope we’ve enlightened our readers and we hope that our guide has been of help. Now it’s your turn.